A California Wedding Photographer’s Guide to Planning a Wedding at Switzer Farm

There’s something about an intimate wedding at an elegant coastal venue in Northern California that feels like a dream. Switzer Farm is a secluded wedding destination set right on the Mendocino Coast overlooking the ocean, and it’s truly breathtaking. Private, stunning, and full of charm, it’s truly one of my favorite venues I’ve had the pleasure of working at as a California wedding photographer! If you’re as obsessed as I am, you’ll want to see this guide detailing every little thing you need to know about planning a Switzer Farm wedding. 

Switzer Farm: A Coastal California Wedding Venue

I’ll never be able to get enough of this place! I know, a wedding venue that’s a historic farmhouse sitting on a hill with 360º views of the crashing waves in the Pacific sounds way too good to be true. Yet, it’s right here in California, even though it feels like it’s in its own little world. 

Why Choose Switzer Farm?

First things first, have I mentioned that it’s drop-dead gorgeous? Switzer Farm is one of those places that feels luxurious and stunning, but in an effortless way. And despite its beauty, it feels incredibly homey and welcoming. It’s that kind of charm that’s understated, but somehow seeps into every inch of the property. 

And to make it feel even homier, you get exclusive use of the property all weekend long. When you book, you get three days and three nights. That’s 22 acres of meadows with so much variety (and breathtaking ocean views) all weekend, to do whatever you want with! Planning a wedding weekend has never felt so easy.

Switzer Farm gives your wedding weekend such a relaxed feel, too. The venue offers an all-inclusive package that makes planning simple, and that, paired with the calming soundtrack of the ocean waves all weekend? It just feels laid-back and dreamy. 

What’s Included in a Switzer Farm Wedding Package?

And just when you thought it couldn’t get better, Switzer Farm thought of it all. Their packages include everything you could ever need: 

• Tables and chairs
• Exclusive use of the venue (for three days)
• On-site accommodations for 20 guests
• An on-site venue manager to help things run smoothly 

Venue Options at Switzer Farm

One of the things I adore about Switzer Farm is how much variety the property offers. It’s the kind of place where every corner feels like it could tell its own love story, from open lawns to dramatic bluffs to gardens that feel straight out of a magazine spread. Whether you’re dreaming of a laid-back garden party, a ceremony that overlooks the ocean, or something in between, there’s a spot here that feels custom-made for your day.

The Ocean-View South Lawn

If you’re picturing that timeless, coastal-chic vibe, this is the spot. Imagine saying your vows while the waves roll in behind you. It feels cinematic in the best way! There’s a softness to the ocean breeze here that makes the whole moment feel extra romantic. Honestly, it’s one of those places where you don’t need to add much, the setting already feels so naturally elegant.

The Ocean View Veranda and Gardens

This one is for my couples who love a little bit of everything: manicured gardens, ocean views, and history all in one frame. The 1884 farmhouse anchors the space, and there’s just something dreamy about weaving old-world charm into a modern celebration. Every time I’ve been here, I catch myself thinking, “Okay, this could seriously be straight out of a movie.”

The Bluff Spot

Now, if you want drama,  in the best way, this is it. The bluff gives you that wow-factor ocean view that feels like the edge of the world. It’s the kind of spot where your ceremony doesn’t just look amazing; it feels unforgettable. I love how versatile it is too, whether you’re going all out with florals and color or keeping things minimal, the backdrop never competes, it just elevates.

The Barns

The barns have so much character. If you’re someone who leans toward architectural details instead of open nature, they add this gorgeous contrast. You can’t use the interiors, but the exteriors are honestly more than enough, weathered in all the right ways, chic and a little rustic without ever feeling casual.

The Oceanfront Meadow

This is where Rachel and Caleb chose to say “I do,” and I’ll be honest, it’s one of my favorite spots on the property. There’s something about standing right there with the water as your backdrop that feels grounding and effortless. They didn’t need to fuss with elaborate design, because the natural beauty carried the moment. It’s perfect for couples who want simplicity but still crave that sense of luxury that only the ocean can bring.

Switzer Farm Wedding Inspiration from Rachel and Caleb’s Coastal Wedding

This wedding day was simple, elegant, and so full of love. Some of my favorite details of the day were Rachel’s textured wedding dress (that she looked absolutely stunning in), the textured cake (I love the callback to her dress!), the simple calla lily bouquet, and that the napkins were made out of old love notes Rachel had written to Caleb over the years. It’s the little intentional details like this that make your wedding so special, and the effortless beauty of this day complemented Switzer Farm so well. 

Rachel and Caleb were the most chill and laid-back couple, and Switzer Farm felt like a perfect puzzle piece in how they had visualized their day, despite being across the country. So, they packed up their bags and planned their destination wedding all the way from North Carolina! And truly, it couldn’t have been any more perfect for them.

They were the sweetest couple and so adorably in love, which really shows in their gallery. I had the honor of spending the whole weekend capturing their story: the intimate welcome party held on the beach the night before, the most adorable, casual couple photoshoot the morning of, and then the dinner party the night of the wedding, where the couple was showered with so much love. All of the moments I got to capture for these two and the stories that these photos tell are so special, and I couldn’t love this weekend any more. 

Kaybebe Photography | California Wedding Photographer

Getting the honor to document how love feels is why I love what I do, no matter how big or small a wedding is, how simple or how extravagant, and whether it’s near or far. My passion is deeply rooted in telling your love story in a way that actually feels true to you, and that’s what your wedding day is all about.

So, whether it’s a backyard wedding or a wedding at Switzer Farm, I’d love to capture it for you. You can inquire with me right here. 

While you’re here, check out a few other love stories I’ve had the honor of capturing: 

A Chalet View Lodge Wedding (Featuring the Best 2026 Wedding Trends)

How to Plan Your Wedding at Stanly Ranch, a Luxury Napa Valley Wedding Venue