Old Mill Park is one of those Bay Area ceremony venues that keeps coming up time and time again when searching for beautiful but inexpensive locations to tie the knot! Over the years, we’ve had the pleasure of shooting a few ceremonies at Old Mill Park, and would be honored to shoot more! In this blog post, I’d love to share with you some essential information as well as photo inspiration to help you figure out if this venue would work for your wedding.

Old Mill Park, Mill Valley: Quick Facts 

• Location: Throckmorton & Cascade, Mill Valley, CA
• Ceremony site: Redwood grove amphitheater with built-in stage and benches
• Capacity: Best for smaller weddings and elopements
• Rental fee: $133–$291 per hour (plus $100–$1,000 refundable deposit)* 2025 price, subject to increase over time
• Reception: Limited picnic tables onsite; most couples book a separate reception venue
• Parking: Limited street parking only. Close to a school, so parking is difficult during the school run. 
• Extras: Picnic and BBQ areas, playground, historic Reed Mill nearby
• Booking Notes: Only one reservation is made per area day, per day. You have flexibility with timing on your chosen day, but once a date is taken, it’s gone. Reservations open one year in advance.

About Old Mill Park for weddings

If you’ve ever dreamed of saying your vows under towering redwoods, Old Mill Park in Mill Valley is a spot worth considering. Just a short drive from San Francisco, this park is tucked into a redwood grove and has a natural amphitheater that doubles as one of the most popular ceremony sites in Marin County. Let’s look at what this redwood wedding venue offers! 

Spaces at Old Mill Park

There are three distinct rental zones in Old Mill Park which I’d like to introduce to you. 

1. Redwood Grove

• This area sits closest to the playground and restrooms.
• Offers 3 picnic tables and 2 small barbecues.
• It’s perfect if you’d like a super relaxed, shaded hangout near amenities.

2. Group Picnic Area 

• Nestled next to the amphitheater.
• Comes with 6 picnic tables and 4 small barbecues.
• No electricity here, and if a wedding’s booked in the amphitheater, this spot may not be available.
  A solid option for a low-fuss reception or laid-back gathering after the ceremony.

3. The Amphitheater 

• The main event. This is the space to book! This area has a small stage with stone and wood tiered seating areas. Electricity can be used only with permission. 
• There’s a babbling brook located right behind it, providing a tranquil backdrop and beautiful photo spot. 
• No vehicle access means setup requires extra planning, especially for loading gear.  A planner / day-of-coordinator is highly recommended! Otherwise, the only option would be to keep things extremely bare-bones so there’s essentially no florals, decor etc to load in. 
• It’s adjacent to the Group Picnic Area, so couples sometimes rent both together if they want ceremony and casual reception in one shot.

The Ceremony Space

The amphitheater is what draws most couples here. It’s a raised wooden stage surrounded by redwoods, with built-in benches set a little further back (around 40 feet). Some couples choose to have guests stand close to the stage for a more intimate feel, which involves renting your own chairs. 40 feet back does feel like a lot of space between you and your guests, especially for a small group! Either way, the trees provide a backdrop that doesn’t need much decorating. 

However, if you’re a sucker for flowers like I am, or have some wiggle room in your budget, you can make the scene really pop with some simple aisle markers, a rug to walk down the aisle, a floral arch or floral decor on the stage. Though the redwoods are beautiful, it can look a bit bare with a large wooden stage with nothing in the foreground and midground to soften and flank it. 

Costs and Permits

Rental fees here are on the affordable side compared to most Bay Area wedding venues. The venue is run by the City of Mill Valley. The Recreation team handles all reservations and your permit needs, while the Public Works crew keeps things running smoothly on the ground. They’re even planning a new, historically mindful roof for the Reed Mill structure. 

The city allows only one large event per day in the park, which means once you’re booked, you’ve got exclusivity. Applications open up to a year in advance and are first-come, first-served, with Mill Valley residents getting priority. Rentals carry a 3-hour minimum and capped at 6 hours, with events ending no later than 30 minutes after sunset.

Current wedding rental costs for using Old Mill Park are included in the table below, but are subject to increase over time and without warning. I won’t always have the capacity or mindfulness to check and update old blog posts, so please always check the current costs in effect at this link!

Reception Options near Old Mill Park 

Old Mill Park is primarily suited for ceremonies rather than full receptions. There are picnic tables nearby that can be rented if you’re keeping things super casual. Permits are required for catering or food trucks, and only vendors from the City of Mill Valley’s approved list can be used. Most couples book a separate reception venue after the ceremony, which is what I’d recommend.

Depending on your budget, you may want to consider these local reception options: 

Restaurants

Piazza D’Angelo, Mill Valley (8-minute walk) | A family-owned Italian restaurant offering classic dishes like housemade pasta, wood-fired pizza, and seafood. The space includes multiple dining rooms and a covered outdoor patio. My three previous clients all went here! It’s very handy because you can park there and walk to the ceremony site then back again.

Piatti Mill Valley (13-minute drive) | Offers Italian-inspired cuisine with a focus on seasonal ingredients, including housemade pastas and wood-fired pizzas. Private and semi-private dining options are available, along with a spacious outdoor patio.

Paseo, Mill Valley (3 minute drive, 10 minute walk) | Known for Spanish and Latin American–inspired small plates, paella, and craft cocktails. Event options include reserving the vibrant dining room or the outdoor patio, with flexible layouts for group gatherings.

The Junction Beer Garden, Mill Valley (8-minute drive) | Casual, open-air beer garden featuring rotating local brews, wood-fired pizza, and ample outdoor seating. Large communal tables and a laid-back atmosphere make it suitable for relaxed receptions and group celebrations.

Left Bank Brasserie, Larkspur (18-minute drive) | French-inspired brasserie serving classic dishes like steak frites, mussels, and escargot alongside an extensive wine list and craft cocktails. The warm, stylish interior and private dining options accommodate both intimate gatherings and larger receptions

Perry’s On Magnolia, Larkspur (16-minute drive) | American bistro known for hearty comfort food like burgers, steaks, and pastas, served in a lively, casual setting. Private and semi-private dining areas are available for groups, making it suitable for wedding receptions of varying sizes.

Event spaces

The Mill Valley Community Center (8-minute drive) | Spacious event venue featuring a large banquet hall with a stage, commercial kitchen, and outdoor terrace overlooking wetlands. Can accommodate both ceremonies and receptions with flexible room setups, making it a practical choice for larger gatherings

Outdoor Art Club, Mill Valley (3-minute drive/ 10-minute walk) | Historic Arts and Crafts clubhouse with a garden courtyard and redwood grove, available for weddings and private events. The main hall features exposed beams and a stage, while the outdoor spaces provide a natural setting for ceremonies and cocktail hours.

Sweetwater Music Hall, Mill Valley (2-minute drive/8-minute walk) | Live music venue with multiple indoor performance spaces and a full bar, available for private events and weddings. Features a main hall with stage and balcony seating, plus a smaller upstairs area suitable for more intimate gatherings.

Ralston White Retreat Center, Mill Valley (11 minute drive) | Historic retreat center with wood-paneled lodge, scenic terraces, forested grounds, and small cabins tucked into the property, giving a secluded, retreat-like feel. Features a mix of formal and casual settings.

Maple Lawn, San Rafael (25-minute drive) | Maple Lawn is a private property with expansive lawns, mature trees, and natural landscaping, offering a relaxed, rustic setting for outdoor receptions. The open space allows for flexible layouts, making it suitable for seated dinners, cocktail-style gatherings, or casual celebrations that embrace the surrounding greenery.

Portrait locations

So far, all of our past clients have gone to Muir Beach Overlook (this is the link to the parking lot we recommend meeting at). It’s around a 20 minute drive, but it’s well worth it for the variety this location will add to your final wedding gallery. Though Old Mill Park is super pretty, it is rather dark and heavy, with the ominous trees overhead. Sometimes it’s so dark there that flash is needed to save photos from becoming super grainy.

That’s why we LOVE pairing this location with somewhere that has a completely different feel. Muir Beach Overlook is open and expansive, usually not too crowded, and filled with light, sunshine and vivid color. Perfect for the happy mood you want for your wedding photos. And besides, who wouldn’t want the literal Pacific Ocean making an appearance in their wedding photos?! Here’s what the Muir Beach location has to offer from a couple of different weddings:

Parking and Logistics

Parking is one of the biggest challenges at Old Mill Park. Street parking is extremely limited due to the school right next door. Weekends are also tight with the library and playground nearby. It’s a good idea to create a transportation plan for guests — carpools or shuttles can save a lot of stress. A shuttle also opens up the whole of the Bay Area for receptions afterward and can make for some fun and memorable moments if you have a party bus type situation! 

Accessibility

Old Mill Park generally says it’s wheelchair accessible, but fair warning, the amphitheater is down a set of shallow stairs with no vehicle drop-off nearby. So, if you or your guests need smooth access, or have mobility issues, you’ll want to plan ahead. Talk to the city about whether they can offer cart service, rent platforms, or if another entrance might work, especially if someone in your crowd can’t manage steps or uneven ground. Here’s what it looks like:

Reports from vendors and people familiar with the park, however, note a challenging reality: “Old Mill Park Amphitheater is accessible by long carry only,” meaning that delivery folks must park on the street and carry everything – including guests in wheelchairs – over uneven terrain and down stairs. It’s advisable to check it out beforehand if you have accessibility needs. 

Depending on your event size and timing, the city may also require a staff member onsite at $21/hour (current rate as of 2025), which is decided during the permitting process

Why Couples Choose Old Mill Park 

Old Mill Park gives you the experience of being surrounded by redwoods without trekking deep into the forest or renting a sprawling estate. The amphitheater and grove create a built-in ceremony space with natural acoustics and plenty of photo opportunities. It’s simple, peaceful, and budget-friendly, making it ideal for elopements and small to mid-size weddings. Couples who value natural beauty, flexible outdoor spaces, and an intimate vibe over formal ballroom polish will find this corner of Mill Valley especially appealing.

How to book Old Mill Park for your wedding

Applications must be on a form provided by the City of Mill Valley. Reservations cannot be made by phone. Reservations via the form are taken in person, email or by fax at the Community Center, Monday – Friday, 9am – 5pm. The Park Rental Application can be found at this link, along with the most up-to-date rental information to be aware of (prices, policies and regulations).

For questions before booking, you can call the City of Mill Valley Parks and Recreation Department at (415) 383-1370. They also have a general email address for wedding/event rentals: rentals@cityofmillvalley.org.

Photos from Old Mill Park weddings 

Annie & Nik

Photography: Zoe Larkin Photography

Planning: Dreams on a Dime Events

Reception venue: Piazza D’Angelo

Chuppah rental: Events by the Bay

HMUA: Brides By Lydia

Engagement ring: Dear Survivor

Wedding rings: Blue Nile Diamond

Videography: Last Light Pictures

Yoshi & Cody

Photography: Zoe Larkin Photography 

Floral design: Mill Valley Flowers

Dress: Lulu’s

Suit: Indochino

HMUA: Jasmine Julian | Vision by Alicia

Officiant: I Do Marriages

Alex & Liam

Photography: Zoe Larkin Photography

Reception venue: Piazza D’Angelo

Rings: Brilliant Earth

Similar redwood wedding venues

If you’re interested in similar redwood / forest wedding venues around the Bay Area, check out my other full guides linked below:

About Zoe Larkin Photography 

Looking for a San Francisco wedding photographer? You can learn more about our services at the links below: 

Hoping I’ll be back at Old Mill Park Amphitheater soon, shooting your lovely wedding! To stay connected, be sure to follow along on Instagram and reach out via the form when you’re ready to book your date.

Zoe Larkin

I’m Zoe, a wedding photographer based in San Francisco! My style is candid, capturing authentic moments for my couples all over the Bay Area and Northern California. Creating content is my passion! Follow along on the blog, Instagram, TikTok & YouTube!

Zoe Larkin Photography