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Get Married at Tomales Bay State Park Self-Book Venue Guide
Here's exactly how to get your permit, what it costs, and what to expect, from the Our Little Wedding team.
Marin · Self-Book Venue Guide
Can you get married at Tomales Bay State Park?
Yes. A Tomales Bay State Park micro wedding is one of the most rewarding self-book ceremonies in Marin, you handle the permit, and the setting does the rest. Capacity is up to 50 guests.
Tomales Bay State Park has limited cell service. Roads in and out of Inverness can be slow behind RVs, so plan at least 30 min of buffer from Highway 101.
In brief
Tomales Bay State Park micro wedding: book it yourself with a permit, keep it to 50 guests or fewer, and bring everything in. We can coordinate the permit, the vendors, and your day if you’d like a hand.
The Details
What to know
Capacity
Up to 50
Guests for an intimate ceremony at Tomales Bay State Park. We usually recommend 20–30 for the best experience in this kind of setting.
How to book
Permit required
Contact California State Parks Marin District for a Special Event Permit: parks.ca.gov or call the Marin District at (415) 893-1580.
Lead time
4–8 weeks
Permit fee: contact the park for current pricing, as it is not publicly listed. CA State Parks fees vary by district and event size. Allow 4–8 weeks for permit processing.
Sound policy
Acoustic only
No structures, no amplified sound without a separate permit, and no open flame. Leave No Trace: all décor removed at end of event.
Good to know
Bring it in
Tomales Bay State Park has limited cell service. Roads in and out of Inverness can be slow behind RVs, so plan at least 30 min of buffer from Highway 101.
Ceremony spaces
On the land
How to book
How to book Tomales Bay State Park for your ceremony
The exact process, sourced from the permit office and verified by our team.
1
Step 1
Contact California State Parks Marin District for a Special Event Permit: parks.ca.gov or call the Marin District at (415) 893-1580.
2
Step 2
Permit fee: contact the park for current pricing, as it is not publicly listed. CA State Parks fees vary by district and event size. Allow 4–8 weeks for permit processing.
3
Step 3
Hearts Desire Beach is the most popular ceremony spot, sheltered from ocean wind with calm water and stunning views across the bay to the Point Reyes peninsula.
4
Step 4
No structures, no amplified sound without a separate permit, and no open flame. Leave No Trace: all décor removed at end of event.
From the Team
Things the permit office won’t tell you
OLW tip
Tomales Bay is a hidden gem, just 20 minutes from Point Reyes Station but dramatically quieter than most Marin parks. The calm, flat bay water reflects the hills perfectly in morning light.
OLW tip
Pair your ceremony here with a stop at the Tomales Bay Oyster Company on your way out, one of the best outdoor experiences in the Bay Area.
Where to go for dinner after
A couple of favorites near Tomales Bay State Park for celebrating once the ceremony’s done.
Nick's Cove
Waterfront oyster bar on Tomales Bay, private dining room available
15 min drive from Hearts Desire Beach
Osteria Stellina
Farm-to-table Italian in Point Reyes Station, intimate and locally loved
20 min drive
Other self-book venues
More venue guides to explore
A starting point for your shortlist. Every one is a real place we've planned or scouted, permit info, costs, and insider tips inside each guide.
Garrapata State ParkPfeiffer Big Sur State ParkRoberts Regional Recreation Area
Questions
Tomales Bay State Park wedding questions, answered
Do I need a permit to get married at Tomales Bay State Park?
Yes. Contact California State Parks Marin District for a Special Event Permit: parks.ca.gov or call the Marin District at (415) 893-1580. Contact California State Parks Marin District for a Special Event Permit: parks.ca.gov or call the Marin District at (415) 893-1580.
How many guests can I have at Tomales Bay State Park?
Tomales Bay State Park accommodates up to 50 guests for a ceremony. Our Little Wedding recommends keeping it at or under 50 for a comfortable, intimate micro wedding at this site.
How far in advance do I need to book Tomales Bay State Park?
Contact California State Parks Marin District for a Special Event Permit: parks.ca.gov or call the Marin District at (415) 893-1580. We recommend starting the process at least 6–8 weeks before your date, or earlier for peak summer weekends.
What can I bring to Tomales Bay State Park, chairs, decor, flowers?
Tomales Bay State Park has limited cell service. Roads in and out of Inverness can be slow behind RVs, so plan at least 30 min of buffer from Highway 101. Check with the permit office for the current list of allowed and prohibited items for your specific date and location.
You found the spot. Now let's make it happen.
Want us to coordinate the permit, vendors, and your day?
Our packages start at $4,500 for up to 10 guests. You make the calls, venue, photographer, caterer. We coordinate everything else, from the paperwork to the walk-through.
Free consultation · No obligation · We reply within 24 hours
Tomales Bay photo: Brianc333a, Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
