Tahquitz Drive · Idyllwild, California · Elev 5,400 ft
Root-Stone Lodge sits in California’s San Jacinto Mountains just two hours from Los Angeles. A short forest walk along Strawberry Creek leads to the village of Idyllwild, while the lodge itself remains tucked into a cozy and peaceful woodland setting.
Idyllwild sits a mile high in the San Jacinto Mountains. Scenic winding roads lead your guests to a cedar and pine scented village known for its towering pine forests, extensive hiking trails, independently owned shops, and vibrant local arts community.
The lodge is an easy drive from most of Southern California, approximately two hours from both Los Angeles and San Diego, and one hour from Palm Springs. Guests traveling from farther afield can fly into Palm Springs, Ontario, or San Diego and enjoy a scenic drive up the mountain.
With the charming village of Idyllwild just five minutes away, Root-Stone Lodge offers a peaceful creekside setting surrounded by the forest.
A look around the lodge, the forest, and the spaces your guests will enjoy.
Five rooms, each with its own character. Each sleeps two with a private bathroom and walk-in shower.
With the lodge reserved exclusively for you, your celebration can unfold at its own pace across the whole weekend. Many couples shape it something like this, and we’re happy to help you shape it however you like.
FridayArrival
You’re welcome to begin setting up outdoor decorations as early as 1 pm. Check in from 3 pm and choose your rooms. Meet at the grove for the rehearsal, then share a welcome dinner at the long table before an evening by the fireplace.
SaturdayThe Wedding Day
Morning preparations in the South Wing and North Wing suites. A late-afternoon ceremony in the grove, cocktails beside the creek, and dinner and dancing on the deck beneath the lights.
SundayFarewell
A late breakfast, a walk along Strawberry Creek, and one more coffee on the deck before an 11 am checkout.
Every celebration at Root-Stone Lodge includes exclusive use of the property. The lodge, its grounds, and each of the spaces below are reserved entirely for you and your guests.
A few helpful numbers as you plan your celebration.
| Elevation | 5,400 ft |
|---|---|
| Overnight | 14 guests · 5 rooms · 1 loft · 1 sofa bedExclusive use, two nights standard on the Full Weekend |
| Ceremony | Up to 50 guests outdoors |
| Reception | 50 on the deck · 25 seated in the North Wing · room to wander throughout the lodge |
| Music | Acoustic ensembles with light amplificationSee House Guidelines below for the full music policy. |
| Times | In Friday 3 pm · out Sunday 11 amFull Weekend package; midweek and elopement times are arranged with your quote. |
| Season | Year-roundThe lodge is beautiful in every season. We receive light to moderate snowfall from November through April. |
The Full Weekend and Midweek packages include exclusive use of Root-Stone Lodge for you and your guests; elopements reserve the South Wing and celebration spaces, with the North Wing rooms available to book individually. Catering, bar, and rentals are arranged separately with the vendors of your choice.
The Full WeekendFri – Sun
Exclusive use of the lodge and grounds from Friday afternoon through Sunday morning, with two nights of accommodations for 14 guests, a ceremony and reception for up to 50, and space for your rehearsal dinner and Sunday farewell. A lodge host is on site throughout.
Request a quoteThe MidweekSun – Thu
One night of exclusive use with a ceremony and dinner for up to 40 guests, overnight accommodations for 14 in all five rooms, and full kitchen and vendor access.
Ask about midweekThe ElopementUp to 20, Sun – Thu
An intimate ceremony with up to 20 guests in the grove, a champagne toast overlooking the running creek, exclusive use of the banquet deck, and two nights in the South Wing master suite. Your guests are welcome to book the North Wing rooms individually, subject to availability; as the North Wing may also host other travelers, music stays soft and unamplified.
Plan an elopementSite fees begin at $2,000 for our most intimate weddings, and every celebration is quoted individually for its date, season, guest count, and any additional nights. A 25% payment reserves your date, with a $500 refundable damage hold. Share your details below and we’ll prepare your quote.
Every celebration at the lodge is a little different. Tell us about yours below and we’ll reply within two days with availability and a quote tailored to your date, guest count, and plans.
A few guidelines help us care for the forest, the creek, and our neighbors. Thank you for honoring them.
Fireworks, sparklers, sky lanterns, and open flame beyond the fireplace are not permitted at any time of year. Candles are welcome inside hurricane glass.
Only acoustic ensembles are permitted; minimal amplification (keyboard, bass, vocal microphones) is authorized to match acoustic instrument levels. DJs and amplified recorded dance sets are prohibited. Outdoor performances must end by 9:00 p.m.; indoor background music must not carry to within ten feet of the property line.
Celebration guests depart by 9:30 pm; overnight accommodations are reserved for the 14 guests in residence.
We welcome the licensed and insured vendors of your choice, with certificates of insurance on file two weeks before your event. If you’d like a starting point, we’re happy to share our preferred vendor list.
Fresh petals are always welcome. Confetti, glitter, and rice find their way into Strawberry Creek, so we ask that you reach out in advance if you have something else in mind. We’re happy to discuss alternatives on a case-by-case basis.
Your dog is welcome at the ceremony on a leash with a designated handler. For overnight stays, dogs are permitted in the South Wing; please let us know in advance so we can make the appropriate arrangements.
We park up to 14 vehicles on site with street parking available. For larger guest lists we ask that you arrange a shuttle from the village, and we’re glad to connect you with ours.
The lodge and the surrounding forest are smoke-free. A designated area is provided near the parking court.
From May through October, rain is a rare guest at this elevation, and the deck tents beautifully. We’ll walk through the weather plan with you and your planner at the 30-day mark.
Idyllwild village is five minutes away, with cabins and inns of every size. We’ll gladly send our lodging sheet with local favorites.
Yes to both. Our kitchen is open to any licensed, insured caterer, and you’re welcome to supply your own bar with a licensed bartender pouring.
Share your preferred season and we’ll place a complimentary seven-day soft hold. A signed agreement and 25% payment make the date yours.
Of course. Anniversaries, vow renewals, family reunions, and creative retreats all find a home here. Same lodge, same welcome.
The quickest way to a quote is the form above — and if we’re already in touch by email, or you’d simply rather talk it through, we’re always happy to hear from you directly.
Wedding planners · ask for the vendor & floorplan pack