Travel + Accommodation

• Sequoia Retreat Center is located at 11445 Alba Rd, Ben Lomond, CA 95005. It is a 60-90 minute drive from three major airports – San Francisco International Airport (SFO), Oakland International Airport (OAK), San Jose Airport (SJC).
• If you’d prefer a hotel to cabin-living, the Hilton Santa Cruz Scott’s Valley is 8.5 miles away and the Quality Inn and Suites is just 1.5 miles (5 min drive) away.

Odd and Ends

• No hard alcohol is allowed onsite. We’ll have beer and wine on site for different meals. We’ll all be kicked out if anyone brings hard alcohol. Please don’t.
• It’s nature. Paths onsite are forest trails or hilly paved roads. You’ll want to leave your stiletto heels at home.
• Average temperatures in Ben Lomond in January range from 58F during the day to 45F at night. We’re conscious many of you are coming from places where winter involves below freezing temperatures and covering all appendages you want to keep. We can debate throughout the weekend whether it’s “warm” or “cold” but we hope either way that you plan clothing accordingly.
• We’re really excited to be able to celebrate with you!
• Parking on site is limited. Please be eco-friendly and carpool where you can.
• Drive carefully. It’s a scenic drive. The road leading up to the retreat center is very windy and true to nature, is not lit at night. We’re holding the ceremony during the day so that people can be back on the road well before the sun sets at 5pm in January. We’d recommend budgeting extra time.

Things to do

• Big Basin Redwoods State Park
• Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
• Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk (sandwiches from The Picnic Basket across the street are terrific)
• Capitola is a cute little seaside town.
• If you’re in San Francisco, swing by El Farolito and order the Al Pastor Super Burrito. Not only is it the best burrito you’ll ever have, it’s also the meal Max and Elaine shared on their first date — proof that it can change your life.

Do you have a registry?

• If you know either or both of us, you know that we value living simply or decorating in “minimalistic” style. Max lived in Peru for 3 months out of a backpack, and Elaine may (or may not) have had the smaller carry on bag when they first traveled together. We’re so thankful for your friendship and more than anything would value your prayers and friendship as we figure out life as a married couple. If you feel strongly about getting us something, here are a few ideas of things we’d appreciate.