March 2021

35+ Best Wedding Venues in Sacramento CA Ultimate Guide to the 35+ Best Wedding Venues in Sacramento CA(with pricing and photos) If you are looking for wedding venues in Sacramento CA this list should help narrow down the best locations no matter the setting. Sacramento is a bit of a hidden gem with many wedding venues to provide a memorable wedding. Whether looking for something extravagant and elegant, low key and intimate, or anything in between, below are some of the best Sacramento wedding venues to help in your wedding planning. Vizcaya Ceremony: $1,300Reception: $2,000 – $4,600 This beautiful estate is a designated historical landmark and now a premier bed and breakfast that specializes in hosting events. The surrounding gardens, which include a swing, gazebo, and ivory wall, make for a great place to have amazing wedding photos taken. Check out this planning guide for a Vizcaya wedding for more info Park Winters (Winters) Ceremony: $1,300Reception: $2,000 – $4,600 Park Winters is one of my favorite Sacramento barn wedding venues, known for its rustic decor and both indoor and outdoor capabilities.  Check out this planning guide for a Park Winters wedding for more info Arcade Underground Contact for pricing Located in Old Sacramento, Arcade Underground is a historic Sacramento wedding venue. The building is located in the original first floor of the Arcade Venue with full-length brick walls and an industrial ceiling. Most people choose a ceremony in the ivy-covered exterior courtyard with a reception following inside.  This is one of the more unique wedding venues in Sacramento CA located in one of the more historic areas of the city. The Firehouse Wedding & Ceremony: $11,500 – $14,500Ceremony only: $10,750 – $14,500 While looking at wedding venues in Sacramento CA, another historic choice can be found in Old Sacramento’s Firehouse restaurant. Originally created as a gold rush era firehouse, it now hosts a restaurant. Guests enter the courtyard ceremony through a private alleyway to find a brick and ivy setting that makes for a classic Sacramento wedding venue. Bloc Reception: $2,000 – $4,600 Bloc is one of my favorite indoor wedding venues in Sacramento CA, offering a clean minimalistic design for your wedding day. With a lot of natural light and a modern setting, your wedding photos will look clean and timeless. Vintage Monkey Reception: $2,000 – $4,600 With red brick and vintage motorcycles surrounding you, this is easily one of the most unique downtown Sacramento wedding venues, offering you and your guests a creative setting for a wedding.  Sterling Hotel Packages: $54 – $124 per personCeremony: $995 The Sterling Hotel is one of the most gorgeous and classiest Sacramento wedding venues. This downtown Victorian mansion was built in 1894 and is located in downtown, offering a convenient location for out of town guests. This place is a photographer’s dream with floor-to-ceiling arches and a stained glass rotunda that is sure to impress your guests. Union Brick (Roseville) Ceremony: $1,300Reception: $2,000 – $4,600 This is one of those wedding venues near Sacramento that offers both indoor and outdoor ceremony options, highlighted by its stone waterfall which acts as a unique backdrop for the ceremony. Part of the Wedgewood Weddings family, you know that you will be in very capable hands at this venue. Capitol Plaza Halls Packages: $32.75 – $51.50 per person Located in downtown near the State Capitol, this Sacramento wedding venue provides a number of ballrooms for guests to have their ceremony. This is one of the more diverse wedding venues in Sacramento CA since it has areas to host anywhere between 50 and 1,000 people. CONTACT ME TO DISCUSS WEDDING VENUES IN SACRAMENTO CA The Maples (Woodland) Ceremony: $1,300Reception: $2,000 – $4,600 This is one of the larger wedding venues in Sacramento CA with over 55 acres of land to enjoy. With 5 different gardens to enjoy, this rustic venue is highlighted by an outdoor ceremony under a Chinese pistachio tree. Grand Island Mansion (Walnut Grove) Ceremony: $1,300Reception: $2,000 – $4,600 This luxurious outdoor wedding venue in Sacramento is hands down one of my favorites and I’ve been fortunate to have photographed here a handful of times. With a stunning mansion and two outdoor areas for your ceremony, you can literally have two types of ceremonies on the same day! Morgan Creek Golf Club (Roseville) Contact for pricing Just a few miles northeast of the bustle of the city you will find this beautiful venue at the Morgan Creek Golf Club. It is one of the most popular sites for weddings in the region as the 5,500 square foot facility provides space for up to 350 guests while overlooking a lake with a flowing fountain. When looking up wedding venues in Sacramento CA that can fit larger weddings, this venue fits the bill. Wine and Roses (Lodi) Ceremony: $1,300Reception: $2,000 – $4,600 With a setting similar to those in Italy, this is a stunning wedding venue in Sacramento that offers ceremonies ranging from 25 – 350 people. With its ivory covered arches and indoor and outdoor capabilities, you are guaranteed some stunning images. Crocker Art Museum Contact for pricing Museums are one of the more classic elegant wedding venues in Sacramento CA that has its own natural decor, adding a modern twist to a wedding venue .With two indoor spaces and one outdoor space to choose from, the Crocker Art Museum accommodates up to 300 guests.  Retreat to the Farm (Walnut Grove) Ceremony: $1,300Reception: $2,000 – $4,600 This 5 bedroom farm home offers a convenient location for out of town guests to stay onsite. With its location outside of Sacramento, this very quiet and secluded wedding venue also holds retreats so you know you can party like no one is around! Kimpton Sawyer Hotel Packages: $129 per personCeremony: $1,500 – $2,500 Another great downtown location, the Kimpton Sawyer Hotel’s Magnolia Ballroom has one of the more unique views overlooking the city. This is one of the few outdoor wedding venues in Sacramento with a rooftop, allowing you to exchange

16+ Best Humboldt County Wedding Venues The Ultimate Guide to the 16+ Best Humboldt County Wedding Venues(with pricing and photos)  If you are looking for Humboldt County wedding venues, you have come to the right place! This area is perhaps best known for Redwoods National and State Parks as well as the Avenue of Giants. However, the area also includes various other beaches and preserves with small town charm of Eureka, Trinidad, and Arcata. With so many places to visit, you’ll find many excellent wedding venues in the area. Here is a list of the best Humboldt County wedding venues. Mitchell Grove (Eureka) Rental Fee : $5000Refundable Deposit : $500Event insurance required With so many places promoting all-inclusive service, Mitchell Grove takes the opposite approach, branding itself as a DIY wedding location. This Humboldt County wedding venue offers a relatively simple option for a wedding: simply pay to reserve the location for the day and get to work. In addition to the beautiful forested location and four ceremony areas, you will also receive use of a banquet hall that sits 88 people, two bars with taps, white wooden chairs, and arches. The rest is up to you! If you are looking for a beautiful backdrop to embrace your creativity, you can’t go wrong with Mitchell Grove! Benbow Historic Inn (Garberville) Rental Fees : $500 – $3000Refundable Deposit : $1000 Of all the Humboldt County wedding venues, the Benbow Historic Inn is one of the most photogenic settings. Consider exchanging vows on the lush lawn with a stone arched bridge as the background or perhaps directly in front of the stonework inn itself. A great option for photographs is on the smooth rocks beside the stream adjacent to the property. This venue also has room for up to 225 guests, making it a good choice for many different sizes of weddings. Ridgefield Weddings and Events (Arcata) Pricing: Starting at $7,500, and $85 per person for the all inclusive package Ridgefield is a private family-owned all-inclusive wedding venue in Arcata, CA. There’s nothing quite like the venue in Humboldt County. The estate offers a stately feeling of New England style. A touch of luxury and elegance in the heart of Arcata. They have over 15 years of experience renting the venue and coordinating beautiful events here.  Humboldt Botanical Garden (Eureka) Contact for pricing While many couples opt for redwood grandeur, Humboldt Botanical Garden provides a different option complete with just as much natural beauty. The area’s climate means a wide variety of flowers, shrubs, and trees can be cultivated. Choose from ten different gardens spread over 45 acres including views of Humboldt Bay. This provides many options for creating your perfect ceremony. The Ammon Ranch (Salyer) Packages : $4500 – $7500 With a gorgeous barn to welcome you onto the ranch, this location is one of the more eye catching rustic Humboldt County wedding venues on this list. Covering 200 acres, it also has several different houses to accommodate guests coming from out of town, making it a very convenient all in one location that fits up to 150 guests. Lost Whale Inn (Trinidad) Rental Fee : $300 – $25,000Ceremony Fee : $300Packages : $8,000 – $25,000 If you want a truly romantic setting, the Lost Whale Inn is definitely one of the top choices for Humboldt County wedding venues. Located minutes from Redwood National Park, enjoy the grandeur or redwoods and hilltop Pacific views in one setting. Wedding ceremonies are held on a romantic hill lined with pine trees overlooking the rocky Pacific coast. Weddings from late Fall through early May are for 50 guests or fewer while summer and early Fall weddings can accommodate 100. CONTACT ME TO DISCUSS WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY IN HUMBOLDT COUNTY Sequoia Park Zoo (Eureka) Rental Fee: $2,000 – $2,500 If you want to add a little whimsy to your wedding, consider the Sequoia Park Zoo. This is also a great value as you can rent the entire grounds for you and 400 guests for $2,000 or the entire zoo for $2,500. This provides a variety of options for planning a unique ceremony to remember. The zoo also provides a wide range of add-on options to make this the wedding of your dreams. Fieldbrook Winery (McKinleyville) Packages : $2,000 – $6,000 Enjoy a Napa style wedding on the northern coast with this Humboldt County wedding venue. The Fieldbrook Winery provides a romantic location for up to 100 guests. Most people opt for outdoor weddings; however, rental of the venue comes with use of inside as well. This location has special packages for micro-weddings as well. The lake and foliage make for many beautiful ceremony locations while the grounds in general are simply elegant. Lost Coast Ranch (Ferndale) Contact for pricing Lost Coast Ranch provides panoramic views of the ocean and rolling forest-covered hills, making this a truly wonderful choice for exchanging vows. This Humboldt County wedding venue can take care of virtually any size and style of wedding. An outdoors loving couple may consider an extended stay at the ranch for a honeymoon, allowing them to explore hiking trails, kayak, and take in gourmet meals. Accommodations include lavishly adorned rooms with four post beds and Egyptian cotton sheets.  The Inn at Second & C (Eureka) Rental Fee : $1200 – $2000 A property of the historic Eagle House, the Inn at Second & C overlooks Humboldt Bay. Decorated with an Old World feel, you will find 23 guest rooms, a hotel bar, and a theatre ballroom. This is a truly romantic choice for a small, intimate wedding. Couples can also opt for a romance package add on which consists of a private tour of Old Town Eureka by horse and carriage followed by a romantic dinner. Humboldt Bay Social Club (Samoa) Rental Fee : $400 – $1200 The rustic Humboldt Bay Social Club is the ideal location for your destination wedding. This location is perfect for both indoor and outdoor weddings. You will get large halls with lofty ceilings, a concrete floor, and

Carmel Valley Wedding Venues The Ultimate Carmel Valley Wedding Venues Guide (with Pricing + Photos) Carmel Valley wedding venues offer an authentically Californian experience with wineries, rustic landscapes, and golf courses, making it a favorite choice for destination weddings. Just a short drive from the Pacific Ocean, Carmel Valley offers a rustic respite from the busy coastal life. Whether you live nearby or are traveling from around the world, there are plenty of perfect options for your Carmel Valley Wedding. Here are some of the top Carmel Valley wedding venues to consider! Gardner Ranch Rental Fee: $8,000 Gardner Ranch is a great location for wedding large and small alike. The sprawling estate provides many locations including three banquet rooms, a clubhouse, an outdoor patio, and many different lawn locations. The backdrop of the Santa Lucia Mountains makes for a great setting for an outdoor wedding in virtually any season. This is also surprisingly one of the more affordable Carmel Valley wedding venues given its elegance and charm. All weddings include exclusive use of Gardner Ranch, plenty of on-site parking, wine barrel cocktail tables, landscape lighting, wooden chairs, and plenty of other perks. This is one of the more popular Carmel Valley wedding venues around for good reason. Bernardus Lodge & Spa Rental Fee: $5,500 – $13,500  This is one of the larger Carmel Valley wedding venues that offers six different wedding locations that range from vineyard views to rose gardens. For intimate ceremonies or elopements of 10 people or less, the Vintner’s Suite is a favorite or can be used as a bridal suite. Of all the locations, the Wedding Garden is possibly the most beautiful with immaculate landscaping, over 100 varieties of roses, and the chef’s own vegetable garden. Wedding packages include luxury accommodations for the couple and an open bar with Bernardus’s own wines.  Los Laureles Lodge Rental Fee: $2,500 – $3,300 One of the more unique Carmel Valley wedding venues, Los Laureles Lodge is a ten-acre ranch with three different options for settings. The largest is the Terrace Garden, a stunning area beneath cascading oak trees where guests watch from wooden pews. This holds up to 200 people. Intimate weddings of up to 30 guests can celebrate at Hill House, a beautifully adorned home with a hillside deck. The Hill House has a full kitchen and, true to its namesake, supports sweeping views of Carmel Valley. Finally, the Terrace Garden Banquet Room can hold a small reception or rehearsal dinner. Quail Lodge & Golf Club (Carmel by the Sea) Contact for pricing Quail Lodge Golf Club provides six different options for your ceremony. Quail Meadows is likely the favorite for outdoor weddings, which features a lush meadow on the banks of a stream, creating a perfect location for wedding photos. The Peninsula Ballroom in the Clubhouse is a great choice for a reception whether opting for buffet style or a sit-down dinner. This venue specializes in weddings from small groups to up to 200 guests. This is one of the more affordable Carmel Valley wedding venues for the budget-conscious bride and groom, providing beauty at a lower price than many local venues. Stonepine Estate Resort Rental Fee: starts at $9,000 As you approach through a road lined with oak trees, you will soon catch a glimpse of Chateau Noel, an architectural experience that will have you thinking you have somehow landed in Tuscany. Guests can opt for a California Country package which includes use of the Paddock Lawns or a Chateau Exclusive which involves use of Chateau Noel. Can’t decide? Book the entire estate to have one of the most regal wedding venues in Carmel Valley all to yourself! For a more Old West style feel, try the Blacksmith Bar where guests can practice archery and horseshoes while drinking beer. Needless to say, this is one of the most varied Carmel Valley wedding venues on this list. Holman Ranch Packages: $18,000 – $35,500 Holman Ranch is one of the few Carmel Valley wedding venues that can accommodate a larger number of guests with a capacity of 500. With 400 acres of land, Holman Ranch provides several wedding location options, but most couples choose the recently restored 1928 stone hacienda, an iconic building with an intimate courtyard. Others opt for a stone terrace adorned with flowers with the Santa Lucia Mountains serving as a great backdrop. Combine your ceremony with an elegant reception at the Carriage House, allowing guests to dine beneath twinkling lights. This huge estate offers something for everyone! The Holly Farm Rental Fee: starts at $28,000 One of the most beautiful Carmel Valley wedding venues, The Holly Farm is filled with winding gravel paths, towering bamboo and banana trees, and rustic cottages. The unique design of the grounds presents a variety of options for photos, ensuring you will have plenty of mementos of your wedding. In addition to no corkage or cake cutting fees, you’ll also find a number of other perks including hundreds of island orchids for décor. CONTACT ME TO DISCUSS CARMEL VALLEY WEDDING VENUES Best Wedding Venues in Carmel Valley for Elopements Joullian Vineyards Rental Fee: starts at $6,500 Located high above Carmel Valley, Joullian Vineyards’ Venue in the Vines is a premier wedding location. This is a place for weddings of many sizes, able to accompany as few as 50 guests or as many as 250. Smaller parties may instead be interested in The Overlook, which allows couples to exchange nuptials in front of a wood and floral arch with the entire Carmel Valley as the backdrop. With 20 to 50 guests, this is one of the more popular Carmel Valley wedding venues that caters to smaller weddings. Best Outdoor Carmel Valley Wedding Venues Chateu Carmel Ranch Contact for pricing Holman Ranch is one of the few Carmel Valley wedding venues that can accommodate a larger number of guests with a capacity of 500. With 400 acres of land, Holman Ranch provides several wedding location options, but most couples choose the recently

Wedding Venues in Napa The Ultimate Guide to the Best Wedding Venues in Napa (complete with pricing and photos) If you are looking into the best wedding venues in Napa, look no further! Napa is a hugely popular location known for its award-winning wineries and country charm, and is one of the most sought after destinations in Northern California. With so many places to choose from, let’s help you narrow down your list of possibilities by highlighting some of the best wedding venues in Napa below (entire Napa Valley included). Harvest Inn (St. Helena) Reservation Fee : $6,000 – $10,000Beverage Minimum : $8,000 – $15,000Meals : $150+/personCapacity : 120 guests Having a Harvest Inn wedding allows you a handful of options to choose for your wedding. They offer a few lawn and terrace options that all offer differing views of the scenic vineyards and rolling hills in the background. This is one of the more diverse wedding venues in Napa since they can also offer services for elopements. Check out my Harvest Inn wedding walkthrough for more details. Auberge du Soleil (Rutherford) Small wedding (30 guests and under): $3,500 – $5,100Food & Bev Min: $3,500 – $5,000 Large wedding (over 30 guests): $6,500 – $12,500Food & Bev Min: $15,000 – $25,000 Set amidst a 33-acre olive grove, Auberge du Soleil’s hillside presence provides amazing views of the Napa Valley. Just a few miles north of the town of Napa, there are many options for your ceremony. La Pagode is an Asian-inspired pavilion surrounded by olive trees, vineyards, and a sculpture garden featuring over a hundred works. Meanwhile, the venue’s Terrace location provides an outdoor setting paired with Vista rooms that serve as a great setting for a reception. This is one of the more popular wedding venues in Napa, especially since it is Michelin awarded. Fairview Napa (Napa) Ceremony Fee: $1,500Up to 100 guests: $65 – $139 / personOver 100 guests: $60 – $134 / personFacility Fees: $15 or $25 / personService Charge: 22% If you are a busy couple looking to find something all-inclusive to make wedding planning as easy as possible, The Fairview Napa is an excellent choice. They offer four (4) distinct packages from the the Essentials to the Elite. The reception pavilion offers sparking chandeliers and stunning lake views.  The Estate Yountville (Yountville) Inquire for details For those looking for a true Wine Country experience, look no further than this luxury Napa wedding venue. This is one of the larger wedding venues in Napa with a total of six event spaces. The favorite is clearly the vineyard; however, a hidden gem is the barrel room with high ceiling, wrought iron décor, brick walls, and wooden rafters. It really gives a rustic look that pops.  Eagle Vines Golf Club (American Canyon) Pricing: Inquire for more detailsCapacity : 250 guests The Eagle Vines Pavilion offers a 4000 square foot tent, with half of it consisting of clear walls to showcase the surrounding mountains and vineyards. It is known for its 12 chandeliers to offer guests a rustic elegance for your wedding Churchill Manor (Napa) Rental Fee for over 30 guests: $4,250Food and Bev: $40 / personElopement: $800 – $1,900 for champagne reception includes use of all parlors/grounds and one room rental Capacity : 150 guests Churchill Manor is one of the premier wedding venues in Napa designed with an elegant aesthetic. Indoor and outdoor weddings of up to 150 people are available year round. Located one block away from downtown Napa, it allows guests to explore the city before or after your wedding day. Inn on Randolph (Napa) Pricing: Inquire for more details The Inn of Randolph is one of the favorite wedding venues in Napa for many couples. This 19th century estate serves as a boutique luxury inn fitting for an intimate Napa Valley wedding. Perfect for a small ceremony or elopement, you will exchange vows in front of a cute little gazebo amidst a romantic garden. Host a sit-down dinner in the courtyard or indoors. This is a great setting for couples who want to spend a lot of time celebrating with a small group of friends and family. River Terrace Inn (Napa) Rental Fee: determined by day of week and time of yearService charge: 7.75% taxDestination Fee: $25 per room plus %15.19 tax One of the more awarded wedding venues in Napa, the River Terrace Inn has a large 3,000 square foot outdoor terrace overlooking the river. This space opens up to a ballroom with French doors and low-hanging chandeliers, creating an elegant reception hall. Indian Springs Resort (Calistoga) Rental Fee: you can contact the venueCapacity: Maximum 95 Indian Springs brands itself as a “modern bohemian retreat” and is one of the most beautiful wedding venues in Napa. It’s a historic resort with lovely gardens, ponds, and greenery, among other things. If that’s not all, this site contains four natural geysers! The main highlight of this location is an Olympic mineral pool first built in 1910. If you are looking for something other than the typical Napa winery wedding, you’ll find it here.  Check out the best wedding venues in Calistoga for more options Napa Valley Wine Train (Napa) Ceremony packages: $1,500 – $2,500Reception package: starts at $315 / person  This is perhaps the most unique wedding venues in Napa since it is an actual train that can take your guests on a tour of the Napa Valley for between three and six hours depending upon the package. The linear layout of the train provides a multitude of options for mingling with guests and enjoying the scenery. Up to 300 guests can be included while the cars themselves feature fine cherry wood and lace tablecloths. It will feel as if you have been transported back in time as you tour the rolling hills of Napa. Interested In More Information? Please Fill Out the Form Below! 415 756 9335  ianchinphotography@gmail.com

Lake Tahoe Wedding Venues If you are looking for Lake Tahoe wedding venues the list below breaks them down into South and North Lake Tahoe. The lake itself is known for the pristine clarity of its water as well as the mountains surrounding it. Popular year round for all types of water sports, it is also a popular year round wedding destination. Let’s take a look at some of the best Lake Tahoe Wedding Venues. South Lake Tahoe Wedding Venues Black Bear Lodge 1202 Ski Run Blvd; South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150 For those having a smaller wedding, Black Bear Lodge is an excellent choice. This is a one of the more quaint and charming Lake Tahoe wedding venues that is perfect for a late Fall or Winter wedding. The beautiful lodge consists of open space with a rock fireplace while the grounds are framed by large pines. Rental includes a large bridal suite, wedding coordinator, and outdoor lighting.  The Hideout at Kirkwood 43300 CA-88; Kirkwood, CA 95646 Just a few miles south of Lake Tahoe, The Hideout at Kirkwood is simply stunning. The log cabin sits on a pond and is framed by forests and rolling rock cliffsides. There are plenty of open spaces and an intentionally flexible layout that provides many different options for wedding setup. Of all the Lake Tahoe wedding venues, this one particularly excels at customization. Those seeking a slightly more secluded setting will adore The Hideout, which provides a variety of packages.  Tahoe Edgewood Resort 180 Lake Pkwy; Stateline, NV 89449 On the Nevada side of the lake, Edgewood Tahoe provides a stunning backdrop for a ceremony on the lakeshore with their North Lawn and 17th Green settings. Enjoy a cocktail on the lakefront deck or head into the clubhouse for an elegant reception. While Tahoe Edgewood can accommodate a variety of wedding sizes, they are one of the few Lake Tahoe wedding venues unable to perform elopements.   Lakeview Lodge at Heavenly  3860 Saddle Rd; South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150Capacity: 200 guests As the name would indicate, this is another one of the Lake Tahoe wedding venues that is situated high in the mountains surrounded by evergreens. A ski resort by trade, Heavenly Mountain provides weddings at its Lakeview Lodge which hosts up to 200 people. You can even make an entrance by riding the resort’s aerial tram to the ceremony site. With an expansive view, weddings are booked during the summer months with availability from June to September.   photo taken from iconicweddings website Valhalla 1 Valhalla Rd; South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150 Valhalla describes itself as “rustic elegance.” The century-old lodge is adorned with hardwood floors and French doors, featuring a grand lawn filled with towering pines. Perfect for a romantic wedding with hours of dancing beneath antique lanterns and stringed market lights, Valhalla is my choice for a fairy tale wedding setting. With venue fees all going towards preservation of the historic estate, your choice of this wedding venue in Lake Tahoe will also help give back to Tahoe’s cultural history.  Tahoe Ridge Resort 400 Ridge Club Dr; Stateline, NV 89449 Across the border in Stateline, the Tahoe Ridge Resort is a great choice for couples seeking an all-inclusive wedding package that will help remove the stress from their magical day. This location specializes in an outdoor ceremony on a terrace that overlooks a natural canyon. Meanwhile reception areas indoors feature floor to ceiling picture windows, offering expansive mountain views. Tahoe Ridge is also a relatively affordable option compared to similar resorts in the area, making it a great choice for more budget conscious couples who want all the adornments of a large wedding venue in Lake Tahoe. Best Time for a Lake Tahoe Wedding If you ask me, I would say Spring is the best time overall to have a wedding in Lake Tahoe, ranging from March – mid June. Arguably the busiest (and best) time for a Lake Tahoe wedding is during the summer months June to August, as most attractions are open and weather is perfect. In addition, catching the Fourth of July celebrations might also be something worth considering. For fall foliage, October up until mid-November is best, and there’s nothing like capturing the fall colors in your wedding photos! Of course, if the quiet of winter and snow are more appealing, the winter months of November through January are best for your Lake Tahoe elopement (although the second most busy time of the year in Lake Tahoe). For visitors who simply want to avoid tourist season, September through November is best. CONTACT ME TO DISCUSS WEDDING VENUES IN LAKE TAHOE North Lake Tahoe Wedding Venues Northstar California Resort 5001 Northstar Dr; Truckee, CA 96161Capacity: 300 guests A stunning and spacious ski resort, Northstar California boasts its Zephyr Lodge, one of the more iconic Lake Tahoe wedding venues with its unique shape. Only accessible by gondola, this site high in the mountains provides an ideal wedding setting outdoors with scenic views. With the ability to host up to 300, this upscale locale is sure to leave all your guests talking about your nuptials for years. With a classic ski lodge vibe, this location offers perhaps the most expansive views in the region. Resort at Squaw Valley  400 Squaw Creek Rd; Olympic Valley, CA 96146Capacity: 80 – 500 guests Just northwest of Lake Tahoe, Squaw Valley may sound familiar because the Winter Olympics were held here back in 1960. Accomodating anywhere between 80 to 500 guests indoor and outdoors, the property and staff provides comprehensive service from décor to catering and event planning. For couples wanting one the more upscale Lake Tahoe wedding venues experience, this will check every item on your list.  Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe 111 Country Club Dr; Incline Village, NV 89451Capacity: 400 guests A popular resort and one of the more premier Lake Tahoe wedding venues, the Hyatt Regency provides the option to say “I do” among alpine scenery, along the lakefront, amidst a green garden with

How to Plan a Wedding in Golden Gate Park Ultimate Guide for Planning a Wedding in Golden Gate Park (complete with pricing, photos, and videos) Curious on how to plan a wedding in Golden Gate Park? Many couples choose Golden Gate Park because it offers so many different outdoor settings in the heart of San Francisco. If you are wanting a compromise between beauty and location within San Francisco, read below for the steps on how to have a Golden Gate Park wedding. A Wedding in Golden Gate Park Overview The park itself is bordered by Fulton Avenue and Lincoln Way on the north and south and the Great Highway and Stanyan on the east and west. Within these confines, you will find virtually anything you can imagine. Situated on the grounds lies a number of popular destinations including the California Academy of Sciences, De Young Museum, Conservatory of Flowers, Strybing Arboretum, and many more areas to explore.  Golden Gate Park Wedding Venues For couples looking to tie the knot in their very own Golden Gate Park wedding, there are many different places within the park to have your ceremony. The park itself recommends seven different locations. See below for capacity maximums as well as whether they allow ceremonies and receptions. Chain of Lakes. Located near Middle Lake, one of three small bodies of water that form the Chain of Lakes, this setting is loved for its greenery and solitude. Max capacity of 100. Ceremony only. Chinese Pavilion. In the middle of Stow Lake, you will find an area that was a gift from San Francisco’s sister city, Taipei. The pavilion itself is adorned with intricate carvings and creates a peaceful setting for an intimate wedding. Max capacity of 50. Ceremony only. Fuchsia Garden. Next to the Conservatory of Flowers, this is the perfect location for a late spring or summer wedding as the area is covered in purple-red blooms from May into November. This is one of the best locations for beautiful wedding photos. Max capacity of 150. Ceremonies and receptions allowed. Portals of the Past. Another aquatic venue, this location is framed by marble columns and an archway that creates a regal setting. You’ll also find Rainbow Falls nearby, making this an ideal fairytale setting. Max capacity of 100. Ceremony only. Queen Wilhelmina Garden. This garden can be found beneath the grand Dutch windmill and is named after the longest reigning Dutch monarch. Tulips bloom from mid-March to mid-April, making that the optimal time for a stunning wedding in this area; however, it is beautiful year-round. Max capacity of 200. Ceremonies and receptions allowed. Rose Garden. Golden Gate Park’s Rose Garden is one of its most famed areas. A plethora of colors of roses are in bloom from mid-May to July with another wave of beauty blossoming in September. Max capacity of 100. Ceremonies and receptions allowed. Shakespeare Garden. This site has rows of trees lining a potential aisle, a brick wall, sundial, and many other settings that produce a love story backdrop that will rival the tales of Shakespeare himself. This is the most popular venue for a wedding in Golden Gate Park. Max capacity of 200. Ceremony only. If you’d like to read more, check out my Shakespeare Garden Wedding walkthrough. How to Book a Wedding in Golden Gate Park Wedding reservations at Golden Gate Park can be made up to a year in advance. I recommend booking as early as possible to ensure availability. Reservations can be made by calling the Parks Department by phone or e-mailing them. Payments can be made by check or card. If making a reservation less than two months form the wedding date, couples must pay in full immediately by card.   Golden Gate Park Wedding Costs   The fees vary by location, with the reservation fee and 2 hour minimums ranging from $494 – $847. Specific information on costs can be found on the official pricing document from San Francisco Parks, but see below for a general outline of costs amongst the difference venues. Best Time for a Wedding in Golden Gate Park   While San Francisco never gets too cold or too hot throughout the year, “Summer” in San Francisco (aka the warmest months) is actually September and October, rather than the summer months June – August. Throughout the year, it consistently averages the low to mid 60s, so there’s not really a bad time to have a Golden Gate Park wedding!   Golden Gate Park Wedding Reception Limitations If you are looking for a larger wedding, some of the venues are only suitable for smaller crowds. For example, the Chinese Pavilion can only hold 50 guests while Chain of Lakes and Lloyd’s Lake are limited to 100 each. Several locations allow receptions including Fuschia Dell, Queen Wilhelmina Garden, and the Rose Garden; however, the other locations do not. What Is Included with Your Rental? When you reserve your wedding at Golden Gate Park, you are only reserving for use of the specific venue within the park. However, you will likely save a bit on décor as many of the sites serve as perfect backdrops for a ceremony. This is particularly true for the Chinese Pavilion and Queen Wilhelmina garden. It is also important to note that there are some policies in place that may affect your planning. For example, guests are not allowed to throw rice, birdseed, flowers, or confetti as these things may negatively impact the soil. Animals may also not be released during the ceremony. Finally, amplified sound and alcohol are not allowed. However, many of the settings are perfect for a harp or small string ensemble. It is also worth noting that bathrooms are only available at the Chinese Pavilion. Guests at other locations will have to find alternatives for facilities. Conclusion San Francisco is a city with a wealth of treasured locations for a beautiful wedding day. However, there are few spots with as varied and ornate locations as Golden Gate Park. Planning your wedding at Golden Gate Park will be a fun task for any couple as there are so many ways to customize the occasion to fit your