Ralston White Retreat Wedding

Adam and Juna chose a Ralston White Retreat wedding for its scenic beauty and its convenient accommodations, since most of Adam’s family was visiting from England, where they also lived and planned most of the wedding. Considering the guest experience, they wanted a convenient location close enough to San Francisco that also provided a gorgeous outdoor setting for their ceremony and enough space to accomodate the many outdoor games they had for their 2 hour long cocktail “hour.” There were many avenues of entertainment throughout the afternoon, and many of the younger kids sat down to the reception with sweat on their faces from all the fun and games! Needless to say, deciding to have a Ralston White Retreat wedding was one of the best decisions they could’ve made!

It is always nice to see new ideas at a wedding, and Adam and Juna providing a pinata during their cocktail hour proved ot be the most smile inducing aspects of the day! It was needless to say a fun highlight for everyone watching the newlyweds try to break open the pinata. I don’t know why more people don’t have pinatas at their wedding – they are the best!

Not to be outdone by the games, Adam’s mates filled the room with laughter with semi-inappropriate jokes during their toasts, while Juna’s bridesmaids revealed equally funny childhood memories that got the entire room busting out loud. This Ralston White Retreat Wedding was an amazing day full of laughter, love, and candy that proves you can make your wedding as casual as you want ad that you don’t have to stick to traditions if you don’t want to!

If planning a day full of fun lawn games and pinatas sounds like fun, please CONTACT ME and I’d love to help plan!

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17 Best Livermore CA Wedding Venues

17 Best Livermore CA Wedding Venues The Ultimate Guide to the 17 Best Livermore CA Wedding Venues(with pricing and photos)  Why Choose Livermore CA Wedding Venues If you plan on having your wedding in the Tri Valley area, there are plenty of Livermore wedding venues to choose from to add to your celebration.  For starters, you have to consider the style of wedding you want to have and the aesthetic. Do rolling hills, vineyards, or ballrooms catch your eye? Below are some of my favorite options for Livermore CA wedding venues to help you in your wedding planning. Palm Event Center (Pleasanton) Rental Fee + F&B Min: $39,000+Capacity: up to 300 guestsHours: 6PM – 12AM (end by 11PM) Check out this Palm Event Center Wedding for more info Casa Real (Pleasanton) Casa Real at Ruby Hill Winery is one of the most popular Livermore CA wedding venues, so you know you will have a stunning wedding. Surrounded by vineyards, this venue is an exquisite collection of beautiful indoor spaces with fireplaces, crystal chandeliers, and a courtyard filled with lush foliage and sparkling fountains.  photo by Ian Chin Photography Murrieta’s Well Murrieta’s Well radiates a uniqueness and timelessness that makes it ideal for weddings with up to 100 guests. A fascinating destination, this historic stone vineyard is a stunning example of California architecture in the early time. Check out my guide on planning a Murrieta’s Well Wedding for more info Garre Winery – Bella Rosa If you want an indoor and outdoor wedding venue set in the middle of vineyards and Italian cypress trees, then the Garre Bella Rosa Winery is the venue for you. It is one of the larger Livermore wedding venues that can host up to 370 guests. Check out my Garre Winery Wedding Planning Guide for more info Check out my Garre Winery wedding video for a real wedding Wente Vineyards Established in 1883, this wedding venue can accommodate up to 300 guests and offers full service. You can conduct your wedding on a beautifully kept lawn for an outdoor ceremony or inside a mission-style event space. Check out my planning guide for a Wente Vineyards Wedding Poppy Ridge Golf Course Poppy Ridge Golf Course offers an outdoor ceremony location with rolling hills and a golf course in the background. Check out my planning guide for a Poppy Ridge Golf Course wedding The Purple Orchid Resort and Spa Rental Fee + F&B Min: $23,000+Capacity: up to 120 guestsHours: 2PM – 10AM (20 hours) In California’s wine country, you might still want to have a resort-style wedding, and The Purple Orchid Resort and Spa offers you just that. It is available for outdoor ceremonies and offers tranquil surroundings for your wedding. The olive orchard provides the perfect backdrop to say your “I Do’s,” and its orientation in the sun makes for some fantastic sunset shots.  CONTACT ME TO DISCUSS LIVERMORE WEDDING VENUES Reinstein Ranch With dreams of a barn wedding, turn to Reinstein Ranch to make it happen for you. It is one of the few Livermore CA wedding venues that offer sprawling acreage on a woodland and rolling hill for the perfect blend of urban and country charm. There is plenty of space for outdoor ceremonies, and a 600-year oak tree sounds like the perfect place to say your vows under.  Del Valle Winery If you’ve always dreamed of having a lovely vineyard wedding, this place is ideal for you. The winery invites weddings, parties, and rehearsal dinners with breathtaking views of the vines and event rooms surrounded by beautiful flora. Up to 120 guests can be seated in the Barrel Room without feeling crowded. Check out this Del Valle Winery Wedding Planning Guide Rios Lovell Winery It’s time to fall in love again, but with this lovely setting. This location is surrounded by the breathtaking Merlot Vineyard and is located in Livermore Valley’s Wine Country. It makes the ideal backdrop for your wedding. Check out this Rios Lovell Winery Wedding Planning Guide The Bridges Golf Club (San Ramon) The Bridges Golf Club is the ideal California location for a quiet wedding or a lavish celebration, with facilities that can accommodate 25–300 people. It offers magnificent views, a warm ambiance, and exceptional service.  Check out my planning guide for a Bridges Golf Club wedding Concannon Vineyard Concannon Vineyard in Livermore sits along the popular Tesla Rd, where it is hard to miss! They have a limited number of dates available for weddings so contact them sooner than later! Check out this planning guide for a Concannon Vineyard wedding The Club at Ruby Hill (Pleasanton) The Club at Ruby Hill offers award winning service and gorgeous green vistas for your wedding ceremony and reception. Rolling golf courses and picturesque vineyards form the backdrop outdoors, and beautiful hardwood and tile welcome you indoors. This is a sister company to Casa Real so you know with two locations, this is one of the best wedding venues in Livermore area. Elliston Vineyards (Sunol) Built-in 1890, this lovely wedding location is lovely as it presents an ideal location for an event to remember with its picturesque surroundings, stylish decor, and helpful staff.  Couples can savor richness and charm on their wedding day thanks to the venue’s historic surroundings. Check out my guide on Elliston Vineyards weddings for more info photo by Ian Chin Photography CONTACT ME TO DISCUSS LIVERMORE WEDDING PACKAGES Callippe Preserve (Pleasanton) Callippe Preserve in Pleasanton commands an incomparable view of the gently sloping hills and vineyards of northern California. The venue is set primarily outdoors against green lawns and white lawn chairs and an elegant arbor.  Check out this planning guide for a Callippe Preserve wedding Crow Canyon Country Club (Danville) Located within a gated community, this Danville wedding venue offers a lush golf course, perfect for wedding photos. When you enter the club’s stunning foyer, the high ceiling with its sparkling crystal chandelier first catches your attention. The club can accommodate up to 400 guests indoors and 300 outside. Retzlaff Vineyards Retzlaff Vineyards offers a limited booking season for weddings, since it offers outdoor spaces for

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26+ Best Santa Cruz Wedding Venues

26+ Best Santa Cruz Wedding Venues Ultimate Guide to the 26+ Best Santa Cruz Wedding Venues (updated 2024) If you are interested in learning the best Santa Cruz wedding venues you have come to the right place! In many ways, Santa Cruz is the quintessential Californian town with a mix of the coast, mountains, and local charm. For those ready to tie the knot in Santa Cruz, you will find many excellent locations to host your wedding regardless of whether you’re eloping or choosing to have a large celebration. Check out some of my personal favorite Santa Cruz wedding venues below.  Nestldown (Los Gatos) Packages: $9,500 – $28,000 Just a short ten-minute drive north of Santa Cruz sits Nestldown, a place that aims to provide extraordinary experiences. Rental gives you and up to 200 guests private access to all 36 redwood strewn acres including a 20 passenter train, life size chess set, numerous photo ops, and beautiful gardens. You’ll also receive a dedicated four-person event planning staff to customize your wedding and reception over nine hours.  Check out my Nestldown weddings guide for more info OVY Camp (San Gregorio) Rental Fee : $13,000 – $19,000 (rate includes 130 beds between lodging accomodations)Rental Period: Friday at 11am – Sunday at 1pmCapacity: up to 200 guests OVY Camp and Event Center can be rented by the weekend (exclusive use) for an incredibly reasonable price. It is one of the more flexible and affordable redwood wedding venues in the Bay Area. They provide the backdrop – you choose the rest. You are not tied down to a list of caterers, florists, or event suppliers – assemble your own vendor team at no additional cost.  Check out my OVY Camp wedding guide for more info https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D-9bvDRopSo Seymour Marine Discovery Center Rental fee: $3,350 Whether you’re a fan of museums or not, you’ll find the Seymour Center to be one of the most fun Santa Cruz wedding venues. This package includes expansive views of Monterey Bay, all-day use of the La Feliz Room & Deck, private use of the aquarium and Shipwreck Deck after 5 p.m., and a staffed aquarium touch table in the exhibit hall during the reception for your guests. It is a beautiful setting with great options for stunning photos. Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History Rental fee: $2,875 – $5,175 (ceremony & reception package)  Art lovers will rejoice at a wedding at this Santa Cruz venue. With several ceremony locations including a rooftop sculpture garden, the Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History can host up to 250 people. The full package includes nine hours; however, shorter ceremony & brunch or reception-only options are available for lower rates and up to 5 hour rentals For a more thorough breakdown of everything, check out their online brochure Kennolyn (Soquel) Package: starting at $11,000 With Kennolyn’s wedding package, the entire Hilltop Hacienda Estate is yours for a ceremony and reception. The package includes a wedding coordinator, music, tables, décor, and a wide array of perks. They also offer excellent catering packages. If you want a serene, peaceful location, this will be at the top of your list.  Check out my Kennolyn weddings guide for more info Waterfall Lodge (Ben Lomond) Rental Fee: $7,800 – $22,900 Waterfall Lodge is a gorgeous redwood forest wedding venue in the Santa Cruz mountains. It offers a choice of two sites for weddings wide terrace and patio areas for cocktail parties and dining in the middle of uplifting redwood scents. A reclaimed wood barn makes up the dancing area and some chic 1970’s style cabins for accommodation—summer camp style. It is incredibly serene, and if you hadn’t deduced from the name, there is a gorgeous waterfall just to make it extra special and one of the most romantic redwood forest wedding venues. Check out my Waterfall Lodge weddings guide for more info CONTACT ME TO DISCUSS WEDDING VENUES IN SANTA CRUZ Inn at Pasatiempo Ceremony Fee : $1,500Reception Fee : $275 – $800 Here you’ll find the recently renovated Wedding Garden that features a lush lawn circled by a terrace featuring redwood bark décor and evergreen pear trees. The Inn at Pasatiempo also features indoor seating for up to 150 guests with three different rooms that can be booked for a reception dinner. A number of buffet menu packages are also available.  Sydalyn Hill (Felton) Rental fee: Submit contact form for info A family run farm is the setting for this venue, which offers weddings between May and September each year. Offered only on Saturdays, a Sydalyn Hill wedding features rustic décor amidst walnut trees. Orchards, a garden, cabin, and barn are all available for photos.  Felton Guild (Felton) Rental fee: contact the venue for the package This venue offers a serene setting and is located in the Santa Cruz Mountains. Therefore, if you love the outdoors, this peaceful, lovely location is an excellent choice. A beautifully planted space serves as the banquet area. More than 200 people may easily fit in the reception space. Around 100 guests can be seated on the cathedral’s redwood benches and seats, and there is plenty of standing area and capacity for additional chairs if there is a need.  Check out my Redwood wedding venues guide for other similar Bay Area wedding venues  Shadowbrook (Capitola) Ceremony fee: $250Rental fee: $200 – $2,000 Shadowbrook restaurant is located in nearby Capitola and probably the most romantic restaurant in the county. There are a number of options for location but the Creekside Patio is a personal favorite. The restaurant’s trolley is a must-have photo for the happy couple.  Secret Garden Ceremonies (Santa Cruz County) Rental fee: $3,850 – $7,850 Specializing in micro-weddings of up to 40 people, there are two main areas for ceremonies and celebrations, the Secret Redwood Retreat and the Secret Garden Estate. Roaring Camp Railroads (Felton) Ceremony $700 – $2,950Reception $4,500 Create your own magical day with Roaring Camp Railroads. While there are a number of options, the most charming takes you and 100 guests round trip on a 100 year old

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27+ Best Marin County Wedding Venues

27+ Best Marin County Wedding Venues The Ultimate Guide to the 27+ Best Marin County Wedding Venues(complete with pricing, photos, and videos) If you are looking for the best Marin County wedding venues, you are in luck! This is an ultimate guide to some of the best wedding venues in Marin County and outlines a variety of settings for your celebration! If you wanting something more casual, a wedding in Muir Woods is one of the more popular ideas for Marin County wedding venues, but read below for others that you may not have heard of!  Cavallo Point (Marin) Rental fee: inquire for custom quote Of all the Marin County wedding venues, this one has my favorite view with a beautiful backdrop of the Golden Gate Bridge amidst rolling hills. Couples will find six venues to choose from that can host up to 250 people at this venue with one of the best views in Marin County. Check out my guide on how to plan a Cavallo Point Lodge wedding for more info If you’d like to see a real wedding from this venue, check out this full gallery from a Cavallo Point wedding photo by Ian Chin Photography photo by Ian Chin Photography Mill Valley Community Center (Mill Valley) Rental Fee: $160 – $180/hour; 4-hour minimumDeposit: $500 – $1,000  Mill Valley Community Center is one of the more affordable Marin County wedding venues. The Cascade Room features a cathedral ceiling and wood floors with a built-in sound system and can hold 285 people with a dining setup. Residents of Mill Valley receive a small discount. There is an option for ceremonies in the redwoods nearby at Old Mill Park.  Check out my Mill Valley Community Center wedding guide for more info photo by Ian Chin Photography Old Mill Park (Mill Valley) Rental fee: $175 – $275 / hour Outdoor seating an a raised stage at this quiet Redwood Park is perfect for a small gathering for your wedding under the trees. It is one of the only places I know outdoors that offers seating, so this is the perfect choice when considering other guests,. The seating is roughly 25 feet away so having a mic would be helpful if the guests are going to be seated. Popular after the ceremony here is to have a reception at Outdoor Art Club or Mill Valley Community Center, making this one of the most popular Marin County wedding venues. Check out my Old Mill Park Wedding Planning Guide photo by Ian Chin Photography photo by Ian Chin Photography Deer Park Villa (Fairfield) Rental fee: Submit contact form for info Specializing in beautiful fairytale weddings, this is one of my favorite outdoor Marin County wedding venues that allows you to exchange vows in a gorgeous redwood grove beneath the towering trees, a perfect backdrop for photos. Have a truly enchanting wedding with a natural theme.  Check out my Deer Park Villa wedding guide for more info Community Congregational Church (Tiburon) Rental fee: contact for pricing This hidden gem offers views of the rolling hills of Tiburon with a panoramic view of the San Francisco Bay, the Golden Gate Bridge and Mt. Tamalpais out on the ceremony lawn. photo by Ian Chin Photography The Outdoor Art Club (Mill Valley) Rental fee: $5,000 – $5,400 The Outdoor Art Club is a Mill Valley nonprofit organization that seeks to preserve and promote natural outdoor spaces. As such, it is one of the more surprisingly affordable Marin County wedding venues centrally located in Mill Valley. It offers a nice secluded location for an outdoor ceremony with a reception following in the century-old clubhouse.  The Haven at Tomales (Tomales) Rental fee: Submit contact form for info Craft your perfect wedding with your choice of a number of serene settings. Personal favorites include the Terraced Garden with a sweeping canyon view or in front of the waterfall tree. While there are many excellent Marin County wedding venues, The Haven at Tomales stands out for rustic elegance.  CONTACT ME TO DISCUSS MARIN COUNTY WEDDING VENUES University of Redlands Marin Campus (San Anselmo) Rental fee: $1,000 – $3,500 (six venues to choose from) The University of the Redlands Marin Campus is truly one of the more unique and stunning Marin County wedding venues with its castle grounds. This San Anselmo wedding venue features six venues; however, my personal favorite is Alexander Hall, a stunning indoor reception area with a stone, castle-like exterior. Geneva Terrace provides another excellent option for your outdoor ceremony or reception with its labyrinth. Check out my University of Redlands Wedding Planning Guide The Clubhouse at Peacock Gap (San Rafael) Rental fee: $750 – $6000Service : 20% Located in San Rafael, the Peacock Gap is a picture perfect setting with views of the native landscape and golf course. Their popular terrace provides awesome photo opportunities and great views that you would expect from a world class golf course. This is one of the larger Marin County wedding venues that can accomodate up to a thousand guests since they have two main areas to hold a wedding. Landmarks Art & Garden Center (Tiburon) Rental fee: $3,500 – $4,500 depending on guest count (8 hours)Extra hours: $300/hourDeposit: 50% A beautiful, scenic seaside retreat awaits you at this wedding venue in Marin County. Here you’ll find beautiful gardens and an old farmhouse, perfect for an elegant setting with up to 150 people. Located in charming Tiburon, you’ll have panoramic views that make for excellent photos.  Maan Farms (Bolinas) Packages: $9,440 – $18,880 Maan Farms provides all-inclusive service including use of an antique barn and covered patio, full setup, and a buffet dinner with options to upgrade. Packages vary based on time of day and number of guests. This site has an idyllic country charm with three ceremony sites including one with a view of Mt. Baker, surrounded by sunflowers.  Olema House (Olema) Rental fee: Submit contact form for info A peaceful respite for a beautiful ceremony, the Olema House can host up to 150 people. The tranquil garden setting overlooks a small creek.

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Carmel Valley Wedding Venues

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

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How to Plan a Wedding in Big Sur

How to Plan a Wedding in Big Sur The Ultimate Guide to Planning a Wedding in Big Sur (complete with tips and venue information) There are few places on the west coast as stunning as having a wedding in Big Sur. Known for state parks and coastal scenery, countless couples have planned their wedding in Big Sur and it is becoming one of the more popular locations to exchange vows and take wedding photos. Below is the ultimate guide for all your planning needs for a wedding in Big Sur.  1 Simple Method to Having a Wedding in Big Sur All you really need to plan your elopement or wedding in Big Sur is an officiant, a marriage license, and one witness.  And of course, CONTACTING a photographer like me! Getting the Marriage License Your wedding in Big Sur can’t be official without a marriage license. In California, a marriage license can be obtained in any county for a ceremony held in the state, even if the marriage is held in a different county. Big Sur is in Monterey County, so you can get the license from San Francisco County, for example. However, you must return the license to the county that issued it, along with the signature of the officiant and at least one witness.  For out of town couples, it’s popular to stay in San Francisco while having your wedding in Big Sur. If this is the case with you, read up on how to get your marriage license in my San Francisco City Hall Weddings Planning Guide And if you are flexible with locations, take a look at the Best Places to Have an Elopement in San Francisco Big Sur Wedding Permit Best Times of the Year for a Wedding in Big Sur There are more ideal times to have your wedding at Big Sur. Perhaps the safest is Fall for its warmer weather, color, and clear skies. However, anytime between March and October is suitable while the winter months may be a bit too cold and overcast. Rain does tend to occur in early Spring so plan accordingly. If you plan it right, you can time your wedding in Big Sur with the warmest time of the year around September and October and if you’re lucky, can make a stop to see the visiting monarch butterflies nearby in Pacific Grove Photo Locations for a Wedding in Big Sur Regardless of where you host your wedding at Big Sur, you will have many breathtaking locations for photos nearby. The Bixby Bridge on Highway 1 provides a unique backdrop and is probably the most popular. Pfeiffer Burns State Park is a majestic location, particularly near sunset. Rocky Point Restaurant provides a scenic overlook set aside rugged coastal cliffs. Finally, Garrapata Trail is a perfect backdrop filled with wildflowers during spring and summer.  Bixby Bridge Iconic Big Sur Coastline Big Sur Elopement Packages Big Sur elopement packages are typically customized to fit your needs, but start at $2000 for 3 hours. A sample elopement in Big Sur consists of getting ready/details, the wedding ceremony, group photos, couples portraits, and a reception. For the more adventurous couples, doing multiple photo locations around gorgeous Big Sur is highly recommended to take advantage of the stunning coastline and scenic views Best Wedding Venues in Big Sur CA Big Sur is popular for elopements and marrying on cliffs overlooking the ocean, but for those who want an actual venue that’s no problem either! Let’s take a look at some of my favorite wedding venues in Big Sur CA. Big Sur Lodge Rental Fee: $599 – $1,199 This is one of the most classic Big Sur wedding venues around the area. Big Sur Lodge is located in Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park with indoor and outdoor seating. Most popular is the Redwood Patio, located next to a flowing stream. There is also an option for a picnic style rehearsal dinner in the state park. This is easily the most popular place to have a wedding at Big Sur. Ventana Contact for pricing Ventana is a resort that prides itself on a wide variety of options for your wedding in Big Sur. The blending of the ocean, forests, and mountains at this Big Sur wedding venue will leave you in awe. With over 12,000 feet of event space, there is a setting for a wedding of any size. Sur Visa is an outdoor overlook adorned with picnic tables and elegant landscaping. Redwood Cathedral provides a space surrounded by towering trees. The Loft blends natural woods with modern décor to create an intimate indoor setting. This is definitely one of the most diverse wedding venues in Big Sur CA to fit your needs. Check out my Ventana Big Sur Wedding Guide for more details Loma Vista Gardens Rental Fee: $5,400 – $18,400 depending on size and day Loma Vista was named for the its beautiful views, making this one of my favorite wedding venues in Big Sur CA. The location is backdropped by mountains and has elegantly manicured landscaping including cactus gardens. With packages for traditional and elopement weddings, Loma Vista Gardens can customize the perfect ceremony for any types of wedding in Big Sur. This locale is a great choice for couples wanting a rustic feel for an outdoor ceremony.  Point 16 Contact for pricing Located about half an hour outside of downtown, Point 16 is an area off of Highway 1 that is frequently used for planning a wedding in Big Sur. There is perhaps no better view in the area as Point 16 overlooks the beauty of the Pacific Ocean from a lush hillside meadow. There is no bad time for a wedding here as any time of day will provide an excellent view for your wedding at Big Sur. Post Ranch Inn Rental Fee: $6,000Small weddings: $5,500 – $6,600Elopements: $3,900 You haven’t seen Big Sur until you’ve seen a sunset from the Post Ranch Inn’s view of the Pacific Ocean. Couples will find a variety of packages

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Venues for Weddings in San Francisco

The 50+ Most Popular Venues for Weddings in San Francisco Ultimate Guide to the Top Venues for Weddings in San Francisco (with pricing, photos, and videos) Here is a list of the best venues for weddings in San Francisco (updated for 2022!). We are so lucky to have such a wide variety of settings in the Bay Area ranging from giant redwood groves, rustic barns, elegant historic buildings, and more, and within a short drive from San Francisco. With so many options for venues for weddings in San Francisco and throughout the Bay Area, it is inevitable I missed some so please feel free to let me know. I will periodically update this page with more photos, individual blog posts, or videos to give you the best most comprehensive information to help plan your dream wedding. If you would like my honest opinion of your venue choices feel free to CONTACT ME – happy to help! Favorite San Francisco Elopement Locations: The Mountain Terrace, Shelldance Orchid Gardens, Hastings House Garden Weddings My Personal Favorite Venues for Weddings in San Francisco: Muir WoodsShelldance Orchid GardensPalace of Fine ArtsSan Francisco City HallLegion of HonorStern GroveThe Olympic ClubThe Mountain TerraceHastings House Garden Weddings Best “Only in San Francisco” Venues for Weddings in San Francisco: Want a location that shows off that you are in San Francisco? All of these wedding venues in San Francisco have views of the Golden Gate Bridge or other San Francisco landmarks. Hornblower Cruises (SF) Rental Fee : $118 / person For one of the more unique venues for weddings in San Francisco, why not sail around the San Francisco Bay! This popular and unique excursion allows you and your guest unique views of San Francisco as well as the ability to sail under the Golden Gate Bridge for some unique photographs. In addition, their food is world class from my own experiences.  Cavallo Point (Sausalito) Rental Fee : Contact for pricing Located across the Golden Gate Bridge in Sausalito, no other wedding venues in SF shows off the Golden Gate Bridge as nicely as Cavallo Point. Sitting across a hill overlooking the Bridge and the Bay, choosing this San Francisco wedding venue will treat your guests to one of the most breathtaking views of San Francisco.  Hotel Vitale (SF) Packages : $185 – $260 / person Situated along the Embarcadero, Hotel Vitale offers a panoramic view of both the Bay Bridge and the San Francisco Bay. It is one of the few rooftop venues for weddings in San Francisco as well. Being a hotel, they offer all inclusive services for you and your guests.  Fort Mason Center (SF) Rental Fee : $1,650 – $11,000 The Fort Mason Center offers several wedding venues in SF but the most popular ones are the General’s Residence, Gallery 308, and the smaller Firehouse, each offering their own unique setting for your wedding day.  Best Outdoor Wedding Venues in San Francisco: Love to be surrounded by trees and being outdoors in nature? These are the best wedding venues in SF and beyond with gorgeous views. The Mountain Terrace (Woodside) Rental Fee : $2,500 – $4,500 (ceremony only) With decades-old trees acting as a wedding ceremony backdrop, The Mountain Terrace is the ideal setting for anyone who appreciates natural beauty and basking in the sun and fresh air. With a recently remodeled mega deck, they allow several options for outdoor and indoor receptions, making this one of my favorite wedding venues in SF. Read more about The Mountain Terrace with my walkthrough https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ibmrGG9xbac Muir Woods (Mill Valley) Permit Fee : $60 for up to 30 guests This popular elopement destination offers the perfect escape to nature by surrounding you with redwood groves all around. It is centrally located between San Francisco and Napa, allowing your out of town guests options in how they explore northern California. In addition to SF City Hall, this is one of my favorite wedding venues in SF for its simplicity and beauty for elopements and small weddings. Check out my Ultimate Guide to Planning a Wedding in Muir Woods for more details! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XHcJNX09nCk Hastings House Garden Weddings (Half Moon Bay) Packages start at : $12,000 If you are looking for a secluded “secret” garden look no further than the Hastings House Garden Weddings for your elopement! This enchanting garden only allows for a small number of guests and is seemingly made just for elopements. You need little to no decor at this wedding venue in Half Moon Bay since the beauty is all around you! Read more about Hastings House Garden Weddings with my walkthrough Shakespeare Garden (SF) Reservation Fee : $506Hourly Rate : $144 (2 hour min)Refundable Deposit : $500 One of the best places to elope in San Francisco, this small garden in Golden Gate Park allows a great setting for an intimate place to say your vows. One of the more affordable and secluded wedding venues in SF, this is also the most popular Golden Gate Park wedding venue for those wanting a more natural background. Check out this Shakespeare Garden Wedding for inspiration! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JIF4ytamSm0 Like what you see? Which venues for weddings in San Francisco fit your style? CONTACT ME TO DISCUSS SAN FRANCISCO WEDDING VENUES Old Mill Park (Mill Valley) Rental Fee : $125 – $275 / hourRefundable Deposit : $100 – $1,000 Located in Mill Valley across the Golden Gate Bridge, Old Mill Park is one of the most popular venues for weddings in San Francisco and perfect for those who love nature. They have a separate ampitheater that comes with its own staging and seating, making it a convenient wedding venue in San Francisco for large and small weddings.  Check out my Ultimate Planning Guide for an Old Mill Park Wedding SF Botanical Garden Rental Fee : $875 – $10,000 This well manicured Garden in the middle of Golden Gate Park is one of the more forgotten wedding venues in SF since Golden Gate Park is so large. With 55 acres showcasing plants from all over the world, they offer the perfect natural

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