Your wedding is one of the most important events in your life and the wedding venue you choose for your ceremony and reception is one of the most important decisions you’ll make regarding your wedding.
A winery, a beach, a vineyard, a ballroom, a Victorian home, or ? Wedding venues can be found just about everywhere now with wineries and vineyards being the most popular.
In this article I’ll mention a few beautiful wedding venues near the Livermore area in California. Ceremonies are sometimes done at the same site as the reception; often the ceremony will be held outdoors at one venue, then move (but on the same property) so the reception is done inside. Many ceremonies are still done in churches and the receptions are being held just about anywhere.
The Livermore area is an up and coming part of California’s wine regions. It’s located about an hour southeast of San Francisco and has many small boutique wineries. I actually prefer it to the larger commercial wineries in the Napa/Sonoma area. I used to just drive through this area quickly on my way to/from San Francisco. Recently my parents moved there so I’ve discovered many places to enjoy when I’m in the area. Some are excellent places to use as a wedding venue.
The first beautiful wedding venue is Elliston Vineyards – it’s actually a short drive from both Livermore and Pleasanton in the tiny community of Sunol. In the late 1800’s, Henry Ellis, a Gold Rush pioneer, built an estate in a prime location – a sheltered canyon set between two tree-covered ridges. He constructed a three-story mansion built from the thick sandstone from nearby Niles Canyon.
Today, this historic homestead is now surrounded by sprawling vineyards, and is a popular venue for weddings, receptions and private parties. Outdoor ceremonies can be held amid a garden abloom with native flora and featuring a large lawn and arbor. A short walk from the garden area takes you to the newly renovated Terrace Room, which is a secluded 2,000-square-foot banquet room set right into the hillside.
Its glass walls and vaulted ceiling give off a feeling of spaciousness, while the surrounding deck allows dining al fresco at tables shaded with colorful umbrellas. And, there is a Victorian gazebo located by the deck and just large enough to seat a small bridal party, or, a group of musicians.
Various setting will accommodate up to 225 guests. The catering and drink service are both provided by Elliston and there are parking attendants to handle your guests’ cars. This site is surrounded by olive trees, eucalyptus and large oak trees. I was simply charmed when I visited this lovely wedding venue. (Visit elliston.com for more information.)
The next beautiful wedding venue is the Palm Event Center in Pleasanton; it is located in a 110 acre winery estate. The atmosphere is all Mediterranean and offers views of both Ruby Hill and Mt. Hamilton. Guests arrive via a lovely drive lined with palm trees and end up facing an imposing yet majestic winery. The adjacent Palm Event Center was constructed with antique bricks from the Ruby Hill Winery.
Stepping into the Ballroom you’ll pass through The Palm’s massive redwood doors, built by a master carpenter from wine barrels aged for over 50 years. Inside, twenty foot-ceilings and Italian tile floors set off the massive room, and, from its tall Roman windows you can see the tops of the palm trees. A sleek black and tan granite bar, two 800-pound tables and French oak wine barrels add to the atmosphere of this venue. The cavernous Barrel Room, full – yes! of wine barrels – adds another setting for extra activities.
It’s crisp, cool and has the pleasing odor of ripening vintages. The various indoor and outdoor sites can handle from 350 to 900 guests. Both catering and bar service are provided. Valet parking is required when there are over 275 guests. There is also a bride’s dressing area. (Please visit palmeventcenter.com for details.)
Another beautiful wedding venue is the Purple Orchid Inn and Spa. I can’t think of a more relaxing and peaceful place for a wedding ceremony. Surrounded by ranches and vineyards with low hills in the background, this very special inn is an ideal place for a family wedding.
The Purple Orchid Inn and Spa can be exclusively yours for either bridal or private events. Although in a country setting full of olive trees, rose bushes, orchids, ivy and ferns, the grounds are beautifully groomed. The guestroom doors are of carved wood, and the fountain and waterfall add to a serene and peaceful setting.
The bride will make a dramatic entrance from a staircase leading, either, to the dining room with French doors thrown open to the pool and fountain, or to the garden under an arch of lavender. 50 to over 300 guests can enjoy the festivities at this location. For smaller occasions, the Boardroom holds 12 seated, and, the Sera Festino Retreat up to 26 seated guests. Both bar service and catering are provided by the competent staff who will work with you to provide a memorable wedding. (Visit purpleorchid.com for additional information.)
All of the wedding venues book up very quickly, sometimes 18 to 24 months in advance. Please be sure to reserve your site as early as possible.
There are many more beautiful wedding venues in the Livermore Wine Country. These are just a few places to get you started in looking at the various sites in this wonderful area.
