Your wedding is one of the most important events in your life and where you have your ceremony and reception is one of the most important decisions you’ll make regarding your wedding.
Your wedding is one of the most important events in your life and where you have 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 ? Weddings are done everywhere now with wineries and vineyards being the most popular.
In this article I’ll mention a few reception venues in Mendocino in northern California above the Napa/Sonoma wine country. Ceremonies are sometimes done at the same site as the reception; often the ceremony will be held outdoors at a site, 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.
This is an absolutely beautiful part of California, and far more unspoiled than the rest of the state. You’ll find miles of magnificent coastline, small, charming towns, little B & B’s, wonderful restaurants, unique shops and a plethora of wonderful places to celebrate your nuptials. Here a five of those wedding sites.
The historic Wharf Master’s Inn located in Port Arena on the northern California coast is a charming property that is listed on the National Register of Historical Places. Point Arena is one of California’s tiniest cities and is distinguished as a historical district, and, because of the town’s location it gets more sunny days than other parts of Mendocino. There is a lovely, private, open grass center courtyard perfect for an outdoor wedding or you can choose the breathtaking bluff overlooking the Arena Cove, ideal for a small group. Their staff can provide the catering for your wedding and give you contact information for other wedding professionals in the area. The hotel rooms are different buildings with different views and most include a private balcony, jacuzzi, feather bed, and a fireplace. There are also other accommodations in the area if some of your guests prefer to stay elsewhere. (Contact them at www.wharfmasters.com.)
Next is the Fensalden Inn which is ideal for couples planning to elope. They are located in the community of Albion just off of Hwy. 1. They have packages that include everything from the bridal bouquet to the cake; it includes a limo to take you to and from a dinner the evening of your ceremony. If you prefer they have the Tavern Room where can host a small wedding, up to 12 people. For a slightly larger group of 32, the enclosed glass patio is ideal and outdoors they can handle up to 125 guests in the lawn area adjacent to the inn. (Check them out at www.fensalden.com)
Auberge Mendocino has several sites for your special day – a lovely ocean view garden, a quiet beach, Spectacular Ocean headlands, 350 acres of adjoining parklands and a restored 1860’s farmhouse and seaside cottage are yours to use for your ceremony and reception. Located about a mile south of the historic village of Mendocino they offer a serene, private setting where you can plan the wedding of your dreams. The concierge and wedding planner will work with you to ensure your dream is realized. Their staff will be happy to provide a champagne brunch, an elegant hors d’oeuvre reception, or a sit-down dinner. It’s asoull service inn with a variety of lodging options where many of the rooms are named for a variety of wine. (Visit www.aubergemendocino.com for details)
The next wedding venue in Mendocino calls itself a retreat center and a B & B. It’s the Shambhala Ranch and they specialize in all types of group hospitality. Possible sites include – a panoramic meadow, a beautiful, intimate garden and an expanse of lush lawn overlooking the pond. Their website boasts, “Tuxedos are as welcome at The Ranch as denim jeans. Our staff is available to help in creating the ambience of your choice for your Special Day. We are prepared to recommend caterers and bakeries, a wedding & event coordinator, and florists.” This location books up many months in advance so be sure to contact them as early as possible. (Contact them at www.shambhalaranch.com.)
Last, is a very unique wedding venue. Imagine getting married in a lighthouse! That’s right, you can have your ceremony at the Point Arena Lighthouse. Various sites include the Foghorn Building, the Tower, the Gazebo and other possibilities. You can rent all or part of the lighthouse for your nuptials. They also have a couple of rooms/apartments available for rent at the lighthouse also. (Visit their website at pointarenalighthouse.com for details.)
There are many more wedding venues in the Mendocino area but these will give you a start on your planning.
