We normally visit our California family for Thanksgiving and Easter... so in April when we went back, the top thing on our to-do list was book a reception venue!!
I had spent the winter researching our options and narrowed it down to my faves... of those our top 2 spots were our first stops!
We really liked this venue - and actually visited it while they were setting up for a wedding... It is basically a restaurant that turned wedding venue - and like their name suggests, they are right on the Sacramento River.
Capacity: 200 in their main room
Ceremony On-site option: Available
Cost for Saturday: $2,400 + additional package options
Catering: Must use on-site
Alcohol: Must use on-site
Verdict: We really liked this place but there were a few downsides for us - first that our date was booked already! Over a year in advance!!!! Our date wasn't overly firm, but after thinking about it I really did not want to budge. We also wanted an outside caterer which was not an option. And finally, there was no "in-case of rain" plan... and Northern Cali springs tend to be wet! It was a bittersweet parting because this venue did have the option of being all-in-one where they would basically take care of everything for $4,500 - but the other issues out weighed it.
Our second - premeditated -stop was to the White House.... okay, not the actual white house, but rather a very nice private home on a family owned golf course turned wedding venue.
Capacity: Tables & Seating for 200 on the lawn
Ceremony On-site option: Available
Cost for Saturday: $2,500
Catering: Must use outside vendor - kitchen available
Alcohol: Must use on-site - NO hard liquor!
Verdict: We really liked this place as well... but the lack of hard liquor options and indoor space in case of rain really turned us off. Overall this place was amazing though, the family that owns it was incredibly nice - they usually host family weddings but have decided recently to 'go pro'. The liquor issue has to do with California licences and the fact that they would be under the umbrella of the golf course. Looking back I wish we had considered it more carefully, but I am so scared it will rain!!
The venue we ended up choosing was never actually on our lists of places to see.... I was not really interested in holding our wedding anywhere with "Lodge" in the title... lol... I know *Spoiled Brat Alert*
Capacity: 200-350 depending on the arrangement
Capacity: 200-350 depending on the arrangement
Ceremony On-site option: Available
Cost for Saturday: $900 for the entire day - indoors & out
Catering: Must use outside vendor - kitchen available
Alcohol: Must use on-site
Verdict: This venue was recommended by a family friend whose daughter was married there last October - had I been in 'wedding mode' I would have insisted we go {HE was invited}... but since we hadn't gotten engaged yet we kind of blew it off - I know I know.... but it does go deeper than that - I promise to explain.... later
Cost for Saturday: $900 for the entire day - indoors & out
Catering: Must use outside vendor - kitchen available
Alcohol: Must use on-site
Verdict: This venue was recommended by a family friend whose daughter was married there last October - had I been in 'wedding mode' I would have insisted we go {HE was invited}... but since we hadn't gotten engaged yet we kind of blew it off - I know I know.... but it does go deeper than that - I promise to explain.... later
Since the price was almost 1/3 of all the other locations it was pretty much a shoo-in... My favorite part is that we can have an outdoor or indoor reception depending on the weather... although, if we want to go outside we can use their tables but will have to rent/borrow chairs... No biggie! Plus there is hard liquor and open catering policy! Yay!
We actually mis-read the contract and thought our caterer could bring the 'drinks' but apparently that just means SOFT drinks... which is a pretty big disapointment since they want $160 for a keg (fees, taxes, gratuity, etc) that would nornally cost $90.... but even if we drank 5 kegs by some miracle that would really only be an additional $350 which we are saving on the location fee anyways!
So far this venue has NOT been all sunshine and rainbows... but I am trying to make the best of our 'lesser of evils' that seems to be our venue choices...
Anyone else have a tough time choosing a venue?
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