Elevate Your Bay Area Wedding: Why Discerning Couples Choose MHE

Planning the perfect wedding can be a daunting task, especially when you’re searching for a venue that epitomizes timeless elegance, serene beauty, and convenience. If you’re a Bay Area couple in search of that perfect blend, Mountain House Estate in Northern California, specifically Cloverdale, just 1.3 hours away, beckons as an impeccable choice for your special day.

Here are the compelling reasons why discerning couples choose Mountain House Estate:

A Picturesque Oasis Amidst the Bay Area Bustle

Escape the urban frenzy and embrace the tranquility of Mountain House Estate. Nestled in the heart of the Alexander Valley and just 16 miles north of Healdsburg, this hidden gem offers a breathtaking setting, including lush gardens, vineyard vistas, and a serene pond. The result? A natural backdrop that transforms your wedding day into an enchanting fairytale. Even though it may feel far away from the bustling city life of Oakland, this idyllic location is worth the journey.

Convenient Location: A Wedding Venue Easily Accessible from the Bay Area

Your dream holiday wedding should be within reach, not hundreds of miles away. Mountain House Estate’s prime location, just over an hour’s drive from the Bay Area, presents an ideal blend of accessibility and destination allure. Your guests will appreciate the ease of joining you for your destination wedding celebration without the stress of extensive travel.

Plan Your Wedding Week at Mountain House Estate

We’ve created this helpful map so you can visualize your wedding experience at our mountain venue. Plan a hiking excursion, go wine tasting, visit our local secret spots, and make your wedding an unforgettable experience.

Tailored Excellence for Your Unique Love Story

Mountain House Estate understands that no two love stories are the same. Their dedicated team excels in curating your perfect day, from the initial consultation to the final farewell. With customizable packages and personalization at the forefront, your wedding day becomes a reflection of your unique journey together.

Mountain House Estate Lodging Options

Rentals include private access to the pond areas and grounds. All units have full kitchens, WiFi, and smart TVs: all the comforts of home!

The All-Inclusive Advantage

Planning your wedding is a breeze at Mountain House Estate. This stunning venue provides everything you need, including a captivating ceremony site, a spacious barn with ample capacity for receptions, a picturesque pond perfect for photography, and on-site lodging options. With all your wedding essentials conveniently located in one enchanting location, your planning journey is sure to be effortless.

The Luxury of Privacy

Exclusivity is a cherished luxury at Mountain House Estate. You and your guests will have sole access to the property on your special day. This ensures an intimate, private experience that’s solely about you and your loved ones, making it a truly unique and memorable occasion.

Awards, Accolades, and a Proven Legacy

Mountain House Estate’s commitment to excellence in the hills has earned it numerous awards and accolades. You can trust that your wedding will be in the capable hands of a seasoned team, backed by a reputation for exceptional service and extraordinary beauty.

Searching for Woodside CA California Wedding Venues?

We’re glad you’re here! Many couples searching for a venue in Woodside CA, San Ramon, and San Jose stumble upon Mountain House Estate.

Discover Why Couples Choose Mountain House Estate

Couples searching for wedding venues in Woodside, CA, may indeed be interested in Mountain House Estate, especially if they are seeking an outdoor wedding venue with a rustic and picturesque setting. Mountain House Estate’s beautiful location and features, including its adjacent winery, may appeal to those looking for a serene and nature-oriented backdrop for their special day.

What’s Included

Property & Venue

• Exclusive use of our 40-acre property on your wedding day.

Lodging

• We have lodging options right next door that can sleep up to 34 guests in five separate homes.

Engagement Photoshoot

• Book your wedding with us and schedule a time to visit the property for a 2-3 hour engagement or bridal photo shoot.

Choice of Ceremony and Reception Sites

• We have many indoor and outdoor options for your ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception, including the Oak Tree Terrace, the Pond, and our Indoor Barn. Our indoor spaces are climate-controlled and have ADA gender-neutral bathrooms suitable for up to 250 guests. We provide space heaters to keep your guests comfortable if you have an outdoor reception when it’s cold.

Planning App

• We have a state-of-the-art event planning platform for free. We use Allseated, a software you and your wedding planner can use to create floor plans to scale, seating charts, tables, chairs, decor, manage guest lists, and much more.

Wedding Vendors

• We have a carefully curated list of wedding professionals, but we also allow you to bring in your vendors of choice. Clients can choose vendors not on the list but should discuss it with us first. We don’t take kickbacks or commissions from vendors as some other venues do, so this is our honest feedback and insight.

Getting Ready Suites

• We have three separate Ready Rooms to ensure that everyone has their own space to get ready and relax, do hair and makeup, and take gorgeous photos. The Juliet Prep Room is included in all packages, and the Oasis and Hangout can be added separately.

Other Fees After Signing Contract

• Absolutely not. We have no hidden, corkage, or other fees that many other wedding venues charge. We do not get any “kickbacks” for vendors we recommend.

Extra Hours

• You can add on additional early prep hours or late hours if you want to party later :)

Lighting Features

• Our indoor lighting includes custom-built, dimmable lights and Edison bulbs, which make a great photo opp. Our outdoor market lights on the patio and lawn make for great wedding photos at dusk and nighttime too. Our trees, vineyard, and barn include uplighting.

Fire Pits, Music, and Entertainment

• There is a lot of built-in value here. We include two fire pits and supply the propane. Our venue also has an amazing, built-in surround sound speaker system for music and speeches. For keepsakes, we include a freestanding selfie photo booth. We also have two dance floors, one inside the Grand Ballroom and the other on the Patio. Our venue has high-speed WiFi, which is great for live streaming your wedding and your guests posting your #weddinghashtag on their social media (unless you prefer an unplugged wedding). Finally, we provide many lawn games, including Connect 4, Corn Hole, and Giant Jenga.

Food & Alcohol

• BYOB – beer, wine & mixed drinks allowed. There is no required alcohol purchase, saving you tons of money. We have several recommended caterers and also allow food trucks. Our venue has a dedicated concrete pad for food trucks to park. For your caterer, we have a dedicated caterers prep kitchen, saving you lots of money with your caterer.

Photo Opportunities

• We have dozens of locations on the property for your photo ops. Your wedding photos will have a wide range of backdrops. Our photo opportunities are one of the top reasons couples choose us – they’re simply incomparable to other venues.

Tables and Chairs

• We have plenty of stylish tables and chairs to seat 250 guests. Fifteen 60″ round tables, Four 72″ round tables, Four 8′ x 30″ rectangular tables, twenty 6′ x 30″ rectangular tables, four 4′ x 30″ rectangular tables (use for sweetheart table, guest book, cake, displays), five 30″ round by 42.5″ tall cocktail tables, 150 white resin chairs.

Furniture and Large Decor Items

• Heptagon and triangle arches, market umbrellas, stylish bar stools, moveable wine barrels, three sets of gorgeous lounge furniture, and more.

Rehearsal Time

• We include a 90-minute rehearsal time for you by appointment.

Smoking/Vaping Area

• We have a stylish smoking and vaping area called the Smokin’ Olive Lounge. There is also a Cigar Bar.

Parking Attendant and Security

• We offer complimentary parking in our lit, gated parking lot with a parking attendant to help guests. We include a security attendant to keep your guests safe in case something happens or someone overindulges so that your night stays on track and uninterrupted, filled with incredible memories only.

Payment Plan

• We accept a $1500 initial payment, then monthly payments are available. Most venues do not accept payment plans.

Sustainability Efforts

• We use sustainable practices on our property and upcycle materials when we can. Many upcycled materials are repurposed around the property. These materials, both indoors and outdoors, provide fantastic photo opportunities. Our gardens implement water conservation and use recycled materials.

Safety Details

• We are legally permitted. Many venues in the area are not and get shut down, which puts the couples in trouble to find another venue on short notice. Also, we carry commercial insurance for your safety and protection. Our staff is CPR & AED certified. Also, if the power goes out, we have a backup generator to keep the party going.

What We Don’t Include

• Your wedding planner and other wedding vendors, including catering, additional decor, and insurance ($100-$200). If you want us to include vendors, we can create an all-inclusive wedding package for you. Most of our wedding couples hire catering, photography, an officiant, florals, DJ.

Hear it From Our Couples.

Jillian and Justin, a Bay Area couple, celebrated their wedding at Mountain House Estate with a deep connection to the beautiful California they fell in love with. Jillian shared, “For me, that was wine country with a beautiful backdrop.” Their wedding was a remarkable, vibrant affair that deftly showcased a bold color scheme.

Jillian graced the occasion in an exquisite wedding gown from BHLDN, perfectly harmonizing with the vibrant and joyful floral arrangements envisioned by her mother. Jillian revealed her desire for a unique color palette, especially considering her diverse bridal party. She explained, “I didn’t want to do the generic color schemes that I normally saw, and with my bridal party being women of color and a beautiful gay man, I wanted colors that would be rich and pop against their skin.” Notably, credit goes to one of her bridesmaids, Brittany, a bridal fashion designer, for crafting the stunning custom bridesmaid ensembles.

Mountain House Estate captivated the couple due to its expansive and secluded nature, natural beauty, flexibility with outside vendors, and proximity to wine tasting. Jillian and Justin added their personal touch by exchanging vows privately and incorporating only the traditions that held special meaning to them.

They managed their budget wisely through resourcefulness, such as Jillian’s mother handling the flowers, purchasing alcohol from Costco, hosting a simple rehearsal dinner with pizza and wine, creating their table settings, and opting for simplified table settings with disposable dinnerware. Congratulations to Jillian and Justin on their memorable day!

Vendors

• Photography: Cheers Babe Photo
• Venue: Mountain House Estate
• Coordination: Stacey Goods Farm & Events
• Cake: My Flour Girl
• Catering: Yay!Paella
• Wedding Dress: BHLDN
• Bridesmaids Dresses: Brittany Christina

Where should I start my research for Bay Area wedding venues?

🗒️ Answer

1. Online Searches: Begin with online searches using keywords like “Bay Area wedding venues,” “San Francisco wedding locations,” or specific areas you’re interested in, such as “Napa Valley wedding venues.”
2. Wedding Directories: Explore wedding directories and websites that list venues, such as The Knot, WeddingWire, and Yelp. These platforms provide reviews, photos, and contact information for various venues.
3. Social Media: Visit social media platforms like Instagram and Pinterest to discover real wedding photos at different venues. This can help you visualize what each location has to offer. Click here to see our Instagram.
4. Venue Websites: Once you’ve identified potential venues, visit their official websites. Look for information about pricing, available dates, capacity, and any special features they offer.
5. Virtual Tours: Many venues offer virtual tours on their websites. These tours provide a detailed look at the property and facilities, which can be particularly helpful if you’re unable to visit in person.
6. In-Person Visits: If possible, schedule in-person visits to your shortlisted venues. This will give you a firsthand feel for the atmosphere and help you make an informed decision.
7. Reviews and Recommendations: Read reviews from couples who have hosted their weddings at these venues. Personal experiences can provide valuable insights.
8. Budget Considerations: Keep your budget in mind and ask venues about their pricing and what’s included in their packages.
9. Vendor Coordination: Check whether the venue has vendor restrictions or preferred vendors. Some venues may require you to choose from a list of approved vendors.
10. Legal and Logistics: Ensure that you understand the legal and logistical aspects of hosting a wedding at each venue, such as permits, catering options, and guest accommodations.

🌐 Sources

1. AlsoAsked: People Also Ask keyword research tool
2. How to search on Google – Google
3. FTC’s Endorsement Guides: What People Are Asking

What are the best local experiences for my destination wedding?

Sonoma Wine Country, renowned for its idyllic vineyards and exceptional wineries, offers an array of captivating destinations perfect for your memorable wedding adventure. Here are some of the finest places to explore:

1. Napa Valley: Discover the neighboring Napa Valley, celebrated for its world-class wineries and breathtaking landscapes. Consider this as a scenic pre-wedding tour.
2. Sonoma Plaza: The historic heart of Sonoma beckons with its quaint town square, featuring charming boutique shops, delectable restaurants, and inviting wine tasting rooms. Ideal for a pre-wedding gathering.
3. Russian River: Take in the picturesque Russian River, where you can enjoy canoeing, kayaking, and delightful picnicking opportunities. Consider a scenic river photoshoot with your bridal party.
4. Wine Tasting Tours: Embark on wine tasting tours to savor the finest wines from local vineyards, setting the stage for your wine-themed wedding.
5. Bodega Bay: Venture to the exquisite coastal town of Bodega Bay, offering delectable seafood dining options and enchanting coastal views. Perfect for a rehearsal dinner with a view.
6. Jack London State Historic Park: Explore the former home of renowned author Jack London, nestled in the romantic Valley of the Moon. Consider it as a unique location for your engagement photoshoot.
7. Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve: Walk hand in hand among the towering redwoods in this serene natural reserve, providing a breathtaking backdrop for your wedding photography.

1. Healdsburg: A charming town known for its lively town square filled with boutique shops, art galleries, and a selection of remarkable restaurants. Ideal for wedding guests to explore.
2. Muir Woods National Monument: Just a short drive away, this enchanting park is home to towering redwood trees, creating a picturesque setting for an intimate ceremony.
3. Calistoga: Renowned for its mineral water spas and therapeutic mud baths, it’s the perfect place for pre-wedding relaxation and pampering.

See our map above for more local activities and restaurants.

Sources

1. Russian River Valley Winegrowers
2. Visit Bodega Bay
3. Jack London State Historic Park
4. Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve
5. Healdsburg Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau
6. Muir Woods National Monument
7. Visit Calistoga
8. Sebastiani Vineyards and Winery
9. Robert Mondavi Winery
10. Kenwood Vineyards
11. Hanzell Vineyards
12. Viansa Sonoma Winery
13. Matanzas Creek Winery
14. Ravenswood Winery
15. Glen Ellen, California
16. Buena Vista Winery
17. Lake Sonoma Recreation Area

Discover Your Dream Wedding Venue Today

In the vast sea of Bay Area wedding venues, your search ends here. Mountain House Estate awaits, ready to transform your dream wedding into a reality. It’s time to witness the perfect blend of natural beauty, historic charm, and modern amenities. Take the next step by scheduling a tour of Mountain House Estate. Your extraordinary journey begins now.