Wedding Location -- Need Ideas

When my husband and I got married, we really tried to stick to a budget. We didn't have a lot of money to spend, so looked around for good deals on most things, but wanted to spend a little more on certain items that were more important to us as a couple. We had our ceremony at St. Peter's chapel on Mare Island in Vallejo. I don't know what the fee is now, but when we got married (8 years ago) it was a $500 "donation". We held are reception at the Veteran's Hall in Benicia (a $300 "donation"). You also might try a park setting if your event will be smallish. Then you could have the ceremony and reception at the same location? Anyway, we used Victoria's Designs (in Benicia) for flowers. She charged half as much as any other florist we looked at, and she included all the set up and clean up. We got our cake at Little Mya's Bakery in Vallejo. Delicious! and very reasonable. The areas we wanted to slurge on were the food and our photographer. Our caterer opened a resturant and no longer does weddings, but our photographer was Eileen Fahy (Valljeo). She was great! Here's a link to her website. http://www.efahyphoto.com/Portfolio.html
I found that when I was planning our wedding most wedding vendors (caterers, photographer, florists, DJ's, etc.) knew, and had worked with, each other before. They were able to give me referrals and recommendations based on my budget and what I was looking for. When you are looking around, ask lots of questions. Good luck!

Hi--It is really funny, but the first place I thought of was St. Peter's as mentioned by your other responder! It is really small and pretty. I didn't know it would cost $500 though. My friend got married recently in the Tannery Building in Benicia. It was a place called Imagine. They had a lovely room looking out over the water and because she had more guests, there was also a room down the hall that she used for the overflow when it was time to eat. I don't know who did the catering, but she had a very light meal of interesting finger foods and then cake and champagne. It really doesn't have to be elaborate to be lovely. Her wedding, including all the dresses for her and her 2 daughters, hubby's tux, flowers, food, music, photos, etc. was under $5000. Having just been through a $40,000 circus of a wedding with my son and his bride, I think your daughter is right to stick to what she wants and the rest of the folks will just have to deal. Good luck!

Hi D.,

I have a beautiful place to suggest right in your back yard - Rush Ranch, part of the Solano Land Trust. I had a business meeting there but it is very appropriate for a reception. It's very affordable (they should charge more) and has GORGEOUS views. You would need to have a caterer as they do not do the catering, but do have a small kitchen. Weather permitting, you might be able to have the ceremony outdoors. Also, if you time the ceremony after lunch and before dinner, a simple reception with cake and punch would do. This location would certainly make for a memorable event.

From Highway 12 turn onto Grizzly Island Road. Go about 2 miles. You'll think you're lost. Keep going. They have a large sign at the driveway. The parking lot is dirt, but don't let it fool you. The facility is about one year old. They were incredibly professional and polite with my event. In fact, I've scheduled another one there too.

Here's their link:
http://www.solanolandtrust.org/o_l_rushRanchFacilities.php

What about the Suisun Waterfront. It's very pretty. There may be a restaurant that can seat 30 in a banquet room.

The hotel by Mimi's at the Mall (I think it's a Hilton) has a nicely decorated room and courtyard. Hotels can get pricey though.

Good luck.

Also a mom of three, grandma of two, age 57

These are my ideas: The Empress Theater in Vallejo ###-###-#### is unusual, a lovely Art Deco theater that does host weddings, Alex's Caterer's is right next door and is excellent. ###-###-#### Alex's could be used for any of these ideas.
Napa Inn Bed and Breakfast ###-###-#### has package deals for small weddings that include use of parlor or gardens, help with finding officiates, small cake/champagne, photographer, bridal bouquet, etc.
The Mare Island HIstoric Park Foundation offers St. Peter's Chapel (with real Tiffany windows) for weddings at $700. You can also rent the Admiral's Mansion for $850 for 7 hours or for $1050 have the wedding ceremony and reception there. Contact Dave Smith ###-###-#### Again, I would recommend Alex's for catering.
At this late date it will be a matter of finding an available place. Your best bet might be the Empress Theater--don't rule it out until you see it, I think it could be very special.
Another idea would be to have the wedding at St. Peter's and then the dinner on site at Alex's Catering. They are not far away from each other. Alex's has a nice intimate room for private parties, not sure how many they can accomodate. Let me know what you find out.

You might look into the Fairfield Community Center. I don't know what they would charge, but they do rent it out.