Five picks for weddings Five picks for weddings (February 05, 2003)

Wedding venues for a unique experience

by Sue Dremann

Whether planning a small, intimate wedding on a low budget, or going all-out for a crowd of 300 guests, the Peninsula has a lot to offer the soon-to-be-married. Most venues can take reservations a year in advance, and many are booked months in advance. Do check for cancellations, though. Here are five picks culled from the crowd that offer something a little different for a unique wedding experience:

Holbrook-Palmer Park, Atherton

Tucked away on a quiet side street, this old Atherton estate offers 22 acres of open space amid a historic setting that is perfect for a more informal wedding. In addition to a classically designed house, the attractive property includes an 1896 carriage house and 1870s water tower.

Mature oak and conifer trees stud the property, and the main house patio is equipped with a wedding arbor. Framed by trees, the space can seat up to 200 guests.

The main reception room in the house holds 60 seated guests and 100 standing, while a modern pavilion can accommodate up to 200 guests, including outside seating, which includes an additional patio area. The rustic carriage house is also available for renting, as is an adjacent field.

One of the best features of Holbrook-Palmer is a playground perfect for keeping young guests entertained.

The staff is also very accommodating. Once, they even set up a Hawaiian wedding complete with hula dancers and a tropical backdrop. "The couple wanted to hold the wedding in Hawaii, but many of their guests couldn't go there. We created Hawaii here, complete with the fresh flowers," said Jean Cardona, facilities coordinator. Fees run $2,800-$3,500. Contact Jean Cardona at (650) 752-0534. www.ci.atherton.ca.us.gov

Los Altos History Museum, Los Altos

A wedding among gardens and changing exhibits from Silicon Valley's agricultural past make for a one-of-a-kind wedding experience. Guests dine amid the exhibits and collections, some of which are on loan from major institutions, such as the Smithsonian. The rustic, wood-planked building has an appealing interior with vaulted ceilings.

Landscaped with attractive gardens and oak trees, the property contains a 1905 Craftsman-style farm house, which provides a quaint backdrop for memorable photos. At one end of the brick courtyard, a redwood pergola sets the stage for the wedding vows amid the gardens and potted flowers.

Indoor seating for the ceremony or reception holds 100, and outdoor seating accommodates 200 guests. Clients arrange their own catering and alcohol. A number of wedding ceremony and reception packages are available. Fees range from $600 to $2,500. Contact Mary Ann Poulos, events coordinator, at (650) 948-9427, ext. 12. www.losaltoshistory.org

Elizabeth F. Gamble Garden, Palo Alto

Serenity, beauty and elegance mark the wedding planned at Elizabeth F. Gamble Garden. The former estate of the granddaughter of the co-founder of the Procter and Gamble Company houses an array of formal and informal gardens, including a Victorian grotto, rose garden and sage garden with specimens from throughout the world.

The gardens create an elegant backdrop for the small wedding. A white gazebo is a popular location for wedding vows among the flowers and scented herbs. The 1902 home has been carefully restored, and clients can rent the dining room, library and drawing room for receptions. A tea house and the carriage house are set up for hors d'oeuvres, beverages and receptions.

Both ceremony and reception capacity are capped at 50 guests. Fees range from $950 for an 8-hour block on Saturdays to $50 and $75 an hour on weekdays, with a capacity of 30 to 50 guests, depending on the day. A horse-drawn carriage can also be arranged to escort the bride and groom in style. Contact Gabrielle Gross, events coordinator, at (650) 329-1356, ext. 26. www.gamblegarden.org

Thomas Fogarty Winery and Vineyards, Woodside

Sweeping views of the bay and the peninsula from the top of Skyline, an array of wines made on the premises and a pavilion suspended over chardonnay vineyards make a wedding at Thomas Fogarty an experience with all of the major ingredients that the Bay Area offers.

Receptions can be held on the outdoor covered redwood pavilion against the backdrop of vineyard, woodland and Bay view, or inside at the "hill house," which is built into the hillside. Guests are greeted by a stone fireplace, fine woodwork and a wine bar. Indoor seating allows guests a spectacular view at sunset that stretches for miles. Both the pavilion and hill house accommodate 220 guests each. If a dance floor is desired, the hill house then fits 180 comfortably.

Ceremonies are held in the winery's "garden" -- a wide expanse of lawn at the top of the ridge. It accommodates 200 seated guests.

Wines from the vineyard are supplied, but there is no hard liquor served. Catering and music are selected from a preferred list. Facility fees are $4,500 during the winter and spring months, and run $6,000-$6,900 from May to mid-November. Contact Brooke Greene or Christina Alioto, event coordinators, at (650) 851-6777, www.fogartywinery.com

Ralston Hall Mansion at Notre Dame de Namur University, Belmont

A bit further out of the immediate area, Ralston Hall Mansion offers a wedding of refined opulence. A National Historic Landmark, this Victorian mansion was once owned by William Chapman Ralston, founder of the Bank of California.

Entering the foyer, guests are greeted by an intricately patterned hardwood floor and lavish crystal chandelier. A sweeping staircase leads to an opera box gallery, where brides toss their bouquet to the guests below.

The ballroom is encircled by mirrored walls. Three crystal chandeliers hang gracefully over the room. There are a variety of setups and rooms to choose from.

The Ralston lawn and fountain area is an attractive ceremony spot, with the elegant mansion as a backdrop. Ceremony capacity is 200, and reception capacity is 200 seated, 300 standing guests. Catering is from a preferred list. Alcohol is arranged through the caterer. An 8-hour rental costs $4,500 to $6,500, and an event supervisor is included. Contact Lisa Simpson, event coordinator, at (650) 508-3501. www.ralstonhall.com