My fiance and I want to have a small ( 40 people) wedding this summer. Any sugguestions?

Question

We would like to have something outdoors or close to it. ( No beaches) Maybe in a garden. It has to be in N. California so we are looking into places like Napa or Lake Tahoe areas ( driving distance from San Francisco). Its short notice but going to a chapel, vegas or the courthouse are out of the question. ( and no I am not pregnant )

Answer 1

Wineries are a great idea. Beautiful scenerary. Very intimate setting.

http://www.winelabels.org/cal2002.htm
http://www.napavintners.com/wineries/index.html
http://www.thelodgeatcalistoga.com/html/california-wineries-sonoma-pkg.asp

You also are near several national parks. You could find out what type of permits are required for you to get married at Yosimite.

http://www.nps.gov/state/ca/
http://gocalifornia.about.com/od/canorth/Northern_California.htm

A friend of mine works for the local park service and she could pick between all the local parks. Should be under "county" (or perhaps "city") in your phone book. Those are relatively inexpensive. Often they are on lakes or have large ponds on the grounds. Frequently there is already a focal point like a gazebo.

There are many public gardens around too. Not really sure where you live but check these out. Gardens are especially beautiful this time of year. I live in NC and many people get married in Duke Gardens each weekend. They are beautiful and have lots of areas that would make an ideal setting.

http://www.gardenbythesea.org/
http://garden.org/public_gardens/

Ask around. If either of you goes to church, ask people in your church to name suggestions. Also ask recent brides. I found my caterer and photographer through recent brides whose fathers work with my dad. Also ask around in your neighborhood. Everyone getting married/recent brides want(s) to talk about their wedding. They can give lots of ideas of places they've seen and since they know exactly where you live.

It's going to be a gorgeous wedding. Small weddings are far more personal and you can tailor it to really suit you and your fiance.

Answer 2

We had a small wedding at a campground that had a spring fed river running through it they had a small meeting room we used for a reception, they had a restraunt on site that catered it. There was a nice stone stairway to walk down the isle that led to a view of the river. We also looked at Bed and Breakfast in Texas where we live. A Bed and Breakfast is a much less expensive way to go than a hotel. Just do a search for the area you want I am sure there are a ton of them by Lake Tahoe. http://www.mthighweddings.com/ try this link.

Answer 3

Here is a small wedding Idea. Take your Future Husband, Best Man and Maid of Honor with a ministe all to a beach or a special place in you all's heart. Then get married there all the while video taping the service. Saying thank you to all of your friends and family after you have been kissed and ceremony is over.

Then go to a public meeting place where your reception can be where your 40 or so people could be at and let them watch the video of your ceremony without you anywhere in sight. Let the Best man show it. When the tape is over, have the minister take center stage and have him say... it gives me the privilige to be the first to present Mr. & Mrs ... Then you to walk in and have a lovely reception with your guest.

Answer 4

I would also suggest the apple hill area (near placerville). Our wedding is going to be similar in size (though we decided to have it in Indiana where his family his). I found a lot of the apple hill places, including some small wineries, had much more affordable prices than Lake Tahoe or Napa. Good luck!

Answer 5

Hi and congratulations! I love your suggestion to maintain matters small. However, I'm burdened!!! How does it maintain expenditures low, if, correctly, you're going to be having to journey in your mountain vacation spot and (I presume) have a small reception proper after the rite within the mountains. THEN, have an additional amassing/reception in a while while you go back? Those persons coming to the moment reception will nonetheless want invites. You will (once more, I presume) be having meals, a DJ, cake, and so on. the entire constant marriage ceremony reception "matters." So....why now not do a small, intimate loved ones best rite to your small the town after which have a better reception THAT SAME night time? Again, I do comprehend while persons wish to maintain expenditures down and feature a small marriage ceremony, however, to me, this does not sound like you're going to be saving ANY cash! In reality, spending extra to visit the mountains. If you wish to simply have the mountain rite and reception, then, sure, with a purpose to store greatly. Good success and I desire you will have a lovely marriage ceremony and reception!

Answer 6

There are alot of great places in the N California area. The palace of fine arts in the city rents out for aorund $150 an hour and you cna hold both reception and ceremony there.

Try going to this link www.herecomestheguide.com

I found alot of great sites there.

Answer 7

I only had about 40 ppl at my wedding and it was great. I could actually talk to my guests and spend time with them. I dont know cali very well so I cant suggest any places, but I do support your small outdoor wedding.

Answer 8

Have your wedding at a winery. They always have a nice place with a view. It will be memorable and not that expensive. Maybe you could have some appetizers and wine after the ceremony.

Answer 9

sorry, i dont know any north carolina places but i just wanted to say congratulations and i hope everything goes well!

but i would suggest a garden or maybe even on a beach

Answer 10

how about a park that has a nice view and not lots of bugs. pic will keep the meories