Now that you and your fiancée are getting into the trenches of wedding planning, it’s time to tour wedding venues. Whatever your vision, guest count, or budget, Santa Clara has a wide variety of options when it comes to your venue.
Supporting local businesses and having a wedding in your hometown is very important to some couples so it’s essential to do your research. Set aside some weekends to tour your top options and see what works for you.
Google search “wedding venues Santa Clara” and so many different websites will pop up that will help you sort through local venues by size, price, or other parameters. HereComesTheGuide.com is a great starting place.
If you’ve lived in Santa Clara your whole life you might have already spotted a location that would be perfect for your big day. However, keep your options open. There are loads of details to consider when choosing a venue.
Santa Clara has some classic hotel options for weddings like the Hilton, Marriot, Hyatt and also the Biltmore. Hotels usually have huge ballrooms but there might be other weddings or parties happening at the same time so keep that in mind if privacy is important to you.
If you’re more of an outdoorsy type, you can also rent sites at the City and County parks. This option is pretty affordable but when you’re having an outdoor wedding. But remember that outdoor amplified music must stop at 10 p.m. in Santa Clara.
Did you have your first date at David’s, Fiorillo’s, or Mariani’s? They have spaces that can accommodate weddings. Also, Santa Clara Golf & Tennis Club and David’s work together for even more options. If you have another restaurant in mind, just call and ask them if they can host your wedding.
You can also get married at the Levi’s Stadium or the Santa Clara Convention Center. The Stadium has options of all different sizes depending on your needs. Remember that both venues host tons of events so be sure to grab your date early if you want your wedding there.
The Santa Clara Bay Club has a nature filled in-door space that could also be lovely. The water features and greenery gives you the feeling like you’re outdoors but with the security of a roof, which is great if you’re having your wedding during an unpredictable weather season.
Are you a Santa Clara University alum or you love the adobes? The Adobe Lodge at the University is a lovely outdoor option. If you are affiliated with the University you can have your ceremony at the Mission Santa Clara Church.
If you love art or historic buildings, then check out the Triton Museum or the Jamison-Brown House–just a stone throw away from each other. Both buildings have completely different vibes and there’s a rental option to get both plus the lawn space. They have a brochure for more information on their website: www.tritonmuseum.org/FacilityRentals/FR-Brochure-Color-2016.pdf
Freedom Hall & Gardens is an award-winning venue in our own backyard. They’re on the Knot’s Hall of Fame and have been on their Best of Weddings since 2007. They have tons of information on their website: www.freedomhall.com
If after reading all this, you decide you just want to get married and be done with it, head over to the Clerk-Recorder’s Office during the weekdays and for a small fee you will be married and can get on with your lives. They have a ceremony space or you can get married at the service window. Learn more here: www.sccgov.org/sites/rec/Marriage Licenses/Pages/Marriage-Ceremony-Options.aspx
Whatever kind of venue you choose, it will be perfect as long as it reflects your relationship (and budget). So good luck and don’t loose your mind.