Best Venues For A Fall Wedding In Sacramento

The Daily Meal Staff|Sept. 2, 2014 7:00 am EST

Many couples plan their nuptials for the summery months of May and June, but that season in Sacramento frequently means scorching temperatures and bridal parties drenched in sweat. By contrast, autumn in the region often brings weather that is more temperate and a rich color palette of seasonal foliage. Best of all, there are generally fewer couples competing to score the best caterer, photographer and — most importantly — that perfect venue for your most special day.

Wisteria Gardens
9860 Sheldon Road
Elk Grove, CA 95624
(916) 686-2711
wisteriagardens.net

If an elegant wedding at "Downton Abbey" makes your heart sing, you need only drive to Elk Grove to make your dreams come true. Wisteria is a palatial private estate on three secluded acres, with fountains, intricate wrought iron arches and a gazebo overlooking a pool lit with floating candles. Guests can stroll across manicured lawns, exploring fountains and vine-draped arbors, and then sip champagne in the dappled sunlight of the estate's lush gardens. A covered gazebo is perfect for dancing and an ornate spiral staircase is a gorgeous spot for photographs of the happy couple. The bride and groom can stay at the estate in the Camelot honeymoon suite, which includes a full kitchen, European-style furniture and a Juliet window looking out over the grounds. Or opt for Guinevere's cottage, with a claw foot tub, luxurious bedding and a private outdoor garden.

Beatnik Studios
723 S St.
Sacramento, CA 95811
(916) 400-4281
www.beatnik-studios.com

If avant-garde and creative nuptials suit your style, this cool, unique spot will be just the ticket. Beatnik is a vast, dynamic space for artists and photographers, where traditional brick, warmth and romance combines perfectly with the modern sensibilities of skylights and steel. The venue is an excellent canvas for the wedding of your dreams, and is sure to please both you and your delighted guests. Beatnik is happy to recommend talented local caterers, florists and other vendors but there is no pressure to stick to the businesses it mentions. Beatnik does offer a great deal if you choose to use one of the studios' gifted in-house photographers.

Vizcaya
2019 21st St.
Sacramento, CA 95818
(916) 594-9285
www.vizcayasacramento.com

With striking architecture and elegant settings, Vizcaya is a lovely spot for your autumn ceremony. The well-groomed grounds, lovely gardens and burbling fountain are perfect for outdoor nuptials, but the indoor spaces are gorgeous if weather conditions are a concern. The indoor pavilion is stylish and graced with high ceilings, stained glass and crystal clear windows from floor to ceiling. On-staff wedding planners make the process worry free, so your time before, during and after the event can be joyous rather than stressful. Packages include a wedding cake, dance floor and food created by Vizcaya's award-winning chef. The property has a bed and breakfast that is a designated historical landmark, and the happy couple gets a complimentary night in the honeymoon suite.

Scribner Bend Vineyards
9051 River Road
Sacramento, CA 95832
(916) 744-1803
www.scribnerbend.com

Enjoy the ambience of Tuscany right here along the Sacramento River at the lush vineyards of family-owned Scribner Bend. The wines have won numerous awards, but the grounds and wedding services are worthy of high praise as well. Pastoral and picturesque, the venue creates a joyful, relaxing mood for your most special of days. A 100-year-old barn has been remodeled into a beautiful modern two-story tasting room with a lovely bridal loft. Fall is a perfect time of year to for your ceremony in the vineyard gardens, and what better way to celebrate your timeless love than by saying "I do" under the canopy of a century-old walnut tree. A champagne wedding brunch, including the winery's own sparkling almond wine, is just one of the elegant and fun options. For a memorable splash, make a grand entrance to your reception through the vast barn doors.

Ancient Future
2331 K St.
Sacramento, CA 95816
(916) 476-3754
www.ancientfuturenow.com

This unique urban sanctuary offers nondenominational nuptial ceremonies both indoors and out in a joyous, serene and picturesque setting. Wedding packages include the talents of a certified event consultant, beautiful flowers and boutonniere for the happy couple and other personalized services. Anyone who has dined at the phenomenal onsite 24K Café will be thrilled to have the restaurant handle refreshments for the big day with creative, delectable meals, appetizers and desserts, champagne and other beverage services.

Valerie Heimerich is a freelance writer out of Sacramento. She typically covers animals and community issues. She has volunteered and worked for many organizations helping animals and people.
Her work can be found at Examiner.com.