Monte Verde Inn Wedding Venue Guide
The Monte Verde Inn holds a special place in my heart, as it was the first venue I ever worked as a wedding professional way back in 2011. I was the photographer’s assistant for the day and I instantly fell in love with this venue. I am not sure if it’s the historic charm of the Georgian manor, the lush greenery of the grounds and property, or the incredible light that seems to shine there all the time, but it is truly special.
As a wedding photographer I have had the pleasure of shooting here many times and I want to pass along my insider tips and experience to help you plan the day of your dreams.
About Monte Verde Inn
The Monte Verde Inn dates back to the 1850’s, and has been hosting weddings for over 25 years. They have seen it all and perfected the wedding day experience for their couples. Nestled in the hills outside Auburn, you get that woodsy forest vibe combined with the old world elegance of the manor that just works so well together. Think glam portraits in the manor, gorgeous golden light images in the vineyard and fun high energy dance floor photos.
The Monte Verde Inn Wedding Ceremony and Reception Sites
There are a couple options for ceremony and reception sites for your day, depending on your guest count. The outdoor ceremony site is so beautiful, nestled under the shade of tall cedars, with a wooden arbor the fits the nature setting perfectly and can be decorated with florals to reflect your personal vision. This site can accommodate up to 220 guests and leads perfectly out to the lawn where your cocktail hour will be held. After dinner this area turns into the perfect dance floor, strung with bistro lights that give that dreamy glow I adore. Your DJ can even add some fun lights to the dancing portion of the evening to take it to the next level. The manor ballroom is a bit smaller, and boasts a vintage fireplace and gorgeous windows, which would be the backdrop of your ceremony. This site can host up to 80 guests.
The Property
The beginning of your day will start in the manor. There are multiple bedrooms for your families and large getting ready suites for both the bride and bridesmaids and the groom and groomsmen. You can relax, listen to your wedding day playlist and sip some bubbles with your favorite people while you get glammed up in total comfort.
There is no shortage of options for photos on this property. The front of the manor alone has manicured lawns, a vintage fountain and the perfect steps on the front for couples portraits. The light comes through (especially in the evening) in a way that is so perfect for photos I just can’t get enough.
But that is just the front! The back of the property has vineyards that provide lush greenery, another backdrop of towering evergreens (again with chef’s kisss perfect golden light) and a large open area with a lone oak tree that I just adore. Each with it’s own feel, each of these spots off the opportunity for incredible photos throughout your day.
Why do I love photographing weddings at the Monte Verde Inn? What is special about it?
Have I mentioned the dreamy light? I am convinced there is some sort of magic at play at this venue, because it is always incredible. As a photographer who is obsessed with light, this will always be my favorite thing about any venue and is truly special at MVI.
In addition to the plethora of photo spots, I love the ease and pace of the day at MVI. Because everyone can get ready on site there is no rush to move from your getting ready location to the wedding venue. I don’t think most couples realize what a stress reliever this is until they are living it the day of. When it is time to start the day, it is a short walk from the manor out the sunroom and onto the property. Then, once pre-ceremony photos are done, you simply go back in the manor and prepare for the main event…the ceremony! Again, it is just a short walk outside to get lined up for your ceremony. Guests will mingle in the courtyard next to the manor for cocktail hour while you take a few minutes with your new spouse to soak in the moment. Then dinner on the lawn, again right there next to the courtyard. It is all situated so your guests can easily navigate the evening, without wondering where they are supposed to be or how to get there. This all adds up to some of the most relaxed stress free days I have ever witnessed.
What type of couple should consider getting married at the Monte Verde Inn?
If you want your day to feel effortless and stress free this is definitely the venue for you. The outdoor garden wedding esthetic is classic, and the bonus of the majestic evergreens this venue offers are the icing on the cake.
Because Monte Verde Inn has been hosting weddings for so long, they truly have it down to a science. Their staff are friendly and professional and will execute your vision perfectly. In addition to the use of the entire property, tables, chairs, flatware, glassware, and linens as also provided. They also have on site coordination, include your cake from a local bakery and have an in house florist for all your floral décor. It is truly a do it all for you venue, so you don’t need to worry about coordinating multiple different rentals and delivers.
Last, but certainly not least, the food is amazing! They have incredible appetizers, entrees and sides that are always delicious. You can check out their menu offerings on their website here.
Final thoughts and tips:
Obviously, first and foremost take sunset photos! Take advantage of the gorgeous light and setting this venue has to offer.
Second, enjoy your quiet time after the ceremony before all the beautiful chaos begins. This will likely be the only time you two are truly alone for the rest of the night, so soak it in and enjoy the moment.
Lastly, trust the team at MVI and the vendor team that you have assembled. You worked so hard to plan this day, hand over the reigns and enjoy. This is why it is so important to hire vendors you truly trust. It will make letting go the day of a million times easier.
The Monte Verde Inn: At a Glance:
Here is every detail you need to know about getting married at the Monte Verde Inn.
· Location: about 40 minutes from Sacramento, off highway 80 just outside Auburn
· Address: 18841 Foresthill Road, Foresthill CA
· Phone: 530-888-8123
· Website: monteverdeinnevents.net
· Capacity: 220 for outdoor, 80 for indoor
· Venue Spaces: Garden lawn and courtyard, indoor ballroom
· In-house catering: Yes
· In-house coordination: Yes
Meet your Monte Verde Inn Wedding Photographer
Katherine Nicole Photography
If you’re planning a wedding at Monte Verde Inn and want to have photos that authentically and naturally tell your story, breathtaking portraiture that you want to hang on every wall of your home, and have a blast in the process- I’m your girl.
Let’s make some magic together. It’s never too early to reach out and tell me everything! I can’t wait to hear about you and your story.