How to Plan a Wedding at Grand Island Mansion: Tips From a Northern California Wedding Photographer
Grand Island Mansion is kind of everything. It’s a Northern California wedding venue that I seriously could never get enough of. It’s giving chic, it’s giving luxury, it’s giving, “Why have I not found this sooner?!” As a Northern California wedding photographer, I shoot weddings at a lot of venues, so when I say that there’s just something about this one… Believe it. If you’ve come across the Sacramento wedding venue and you’re as in love as I am, keep reading, because I’m giving you every little detail you need to know to plan the perfect Grand Island Mansion wedding!
Grand Island Mansion: Why It’s One of My Favorite Northern California Wedding Venues
As soon as you step onto the grounds at Grand Island Mansion, everything slows down, and it genuinely feels like you’ve stepped into old-world Italy. Somehow, in a place like this, everything settles. Maybe it’s the European architecture… Maybe it’s the serene gardens… All I know is, whatever it is, it feels so dreamy!!
Not only that, but I see the difference that this venue makes in my couples’ wedding days. They make planning feel seamless, and that ease shows on the wedding day itself. It’s one of those places where you can just tell they thought of everything. No cutting corners, no skipping things to make their own lives easier. They care deeply about their couples, and that level of intention matters a lot more than people realize!
Everything You Need to Know to Plan the Grand Island Mansion Wedding of Your Dreams
If this is your kinda venue, you’re my kinda person. Every good plan starts with information-gathering, so here’s an overview of the Northern California wedding venue:
- Maximum number of guests: 400 (yep, they know how to party)
- Weddings year-round?: Yes! They even offer a discount if you book between December and February.
- On-site accommodations?: Unfortunately, no, but don’t worry, I’ll give you all the best hotel recs nearby.
- In-house catering?: Yep, they make it easy!
- Indoor and outdoor venue options: Yes, and they’re all stunning.
And if those things didn’t convince you already, also note that you get tables and chairs, on-site staff, dressing rooms, and rehearsal time included in your package. Pretty and functional?! Grand Island Mansion checks every box.
Grand Island Mansion Wedding Venues
It’ll come as no shock to you that every single area that they actually hold events in at the Grand Island Mansion is gorgeous. Every part of your day, from getting ready to dancing the night away, will be surrounded by beauty, opulence, and charm.
Ceremonies in the Gardens
The ceremony site here gets me every time. It’s literally such a main-character moment. You two are up on a stand in front of large columns (that you can choose to decorate or leave as-is) that’s surrounded by polished trees and lush greenery. The way the space frames you, without overpowering you, is what makes it so special.
Aside from being STUNNING, it also creates such a calm, peaceful feel. It feels like you two are the only people in the world, and it lets your love really breathe. From my perspective as a Northern California wedding photographer, this kind of calm translates directly into more natural, emotionally rich photos. It’s so easy to tell when you’re actually comfortable in a space, and Grand Island Mansion brings that for you.
Receptions in the Courtyard
Don’t even get me started on the receptions here. You can choose to have it fully outdoors in the courtyard or under a tent, and I don’t even know which one I love more.
The atmosphere is insane for receptions. The European aesthetic makes its way into dinner here, feeling like an effortlessly elegant outdoor dinner party. And the secluded feel of the estate lets you celebrate like no one is watching, all night long! The combination of the string lights, good music, and champagne towers (optional, but always encouraged) makes it an unforgettable night.
The Ballroom
If you’re more of an indoor girlie, I get it. You can also choose to have your ceremony and/or reception inside the mansion in the ballroom. And this space feels grand, romantic, and undeniably elegant. I always picture this space with circle tables, tall centerpieces, and a candlelit feel, and honestly? If that’s your vibe, I love that for you.
FAQs About Planning a Wedding at the Northern California Wedding Venue
My couples getting married at Grand Island Mansion always ask me the same questions, so I know you probably have them too! Don’t worry, I’ve got you:
How Much Does a Grand Island Mansion Wedding Cost?
Rental fees vary on things like the time of year, the day of the week, and your guest count, but a typical range for the venue fee is $2,000 – $7,500, plus food per person.
What Kind of Wedding Dress Works for Grand Island Mansion?
Grand Island Mansion is one of those places that, honestly, any bridal style works at. But my brides who get married here typically are the simple, elegant bride. You’ll find them in a satin, basque-waist ballgown or an all-over chantilly lace dress, killing it every single time.
And a reception dress change? A must for a Grand Island Mansion wedding. I always tell my brides to go for something sparkly and ultra-unique. Think: feathers, sequins, or even two-piece sets!
What’s the Best Time of Year for a Grand Island Mansion Wedding?
The Northern California wedding venue peaks in the summertime. There’s something about the golden sunsets, the warm nights, and the Italian feel that makes a summer party just fit here.
What are the Best Hotels Near the Grand Island Mansion?
We’re pretty close to Sacramento here, so basically, your options are unlimited. I always recommend The Hyatt and The Westin in Sacramento, because it’s a quick drive to the venue and there is so much to do in Sacramento, perfect for your out-of-town guests!
My Fave Photo-Ops at Grand Island Mansion
You didn’t think I’d give you a venue guide without me going over the best photo-ops, did you?! Here are a few spots that, as your Northern California wedding photographer, I won’t let you miss:
- The ceremony site – it’s too good not to also get portraits at
- The gardens – polished, luxe, refined
- The mansion balcony – because it actually invented elegance
- Inside the mansion – the way the light hits lives rent-free in my brain
Really, though, if I could say every inch of this venue, I would!
Wedding Inspo: Joanne and Matthew’s Luxury Grand Island Mansion Wedding
Joanne and Matthew’s wedding is the blueprint for a luxury wedding. Every little detail? Insane. The vintage telephone guest book, the all-white flowers, the monogrammed dance floor… I literally cannot. One of my favorite parts of the day was the curved ceremony chairs (these aerial pics I captured with my drone… I was in love). I want everyone to do this now, please and thanks!!
The day went so smoothly, and I couldn’t have imagined a better venue for these two than the Grand Island Mansion. It supported every moment of their day (from getting ready with soft light hitting through the windows to eating ice cream together at the reception) in a way that let their story breathe, in a way that let them be present in their day. And that’s the best thing you can ask for.
And not only are they the actual coolest, but they’re such a sweet couple. It shows in the way they look at each other in every photo. The soft smiles. The hand squeezes. Every quick glance that they thought went unnoticed. They’re so in love, and I’ll never be over it!
Vendors:
Content Creator: The BTS Lovebirds
Florist and Planner: Amour Florist and Bridal
Ice Cream Cart: Sips and Floss + Gunther’s Ice Cream
DJ: DJ Wreck 3SA
Monogrammed Dance Floor: Wrap Inks
Dress: A&Bé Bridal
Veil: Harriett Falvey
Grace Thao | Sacramento Wedding Photographer
Ready to plan your Grand Island Mansion wedding? With me as your Sacramento wedding photographer, you’re not alone. I’m here to help you every step of the way, and go above and beyond for you (seriously, I even hired a third photographer out of my own pocket for this wedding to make sure I got all the best shots)!!
You can inquire about booking me here. Whether it’s at Grand Island Mansion or somewhere across the country, I’d be honored to tell your love story in a way that’s nostalgic, artful, and authentic.
Client Love
“Hiring Grace was one of the best decisions we made for our wedding day. From start to finish, she was incredibly kind, professional, punctual, thoughtful, and, obviously, a very talented photographer. Grace has an amazing eye for detail and captured every meaningful moment beautifully, while also making sure my husband and I looked our absolute best in every shot (I told her to make me look slim thickies, and she understood the assignment).
When we received our gallery, we were blown away. The photos tell the complete story of our wedding day so perfectly that it feels like reliving it all over again every time we look through them. I know these pictures are something we will treasure for a lifetime. One of my most important requirements for the wedding was to have a great photographer.
Her pricing packages were extremely reasonable, especially compared to other photographers, and her content creation add-on was so worth it. We decided not to hire a videographer, and this content creator option is perfect for couples who want to capture their memories via video.
Working with Grace was an absolute joy. She made us feel comfortable, confident, and natural in front of the camera, and her guidance with posing was invaluable (especially since that is not our strong suit!). She takes the time to tailor her work to your vision, wants, and needs.
If you’re looking for a photographer who is talented, personable, and genuinely invested in capturing your day perfectly, Grace is the one. I cannot recommend her enough. You can tell she has a passion for her job. I even told her at the end of it that she would be my photographer for all my important events going forward. 10000000/10. Could not imagine trusting anyone else with taking my wedding photos.”
See More Wedding Inspiration
Want even more inspo? I love you already. Check out these other blog posts:
Why Couples Are Choosing Intimate Weddings in Sacramento (From a Sacramento Wedding Photographer)
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