From barns to wineries, the Sacramento region offers a wide variety of indoor venues ideal for fall and winter receptions.

BARN
Renovated barns can provide a rustic, warm setting for your reception. Inside the wooden walls, add strings of white lights or paper lanterns to enhance décor and create a dreamy mood. Lighting isn’t the only way to go decorating crazy in such sites—barns virtually provide a blank slate in a natural setting that feels close to the earth.

In Sacramento, Crawford’s Barn sits amidst a 2.75-acre, quiet, tree-shaded private park, walking distance from the American River. Once home to the famous 19th century racehorse named Crawford, Crawford’s Barn is now a popular wedding site.

This beautifully renovated facility can seat 175, with a total occupancy of 250, and features a kitchen with an oven and microwave. The barn also has restrooms, heat and air conditioning and a dressing room.

Located in the College Greens East neighborhood of Sacramento, Crawford’s Barn is close to freeway access and public transportation. Rental rates range from $200 to $800 per day, depending on the day of the week. Rectangular tables and chairs are available and included in the rental fee. A one-day rental includes a whopping 16 hours, from 10 a.m. the morning of your event to 2 a.m. the following morning. That kind of time makes set up and tear down a cinch.

Speaking of setting up and tearing down, one important detail to note is that there isn’t driveway access to allow for unloading and loading equipment. All supplies must be carried in and out on carts or by hand. There also are some decorating restrictions (Confetti and Silly String are not allowed in or outside the barn; neither are nails or staples.)

Off-site catering is permitted, as are deejays, live bands and alcohol (for guests 21 years and older).

WINERY/BARREL ROOM
A winery can be an earthy, esoteric or refined place to hold a reception. One benefit to the winery reception is the help it provides in narrowing down the wine choices, as most wineries usually require you to purchase their vintages. Regardless of whether you’re drinking red or white, you’ll be impressed by the unique setting of a barrel room. Barrel rooms can be cozy, often have low lighting, and depending on what you do with the décor, can be seriously dressed up or dressed down. 

In Sacramento, Amador, El Dorado, Placer and San Joaquin counties, there are plenty of wineries to choose from. For examples, at The Old Sugar Mill in Clarksburg, a 1930s-era mill that’s been turned into a privately-owned space housing five wineries, a stunning brick interior, soaring ceilings, gothic windows and copper lighting combine to create a dreamy ambiance.

Couples can rent the entire facility—the main, central room (known as the galleria), which holds up to 280 seated guests, and the barrel room. The barrel room sits off to the side of the galleria and is typically used for dancing, cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, but is ideal for smaller, intimate receptions.

The facility is open to the public until 5 p.m., so it only is available from 6:30 to 11:30 p.m. (Many area wineries have a wider range of availability, and may be willing to close to the public to accommodate your event.) The rental fee is $4,000 and includes full use of the facilities, round tables and mahogany chairs, set-up and tear-down. Couples must select caterers from a preferred list. Deejays and live bands are allowed, and audio-visual equipment is available. Interested parties are encouraged to reserve six to 12 months in advance.

Event Director Donna Steffey is on site for every wedding to ensure the event runs smoothly. Steffey advises interested couples to visit in person. “You can’t tell from a website,” she says. “You really have to come see it.”

COUNTRY INN/BED AND BREAKFAST
If you’re looking for charm, an inn in the country or a bed and breakfast nestled in the woods can provide an elegant, comfortable or quaint setting for your ceremony and celebration. There are many options in El Dorado, Placer and Amador Counties.

Monte Verde Inn is a great example of where to host a “Secret Garden”-like affair. Nestled in the heart of the Sierra Foothills at an elevation of 2,200 feet and surrounded by more than six acres of lawns, gardens and forests, the inn has been newly repainted and refurbished with hardwood floors and oriental carpets. Flowering trees line the entrance driveway and several new gardens have been recently added.

Monte Verde Inn offers complete wedding packages at a per-person price. It holds only one event per day, so brides needn’t worry about running out of time. Each wedding package includes full use of the six-bedroom Georgian-style manor house (built in 1936), all necessary staff, professional wedding coordination, on-site catering including a custom wedding cake, color-coordinated floral arrangements and a dance floor. The inn can accommodate between 80 and 100 guests for an indoor reception.

Packages start at $79 per adult and $59 per child. Fees include use of the site, china, linens, glassware, food, service staff, floral centerpieces, wedding cake and non-alcoholic beverages. A hosted bar will run you an additional $12 or $21 per person, where the higher price will buy higher-end alcohol.''

HALL OR AUDITORIUM
Looking for a large, stunning venue that can accommodate a long guest list? Try a hall or auditorium. Known for having plenty of space to entertain guests, halls or auditoriums also can provide something special: unique décor, stunning windows, contemporary artwork, or something as simple as convenient parking.

The Tsakopolous Library Galleria, a magnificent hall located in downtown Sacramento, has five-story atrium ceilings, striking columns, marble floors and magnificent lighting, offering a breathtaking backdrop for exchanging vows. Its four-story circular staircase is a beautiful setting for photographs or to showcase gift tables and guest books. And the large, open space is perfect for a big reception. 

The Tsakopolous Library Galleria has two rental options: main floor only or main floor and balcony. The main floor can hold up to 350 seated guests, and the balcony offers banquet seating for an additional 160 people. Each package includes:

•    A nine-hour rental
•    Changing room with mirror, clothes racks, tables and chairs
•    Use of the circular staircase for photographs before and after the ceremony
•    Tables and chairs for the reception
•    Sound system
•    Stage
•    Head table
•    Silk trees with miniature lights
•    Folding screens
•    Wedding rehearsal
•    Galleria event and custodial staff

Rental fees for the main floor range from $1,900 to $2,900 depending on the day of the week. Main floor and balcony rentals run $2,350 to $3,400.

Choose from eight of the Library Galleria’s approved caterers to provide food and beverages, an extensive variety of china, linens, glasses, silverware and candelabras, floral arrangements and décor.

HOTEL
Hotels are very practical reception locations, with a place to crash within walking distance of the party. But hotels can offer more than just convenience with spacious banquet rooms, excellent architecture or city views. They often have great price packages, too.

Situated in the heart of downtown Sacramento, the Sheraton Grand Hotel is located in the beautifully restored historic Public Market Building. The hotel provides a full range of services including catering and decorations. The executive chef will work closely with couples to create an innovative menu for the special day. The hotel’s team creates personalized wedding packages to match the couple’s vision and budget.

The hotel’s Grand Nave Ballroom is 10,500 square feet—plenty of room for dining and dancing for a substantial number of guests. “Our climate-controlled ballroom makes the Sheraton Grand perfect for any day of the year,” says Jana Evans, the Sheraton Grand’s director of catering and convention services. “Our atrium-style foyer can be the backdrop of perfect wedding day photos. The gorgeous earth tones of the ballroom complement any décor.”

The rental fee is $2,000 per ballroom section, with three sections available. Deejays and live bands are welcome. Alcohol also is OK, but must be served by hotel staff.

Brides and grooms holding their wedding at the Sheraton Grand Hotel also will enjoy a complimentary guest room the night of their nuptials. Fine linen, china, glass and silver, cake cutting, some decorations, catering and banquet staff, a custom wedding website where guests can reserve rooms, special room rates for the wedding party, and a dance floor also are included in the price.

The Sheraton Grand accepts reservations up to 15 months in advance.