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Admiral’s Mansion at Mare Island and St. Peter’s Chapel

Vallejo Wedding Location
Walnut Avenue, Mare Island
Vallejo, CA 94592

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Description

With the 1996 closure of Mare Island Naval Installation, four landmark buildings are now available for special events. These venues are operated by the Mare Island Historic Park Foundation, so you no longer need military connections. And since they’re located in the island’s quaint historic district (which dates back to the mid 1800s) you feel like you have an entire small town all to yourself.

Set in its own grassy park with a eucalyptus grove, St. Peter’s is a picturesque interdenominational chapel. Built in 1901, it’s the oldest naval chapel in the United States. A classic example of Victorian Gothic architecture, this tidy brown shingle, with cream-colored trim, steep pitched roof and a soaring octagonal spire, has as much charm and history inside as out. The largest collection of Tiffany glass under one roof is displayed in the chapel’s 29 exquisite stained-glass windows, and they fill the intimate interior with a soft rosy light. One window depicts Sir Galahad who, when illuminated, becomes the ultimate knight in shining armor. Rich wood paneling complements the creamy plaster walls, and open beams accentuate the vaulted ceiling. The chapel also displays a collection of memorial plaques. Some are set into the ceiling and others (one dates back to the Civil War), hang on the walls, making intriguing reading.

Naturally there’s a pipe organ (it’s the original one from 1926!) to fill the sanctuary with strains of Here Comes The Bride. After the ceremony, take advantage of the lovely setting for formal photos while your guests make the short trip back down Walnut Avenue to Officer’s Row.

Receptions and business retreats are held in the Admiral’s and the Captain’s former quarters, two of the thirteen white Colonial Revival mansions lining Officer’s Row. As you enter the Admiral’s Quarters, it’s easy to imagine the social galas of a century ago. The brass nautical lamps that lit the entryway then still hang on either side of the massive oak front door; the wide front veranda graced with Corinthian columns still invites guests to stroll outside for a leisurely chat. The gracious feel of the place continues inside in the vestibule, a large U-shaped entry hall complete with an inviting fireplace and built-in seating. Your guests can enjoy cocktails and hors d’oeuvres in here and as they explore the first- and second-floor rooms, all furnished in period pieces. The Captain’s Quarters, similar in style to the Admiral’s, are often reserved for smaller functions. The 1855 Mare Island Museum building also has several lovely rooms available.

For an al fresco treat, set up a buffet and umbrella-shaded tables in the Victorian gardens adjacent to both of these mansions: it’s an acre of lawns interspersed with low hedges, flower beds, and a variety of trees brought back from the far corners of the world by sea captains.

If you really want to make a splash, depart via ferry or yacht—the ferry terminal and marina are just a short distance from the island. But no matter which mode of transportation you choose, an event here is a trip back in time and a chance to relive a little of the grace and gentility of another era.

Capacity

Ceremony	Reception/Special Events	Meetings
Max. Seated Indoors: 200 Max. Seated Outdoors: 800	Max. Seated Indoors: 700 Max. Seated Outdoors: 1000 Max. Standing Indoors: 1000 Max. Standing Outdoors: 2000	Max. Seated: 40
CEREMONY CAPACITY: The Chapel holds 200 seated guests. The Admiral’s Mansion seats up to 160 guests using all available rooms. The Captain’s Mansion holds up to 140 guests. The Garden area is about one acre and holds up to 800 seated guests. The Main Hall in the Museum will seat up to 700 guests. EVENT/RECEPTION CAPACITY: Space Seated Standing Chapel Park 1,000 2,000 Admiral’s Mansion 150 240 Admiral’s or Captain’s Garden 1,000 2,000 Captain’s Mansion 125 200 Mare Island Museum 700 1,000 MEETING CAPACITY: There are several spaces that hold up to 40 seated guests.

Fees & Deposits

For weddings, a nonrefundable 50% rental deposit plus a $200–500 refundable security deposit are required to secure your date. Reception rental fees range $850–1,500 depending on the space selected. Ceremony rental fees range $200–700 depending on space rented.

Organ is available for $75 and use of the piano is $35/event. Catering is provided by Alex’s Catering. Fees for business meetings vary; call for more information.

Availability

Year-round, daily, 8am–10pm

Catering Provided BYO Alcohol Provided BYO Sites Uses Ceremonies Wedding Receptions Special Events, Parties Business Functions/Meetings Rehearsal Dinners Services/Amenities Catering: provided or BYO upon approval Kitchen Facilities: moderately equipped Tables & Chairs: BYO Linens, Silver, etc.: caterer Restrooms: wheelchair access CBA Dance Floor: patio, or CBA, extra charge Bride's & Groom's Dressing Area: yes Other: grand piano, event coordination, tours of Mare Island's historic locations Parking: large lot and private street parking Accommodations: no guestrooms Telephone: emergency use only Outdoor Night Lighting: CBA Outdoor Cooking Facilities: through caterer Cleanup: caterer, renter or CBA, extra fee Meeting Equipment: video player & projector View: historic Alden Park

Music Indoors Outdoors w/ Restrictions Wheelchair Access Wheelchair Accessible Site Views Garden Park Restrictions Alcohol: CBA or BYO, licensed and insured server Smoking: designated outdoor areas Music: amplified OK with volume limits Other: no rice, food or alcohol in Chapel Wheelchair Access: Chapel and Mansions have ramps; gardens have full access Insurance: certificate required

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