Beltane Ranch
Glen Ellen Wedding Location11775 Sonoma Highway
Glen Ellen, CA 95442
Phone: 707/833-4233
www.beltaneranch.com
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Description
The story goes that in 1892, Mary Ellen Pleasant, a black woman from New Orleans, built this house in Sonoma’s fabled Valley of the Moon. It was both a refuge from and celebration of the great business success she had enjoyed in San Francisco. She created a wooden confection, graced with delicate lathed railings and Victorian-style wood trim, as well as grand verandas strewn with wicker furnishings. The handsome new home was called "Beltane," a likely reference to the ancient Celtic festival of spring and Thomas Bell, her long-time big-city business partner.
It’s easy to see what drew her to erect this two-story, five-room structure on this spot. Beltane nestles beneath venerable oaks atop a gentle slope that rises from the valley’s main highway. To reach it, you turn onto a narrow drive flanked by old trees, vineyards, grassy fields and beautiful hand-built stone walls. The front of the house is bordered by a flower garden that’s enclosed by a classic white picket fence.
Next to the house are two lawns used for ceremonies. The larger one is edged with flowerbeds, low stone walls and towering oaks. A stage for the DJ in one corner is festooned with strings of lights that create a festive glow, day or night. The smaller lawn right behind the house is a bit more intimate. It’s especially appealing when a musician, positioned in one corner of the adjacent upstairs veranda, provides soft music during the ceremony. Another lawn near the trellised entrance to the main house often hosts small receptions.
When brides who’ve wed here talk about what they liked, the first thing they cite is Beltane’s authenticity. A still-working ranch that raises cattle and grows grapes and olives, Beltane evokes Old Sonoma from the days before the county became an upscale destination. The lovingly maintained old house has nothing slick about it. Its vibrant gardens have evolved over the years and seem part of the landscape, not something designed on a drafting table. Bridal party members often enjoy breakfast fruit harvested from raspberry bushes planted decades ago by the owner’s grand aunt. Another attractive feature is the stand-alone cottage, a Berber-carpeted hideaway that has a firebox, sitting area, private bath, and a small garden and deck overlooking the main lawn.
Brides also like Beltane’s seasoned staff, many of whom have been on site at least 15 years. One dividend of the ranch’s reputation for great service is that quite a few newlyweds return for their anniversaries. (The ranch has even welcomed the children of couples who have been married here.)
Beltane remains one of the most beautiful old ranch houses in California. Owned by the same family since the 1930s, and surrounded by 1,000 acres of open-space preserve, the ranch’s 100 acres are the place to hold a true Sonoma County country wedding. Everything here—site and surroundings—blends seamlessly to create a perfect pastoral stage.
Capacity
Ceremony |
Reception/Special Events |
Meetings |
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Max. Seated Indoors: 0 Max. Seated Outdoors: 175 |
Max. Seated Indoors: 0 Max. Seated Outdoors: 175 Max. Standing Indoors: 0 Max. Standing Outdoors: 175 |
Max. Seated: 0 |
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CEREMONY & EVENT/RECEPTION CAPACITY: Beltane Ranch can accommodate up to 175 guests, seated or standing. |
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Fees & Deposits
One third of the rental fee is required to reserve your date. The next third is due three months prior to the event and the final third is due two weeks prior. The rental fee is $12,400. This includes five bed and breakfast rooms and a garden cottage for Friday and Saturday nights, and exclusive use of the ranch. There is a full breakfast for all B&B guests included.
Availability
Outdoor events held from the first weekend in June through the first weekend in October. Events may be held from 4pm–10pm.
CateringSelect From ListAlcoholBYOSites UsesCeremoniesWedding Receptions On-Site Accommodations Services/AmenitiesCatering: select from listParking: large lot Kitchen Facilities: prep only Accommodations: 6 guestrooms Tables & Chairs: provided Telephone: office phone Linens, Silver, etc.: through caterer Outdoor Night Lighting: garden arbors and lawn Restrooms: not wheelchair accessible Outdoor Cooking Facilities: BBQ, extra fee Dance Floor: provided Cleanup: provided Bride's Dressing Area: CBA View: mountains, vineyards, forest, garden Meeting Equipment: CBA |
MusicOutdoorsw/ Restrictions Wheelchair AccessAccess LimitedSite ViewsForest/Wooded AreaGarden Garden Patio/Courtyard Hills Meadow/Fields Mountains Panoramic Valley Vineyards RestrictionsAlcohol: BYOWheelchair Access: limited Smoking: outdoors only Insurance: extra liability required Music: amplified OK outdoors with restrictions |
Wondering what CBA or BYO means?
707/833-4233
www.beltaneranch.com
Email or request a proposal for your event from Beltane Ranch
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