Compass Rose Gardens
Bodega Bay Wedding LocationCorner East Shore & Bay Flat Roads
Bodega Bay, CA
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Phone: 707/875-2343
www.compassrosegardens.com
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Description
When we passed through the Compass Rose Gardens’ humble iron gate, we felt as if we had encountered Narnia—the magical, otherworldly kingdom that C.S. Lewis wrote of in his famed children’s books. Entering the gardens, you’re immersed in a world of unbridled beauty. In every direction the eye is delighted: here the abundant blooms of rhododendrons, iris and camellias; over there delicate Japanese maples, cherry trees and towering redwoods. A year-round running brook unspools the length of the gardens, pausing now and again to calm itself in one of several lovely ponds. It is truly an idyllic place to hold a celebration.
Donna Cook Freeman is the exuberant owner and green thumb responsible for coaxing such beauty from what was once three acres of tangled briars, willows and blackberries. She began work on the grounds in 1986; the foliage was so thick she had to crawl in on her hands and knees to reach the interior. There she sat for hours in contemplation, dreaming her garden into existence. A ten-year labor of love ensued, during which Donna and her family hauled, excavated, pruned and thinned. They built footbridges and cottages, planted flowers and trees, eventually wrangling a magnificent garden from a tenacious coastal jungle. Then in homage to Bodega Bay’s long seafaring history, she christened the gardens "Compass Rose" (a compass rose is the starlike insignia found on mariners’ maps and compasses).
A variety of scenic spots are available to tie the knot; however, most couples prefer to marry on an oval lawn overlooking the property’s largest pond. Guests are seated on the opposite bank (still within earshot) where they are afforded a perfect view of the bride and groom as they exchange vows underneath a venerable willow. After the ceremony, folks can lose themselves along the gardens’ meandering paths before joining the feasting and festivities at the handsome pavilion at the far side of the gardens. The newlyweds may want to slip away to share a quiet moment in the meditation garden. Nestled in a ring of redwoods, it’s just the place to collect oneself after all the hubbub. Couples are also welcome to participate in what has now become a Compass Rose tradition—the planting of a "wedding" sapling or placing a personalized bird house in a nearby tree, serve as both living memory and future promise for their journey together as husband and wife.
Although the Compass Rose is an ideal spot for outdoor weddings, it is also an excellent gathering place for any number of events—seminars, retreats, bar mitzvahs and anniversaries. For those who desire lodging nearby, there are both luxury hotels and more modest accommodations nearby. And movie buffs will be interested in the gazebo from Hitchcock’s famous film The Birds. The owners of the Gardens, who were extras in the movie, have decided to share their favorite memento by setting it into a hillside where everyone can enjoy it.
The Compass Rose Gardens used to be Bodega Bay’s best kept secret, but given their extraordinary beauty, of course word got out. They were also featured in HGTV, A&E, Town and Country Magazine, radio and other media! So if your heart is set on a garden party, call sooner rather than later—this is one opportunity you won’t want to miss!
Capacity
Ceremony |
Reception/Special Events |
Meetings |
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Max. Seated Indoors: Max. Seated Outdoors: 200 |
Max. Seated Indoors: Max. Seated Outdoors: 200 Max. Standing Indoors: Max. Standing Outdoors: 200 |
Max. Seated: 150 |
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CEREMONY & EVENT/RECEPTION CAPACITY: The Ceremony Area holds 200 seated and the Reception Room up to 200 seated guests. |
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Fees & Deposits
50% of the rental fee is required to reserve your date, the balance and a $1,000 refundable security deposit are due one month prior to the event. Engagement photos and a one-hour rehearsal are included. The weekend rental fee starts at $6,900; call for midweek rates. There are no corkage or cake-cutting fees. Extra hours are available.
Availability
Daily, April through November.
CateringSelect From ListAlcoholBYOSites UsesCeremoniesWedding Receptions Special Events, Parties Business Functions/Meetings Rehearsal Dinners Services/AmenitiesCatering: select from preferred list or with approvalParking: ample on street and in private lot Kitchen Facilities: yes, limited outdoor Accommodations: no guestrooms, hotels nearby Tables & Chairs: through caterer Telephone: no Linens, Silver, etc.: through caterer Outdoor Night Lighting: yes Restrooms: not wheelchair accessible Outdoor Cooking Facilities: yes, area available Dance Floor: large dance area Cleanup: caterer or renter Bride's Dressing Area: yes View: gardens, pond, creek and redwoods Meeting Equipment: BYO |
MusicOutdoorsw/ Restrictions Wheelchair AccessAccess LimitedSite ViewsCreek/RiverGarden Lagoon/Pond Landscaped Grounds RestrictionsAlcohol: BYO, insurance required, no corkage feesWheelchair Access: limited Smoking: designated area Insurance: certificate required Music: amplified OK until 10pm |
Wondering what CBA or BYO means?
707/875-2343
www.compassrosegardens.com
Email or request a proposal for your event from Compass Rose Gardens
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