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Jefferson Street Mansion

Benicia Wedding Location
1063 Jefferson Street
Benicia, CA 94510

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Description

Perched above the Carquinez Strait, the sleepy little town of Benicia is a rich nugget of California history. Its former incarnations include the capitol of California, the Solano County seat and the location of the militarily significant Benicia Arsenal. Though the political and military movers-and-shakers are long gone, they left behind a legacy of beautiful old structures like the Jefferson Street Mansion. Built in 1861 for the commanding officer of the Arsenal, this classical Federal Italianate-style building was purchased by current owner Reed Robbins in 1997. Since then, she has spared no expense to renovate, retrofit and restore the Mansion, giving it a new lease on life as a fabulous special event venue.

Once inside the Mansion, turn to your right and enter the magnificent double parlors, whose cream and pale green washed walls are adorned with custom gilt molding and medallions. The twelve-foot-high windows have sumptuous wine velvet drapes, bedecked with gold fringe and tied back with plump gold tassels. (Incidentally, these drapes were custom-made in New Orleans by renowned designers Buzz Harper and Les Wisinger, whose other projects include Savannah’s Calhoun Mansion, location of the movie Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil.) The parlors also feature two marble fireplaces, oil paintings, crystal chandeliers and gilt-framed antique mirrors.

Upstairs is the bride’s dressing room. Like the parlors, it has gilt molding, a chandelier, fireplace and custom-made drapes in cream and peach brocade, as well as practical items like a white-and-gold wooden dressing screen, an antique mirrored armoire and a dressing table. Nervous brides can regain their composure on the primrose brocade "fainting couch," or pose for whimsical photos with the groom in a carved wooden "courting chair." Also on this floor is the elegant Salon, whose generous balcony is the perfect spot for bouquet tossing.

Other rooms at the Mansion include Reginald’s Pub, designed to resemble a French officer’s club in Rangoon, and three antique and collectible showrooms. It’s quite clear why "Bay Area Backroads" called the Mansion the "Most Romantic Spot in Northern California," and the California Heritage Council gave it the 2004 "Preservation of the Year Award."

Though you and your guests are encouraged to wander through the Mansion, the primary festivities take place outside. On the generous side lawn, with a water vista, a classic colonnaded fifteen-foot-high arbor guarded by two majestic palm trees makes a charming spot for exchanging vows. Receptions take place on the Mansion’s opposite side. Here, your guests mingle among fountains, statues and flowerbeds, or seek shade in the two elegant fabric-draped pavilions (each with its own chandelier). The buffet is set up in front of two exquisite antique back-bars, fashioned with intricate carving and spoolwork.

No matter how beautiful the surroundings, your event isn’t going to be much of a success without a competent staff working hard behind the scenes, and that’s exactly what you’ll get when you book an event at the Jefferson Street Mansion. Reed Robbins, who is a wedding coordinator as well as the owner, considers it her personal mission to keep each bride "calm, elegant, and relaxed." There’s plenty of parking, plus a "one event per day" policy mean you can celebrate as long (and as enthusiastically) as you want. And although we’ve described the Jefferson Street Mansion in terms of weddings, the entertainment possibilities at this topnotch facility are practically endless. So if you’re seeking a venue with the romance of the past and the convenience of the present, take a trip to Benicia and the Jefferson Street Mansion. Your event may not go down in California’s history, but it’s sure to be a day you and your guests will never forget.

Capacity

Ceremony	Reception/Special Events	Meetings
Max. Seated Indoors: Max. Seated Outdoors: 250	Max. Seated Indoors: 50 Max. Seated Outdoors: 250 Max. Standing Indoors: 100 Max. Standing Outdoors: 500	Max. Seated: 40
CEREMONY CAPACITY: West Lawn holds 250 seated guests. The East Tent holds 250 seated guests. /RECEPTION CAPACITY: The East Patio accommodates 250 seated or 500 standing. The Mansion holds 50 seated or 100 standing. MEETING CAPACITY: The Mansion holds up to 40 guests seated theater-style.

Fees & Deposits

A $2,500 deposit is required to reserve your date. The balance is due 2 weeks prior to the event. Rental fees range $1,750–3,000 depending on guest count. For weddings, meals range $28–36/person; tax, alcohol and an 18% service charge are additional.

For business functions, see their website for fee information. Meals range $50–200/person; tax, alcohol and an 18% service charge are additional.

Availability

Year-round, daily, 7am–midnight.

Catering Provided BYO Alcohol Provided BYO w/ Corkage Fee Sites Uses Ceremonies Wedding Receptions Special Events, Parties Business Functions/Meetings Rehearsal Dinners On-Site Accommodations Services/Amenities Catering: provided or BYO Kitchen Facilities: use fee required Tables & Chairs: provided, extra charge Linens, Silver, etc.: provided, extra charge Restrooms: wheelchair accessible Dance Floor: yes Bride's Dressing Area: yes Parking: large lot Accommodations: 1 guestroom Telephone: house phone Outdoor Night Lighting: yes Outdoor Cooking Facilities: no Cleanup: provided View: panorama of SF Bay, Carquinez Meeting Equipment: some provided, Strait, rolling hills other CBA, extra fee Other: full range of decorations and florals

Music Indoors Outdoors Wheelchair Access Wheelchair Accessible Site Views Hills Garden Mountains Fountain/Water Feature Landscaped Grounds Ocean/Bay Restrictions Alcohol: provided, or corkage $10/bottle Smoking: outside only Music: amplified OK Wheelchair Access: yes Insurance: liability required

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