Jefferson Street Mansion

Solano County
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Benicia Wedding Location
1063 Jefferson Street
Benicia, CA 94510
Contact: Concierge Captain
Phone: 707/746-0684
www.jeffersonstreetmansion.com
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Why We Like This Place

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 Charleston’s Calhoun Mansion.) 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,” the California Heritage Council gave it the 2004 “Preservation of the Year Award” and CBS “Eye On The Bay” featured it as a top wedding site.

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 chandeliers). 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: 350	Max. Seated: 40
CEREMONY CAPACITY: West Lawn holds 250 seated guests. The East Tent holds 250 seated guests. EVENT/RECEPTION CAPACITY: The East Patio accommodates 250 seated or 350 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

Site 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
Meeting Equipment: some provided, other CBA, extra fee
Parking: large lot
Accommodations: no guestrooms
Telephone: house phone
Outdoor Night Lighting: yes
Outdoor Cooking Facilities: no
Cleanup: provided
View: panorama of SF Bay, Carquinez Strait, rolling hills
Other: full range of decorations and florals

Amplified Music

Indoors
Outdoors

Wheelchair Access

Wheelchair Accessible

Site Views

Fountain/Water Feature
Garden
Hills
Landscaped Grounds
Mountains
Ocean/Bay
Panoramic

Site Type

Historic/Landmark Building
Mansion
Garden
Ballroom
Banquet Hall/Events Facility
Private Estate

Restrictions

Alcohol: provided, or corkage $10/bottle
Smoking: outside only
Music: amplified OK
Wheelchair Access: yes
Insurance: liability required

Contact: Concierge Captain
707/746-0684
www.jeffersonstreetmansion.com
Email or request more information for your event from Jefferson Street Mansion

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