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Shadowbrook

Capitola Wedding Location
1750 Wharf Road
Capitola, CA 95010

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Description

Shadowbrook is unlike any place we’ve ever seen and, truth be told, you can’t really see it until you’re actually in it. Almost completely hidden at the base of a steep, beautifully landscaped hillside, the site has a tantalizing aura of mystery. We were intrigued. Instead of descending via the cable car, we walked down one of the winding garden paths through a riot of palms, ferns, colorful flowers, waterfalls and koi-filled ponds.

When we finally reached the restaurant, it proved to be quite remarkable. The building—which was originally built in the 1920s as a log cabin summer home—now consists of six distinctly different rooms and two patios that flow down the hill in tiers toward Soquel Creek. Shadowbrook continues to be named "Most Romantic Restaurant" by various publications year after year, and it’s easy to see why. The garden theme, so meticulously executed outside, is carried throughout the interior. Greenery is visible everywhere, from vines clinging to the ceilings in the Main Dining Room to the almost-100-year-old redwood growing through the ceiling of the Garden Room. And then there’s your choice of views: gardens, woods, the quietly flowing creek or all of the above.

Weddings have been held at Shadowbrook since the early 1950s, and the recently remodeled Rock Room Lounge is a sublime spot for a ceremony. While its massive wooden beams, impressive stone fireplace and stone walls convey a comforting sense of history, it’s the partially glass ceiling and wall that make ceremonies here truly magical. Through the glass everyone can watch the bride’s entrance as she walks down a garden path, framed by the gorgeous landscape. Outdoor ceremonies on the Creekside Patio are also blessed by nature: held at the water’s edge, they’re enveloped in a lush mix of ferns and flowers.

Every room at Shadowbrook has its own individual charms. The Fireside Room, which dates back to 1947 and has never been remodeled, retains its rustic feel with a stone fireplace, redwood walls, and Craftsman-style lighting fixtures. A lovely choice for an intimate event is the Redwood Room, featuring redwood beams and wainscoting, and a sun-drenched brick patio next to the chef’s herb garden. The Owner’s Private Reserve Room will make you feel like you have the restaurant all to yourself, as a fire blazes in the river rock fireplace. Larger groups who still want a sense of privacy will appreciate the Wine Cellar Room, a redwood and brick room with a brick fireplace and a collection of fine wines on display. Last, but certainly not least, is the Greenhouse Room, which delights the senses with an abundance of plants and light. Windows along the entire length of the room afford a view of the creek, and open to let in fresh coastal breezes.

For decades people have been drawn to Shadowbrook for its incomparable ambiance, and now they have another reason to come: the food. Chef de Cuisine Ross McKee utilizes regional products, organics and hormone-free meats to provide diners with consistently high-quality cuisine. Each menu is tailored to your tastes, and thanks to a talented on-site pastry chef, you can even order custom wedding and celebration cakes. It’s clear to us that the restaurant’s popularity has only increased their emphasis on customer service. As the Banquet and Events Manager says, "We’re more interested in having you tell us what you want, rather than us telling you what you can have."

Capacity

Ceremony	Reception/Special Events	Meetings
Max. Seated Indoors: 50 Max. Seated Outdoors: 10	Max. Seated Indoors: 225 Max. Seated Outdoors: N/A Max. Standing Indoors: 325 Max. Standing Outdoors: 100	Max. Seated: 80
CEREMONY CAPACITY: The Creekside Patio holds up to 100 guests and the Rock Room accommodates up to 140 guests. EVENT/RECEPTION & MEETING CAPACITY: For large events or wedding receptions, or for personal preference, you may reserve the entire restaurant (which accommodates up to 225 seated guests) when it is not open to the public. For smaller social or business functions, you may reserve private areas or rooms within the restaurant. The Greenhouse Room holds 60 guests, the Wine Cellar Room 46, the Redwood Room 26, and the Owner’s Private Reserve Room 18.

Fees & Deposits

For weddings and larger events, there is a facility fee of $2,500 for exclusive use and $750–$1,250 for semi-private use.

For smaller social or business events during regular operating hours, private room rental fees range $100–$200 depending upon the size of the room. A food and beverage minimum will apply for these events.

The deposit required to book most events is the amount of the food and beverage minimum. However, if there is no food and beverage minimum, the deposit will be the facility fee/room rental fee. Three-course meals start at $35/person. Alcohol, tax and service charges are additional.

Availability

Daily, 9am–10pm or to 7:45pm depending on the season. Earlier hours for business meetings can be arranged.

Catering Provided Alcohol Provided Sites Uses Ceremonies Wedding Receptions Special Events, Parties Business Functions/Meetings Rehearsal Dinners Services/Amenities Catering: provided, no BYO Parking: ample, complimentary Kitchen Facilities: n/a Accommodations: no guestrooms Tables & Chairs: provided Telephone: pay phones Linens, Silver, etc.: provided Outdoor Night Lighting: on patio and paths Restrooms: wheelchair accessible Outdoor Cooking Facilities: no Dance Floor: in lounge area Cleanup: provided Bride's & Groom's Dressing Area: yes View: Soquel Creek and gardens Meeting Equipment: PA, microphones, projection screen, other CBA Other: event coordination

Music Indoors w/ Restrictions Wheelchair Access Wheelchair Accessible Site Views Creek/River Fountain/Water Feature Garden Garden Patio/Courtyard Lagoon/Pond Landscaped Grounds Waterfall Restrictions Alcohol: provided, no BYO Wheelchair Access: yes Smoking: patio only Insurance: not required Music: amplified OK with volume limits indoors; acoustic only outdoors Other: no rice or birdseed

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