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River House

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Santa Cruz Mountains Wedding Venue
Address withheld to ensure privacy.
Santa Cruz Mountains, CA
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Contact: Denise Addesso
Phone: 831/688-0355 or 408/761-0016
River House website
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River House

Why We Like This Place

Nestled in the Santa Cruz mountains just minutes from the tiny enclave of Ben Lomond, River House strikes the perfect balance between a rustic wooded hideaway and a gracious country estate. This two-story California ranch-style home, built entirely of wood and river rock, is set in a large level clearing ringed by oaks and redwoods. Lots of picture windows overlook the sprawling grounds and the San Lorenzo River. Adding to the natural woodland setting, manicured lawns curve around groves of oak and are bordered by flower beds planted with dogwood, rhododendrons, azaleas and lots of annuals for color. A contoured aggregate stone patio offers dancers a large space for tripping the light fantastic, while a flower-lined path encircles the property and leads to the bridal changing cottage. An adjacent county park adds yet more acres of woods.

With 14,000 square feet of lawns alone, the facility is a haven for outdoor events, especially weddings. The bridal procession makes a striking entrance through a wisteria-covered arbor, and continues across the lawn to a gazebo overlooking the river. Set at the foot of an oak, it’s a dreamy sun-dappled spot, not only for the ceremony, but for displaying the wedding cake, too. If you’re hosting a formal garden wedding, white umbrella-shaded tables laid with white linens add the right touch of elegance. Or, if you’re like the couple who opted for a country and western theme, square tables with checked tablecloths fit in perfectly with the woodsy setting. A few bales of hay placed here and there were all that was needed to turn River House into a mountain ranch. But even if you’re not planning to wear cowboy boots to dance in, the patio is the place to kick up your heels while the band or DJ plays music on the back deck. And for a memorable final touch, brides love to toss their bouquet from the second-story balcony, which overlooks the patio and gardens.

With its close proximity to Silicon Valley, River House is a great place for corporate functions and private parties, too. Give your staff or coworkers a relaxing break from their daily rigors with a barbecue or company mixer. Or invite your family and friends here for a reunion, anniversary or birthday party. A huge fire pit set off the patio by the side of the house offers a warm and intimate gathering spot—it’ll take the chill off early spring or late fall events. You can also use the expansive covered porch that wraps around the front and side of the house to seat extra guests or as a place to set up a buffet. No matter what kind of event you have in mind, River House offers a setting that’s hard to resist: peaceful, secluded and downright beautiful.

Capacity

Ceremony

Reception/Special Events

Meetings

Max. Seated Indoors:
Max. Seated Outdoors: 250 		Max. Seated Indoors:
Max. Seated Outdoors: 250
Max. Standing Indoors:
Max. Standing Outdoors: 250 		Max. Seated: 250

CEREMONY, EVENT/RECEPTION & MEETING CAPACITY: The site holds 250 guests, maximum.

Fees & Deposits

A $1,000 nonrefundable rental deposit is required to secure your date. The rental balance, coordinator fees and a $500 security deposit, are due one month prior to the event. Rental fees start at $3,000 plus required in-house coordinator services.

Availability

May through October, 10am–dusk.

Catering

Choose From List

Alcohol

BYO

Location Uses

Ceremonies
Wedding Receptions
Special Events, Parties
Business Functions/Meetings
Rehearsal Dinners

Services/Amenities

Catering: select from preferred list
Parking: on site private lot
Kitchen Facilities: prep only
Accommodations: no guestrooms
Tables & Chairs: through caterer
Telephone: emergency use only
Linens, Silver, etc.: through caterer
Outdoor Night Lighting: access only
Restrooms: not wheelchair accessible
Outdoor Cooking Facilities: BYO or CBA
Dance Floor: on patio
Cleanup: caterer
Bride’s Dressing Area: yes
View: San Lorenzo River, redwoods and oak trees
Meeting Equipment: BYO or CBA
Other: event coordination

Amplified Music

Outdoors
w/ Restrictions

Wheelchair Access

Wheelchair Accessible

Site Views

Creek/River
Forest/Wooded Area

Venue Type

Garden
Mansion
Private Estate
Private Home

Restrictions

Alcohol: BYO BWC only, licensed server
Wheelchair Access: yes
Smoking: outside only
Insurance: certificate required
Music: amplified OK with volume restrictions
Other: no birdseed


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