Camron-Stanford House 1418 Lakeside Drive • Oakland • California 94612

Gracing the shore of Lake Merritt, the Camron-Stanford House is the last of the grand Victorian homes that once ringed the lake. Built in 1876, this former residence and Oakland Museum site is now one of Oakland's premier outdoor event venues, hosting weddings and other special occasions on its beautifully landscaped garden lawn and veranda overlooking the lake.

The Victorian garden's lawn is large enough for both your ceremony and reception. It's enclosed by an iron fence, which ensures privacy while allowing guests to enjoy the picturesque scene that surrounds them in Oakland's vibrant Lakeside Park. A bubbling fountain adds to the setting's delights.

The mansion's upstairs veranda is ideal for staging your party or serving post-ceremony cocktails. It's also perfect for making a dramatic entrance during the ceremony. Afterwards, guests dine and dance on the lawn as they take in views of the lake and Oakland hills. At dusk, the garden is illuminated by replicas of Victorian-era lampposts and café lighting, which mirrors Lake Merritt's famed "String of Pearls"—the necklace of lights that encircles the lake.

The mansion's interior has been restored to its original splendor, and you have the option of treating your guests to a docent-led tour of the museum rooms at no additional cost. What they'll see is a gorgeous house that showcases elaborate molding, authentic wallpaper patterns and fabric, and period furnishings. Two dressing rooms are included in the rental for use by the wedding party, and two bathrooms are available for guests to use as well.

The Camron-Stanford House allows for great flexibility in planning your event. There's no preferred catering list, so you can bring in any type of food you like, from taco truck fare to a multi-course dinner with table service. Only one wedding is booked per weekend, and you'll receive excellent personal service throughout your celebration.