University of Redlands, Marin Campus 105 Seminary Road • San Anselmo • California 94960

When they first see a photograph of this place, many people remark that it looks like a castle on a wooded Scottish brae or a medieval village in central Europe. It's easy to understand why the University of Redlands, Marin Campus (home of San Francisco Theological Seminary) evokes such romantic associations. First there's Montgomery Memorial Chapel, a graceful stone church near the main entrance that is one of its two most popular wedding sites. Then, up the hill, there's Stewart Memorial Chapel at Geneva Hall, a splendid white church with an arcade, a soaring campanile, a terrace that overlooks a breathtaking view, and stained-glass windows whose intense colors rival those of Europe's cathedrals.

In between the two ceremony venues is a tree-shaded campus with grand lawns, weathered moss-covered stone walls, classrooms, Victorian homes for faculty members and rock-faced administration buildings that evoke the allure of historic citadels. The most popular reception site is the Geneva Terrace, a curving sweep of stone that provides one of the most stunning panoramas in Marin: the north flank of Mt. Tamalpais; Ross Township's redwood-covered ridges; Red Hill; the seminary's signature stone academic buildings; and views down the Ross Valley.

There's a more prosaic form of beauty here, too: the beautiful grounds and facilities are offered at prices that are considered quite competitive by Marin County standards.

The University of Redlands, Marin Campus has another deal sweetener—a Victorian home available for small prenuptial parties or a pre-wedding stay. You can rest overnight here, then awaken fresh the next morning, knowing you don't have to travel anywhere for the big day. Another option is the shingle-sided, two-story Trinity House, which boasts eight large bedrooms and a spacious living room for entertaining guests. The campus also has a 28-room dorm-style retreat center, which allows close friends and family to lodge together. Keeping so many of your loved ones nearby makes it easy to turn your wedding into a destination weekend.

Besides a choice of romantic chapels and the campus' overall enticing feel, couples also like the unlimited parking and almost universal accessibility for their disabled guests. This site is like a good day that just keeps getting better. First, the drive here takes you through some of Marin's loveliest, leafiest neighborhoods, and then the campus itself charms you with its meandering lanes, compelling architecture and one-of-a-kind vistas in a county famous for its views. Once it wins you over, any other venue just won't feel as right.