Muckenthaler Mansion 1201 West Malvern • Fullerton • California 92833

With its broad lawns and period architecture, Fullerton's Muckenthaler Mansion might be the backdrop for one of the fictitious revelries in an F. Scott Fitzgerald novel. On its gracious grounds a bride can easily imagine herself as the dreamy heroine from The Great Gatsby as she glides across the velvety green expanse atop a wooded knoll. The fantasy continues inside, where turn-of-the-century photos document life in a gentler era.

Built in 1924 as the dream home of Walter and Adella Muckenthaler, the stunning Italian Renaissance-style structure stands on nine landscaped acres overlooking a quiet residential neighborhood. In 1965, Adella and her son donated the estate to the City of Fullerton for use as a cultural center for touring art exhibits. Thus, whatever artwork is on display at the mansion contributes a unique aesthetic to special events.

Prior to tying the knot, the bride can prepare and unwind in a dressing room featuring its own private entrance and bathroom. Guests await the bride's entrance in the estate's rose garden, and they're sure to "ooh and aah" as she floats into view surrounded by a flurry of colorful blooms. She meets her husband-to-be by the gazebo set amidst a palm-fringed Italian garden.

After the ceremony, many couples serve cocktails inside the mansion, where almost every room is a gallery filled with art from around the globe. Of particular note is the octagonal solarium, warmed by light flowing in through expansive windows. Meanwhile, the wedding party poses in the mansion's foyer, where a wrought-iron spiral staircase imported from Italy makes a perfect photographic centerpiece.

The Muckenthaler has numerous enclaves for receptions. Al fresco options include: the Center Circle Courtyard, lit by necklaces of twinkling lights; the Adella and Northwest Lawns for larger parties; and the charming Palm Court for daytime events. In the evening you can fête your guests in a fancy tent, or let the starlit sky create the ambiance.

For indoor festivities guests enjoy mingling in the wooden-floored atrium with its ornate tiled fireplace. Dinner and dancing often unfold in the main gallery, where a baby grand piano is on hand for musical entertainment. 

In addition to its extraordinary setting, the two-story mansion offers exclusive catering and full bar services by Colette's. Known for fabulous cuisine, magnificent cakes and impeccable service, the Fullerton caterer offers complete dinner packages, customized international menus, and creative reception ideas for 20 to 1,000.

The Muckenthaler Mansion is one of North Orange County's most picturesque event venues, and a great place to "write" the first chapter of your new life together.