San Francisco area coastal wedding destinations

California Wedding Location – Long Branch Saloon

Written by Terry Plank on . Posted in Ceremony Locations - Half Moon Bay Coastside, Reception Locations & Dining

Longbranch Church Wedding Location

Church Chapel

Last year we blogged about Long Branch Saloon & Farms wedding facility, since then Kevin Palmer and his family have taken everything to a whole new level, dismantling an old church and rebuilding it in their vintage western town near Half Moon Bay California.

For years, Kevin stockpiled redwood from old buildings he was tearing down for 20 years through his construction company, having no idea he’d use the great redwood and western items; until in 2005 he hit on the idea  of building a western town on land just south of Half Moon Bay. The town includes the following: western facades of a jail, dressmakers shop, feed n’ fuel, barbershop and a hotel; the original barn transformed into a saloon with authentic gambling tables and an enormous bar; a mercantile shop with western paraphernalia for sale.

Kevin says the town is “always evolving & growing”. The latest editions are The Grand Palace Parlor with the original bar from The Palace Hotel in San Francisco which survived the 1906 earthquake and the old western church that seats 80 people, opening out the back of the church to seat 200.

However, a wedding ceremony is not confined to just the church.  Ceremonies have been held above the saloon, inside the saloon, in a horse pasture, just about everywhere in the town. There have even been “theatrical weddings” where the officiant and the bridal party were decked out in western garb.  Long Branch can even provide a horse for the bride to ride up to the ceremony, a full casino night with dealers, two 20 x 20 tents, and much more.

Pricing varies depending on the services added to basic site fees, but the location price includes use of this unique old western town for the whole day, chairs, tables, and outdoor heaters if needed.  Kevin has a list of recommended and experienced vendors from caterers to florists and even has a special discount arrangement with the Half Moon Bay Lodge for discounted lodging for anyone involved with the wedding ceremony.

See lots of great photos of the location for weddings or other events at Long Branch Saloon & Farms.

terry Plank Authored by Terry Plank

Half Moon Bay Wedding Locations- Liquid Sky

Written by Terry Plank on . Posted in Ceremony Locations - Half Moon Bay Coastside

Liquid Sky Estate Wedding LocationI performed my first ceremony at Liquid Sky Estate, a few miles south of Half Moon Bay on a bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean.

This location has a stunning view of Half Moon Bay in the distance and the crashing surf below the ceremony gazebo.

Liquid Sky is a sister property with Cetrella restaurant.  They state on the website that “…Liquid Sky Estate is available for stand alone ceremonies or a ceremony followed by a cocktail hour. You may combine your ceremony with a sit down reception at Cetrella restaurant in downtown Half Moon Bay for a complete event package.”  The restaurant offers a Mediterranean cuisine in Half Moon Bay at the quiet end of the town and has an elegant, European atmosphere.

At the Liquid Sky property there is a large indoor facility for the bridal party’s use which includes a full-sized deck on the roof with a 360 degree view of the ocean and the surrounding countryside.

For more information on this location, visit their website at http://www.cetrella.com/coastside.php.  We also have some candid video shots taken after the ceremony last weekend.  These can be found at our Weddings By The Sea Facebook Page.

terry Plank Authored by Terry Plank

Wedding and Reception Location – Mavericks Event Center

Written by Terry Plank on . Posted in Ceremony Locations - Half Moon Bay Coastside, Reception Locations & Dining

I love officiating at the Mavericks Event Center located in the scenic Princeton Harbor just 30 miles south of San Francisco. I’m at the top of their Vendors list as an officiant. The Center offers a unique, beautiful setting for your wedding ceremony and/or reception. The Center has over 2000 square feet and provides a casual, beautiful setting with an open, spacious main area, lots of windows and a fireplace. There is also a large deck outside overlooking the harbor that can accommodate 60 seated guests. This location lends itself to creative possibilities and a very special event. The Mavericks Event Center can accommodate many seating options for your wedding and/or reception. Utilizing the indoors only it can accommodate up to 150 reception standing guests, 100 seated guests. They can also accommodate all your catering needs. Additional equipment and services are also available. Just a few steps from the Mavericks Event Center is the Inn at Mavericks, which sits on a waterfront bluff and has 6 newly remodeled rooms beautifully decorated and provides a great lodging location for the wedding couple,  wedding party and family. Each room has unobstructed harbor and ocean views with a large private veranda, a fireplace, flat screen HDTV, microwave, refrigerator, coffee maker and wireless Internet access. For more information visit their web-site at Mavericks Event Center terry Plank Authored by Terry Plank
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