San Francisco area coastal wedding destinations

Posts Tagged ‘wedding location’

Half Moon Bay Lodge – Lodging & Ceremony Location

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

Half Moon Bay LodgeHalf Moon Bay Lodge, Best Western, is one of the quietest locations in the area for lodging in close proximity to a world class golf course, historic Half Moon Bay, beaches, a redwood grove with a spring-fed creek that runs year round, scores of excellent dining venues, and much more.

Rates are competitive for the area and they have a number of Packages with reduced rates: Unlimited Golf Stay & Play, Romantic Escape, Dinner & A Movie, Family Dinner and Movie, Eco Tour, Family Fun Picnic are a few.

I asked Minako Maki, the Conference Manager, to suggest three words she thinks most reflect the Lodge, I’ve been to the Lodge several times over the years so I agree with her answer: “intimate”, “charming”, and “personal”.

The Lodge is one of the few locations on the coast with a heated pool; they also have an oversized whirlpool spa, a dry sauna, a Fitness Center, and can make arrangements for a professional massage in your room for individuals and couples. They also have six meeting rooms that accommodate up to 60 people and have corporate rates for lodging if participants decide to stay over.

In addition to being a great location for guests attending wedding ceremonies on the San Mateo County Coastside, the Half Moon Bay Lodge is a lovely site for a wedding ceremony and reception for up to 50 guests.  “Experience our garden lawn setting with golf course views for your ceremony then celebrate in our dining room adjacent to our pool and charming patio.  We will take care of the details that go into making your wedding day flawless.”

Learn more at www.halfmoonbaylodge.com, call, or email for reservations:  (650) 726-9000 – reservations325@halfmoonbaylodge.com .

terry Plank Authored by Terry Plank

Wedding & Reception Location – Half Moon Bay Golf Links

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

Ceremony Location

I’ve performed many ceremonies at the Golf Links and find this location one of the best places to officiate.

I asked Amy M. McNeil, Director of Sales & Marketing, a few questions to round out my thoughts about the location; the first was to give me 3 words she things best describes Half Moon Bay Golf Links; not surprisingly they were “Views, Service, Value”. Let me comment around her key words to describe their location and service.

Views?  You bet, you can see from a video I shot last November when I was there to officiate that the area is open and green right beside sea. There is a view of the ocean on their website; they are on more than a mile of scenic bluffs above the Pacific Ocean. Here is the link to the WBTS Video.

Service?  Amy and her staff of coordinators obviously love what they do, they take excellent care of every part of the rehearsal, celebration, and reception.  Couples always look relaxed and pampered by a staff that makes sure the whole experience goes smoothly and professionally.

Value?  Well, even with the expansive views, quality service, and fine food, the cost of Half Moon Bay Golf Links is one of the more affordable ones on the Coastside.

I asked Amy another question, what advice she would give to couples about their wedding?  Her answer?  “Trust your instincts -not only with each other, but with your wedding plans and vendors.  Everything should “click” and you should feel that your wedding vendors ‘have your back’ in all things and that they have your best interests at heart and are there to protect your overall experience.  Trust is key in all relationships from wedding planning through marriage.”

Look over their Wedding page at Half Moon Bay Golf Links.   If you’re interested in learning more specifics contact Amy McNeil, Director of Sales & Marketing at (650) 773-8895 or amcneil@hmbgolflinks.com.

terry Plank Authored by Terry Plank

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

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Half Moon Bay • CA • 94019 • (650) 726-0890