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5 min read

Secluded Splendor at Winchester Estate

Secluded Splendor at Winchester Estate

Are you looking for a scenic outdoorsy locale to tie the knot in Sacramento or Placer counties? We recommend checking out the picturesque and peaceful town of Meadow Vista. Located in the Sierra Nevada foothills, it's about 40 miles from Sacramento and 75 miles from iconic Lake Tahoe, making it a fantastic location for your special occasion. Meadow Vista is known for its beautiful scenery and easy access to the outdoors. If you're a fan of mountains, rivers, and lakes, Winchester Estate in Meadow Vista is the ideal spot for you. This quaint town offers a serene environment surrounded by forests, meadows, and streams, making it an incredible backdrop to say "I do."

As a nature enthusiast, we bet you'd love an outdoor venue to enjoy with your guests, and we highly recommend our newly-renovated venue: Winchester Estate by Wedgewood Weddings! Winchester Estate is a scenic country club estate with stunning views of the Sierra Nevada mountains. If you are hoping for a gorgeous venue that truly shows off the beauty of Northern California, Winchester Estate offers a naturally scenic backdrop that is sure to wow your guests.

 

Winchester Country Club

 

FUN Activities for a Memorable Wedding Celebration


The fantastic thing about choosing Meadow Vista for your big day is that it is conveniently located near lots of local activities for your guests. Check out our eight ideas below for things for guests to do:

Hidden Falls Regional park

 
1. Hike at Hidden Falls Regional Park

This park is beloved by locals and offers a peaceful oasis complete with hiking trails, waterfalls, and picturesque views. Insider tip - this is a superb place for engagement photos!

2. Go River Rafting

Located in the heart of gold country, the Auburn State Recreation Area is only 10 miles from Winchester Estate. The park covers 40 miles of the American River, and your guests can have a blast river rafting, hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding.

3. Explore Old Town Auburn

Old Town Auburn is a historic district with charming shops, antique stores, and restaurants. You can share a helpful walking map with your guests via a welcome bag or your wedding website, which will break down all of the fun and unique sights in the area.

4. Imbibe on the Placer Wine Trail

Take a short drive to enjoy the Placer Wine Trail, which boasts 20 local wineries (and counting). Most Placer Wine Trail wineries are family-owned and offer a more personal approach to wine-tasting. If you have a favorite local varietal, offering your guests a wine-based wedding gift is always appropriate!

5. Go on a Brewery Tour

If you're more of a beer person instead of wine, you're in luck. There are fantastic local breweries just waiting to be explored, including Auburn Alehouse located in the historic American Block Building, or family-owned Knee Deep Brewing.

6. Visit the Highest Bridge in California

In nearby Auburn, the Foresthill Bridge is the highest bridge in the state and one of the three highest in the United States. Enjoy the stunning views of the surrounding forest and the American River while movie buffs might recognize it from a famous Vin Diesel escapade.

7. Explore the Bernhard Museum Complex

The historic Bernhard Museum Complex was built in 1851 and showcases the history and heritage of the area. Check out the historic Victorian house, one-room schoolhouse, and carriage house. This one is definitely fun for all the family.

8. Visit the Auburn Old Town Gallery

Right in the heart of the historic district, the Auburn Old Town Gallery is an artists' cooperative featuring the work of over 50 local artists. The gallery features rotating exhibits and showcases a vast collection of paintings, sculptures, ceramics, jewelry, and more. Fall in love with a local artisan, and you could have a source for wedding party gifts.

 

auburn-old-town-gallery

 

where to stay near meadow vista

For guests traveling for your big day, they can catch domestic and international flights out of the Sacramento airport, which is about an hour's drive from Winchester Estate. Convenient hotel options include the Holiday Inn Auburn or Power's Mansion Inn, a historic Victorian bed and breakfast. Both hotels are less than 10 miles away from Winchester Estate. For guests hoping for a cozy getaway tucked away in nature, this cottage, located on a private street near Lake Combie, is a peaceful retreat. Or this newly renovated rental house is a fantastic option for guests needing a little more space - it can sleep six and is located on four acres right in Meadow Vista.

 

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Top Picks for an Unforgettable Rehearsal Dinner

If you're looking for delicious rehearsal dinner recommendations, our wonderful Winchester Estate team has put together a local guide of excellent options.

  • Conveniently located just three miles from Winchester Estate, the Tin Lantern offers your choice of dining on their covered patio, open-air patio, or inside their dining room. You'll find lots of delicious options on their menu, from salads to pasta to burgers.
  • Located in the historic White House building in Auburn, Tap and Vine serves delicious American cuisine and fun cocktails. Reach out to Tap and Vine to inquire about reserving a private space for your rehearsal dinner.
  • Are pizza and beer more your speed? Pizzeria Luba is a husband-and-wife-owned pizzeria conveniently located in Auburn. Locals say that the foggy dew mushroom pizza is a must-try!
  • If you're a fan of authentic Sicilian cuisine, you've found the right place in Newcastle's La Fornaretta. This family-owned restaurant has delicious pasta options and pizza featuring their secret family recipe that's been a local favorite since the Seventies!
  • Planning a brunch or lunch instead? The Pour Choice, located in Auburn, is California's first (and only!) craft coffee bar and tap room, complete with 28 taps. There is something for everyone here, from coffee and tea to sandwiches and salads, to beer and wine.

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EXCEPTIONAL WEDDING VENUES IN NORCAL

With so much to do nearby, the Sacramento and Placer region is a fantastic choice for couples who want a wedding that ties into the area's natural beauty. If you want to explore more options, book a friendly and informative venue tour to see Winchester Estate or our other nearby venues:

For a unique venue with vintage charm, Sequoia Mansion in Placerville is an excellent choice. This historic Victorian mansion was recently renovated while keeping the magic of the original architecture intact. You'll love it all, from the lush garden to the charming front porch to the 19th-century fireplace.

 

Sequoia Mansion by Wedgewood Weddings

 

Sterling Hotel in the heart of Sacramento will surely wow your guests with its vintage style. Built in 1894, this historic venue offers multiple ceremony options, an open-air patio, and tons of charm. For couples drawn to a more contemporary style, you've found the ideal choice in Evergreen Springs in Elk Grove. You'll be wowed by the cascading waterfalls, grand ballroom with floor-to-ceiling windows, and two oversized get-ready rooms ready to welcome you and your soon-to-be spouse.

 

Sterling Hotel by Wedgewood Weddings

 

For couples drawn to a more contemporary style, you've found the ideal choice in Evergreen Springs in Elk Grove. You'll be wowed by the cascading waterfalls, grand ballroom with floor-to-ceiling windows, and two oversized get-ready rooms ready to welcome you and your soon-to-be spouse. 

Indoor ceremony site with aisle lanterns - Evergreen Springs by Wedgewood Weddings

 

The modern and urban Union Brick in Roseville features expansive windows opening to a courtyard enclosed by a literal wall of decorative waterfalls, making for an incredible photo op for you and your wedding party. The sunlit courtyard and modern grand hall, complete with floor-to-ceiling windows and hardwood floors, provide an ideal backdrop for a romantic and stylish wedding.

Union Brick by Wedgewood Weddings

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All of our Northern California wedding venues are designed to showcase the natural beauty of the surroundings while providing a comfortable and elegant location for your wedding. If you're ready to tie the knot near Sacramento, we're excited to help you on your journey to I do! Call or text 602.737.0495 today to take the first step.

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