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Sacramento Valley Wedding Guide

Sacramento Valley Wedding Guide

Planning a Sacramento wedding? You’ve come to the right place! Sacramento, which is also the capital of the State of California, is rich in both history and culture. Sacramento’s eclectic arts scene makes it a top destination for music, galleries, and theater. With its famed architecture, luscious parks, and abundance of historical landmarks, Sacramento is the perfect backdrop for a Northern California wedding. Before you say ‘I do’ to nuptials in Sactown, take a look at our ultimate guide to Sacramento wedding venues, wedding considerations, and entertainment.

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Sterling Hotel is an all-inclusive Downtown Sacramento wedding venuethe historic Sterling Hotel - a Downtown Sacramento wedding venue

 

Situated along the confluence of the Sacramento and American Rivers, the City of Sacramento is a mere 90 miles northeast of San Francisco and the greater Silicon Valley region. This riverfront community grew in popularity during the Gold Rush after Swiss pioneer John Sutter established the original colony of Nueva Helvetia. After gold was discovered in the nearby foothills, Sacramento’s population rapidly grew, and the city became the state’s capital in 1854 (Encyclopedia Britannica). 

 

Explore Downtown Sacramento on foot from the wedding venue at Sterling HotelA newlywed couple explores Downtown Sacramento on foot

 

Sacramento is one of the most diverse cities in the country, lending its flourishing arts scene (Sacramento Bee). Brimming with countless galleries, theaters, and music venues, Sactown is a mecca for artists of all mediums.  Sacramento also hosts a plethora of parks and outdoor spaces. McKinley Park features a rose garden and nature trails, while Tower Bridge is worth a visit on foot to enjoy the view overlooking the sparkling city lights.

 

A bride and groom head to their Downtown Sacramento wedding venue at Sterling HotelA bride and groom rush to SAY, 'I do' along the bustling streets of Downtown Sacramento 

 

Sacramento is known for its long, hot summers and cool, damp winters. While the city welcomes periodic foggy spells, snow is a rarity in the state’s capital. If you’re dreaming of an autumn wedding against changing leaves, Sacramento is the perfect destination for your nuptials. Sacramento is also conveniently located a short drive from Lake Tahoe, which is a top travel spot of skiers and snowboarders alike. No matter your interests, there is no shortage of ways to stay entertained in and around Sactown.

 

A sunset wedding in Sacramento at Evergreen Springs venueNewlyweds enjoying an intimate moment at dusk in elk grove, CA

 

GETTING MARRIED IN SACRAMENTO:

 
HOW TO MUCH DOES A WEDDING LICENSE COST?
  • Public Marriage License $84
  • Confidential Marriage License $95
  • Civil Ceremony $36
  • Witness Fee $29
  • Certified Copy $15
 
WHAT FORMS OF ID ARE ACCEPTABLE?
  • Driver’s license
  • Passport
  • Military ID
  • Resident Alien Card
 WHAT DO I NEED TO APPLY FOR A WEDDING LICENSE?
  • Must be 18 years old and unmarried. 
  • To buy a marriage license, you must appear together at one of the approved Sacramento County office locations. Bring one of the forms of ID listed above.
  • Complete the marriage license application and pay the associated fees (listed above).
  • Once the license is purchased, you have 90 days to perform a ceremony.

For more information about Sacramento County Marriage Licenses, visit the county clerk’s website to learn more.

 

Union Brick is a brand new Sacramento wedding venue located in RosevilleA bride and groom enjoy their outdoor wedding ceremony at Union Brick in Roseville - a Sacramento-area all-inclusive wedding venue

 

CONSIDERATIONS FOR A SACRAMENTO WEDDING

  • Selecting a season: with long, dry summers, Sacramento temperatures are favorable for outdoor wedding ceremonies for many months out of the year. Come fall and winter, the temperatures remain mild while wet weather is common. Consider how seasonality will play into your reception and ceremony plans. 
  • Plan your photo opportunities: from historical buildings and mansions to the countless murals throughout the city, Sacramento has no shortage of photo opportunities. Work with your wedding photographer to choose a few top locations you would love to be photographed on your wedding day. 
  • Choosing your attire: consider how the temperatures will impact your wedding day attire. Black tuxedos may be a bit hot and heavy for an outdoors Sacramento summer wedding, while autumnal nuptials may require an extra layer or a stylish umbrella. 
  • Indoor or outdoor: Sacramento is home to so many beautiful indoor and outdoor wedding venues! Have you always dreamed of an outdoor garden wedding? How about exchanging vows indoors at a historical estate? No matter what you’re looking for in a wedding, Sacramento is guaranteed to deliver. 
  • Venue capacity: when it comes to choosing a Sacramento wedding venue, capacity will play a big role - especially as your guest list begins to grow. Before choosing your venue, it’s best to have an idea of your approximate headcount ahead of time. 

 

Sequoia Mansion is a vintage estate wedding just outside of SacramentoSequoia Mansion is a vintage estate wedding venue in historic placerville, CA

 

SACRAMENTO-AREA WEDDING VENUES WORTH TOURING:

  • Evergreen Springs in Elk Grove, CA is a sophisticated, contemporary just outside of Sacramento that offers both indoor and outdoor wedding ceremony spaces. With its dramatic chandeliers and abundance of natural light, this modern venue is fully customizable for your unique taste. 
  • Sequoia Mansion in Placerville, CA is vintage estate oozing with both charm and character. This Sacramento area wedding venue features stained glass windows, cozy fireplaces, built-in-bars, and a selection of indoor and outdoor wedding ceremony sites.  This mansion wedding venue is conveniently located between Sacramento and the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range. 
  • Sterling Hotel in Downtown Sacramento is a charming historic estate just steps from the California State Capital building.  Complete with Victoria design features and architectural amusements, this vintage hotel provides plenty of photo opportunities for your Downtown Sacramento wedding. With a stained-glass dome, cellar bar, and adorable chapel, your guests are guaranteed to fall in love with this venue’s unique characteristics. 
  • Union Brick in Roseville, CA is modern wedding venue with stunning urban features, including an over-sized Avant-garde chandelier that welcomes guests in the grand entryway. Union Brick’s floor-to-ceiling windows and high ceilings make this Sacramento venue feel larger than life. Complete with lush gardens and indoor/outdoor ceremony spaces, Union Brick has something for everyone.



Newlyweds smile for a wedding portrait in Downtown Sacramento newlyweds in one of Downtown Sacramento's many breathtaking parks

 

THINGS TO DO IN SACRAMENTO:

Whether you are a local city dweller with out-of-town guests or planning a destination wedding in Sacramento, we’ve pulled together some of our favorite activities that the area has to offer:

  • B Street Theater: one of Sacramento’s premier live entertainment venues, B Street Theater is a must-visit for both contemporary productions and popular classics. The theater is also home to a variety of classes and workshops for students of all ages.
  • Crocker Art Museum: the Crocker Art Musem is an absolute dream for art lovers everywhere. The museum features a diverse spectrum of exhibitions, events, and programs that include films, concerts, lectures, children’s activities, and more.
  • Crest Theater: The iconic Crest Theater originally opened in 1912 as a vaudeville palace under the moniker Empress Theater. The Create Theater now screens classic and modern films for adoring movie fanatics. 
  • California State Capital Museum: the California State Capital Museum combines rich history with breathtaking architecture. Whether you’re interested in learning something new or stopping by for a quick photo, we highly recommend dropping by the capital building. 
  • Visit Old Sacramento: the Old Sacramento State Historic Park is home to a number of Gold Rush-era historic structures, including the Eagle Theater and B. F. Hastings Building. Old Sacramento’s cobblestones streets are lined with countless historical structures that each have a unique story to tell. 
  • Dine at The Kitchen: Sacramento is America’s Farm-to-Fork Capital, and The Kitchen has been spearheading this initiative since 1991. Known as one of the city’s best restaurant, The Kitchen is a can’t-miss for foodies. 

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Outdoor wedding ceremony and cocktail hour at Evergreen Springs in Elk Grove

Evergreen Springs is a contemporary wedding venue that features spacious indoor and outdoor wedding ceremony sites

 

If you are planning a Sacramento wedding, take a moment to enjoy everything Sactown has to offer. From the vibrant arts scene to the storied history of the gold rush era, this Northern California metropolis makes for a charismatic backdrop to say, ‘I do.’ Your guests will fall in love with the sights and sounds of Sacramento and you will have some stunning photos from your wedding day. 

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