Filoli Historic House and Garden Wedding Venue
When it comes to wedding venues that exude timeless beauty and charm, few places compare to Filoli Historic House and Garden in Woodside, California. With its rich history, breathtaking gardens, and stunning architecture, Filoli offers a magical setting for couples looking to celebrate their love in a grand yet intimate way.
Jessica and Brian are Midwesterners that moved to the San Francisco Bay Area right before the pandemic. They chose this stunning estate in Woodside, California as their outdoor wedding venue. The couple originally planned for a wedding with a couple of hundred guests in a different state, so they had to completely reimagine the scale, concept and location of their wedding. One of the most important elements of their small Filoli wedding in California was to make everything sustainable and eco-friendly.
The wedding ceremony location is about 25 miles south of San Francisco nestled in the Santa Cruz Mountains surrounded by redwoods and beautiful meadows. The estate also features formal gardens that are sought out by thousands of guests every year.
Filoli is an architectural gem that boasts a rich history dating back to the early 20th century. Originally built as a private residence, the estate has since been transformed into one of the most sought-after wedding venues in Northern California. The impressive house, with its classic stone façade and expansive lawns, offers a regal atmosphere that complements the beauty of the surrounding gardens.
Sunken Garden Wedding Ceremony At Filoli
The couple envisioned a sunset wedding ceremony in the Filoli estate’s formal sunken garden area, which is a stunning spot for an intimate wedding event. The bride’s flowers were locally sourced from the property’s flower beds and her elegant beaded dress was designed by Kenneth Wilson. Jessica’s father walked her down to her groom, while their guests witnessed the couple exchange their meaningful wedding vows.
The formal gardens at Filoli include everything from grand flower beds to tranquil reflecting pools, all surrounded by towering trees and charming stone walkways. Whether you choose to say your vows in the center of the garden, beneath the elegant stone arches, or in one of the intimate, secluded corners, the scenery at Filoli elevated Jessica and Brian’s ceremony and provided stunning backdrop for wedding photos.
The two enjoyed strolling through the flower gardens after their ceremony, while sipping their favorite California sparkling wine. The cocktail hour with delicious charcuterie cones and more bubbly was held al fresco at Filoli’s Garden House.
Filoli offers the flexibility of both indoor and outdoor wedding options, which allowed Jessica and Brian to customize their celebration. For couples who prefer an indoor ceremony, the historic house offers several elegant rooms that can be transformed into intimate, classic settings for wedding vows. Whether you choose the grand ballroom with its opulent chandeliers or one of the more intimate rooms with period furnishings, the house provides a refined atmosphere for a traditional wedding ceremony.
For couples who love photography, a Filoli wedding is a dream come true. The stunning gardens, historic house, and surrounding landscapes provided countless opportunities for fine art wedding photos. With the perfect combination of light, greenery, and architecture, Jessica and Brian’s wedding photos are as timeless as the venue itself.
Elegant Wedding Dinner in a California Fine Dining Restaurant
One of the highlights of the day was the dinner at Village Bakery, a fine dining restaurant only a few minutes away from the ceremony venue. The reception area was decorated in a minimalistic but elegant way. The appetizers consisted of avocado toasts and deviled eggs and fine aperitifs.
While the wedding party feasted on their main courses, multiple wedding guests stood up to say a few words to the newlyweds sitting under an olive tree, and wished them well in their adventures. The night was filled with fine wines, laughs and untamed dancing.
Hi lovely, I am Yana, a Michigan based destination and elopement photographer. I used to live in San Francisco and I will gladly guide you through your exciting photo journey. When you book me as your California engagement photographer, you’re also booking my knowledge of stunning locations in the area. But that’s not all. I spend hours scouting new locations, researching activities and vetting vendors to be able to provide my expertise for a unique experience. I will also become your sounding board to consult ideas about your dream elopement adventure. Through all of this, we will most likely become friends and I will silently shed a tear hiding behind my camera when I witness you exchange your vows with your one and only. To book your complimentary consultation and chat about your plans, fill out the form below.
