Everything You Need to Know to Plan the Perfect Montalvo Arts Center Wedding
If you want your wedding to feel like it’s straight out of a movie scene, stop what you’re doing to check out this Bay Area Wedding venue. A Montalvo Arts Center wedding gives main character energy, and I’m SO here for it. Think ornate architecture everywhere in a space that feels like it came STRAIGHT out of the Renaissance era. As a Sacramento wedding photographer, I’m covering everything you need to know about planning a wedding at Montalvo Arts Center here!
Why Choose a Montalvo Arts Center Wedding?
The better question here is why NOT choose a Montalvo Arts Center wedding?! But seriously, this venue is so gorgeous it makes me sick. It’s not only absolutely beautiful, but it truly has everything you could possibly dream of for your day:
Different Venue Options
It doesn’t matter what your guest count or wedding vibe is, Montalvo Arts Center has a space perfect for your ceremony, cocktail hour, or reception. You get the option of the Great Lawn, the Villa, the Spanish Courtyard, Oval Garden, and the Love Temple here, and trust me, you can’t go wrong with any of them. Each one is absolutely STUNNING. And depending on which areas you choose, the space can comfortably hold up to 200 guests, so if you want a big party, you’ve got it, baby!
Package Options to Fit Your Day
The venue can be as hands-on or hands-off as you want, so whether you’re dreaming of a small, intimate wedding or an event, Montalvo Arts Center has a package for you. They go from elopement to all-inclusive packages, and are truly so hospitable, no matter which route you take with them.
VIP Services and Amenities
All the inclusions in your wedding will make you feel like a VIP here, because honestly, you are. Italian-inspired wedding decor, tables and chairs, getting-ready suites, and ample parking are just some of the things that are included in your Montalvo Arts Center wedding package.
A Photographer’s Guide to Montalvo Arts Center
Now we’re getting into the fun stuff. Nostalgic, romantic, cinematic pictures are so easy to capture in a place like this, where you’re quite literally surrounded by romance and beauty. The venue does all the work for you, but hiring a wedding photographer who knows all the ins and outs (like me, hi!) is what will really get you those photos you’re dreaming of. There are TONS of photo-op spots here, but these are the ones that take the cake for me:
The Villa Montalvo
If an Italian-inspired wedding is calling your name, the Villa Montalvo is THE place to get portraits. Having you two walk across the lawn in front of the villa is my go-to because it creates crazy cinematic wedding photos.
The Fountain
Photos with the fountain feel like a wish come true, “When in Rome” style. The photos I get with the historic feel and vibrant color of the water behind the two of you is classic. So cute it makes me SICK.
The Gardens
If there are gardens at a wedding venue, best believe I’m there snapping photos. Gardens are so picturesque and create the perfect intimate setting for me to capture moments that feel more like a date night between you two and less like you’re being posed for wedding photos.
FAQs About Montalvo Arts Center
Dying to know more? Felt. Here are some of the top asked questions about planning a Montalvo Arts Center wedding:
How long will I have access to the venue?
The venue allows 10-hour days, from noon to 10:00 pm, giving you the perfect timeline opportunities!
Are there overnight accommodations on-site?
There are no on-site accommodations, but they have a preferred list of nearby hotels to share with their couples!
Is there a day-of coordinator on site?
Montalvo Arts Center does provide an event management team to help with coordination, parking, and setup on the day of your wedding.
When is the best time of year for a Montalvo Arts Center wedding?
Choosing a wedding date between May and November will best allow you to get the full feel of the venue, as they only host indoor weddings from December to April.
Is the venue wheelchair accessible?
Yes! They are wheelchair accessible everywhere, down to the restrooms.
What is there to do near Montalvo Arts Center?
Saratoga has some amazing things to do that you can share with your out-of-town guests. As a Northern California wedding photographer, my list of favorites definitely includes the Saratoga Winery, taking my little ones to the local bowling alley, and catching live music at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center.
Joey and Marrisa’s Montalvo Arts Center Wedding
You can stop looking for wedding inspiration now, because Joey and Marissa’s Montalvo Arts Center wedding has it all. It was the most serene day, filled head-to-toe with elegance and simplicity. There was so much character infused into this day that I’ll never get over: a live band, watercolors of the guests, so much love from both families… It was truly a perfect day.
Not to mention, Joey and Marissa made an adorable couple. Sitting back and capturing photos of just their natural movements and interactions with one another gave me some of the most romantic photos I’ve ever seen, and that’s how you know it’s real.
I had the honor of capturing this wedding by second shooting for another photographer friend, Alyssa Rae Photos, alongside videographer Cabie Films. And let me just add, the food by Catered Too? I still think about it.
Lani’s Vision | Sacramento Wedding Photographer
Did I convince you to hold your own Montalvo Arts Center wedding? If I did, I’m not surprised. The venue is CRAZY gorgeous. Let me tag along! I’ll be your new best friend and your new biggest fan, all in one. If you’re looking for a Northern California wedding photographer who will capture your wedding day as if it came straight out of a movie, we might just be a perfect match. Click here to inquire with me today! I can’t wait to see your love story.
