Grand Island Mansion: A European-Style Wedding Venue in California
Dreaming of that European wedding feel without having to set foot out of California? Grand Island Mansion in Walnut Grove has got you covered. Picture this: you’re dancing at your dream fairytale wedding where you’ve been surrounded by so much magic and love all day, in a place that literally feels like you stepped out of California and right into Italy. Sickening! Take a glance into Kierra and Tomontray’s wedding day at Grand Island Mansion, one of my favorite European-style wedding venues, as a Sacramento wedding photographer.
A Look Into Grand Island Mansion (One of my Favorite European Style Wedding Venues!)
Grand Island Mansion feels like it came straight out of a movie screen. With glimmering lights and ornate architecture, I honestly don’t think it could be any more beautiful! It feels like a grandiose Italian villa, but one that you can throw a crazy party at. And as if it couldn’t get any better… It has a pool.
Grand Island Mansion: In History vs Now
You can find this European-style venue tucked away in Walnut Grove, at 13415 Grand Island Road, with land spreading hundreds of acres (yep, you read that right). The land used to serve as a fruit farm, and then in 1920, the gorgeous mansion was built. At the time, it played host to many famous people, including President Franklin Roosevelt and actress Greta Garbo! Now, it can host your indoor or outdoor wedding, holding up to 400 guests in a romantic space. Some standout features that the venue includes are on-site accommodations and absolutely delicious food.
My Favorite Photo-Ops at Grand Island Mansion
Of course, there are a few standout spots for photos that I will make sure we capture before you leave! First off, the garden courtyard. This area? The definition of polished elegance. Seriously gorgeous AF. With a statue-esque fountain and stone accents everywhere… you’ll thank me later for capturing your cinematic wedding photos here.
The columns at the ceremony site are also a stunning spot that you can’t leave without taking advantage of the photo op, especially if you’re planning a European-style wedding. The same goes for photos in front of the villa!
Lastly, one of my FAVORITE parts of the California wedding venue is the movie theater room that lets you screen video montages. Honestly, can you think of anything more romantic?! I’m quite literally obsessed with this part of the venue, as a Sacramento wedding photographer who is obsessed with movies.
FAQs About a Grand Island Mansion Wedding
When is the best time of year to get married at Grand Island Mansion?
Grand Island Mansion holds weddings year-round, but for the most comfort for your California wedding, it’s best to opt for a wedding between April and November! The California weather is hella nice during this time of year, and the venue is somehow even prettier in the spring.
What’s included in a wedding package at Grand Island Mansion?
The Walnut Grove wedding venue gives you exclusive use of the venue, and it provides food and drinks, staff to help coordinate on the day of your wedding, and can offer on-site accommodations for you and your guests! It honestly has it all.
What are the ceremony and reception site options for a Grand Island Mansion wedding?
There are SO many settings here to hold a ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception, both indoor and outdoor. You can choose between ballrooms, gardens, and the villa itself. There’s also a space dedicated to the afterparty, which just means it’s even more of my kinda venue.
What is there to do in Walnut Grove?
Walnut Grove is a quick 30-minute drive to Sacramento, so you have plenty of options for what to do (or what to tell your guests to do). If you’re looking to stay only in Walnut Grove without a drive, you can visit the Locke Memorial Park or the Grand Island Vineyards!
Kierra and Tomontray’s European Style Wedding DaY
Getting to capture this love story was SUCH an honor. The day flowed so naturally, it felt cinematic. It was fricken magical and full of love. Everyone was so happy for these two and emotions ran high all day. It was the kind of wedding day that’s so special it’s easy to capture, and I just know they’ll treasure these photos forever.
Kierra and Tomontray are one of those couples that you can just tell were meant for each other. They’re high school sweethearts and spent the entire day so giddy. It was so cute, it made me sick. You can tell this day was a long time coming for them!
And not to mention, their wedding vibe? Stunning AF. The European-style wedding was complemented so well by the venue (and by my photos, if I do say so myself). I had the honor of teaming up with a luxury makeup artist, Vision by Alicia, who enhanced Kierra’s beauty perfectly.
Lani’s Vision | Sacramento Wedding Photographer
If you’re looking for a Sacramento wedding photographer for your European-style wedding day (especially at Grand Island Mansion), sign me up. But really, we’ll become best friends and I’ll capture photos that feel so authentic and cinematic. If that sounds right up your alley, you can inquire with me right here. Chat soon!
