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Montalvo Arts Center: A Santa Cruz Wedding Venue with Historic Charm and Valley Views

September 24, 2024

Hi, I'm Kristen.
I'm so happy you're here. This blog a journal about past work and tips + tricks for couples and photographers. Stay a while and say hello!
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The great lawn at Montalvo Arts Center

If you’re dreaming of a wedding venue that combines elegance, history, and stunning natural beauty, Montalvo Arts Center is the one. Nestled in the Saratoga Hills, this place has all the romantic vibes you could want—and it’s big enough to host everything from intimate elopements to a 300-guest blowout that’ll have everyone talking (in a good way).

Let’s talk details: First, there’s the iconic Love Temple, where you can exchange vows surrounded by gardens and statues. (The setting is so perfect, you won’t need much decor—nature’s already handling it.) Then there’s the villa itself, with its balconies and views of the Great Lawn. Bonus tip: I’ve found the lighting 2-3 hours before the sunset is pure magic for photos—just make sure you time your ceremony right, because once that sun dips behind the mountains, it’s like flipping a light switch from golden glow to “I wish I had a flashlight.”

As for your reception, the villa’s veranda offers up garden views (and the occasional deer wandering by—don’t worry, they’re not crashing the party). Inside, the villa boasts an impressive Main Hall with a fireplace so big you could roast an entire pig in it. Not saying you should, but hey, options, right?

Now, onto the nitty-gritty: Montalvo can host up to 300 guests outdoors and 150 indoors, with ample parking for 150 cars (and trust me, your out-of-town relatives will thank you for that). Prices for weddings range from $17,000 to $30,000, which includes a 9-hour rental, two dressing suites, and more planning meetings than you’ll probably need—but hey, better safe than sorry!


A quick note for the nature lovers: With Montalvo’s gorgeous gardens come a few… let’s say, uninvited guests. Make sure you’ve got some bug spray on hand, or you’ll have a wedding photo featuring mosquitoes and flies as your unofficial wedding party.

Whether you’re planning a grand affair or a cozy elopement (those start at $1,500!), Montalvo Arts Center is a stunning choice. Just remember to plan your timeline around the lighting, pack some bug spray, and brace yourself for deer sightings and maybe a laugh or two along the way.

Ready to make Montalvo Arts Center the backdrop for your dream wedding? Let’s chat and get your date secured! I’ve worked with couples here before and know all the ins and outs of this beautiful venue.

Montalvo Contact Information:
Website: https://montalvoarts.org/host/weddings/
Phone: 408-961-5829
Email: events@montalvoarts.org

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Hello

welome to my blog

I'm Kristen and I'm so happy you're here. This blog a journal about past work and tips + tricks for couples and photographers. Stay a while and say hello!

Learn more

arrow

FREE DOWNLOAD

The KCP Wedding guide

All my favorite tips for planning a stress-free wedding photography experience and so much more...

DOWNLOAD

free download

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WEDDING DAY GUIDE

All my favorite tips for planning a stress-free wedding photography experience and so much more...