Villa Montalvo at Montalvo Arts Center

GLORIOUS & HISTORIC, every step you take is memorable! Steeped in art, politics and elegance, Villa Montalvo is the classic "it" venue in Northern California, if it's good enough for a U.S. Senator... (say no more.)

This was our first choice because it's where we got engaged. However, the cost is astronomical and I don't think it's really worth it. The on-site coordinator was very difficult to get in touch with. Also, the gardens aren't kept in the best shape anymore. It's a beautiful location, but unless you have a lot of money to burn, look elsewhere.

We wanted to take our engagement photos here, but there are signs all over the property that no photography is allowed without a permit. We called to inquire about getting a permit, and they want $200!! For engagement photos!! Our photographer is only charging $600 (which seems like a lot to me) -- Villa Montalvo is charging 33% of what the photographer herself is charging??. It's the same price for an engagement photo permit as it is for a wedding photo permit, and let's be honest -- engagment photos are far less intrusive on the grounds than a wedding photo shoot.

Outrageous. We're not doing our pics here. Thanks, Villa Montalvo, for that "non-profit" spirit.

My husband and I had our wedding at Villa Montalvo and it was absolutely magical. I might be bias when I argue it's the most beautiful place in the world. Such an extraordinary location. Kathleen Kirkpatrick was a great coordinator - very helpful and kind, she really made our dream wedding come true. It's a beautiful setting and an amazing experience.Thank you so much Kathleen for all your help!Love,Assal and Serge Maskalik

"Not bad for a starter house" joked one of the guests at my wedding. Not too shabby - the Villa is a 1920's era mansion on sprawling grounds with expansive lawns and hiking trails that serves as an art school during the week and an event/concert venue on weekends and evenings. We quickly decided it was the venue for us after one visit. We loved the relative seclusion, as well as the look of the building and the surrounding space. The price was also competitive with other top-tier venues like the Kohl Mansion and Nestledown. They have also recently reduced their fees in response to the slowing economy. We took advantage of the fact that the venue is thousands of dollars cheaper on Sundays, including holiday weekends, when Sunday is just as good as Saturday (well, from the having to get up and go to work the next day perspective anyway). A good part of the fee is also apparently a tax-deductible donation to a non-profit. The space is almost tailor made for a wedding - the small garden in the back is a common site for the ceremony, and from there, there's a logic to the flow of the crowd moving down into the back courtyard for cocktails and then onto the beautiful veranda for dinner. Kathleen the event coordinator is helpful and very experienced. No, it's not cheap. It can be very hot there - our rehearsal was a real barn-burner in the 100's but luckily it cooled down to a pleasant high of 77 on the day of our wedding. If you do an evening wedding here I can't recommend Enhanced Lighting more to accentuate the beauty of the venue at night. So if the non-religious venue and antique Mediterranean look appeals to you you should check it out. Overall, it was the right place for us, and I'm 100% satisfied.

It is a beautiful outdoor venue with plenty of room and space to really enjoy and spread out the day. I would have my wedding there again in a heartbeat. They arent super flexible on rules and space, due to the historical nature and preservation of the place, but it ended up not even being an issue and the most beautiful ceremony and reception.

I went to a wedding here recently and it was absolutely gorgeous. I wish I had known about it when I was looking at wedding venues!

The ceremony was beautiful and looked very natural with the gardens. The bride made a dramatic entrance down a very long aisle, which looked so classy and romantic. It was very sunny and beautiful, but unfortunately also very hot! Make sure you provide your guests with umbrellas, fans, or something to block the shade.

Working on Kristen Haferd's wedding ceremony at the Villa Montalvo was such a pleasure. Very professional and wasy to work with. Villa Montalvo is a picturesque dream come true!

"Beautiful location and incredible staff!" -- Maria Chang of PMA

Kathleen at Villa Montalvo is such a delight to work with. We have worked together for many years. Her professionalism, knowledge, and experience makes working with her a joy. Villa Montalvo is a beautiful venue to enjoy any celebration. Kathleen can help to make it perfect .

Villa Montalvo is one of the best venues in the Bay Area. Kathleen, is organized, friendly, warm and fun! As many have said, a dream to work with! Genuinely great to work with. The property speaks for itself with beautiful gardens and timeless architecture.Any wedding here= gorgeous!

If we were to get married again and were looking for the ideal location, we would choose Montalvo Arts Center. Montalvo is gracious and opulent yet intimate. Our only dilemma would be which beautiful part of the Villa we would choose for the ceremony and reception... The Love Temple at the far end of a rolling grassy lawn, the Italian courtyard with fountains, the terrace that overlooks the lawn where deer browse at dusk, or the grand ballroom. You can't go wrong with any of the options.And what makes a venue extra special? The hostess - Kathleen Kirkpatrick. Kathleen knows what a wedding means to a couple and their families. She truly cares about making your day special in every way. Definitely. This would be our first choice.

Montalvo is one of my favorite venues EVER. First, the obvious: It's beautiful. Anyone can see that. Who would not want to have a wedding ceremony and reception on these amazing historic grounds? There is something about the look of the place that lends itself well to all the functions and feelings of a wedding day. It's formal without being stuffy or austere, and the place warms up right along with the party as the night wears on.It is also very functional. It's close to civilization, but not TOO close. There is a perfect spot for every activity from parking to preparation, ceremony to reception. This may sound odd, but some really popular venues might look great in photos, but just don't quite fit the purposes of a wedding reception, but Montalvo just "works."Another great reason Montalvo is tops: Kathleen. Ask anyone in wedding circles, and you find that she is regarded as one of the most kind, caring and capable people on the planet. Everyone loves working with her, and you will too!

One of the most beautiful locations in the Bay Area - hands down! A must for discerning brides!

My wife and I had the pleasure of photographing a wedding at Villa Montalvo last weekend. It is a gorgeous location! It emanates class, beauty, and romanticism, and lends itself to amazing photographic opportunities. You can view a few of the photos on our blog: http://www.door51.com/blog/?p=207. We would also like to add, that Kathleen, the even organizer at Montalvo, is a joy to work with. She is well organized, always relaxed, and pleasant to be around. If only all event organizers were like her!

Villa Montalvo speaks for itself! The grounds lend a grand estate like feel that is just perfect for a wedding! Kathleen Kirkpatrick is a wonderful site coordinator, she is a dream to work with! She really cares about each client's event, and works her hardest to make sure the site is in tip top shape for everyone to enjoy.

There is no location more beautiful than Villa Montalvo. We have been filming weddings there for fifteen years and are always still in awe of how gorgeous it is. The staff and service is excellent and the grounds are stunning!

The most beautiful Venue in the Bay Area, Kathleen is a dream to work with!