It seems like every streaming platform has its own elaborate period-piece drama and they have us dreaming of grand estate weddings. But in these crazy times, an international destination wedding can seem out of reach. And even if you can work out the logistics, you can pretty much cut your guest list in half because travel has become so complicated. But, did you know you don’t have to have a passport to be transported to the grand estates of the early 1900s? We have a few left right here in the USA, and Filoli, conveniently located between San Francisco and Silicon Valley, is one of the finest! Situated on 654 acres, the rich red brick house looks like something straight out of Bridgerton or Downton Abbey. Whether you’re planning a BIG wedding or a more intimate affair, there are over a dozen event spaces for couples to pick from for their big day, including 16 acres of formal gardens! And it’s stunning year-round! They’ve got tulip season in the spring, summer perennials, all the fall colors your little heart could desire, and of course, holiday lights.
Perfect for a mico-wedding, the Garden House gives you the best parts of an outdoor wedding without having to worry about the weather. With floor-to-ceiling arched windows, the gorgeous natural light pours in from every angle and you can’t beat the view of the garden in the background. Perfect for an intimate ceremony or a scenic cocktail hour you can’t go wrong with this versatile space.
For a more modern, laid-back vibe, consider a poolside reception. Framed on either side by perfectly quaffed hedges and a breathtaking view of the gardens, the pool is an unforgettable space. Treat your guests to dinner under the stars with long farm tables and twinkle lights on the lawn or set up standing tables and floating florals for an open-air cocktail hour.
If you’re going for that royal wedding feel, you need to check out the Bowling Green! Flanked by beautiful topiaries and an original red brick wall (complete with crawling vines), this space is serving palatial garden vibes á la Versailles. Plus, it can fit up to 300 seated guests, so go ahead and invite those distant cousins and work friends–you’ve got plenty of room!
With a reflecting pool as the centerpiece and the garden house in the background, it doesn’t get more scenic than the Sunken Garden at Filoli. Imagine making your entrance down the brick stairs and into this perfectly manicured work of art. Pro Tip: Book this space in springtime and you can save on florals thanks to Filoli’s annual tulip display!
For a classic wedding, look no further than Filoli’s Ballroom. The original frescoes and crystal chandeliers completely transport you to another place and time. Picture this–a dreamy garden ceremony, with cocktails in the Garden House, dinner and dancing in the Ballroom, and a starlit nightcap by the pool before you make your grand exit.
Photography: Janine Licare Photography | Photography: Vivi Lu | Photography: Yana B | Intimate Weddings & Adventure Elopements | Photography: Sarahi Hadden | Photography: Alice Che Photography | Venue: Filoli Garden