East Bay Wedding Venue Spotlight: Hacienda de las Flores, Moraga, Ca
If you are interested in finding an East Bay wedding venue with historic flair and natural beauty, take a look at Hacienda de las Flores. This rustic and elegant mansion in the small East Bay town of Moraga, Ca, is a Wedgewood Weddings venue. More and more couples are loving all-inclusive wedding packages, and this is a great choice if you fit that description. This hidden gem is close to Oakland, Berkeley, Alameda, San Francisco, and Walnut Creek, but feels far from it all.
My favorite wedding venues to photograph in the San Francisco Bay Area always include a mix of rustic scenery and natural beauty. This location is a fabulous mix of both. The Spanish-style buildings give a nod to California’s past and offer a unique backdrop to wedding photos. In addition, the property is dotted with California redwoods, mature oaks, and lush lawns.
The history of this property is fascinating. The hacienda once had a thoroughbred exercise area and race track. Along with this, stables, service quarters, a theater, and more were added to the property, elevating Hacienda de las Flores to a mansion. As a part of the mansion’s construction, the original owners added beautiful ironwork, arched windows, staircases, and ornate details such as silver and gold leaf to the overall design of the Hacienda that can still be enjoyed today. In spending close to a million dollars on the remodel and adding additional wings and floors to the main house and even a pool complex on the property, the Hacienda de las Flores came to be known as the “San Simeon of the East Bay.”
Before the ceremony, couples are given access to spacious getting-ready rooms perfect for whimsical and candid photos prior to the events of the day. The parlor is perfect for my brides to step into their gowns surrounded by their bridal party. There’s a grand stairwell. I always photograph my brides walking down, on their way to the ceremony. So dreamy! I think my favorite detail of Hacienda de las Flores is what is known as the Pavillion, a poolside cabana. It was actually built by World’s Fair architect Clarence Tantau in 1938, the grounds became a spot for lavish parties, fashion shows, and more while under the Rheem Family ownership. It’s epic. My couples look timeless posing with the pillars, surrounded by white walls and ocean blue tiles. Ceremony and cocktail hour take place here, in the midst of towering redwood trees.
The reception dinner and dancing take place back at the hacienda, usually in the front patio. I love the twinkling market lights above the tables, and the warm nights in the East Bay. I love sharing inspiring East Bay wedding venues with couples, and this is one to keep on your list. As a Bay Area wedding photographer, I get to see dozens of wedding venues and this absolutely takes a spot in my top 10 favorites.
If you are looking for a San Francisco Bay Area wedding photographer with an eye for candid, unique moments please reach out to Nightingale Photography. Let’s chat about your wedding!
