Wedding Blog - Flawless Wedding Advice

Your Ultimate Sacramento Wedding Guide

Written by Wedgewood Weddings & Events | Mar 4, 2024 7:37:00 PM

California hosts over 215,000 weddings every year, and the Sacramento area has no shortage of wedding celebrations. The scenery and multitude of activities entice people from all over the world to get married in this picturesque landscape. Check out this helpful guide for everything you need to know about getting married in beautiful Sacramento, California!

 

WHY get married in Sacramento?

 

rich history and culture

Sacramento's rich history makes it an excellent destination for couples looking to tie the knot. The city's unique past, including its original underground city and the devastating flood of 1862 that led to the raising of its streets, provides a fascinating backdrop for weddings. This has led to many unique underground historical tours, ghost tours, and elaborate stories about the city's origins.

Moreover, Sacramento has a vibrant arts and culture scene. The city is home to the oldest public art museum west of Mississippi, the Crocker Art Museum, and the Sacramento Zoo has been a beloved city landmark since 1927.

 

central location

Sacramento is centrally located in Northern California, making it a fun destination for guests who may be traveling from out of state. Sacramento International Airport is conveniently located in downtown Sacramento, making travel a breeze. 

If you're planning a NorCal honeymoon, Sacramento has great proximity to many stunning honeymoon destinations. you can drive two hours to the iconic Lake Tahoe for outdoor adventures, Napa for a relaxing wine-filled weekend, or the California coast for a romantic road trip up by the sea.

 

food scene WITH trendy vibes

Did you know that Sacramento is named as America's Farm-to-Fork Capital? The region is renowned for its amazing food and agriculture. With over 40 farmers markets throughout the region as well as multiple Michelin-rated restaurants, there's plenty of amazing food experiences to be shared!

But Sacramento isn't just about food - it's also been dubbed the most "hipster city" in California and the 4th most hipster in the United States. This trendy vibe is evident in the city's eclectic array of coffee shops, thrift stores, and trendy neighborhoods. 

 

mild CLIMATE AND PRETTY SCENERY

Sacramento boasts a warm Mediterranean climate, characterized by long, dry summers and cool winters. This means you can enjoy abundant sunshine year-round, making it an ideal location for outdoor weddings in almost any season.

The city's lush natural beauty has earned it the nickname "City of Trees," a title that dates back to the 1800s. Sacramento's impressive tree canopy covers nearly 20% of its land. Land Park, which has the most trees in the city, is a particularly stunning location, with a third of its space blanketed in a leafy canopy.

Another gem is Capitol Park, home to 800 trees, including some of the largest in the state. With its mild climate and beautiful natural landscapes, Sacramento provides an excellent setting for a memorable and romantic wedding.

 

 

how much does it cost to get married in Sacramento?


According to 
TheKnot.com, the average cost of a California wedding is $41,000. If you are planning a San Francisco wedding, the average spend jumps up to $51,000. Meanwhile, up north in Sacramento, the average cost tends to be more affordable.

Sacramento is beautiful and affordable when it comes to wedding planning. The Sacramento area requires surprisingly low wedding expenditure, but it sure offers the same scenery, creative things to do, and gorgeous venues.

 

IMPORTANT INFO FOR A SACRAMENTO WEDDING: 

 
HOW MUCH DOES A WEDDING LICENSE COST?
  • Public Marriage License $97
  • Confidential Marriage License $98
  • Civil Ceremony $49
  • Witness Fee (if you don't provide your own) $27
 
WHAT FORMS OF ID ARE ACCEPTABLE?
  • Driver’s license
  • Passport
  • Military ID
  • Resident Alien Card

 WHAT DO I NEED TO APPLY FOR A WEDDING LICENSE?
  • Must be unmarried
  • To buy a marriage license, you must appear together at one of the approved Sacramento County office locations. Bring one of the forms of ID listed above
  • Complete the marriage license application and pay the associated fees (listed above)
  • Once the license is purchased, you have 90 days to perform a ceremony

For more information about Sacramento County Marriage Licenses, visit the county clerk’s website to learn more.

 

things to do in Sacramento and beyond


When your guests travel to Sacramento, California, for your wedding day, encourage them to take extra time to explore. Make sure to offer them a list of fun stuff to do in the city. Sacramento has a lot of interesting places to visit; some of our team's favorites include:

  • Sacramento Theatre Company (STC)

    1419 H Street, Sacramento, CA 95814
    "STC produces engaging professional theatre, provides exceptional theatre training, and uses theatre as a tool for educational engagement."

  • The Melting Pot
    814 15th Street, Sacramento, California 95814
    "Sacramento's premier downtown fondue restaurant is the perfect location for any occasion."

  • Tour the California State Capitol
    1315 10th Street, Sacramento, CA 95814
    "Visitors to the Capitol can experience California’s rich history and witness the making of history through the modern lawmaking process."


  • Tour Mansions: Leland Stanford Mansion
    Corner 8th and N Streets, Sacramento, CA 95814
    "The Mansion serves as the State’s official address for diplomatic and business receptions as well as offering public tours as a California State Historic Park."

  • Old Sacramento Underground Tour
    101 I Street, Old Sacramento, CA 95814
    "Learn how Sacramento lifted itself up out of the flood waters during the 1860s and 1870s!"

  • Fairy Tale Town
    3901 Land Park Drive, Sacramento, CA 95822
    "A safe place to imagine, play, and learn. With 26 playsets based on nursery rhymes and fairytales, a friendly flock of farm animals, two performing arts stages, and several gardens, learning has never been more fun!"

  • West Wind Drive-In
    9616 Oates Drive, Sacramento, CA, 95827
    "Relaxed family fun with a mix of old-school drive-in vibe combined with the latest technology. Toss a Frisbee or football around before the show or bring the wee ones to our play structure near the snack bar before you settle back for a one-of-a-kind movie presentation."


  • Sacramento Ballet
    2420 N Street, Suite 100, Sacramento, CA 95816
    "Highly regarded as a cultural asset to the community and consistently receives outstanding reviews for its artistic quality. The Sacramento Ballet targets communities through its touring program, traveling throughout the greater Sacramento Valley."

  • California Automobile Museum
    2200 Front Street Sacramento, CA 95818
    "Celebrating the Impact of the History, Art & Technology of the Automobile on California Culture"

  • California Museum
    1020 O St, Sacramento, CA 95814
    "Find out about California’s rich history, its diversity, and its unique influence on the world of ideas, innovation, art, and culture. Through interactive experiences, the Museum inspires visitors to make a mark on history."
     
  • Empire Mine State Historic Park
    10791 East Empire Street, Grass Valley, CA 95945
    "856 acres of forested backcountry and fourteen miles of trails. Plus a secret room, mini mine, and visitor center."


  • Roseville Telephone Museum
    106 Vernon Street, Roseville, CA 95678
    "Free admission to one of the most extensive collections of antique telephones and memorabilia in the nation."

  • Red Hawk Casino
    1 Red Hawk Pkwy, Placerville, CA 95667
    "Voted Best Casino 8 years in a row and featuring over 2,500 slot machines, 60 table games, five restaurants and three bars."

  • Stone Lakes Wildlife Refuge
    1624 Hood Franklin Rd, Elk Grove, CA 95757
    "View thousands of migrating waterfowl, shorebirds, and other water birds, plus grasslands, vernal pools, diverse wildlife, and plant life, make this a year-round destination."

 

gorgeous Sacramento wedding venues

Sacramento and its surrounding areas offer a wide array of stunning wedding venues to suit every couple's style and vision. From historic mansions to picturesque outdoor settings, you're sure to find the right location to celebrate your love story. 

Here are some of the most sought-after wedding venues in and around Sacramento, each with its own unique charm and amenities.

 
Sterling Hotel

This charming historic estate is right in the heart of Downtown Sacramento, just steps from the California State Capital building. Complete with Victorian design features and architecture, this vintage hotel provides plenty of photo opportunities for your Downtown Sacramento wedding. With a stained-glass dome, cellar bar, and adorable chapel, your guests are guaranteed to fall in love with this venue’s unique characteristics. They'll be sure to appreciate the convenience of being able to stay right onsite, too.

 
Evergreen Springs

This sophisticated, contemporary venue just outside of Sacramento offers both indoor and outdoor wedding ceremony spaces. With its dramatic chandeliers and abundance of natural light, this modern venue is fully customizable for your unique taste. With its stone and brick facade, lush greenery, and convenient Elk Grove location, Evergreen Springs is an excellent choice for your celebration.


Sequoia Mansion

You'll be immediately charmed by this 19th-century vintage estate oozing with both charm and character. This Sacramento area wedding venue features stained glass windows, cozy fireplaces, built-in-bars, and a selection of indoor and outdoor wedding ceremony sites. This mansion Placerville wedding venue is conveniently located between Sacramento and the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range. 

 
Union Brick

Discover this modern wedding venue with stunning urban features, including an oversized Avant-garde chandelier that welcomes guests in the grand entryway. Union Brick’s floor-to-ceiling windows and high ceilings make this Sacramento venue feel larger than life. Complete with lush gardens and indoor/outdoor ceremony spaces, this Roseville wedding venue has something for everyone.

 

Discover the Joy of Wedding Planning

Wedding planning can be an enjoyable and exciting experience! Let our experts step in and make a personal recommendation or give you clear-cut advice. Our all-inclusive wedding packages really do make your wedding planning fun and stress-free. Check out these stunning Sacramento wedding venues, ranging from modern and luxe to charming and Victorian.

To select your wedding package, follow these three simple steps:

  1. Choose your venue
  2. Customize your package
  3. Choose your season and day of the week


Enjoy the glamour at Sterling Hotel for high-class, sophisticated weddings 

 

Does that sound too simple? It comes with more:

  • Your peace of mind
  • Complete planning and coordination for your wedding
  • Access to certified partner's discounts
  • Bliss Benefits savings
  • Complete transparency always
  • A team of experts available 7-days a week

Your expert event team at Wedgewood Weddings will do everything but provide the wedding dress and or tux! 

SPECIAL Wedding Moments at Union Brick in RosevillE, CA

 

There's no shortage of things to do in Sacramento and the wider area. It's no wonder it's chosen for every type of wedding, from low-key to flamboyant and luxurious. The nightlife is incredible, the city's history is vast, and people are exceptionally friendly. If you're looking for a city with personality, Sacramento should definitely be on your list of wedding destinations. The team at Wedgewood Weddings are local area experts, so fire up your questions and find out more about this beautifully rich and vibrant region. To learn more about Sacramento wedding venues, call or text 602.610.1240 today.