WEDDINGS AT MENDOCINO’S MACCALLUM HOUSE
Where history and elegance meet: Weddings at Mendocino’s MacCallum House.
Mendocino County in Northern California is known for its breathtaking scenery. Mendocino offers dramatic views over the raging Pacific and peaceful forests of some of the most ancient redwoods on earth, all without the usual crowds and high costs of the California coast. There’s no better place to enjoy the quintessential Mendocino experience than at MacCallum House. Surrounded by lush gardens, this Victorian stunner is right in the heart of the town of Mendocino. Elegant rooms, which are divided among a historic 1880s mansion, cottages, suites, a converted barn, and a stand-alone home, retain all of their charm while boasting the most cutting-edge modern amenities. Most of the inn’s rooms have outdoor hot tubs, the better to enjoy the starry nights that are common in this rural area and many rooms have cozy fireplaces as well. In addition, some rooms have ocean views, saunas, or jetted tubs. Their award-winning restaurant – a destination in itself – is helmed by much lauded Executive Chef Alan Kantor.
Couples cherish their special day at MacCallum House in Mendocino. Photo credit J. Perlman
MacCallum House provides the beauty of the Pacific Ocean and a lovingly restored Victorian mansion as a backdrop for a wedding or elopement. With two acres of gardens, expansive lawns, a bar and restaurant, and 32 distinctive rooms, MacCallum House is the perfect venue. It offers an ideal celebratory setting, with flexible facilities and expert services that accommodate small, intimate parties for rehearsal or reception dinners, and for larger weddings of up to 200, couples can choose a chicly decorated tent on the East Lawn. The tent features three levels of lighting including chandeliers, a dance floor, white fabric draping, and beautifully set tables for dining, heaters, and more. Vows can be exchanged on site in front of the gorgeous house, at nearby breathtaking bluff-top locations, or in graceful historic Mendocino churches. The party then continues at the property for an unforgettable reception featuring farm-to-table dining from the acclaimed MacCallum House Restaurant.
Gorgeous tables are set with flair at MacCallum House. Photo credit J. Perlman
People come from all around to indulge in Chef Kantor’s renowned cooking. The MacCallum House set the standard in the early days of organic and sustainable dining by focusing on using only the highest-quality foods from local farms and ranches. Everything is prepared in-house, including breads, hand-rolled pastas, smoked meat, fish, and poultry. With lustrous wood-paneled walls and river stone fireplaces, either the North Dining Room (which accommodates up to 16 guests) or South Dining Room (which holds up to 30) make a sophisticated venue for an intimate party. A buyout of the whole restaurant for up to 80 people includes an ocean view sun porch, a wrap-around veranda, and a sitting room and bar.
Exchanging vows in front of the stately Victorian MacCallum House. Photo credit J. Perlman
Menus to delight might include such delicacies as Ahi Poke with Tamari Egg, Sushi Rice, Gochugaru Aioli, Avocado, Sesame Seeds, Shiitake Chips, Asian Greens, and Wasabi Cashew Cream; Pan-seared Liberty Farm Duck Breast with Grilled Peach, Arugula, Prosciutto, Pennyroyal Farm Velvet Sister Cheese Salad, Sweet Potato Chips, and Blackberry Pinot Gastrique; or Grilled Painted Hills Steak with Lyonnaise Potatoes, Chimichurri, Porcini Compound Butter, Green Beans, Cherry Tomatoes and Roasted Almonds.
Dramatic views of the Pacific ocean can be part of your wedding at MacCallum House. Photo credit J. Perlman
The hotel’s planning services include a meeting with their in-house coordinator and Executive Chef to design the perfect seasonal menu paired with local wines and spirits. Weddings also require day-of coordination to ensure every detail is flawlessly executed, and their team is there to make that happen seamlessly. The Reservations Manager oversees the guest-room block, from assigning rooms to monitoring reservations, and the hotel offers custom printing for menus, place cards, and table numbers to personalize your event beautifully.
Chef Alan Kantor of MacCallum House’s restaurant creates memorable farm-to-table cuisine. Photo credit J. Perlman
Bliss under the tent on MacCallum House’s sweeping lawns. Photo credit J. Perlman
Mendocino has much to do. Only about three and a half hours north of San Francisco, intrepid explorers find unparalleled hiking and biking on magnificent trails and canoeing and kayaking on lively rivers teaming with wildlife. The epicenter of the area is the town of Mendocino itself, a quaint village on the National Register of Historic Places. MacCallum House is in the center of everything and walking distance to all this former artists’ colony has to offer – gorgeous 19th century buildings with fascinating architecture, bijou boutiques, galleries, and museums in historic homes. Beyond outdoors activities and discovering the village, wine tasting is a popular Mendocino pastime, with the lush vineyards of the Anderson Valley about a half an hour away from town. Unspoiled and inviting, Mendocino wine country has modest tasting fees and none of the pretensions of Napa and Sonoma. It is known for under-the-radar yet award-winning wines, especially Pinot Noir. The valley abounds with laid-back tasting rooms where you receive a friendly welcome and can chat with the winemakers themselves while sipping some of the best wines in the world.
Magical evening views of the wedding tent on the MacCallum House grounds. Photo credit J. Perlman
Whether planning a wedding in their stately home or stunning tent in the garden or looking for a honeymoon that will allow you to step back into a simpler time while still enjoying exceptional luxury, Mendocino’s MacCallum House is just the ticket. To learn more, visit https://www.maccallumhouse.com/weddings/, email weddings@maccallumhouse.com, or call 707-937-6757. To revel in the beauty of MacCallum House, and spot some fabulous weddings, follow us on Instagram.
