THIS FUN CHEMISTRY THEMED WEDDING TAKES OUR LOVE OF COLOUR TO AN ENTIRELY NEW LEVEL
Planning a Sacramento Wedding? This Couple Brewed Their Own Beer for a Whimsical Celebration You’ll Want to Copy!
Planning a Sacramento Wedding and searching for inspiration? You’ve reached the right place!
Andrea and Steve met whilst living in Davis and knew if ever they should get married that they would want to get married in the place it all began. They loved the look of the Old Sugar Mill and after finding out that they would let them serve the groom’s very own home brew (a factor that was a VERY important factor to the two of them #becausewhynot!) – they knew this was the wedding venue for them!
“I didn’t start out with an overall theme, I just picked out things that I liked, and it all came together with a modern, whimsical vibe. Purple? Yep. Black and white stripes? Yep. Giant balloons? Sure, why not? And the dachshund topiary was non-negotiable.” Andrea told us.
“I searched Yelp, wedding blogs, and Google to find my vendors. As we were living in Texas at that time, I relied heavily on reviews and phone interviews. After finding our venue, I hired my wedding coordinator and used her list of recommended vendors as a starting point.”
“I knew planning a wedding in a different state was going to be a challenge, so I started researching venues right after we got engaged. We picked our top three and I flew out to California to see them in person. After that, we combined a lot of wedding errands with trips out for holidays and special occasions. My parents were a huge help with the planning and even sampled the dinner menu for us since we couldn’t fly out.” She explained.
“We did DIY some of the smaller projects ourselves, like the seating chart and address labels on the invitations. I couldn’t find affordable table runners that I liked, so I sewed them myself. The biggest DIY project was, of course, the beer! Steve and his friends brewed all of it! (And it was delicious.)”
“I’m glad to say I didn’t have any worries about the wedding itself, I was mostly just afraid of being in front of a big crowd. I hate speaking in front of a lot people! But when the time came, I didn’t think about it at all. I had so many other things on my mind!” She laughed.
“My advice for those planning their weddings is to not overspend. It’s easy to get caught up in all the details and wanting things to be perfect. No one will notice if you don’t have monogrammed cocktail napkins (guilty!) or party favors. The day will be amazing no matter what!”
Photographer: The Goodness | Planner: Kate Whelan Events | Catering: All Seasons All Reasons | Cake: Freeport Bakery | Florist: Flourish | Hair + Makeup: Something Blue by Kayci Stoots | Transportation: Limousine Club | Venue: Old Sugar Mill | Decor: The Party Concierge | DJ: SJ’s Disc Jockey |
Tips and Ideas for Planning a Sacramento Wedding (From Someone Who’s Actually Done It)
Let me be honest with you: planning a Sacramento wedding can feel like a fever dream stitched together with Pinterest boards, wine, and the occasional existential crisis. But if you play it right, Sacramento’s mix of natural beauty, vibrant culture, and craft EVERYTHING (beer, florals, coffee, vows—seriously, everything) can turn your wedding into something guests talk about years later.
I’ve helped plan two weddings in Sacramento—one for my cousin in Midtown and another for a close friend in Fair Oaks—and I’ve seen the magic and the migraines. So here’s what worked, what didn’t, and what I’d 100% do again.
What to Know Before Booking a Sacramento Wedding Venue?
Let’s start with the obvious: location. Sacramento might not scream “wedding capital,” but don’t be fooled. It’s got wine country access without the Napa price tag, and more than a few hidden gems you won’t find on a sponsored list.
Midtown has a gritty-meets-glam energy that works beautifully for modern couples. The Guild Theater? A total sleeper hit for vintage vibes. And if you’re thinking outdoors, check out the venues along the American River—sunsets over water, cotton-candy skies, and zero need for over-the-top decor.
⚠️ Pro tip: Sacramento summers are no joke. Unless your vibe is “bride melting into a puddle,” avoid anything midday between June and early September. Or, if you’re set on a summer wedding in Sacramento, go twilight—golden hour here is literal sorcery.
🧭 For climate considerations and top venue lists, check The Knot.
Is a DIY Sacramento Wedding Right for You?
If you’ve ever said, “We’ll just make the centerpieces ourselves!”—stop. Breathe. Ask yourself if you really want to be hot-gluing eucalyptus the night before your rehearsal dinner.
Sacramento’s got tons of creative folks who specialize in handmade decor, custom signage, and wildflower installations that don’t look like a craft store exploded. Hire local. Support artists. Save your sanity.
When my cousin decided to DIY the bar signs and seating chart, it took her eight hours and two meltdowns—only to admit the next day she wished she’d outsourced it.
🌟 Pro: It can save money and add personality.
🙃 Con: It may also cost you your last nerve.
💡 Recommendation: Splurge where it counts (photography, food, flowers), DIY selectively.
Should You Consider Local Beer and Wine for Your Sacramento Wedding?
Yes, a thousand times yes.
This city loves its libations. Breweries like Bike Dog, Urban Roots, and Track 7 are crowd-pleasers—and bonus, some offer private event space. At my friend’s wedding, they served a custom-brewed IPA named after their dog (honestly, best favor ever). People still talk about it.
And don’t sleep on the wine. You’re a short drive from Amador and Lodi, two of California’s most underrated wine regions. Great taste without the Napa markup.
🍷 Symbolism moment: Incorporating local wine or beer into your day isn’t just fun—it celebrates where you are and who you are. It says, “This place means something to us.”
Cheers-worthy list of breweries.
What to Know Before Choosing Your Sacramento Wedding Season?
Spring in Sacramento? Glorious. Autumn? Chef’s kiss. Winter? Surprisingly charming, if you’re okay with mood lighting and rich textures. Summer? …refer back to the “melting bride” section.
Think about your wardrobe, your flowers (peonies in July = no), and your guests’ comfort. Also, everything books early around April-June and September-October, so start calling venues as soon as you’ve got a guest count.
In one spring wedding I worked, the couple gambled on an April date and ended up with the kind of soft rain that makes everything feel cinematic. Their ceremony had umbrellas, mist, and a live cellist. It was so unexpectedly romantic it hurt.
People Also Ask: Sacramento Wedding Tips Cheat Sheet
What’s the best time of year for a Sacramento wedding?
Spring (April-May) and fall (September-October) are ideal for weather and photos.
Can you really save money by doing a wedding in Sacramento vs. Napa or SF?
Yes, and your guests will thank you for not making them drive through Bay Area traffic.
Is Sacramento a good place for a quirky, creative wedding?
It’s perfect—farm-to-fork food, vintage theaters, backyard vibes, brewery weddings. You name it.
Any underrated venue picks?
Yes: The Kimpton Sawyer rooftop (hello city views), The Firehouse for history buffs, and Miners Foundry if you’re game for a little Nevada City detour.
Want my take? Sacramento weddings are for couples who love authenticity over pomp, craft beer over champagne, and wildflowers over manicured roses. If that sounds like you—get planning.
You’re not just throwing a party. You’re telling your story. And Sacramento? It’s a pretty great stage.
You brewed your own beer? That’s amazing, and I love all the color!