Step back in time and enter the Sacramento International Hostel.  The Williams Mansion, a 13,000 square foot, 4-story landmark, was completed in 1885.  It was built for a family from Maine coming to California during the gold rush.  The original address was on H Street, an area called “Merchants’ Row”, known for the grand houses built by the wealthy business owners.  The mansion was designed by Babson & Seadler, who also designed the Crocker Mansion and the Stanford Mansion.  During the last 130 years the ENTIRE building has been moved three times, before landing back at its original location.  It went through many transitions during the years, becoming Sacramento’s finest funeral home, The University Club, and then into a restaurant called “Mory’s Place.”  In 1990 it was donated to Hosteling International-Golden Gate Council and after many years of restoration and the final move it is now the Sacramento International Hostel.

The mansion is very impressive and your guests will love it.  It’s perfect for a Victorian style wedding, but can also take on more modern rentals and decor for a different feel.  The back patio is a lovely spot for a ceremony, surrounded by foliage and with the sounds of the gurgling fountain against the back fence.  Adjacent to the patio is the side lawn, which can also be used for the ceremony with the mansion as the backdrop, or it works nicely for the cocktail hour.  Outdoor, metal furniture is available, so using this space can be very affordable.  Once your guests have enjoyed the fresh air you can bring them up the front steps of the mansion into the grand foyer, that will later be used as your dancing area.

Once inside the house there are 4 beautiful rooms off the foyer, the front and back parlour and the front and back dining rooms.  These rooms can be used for dining tables or if you have a smaller event, you can use a room or two with the comfortable existing furniture as lounge rooms.  There are ornate fireplaces in each of the parlours and the original chandeliers, said to have the profiles of the Williams family.  The grand staircase is a perfect photo backdrop, but to be truthful in every direction is a photo opportunity.

We love that you can rent the entire house, for just one night or more, and have many of your guests right on site, in downtown Sacramento.  There are so many fabulous restaurants and things to do in downtown, what fun for your guests.  This venue works really well for an intimate wedding or destination location.

~ Vixen Kendra