Love the country?  Love history?  How about beautiful lush shaded lawns but feet away are old fun barns and sheds?  And watching over all this beauty is a stunning “gingerbread” Victorian homestead. All this and so much more can be found just 30 minutesfrom Sacramento, on the county roads of Woodland, Yolo County.  Yolanda Ranch is now open for special events and weddings.  On the property is the originalestate mansion, built in 1884 by Byron Jackson; the list of Byron Jackson “firsts” in industrial pumping history is too long to list, but it covers centrifugal pumps of almost every design and application.  The mansion can be used pre-wedding by the bride and groom with an upstairs bridal suite, overlooking the reception, and a downstairs groom’s parlor, well appointed with comfortable furniture and a pool table.

There are multiple options on the property for the ceremony, but the most popular has been on the North Lawn, with the beautiful mansion and gardens as a backdrop.  The bride can enter through a grapevine covered, trellised, brick path  There is a white, wooden arch that works perfectly as the altar or you can change the direction of the ceremony to suit your taste.  There are many rustic elements on the property, including a vintage pickup truck and many outbuildings.  We just love the “poulet chatlet” otherwise know as the chicken coop for a cute photo op.

Several years ago the owners of the property held their own beautiful wedding at the ranch (kudos to Vixen Kendra who helped Jamie plan and coordinate the wonderful event), and several other family and friends have married at this homestead property. In 2015, this gem has become available for weddings, teas, corporate events, socials and fundraisers.

The outdoor areas are beautifully manicured with plenty of large trees for shade and hedges and vintage brick paths separating the lawn areas.  The Main Lawn is most often used for the dinner reception and is adjacent to the ceremony area.  There is a great bar in this area right within the foliage of the perimeter.  This area also has Italian market lighting strung, perfect on their own, or they can easily be stylized with paper lanterns or other coverings. The rental includes the dance floor and round table for up to 100 guests.

There are some wonderful attributes to this natural, farm setting. The site rental includes the property for the entire day, allowing lots of time for setup, hair and makeup in the bridal suite, or perhaps a lovely bridesmaid brunch could be had poolside … and cleanup can even continue until noon on the following day.  Also, the owners have collected some wonderful rental pieces fitting to the property which can be added to your decor.  And to top things off, the music and dancing can go until midnight without worry, so you can have the celebration you’ve always envisioned.

Be sure to schedule a visit at Yolanda Ranch as you need to see it in person to truly appreciate all it has to offer.

~ Vixen Lora