The Capitol Plaza Ballrooms located in downtown Sacramento is a hidden treasure… it actually is a true art treasure which has been restored to its original splendor. Tucked into the historic Odd Fellows Building dating back to 1869, the ballrooms occupy three floors, from the lower level where the Silver Ballroom glimmers, to the third floor where the magnificent Fraternity and Temple Ballrooms are residing.  And one of the coolest things about this historic building is the elevator – added on to the building back in the 1920’s, it is operated by an attendant who is trained to work the controls (“Going up!”)  Fun Fact… the same architect for the California State Capitol also was the architect for this building.

For the bride looking for romance, elegance, tradition, formality and architectural beauty, Capitol Plaza Ballrooms has all this and more!  Both the Fraternity Ballroom and the Temple Ballroom are referred to as being in the neoclassical architecture; they offer very high 19th century hand-painted ceilings, incredible wood carvings (again, hand done), wonderful chandeliers and graceful tall windows; both rooms have a gleaming permanent dance floor. The colors of the ceiling and painted walls are of soft pastels (Fraternity in pink and mauve – Temple in soft green and blue).  If you look way up to the ceiling, you might see celestial images.  Breathtaking!  The Silver Ballroom has a different vibe with gorgeous shiny hard-wood floors, a large central chandelier and matching wall sconces and a sheer fabric wall adorned with strands of “fairy lights” showing through.  The use of soft swagging and lighting throughout gives this ballroom the look of drama, but it’s also fun and playful and snazzy!  A built in bar is conveniently placed so as not to take up any floor space.

Since the Ballrooms are conveniently located in downtown, blocks from City Hall, the State Capitol and other governmental buildings this is a perfect spot for corporate meetings, team building events, fundraisers, certainly holiday parties and other conference needs.  Our only concern is that attendees may get lost looking at the beautiful ceilings and not pay attention to the meeting at hand!!  One more nugget… events may be held up to 2:00 a.m.!!

And since this was a former fraternal organization meeting place (the Odd Fellows go way back to the 1800’s), there are a few other simpler spaces to utilize for meetings, a band green room, or a child care activity space.  The bride’s dressing room is equipped with closets and cubbies, and there are mirrors and counter tops for convenience.  We’re excited by the new addition that is presently under construction and that is a very grand staircase with wrought iron scroll work.  Couples may utilize the staircase for  photo ops, and the bride can make her entrance into the Fraternity Ballroom for her wedding if holding in that space.  There are options, such as holding a wedding in the Temple Ballroom and then move over to the Fraternity Ballroom for the dinner reception (they are across the hall from each other).

The Vixens enjoyed a lovely evening being wined and dined –  we had a great dinner prepared by Chef John Cavanaugh and were taken care of by several service staff members who have worked at the Ballroom for some time; and they have great pride in this venue.  It was a great evening!

There is one more ballroom operated by this group – the Grand Ballroom, located at 1215 J Street.  Not as ornate and old world as the Plaza Ballrooms, but certainly has the space if desiring for a large event – they can hold up to 1,000 reception style.  Wow!

Thank you Mischa Purcell of Mischa Photography for capturing the beauty of all the ballrooms!

~Vixen Lora