North Star House
thenorthstarhouse.org/outdoor-wedding-venues/ | (530) 477-7126
12075 Auburn Road, Grass Valley, CA 95949, Grass Valley, CA 95949
Location Type: Historic
Indoor Capacity: 75
Outdoor Capacity: 225
Catering:
The stunning North Star House is located on 14 tree studded acres in Grass Valley, CA (about 1 hour from Sacramento). It is an historic 10,000-square foot mansion situated on a portion of the former North Star Mine in Nevada County’s Gold Country. Built in 1905 and designed by California architect Julia Morgan – who also designed Hearst Castle – this Arts and Crafts style home is listed on both the National Register of Historic Places and the California State Historic Buildings Register. With careful, loving restoration and renovation it is an affordable, popular cultural events center that is truly unique.
The walls, floors and paneling inside the house used locally-available timber – Ponderosa Pine, Douglas Fir and native Cedar. Flecks of gold sparkle from the exterior rock walls, which were built utilizing tailings from the nearby mine. The interior of the mansion has an elegant dining room and spacious living room that showcases the historic feel of the mansion; an intimate wedding ceremony (with approximately 75 guests), or a wedding after-party, cocktail reception or any social event would be lovely held inside. An adjacent room is the perfect size and ambiance for cake cutting and dessert presentation. Also, the mansion has a spacious catering kitchen, two ADA-compliant restrooms, and state-of-the-art lighting.
There are beautiful outdoor spaces at The North Star House for parties or weddings. The “heart of the house” is the spectacular outdoor courtyard – with its pergola arch and surrounding rock walls, which can be left in its simple, natural beauty, or “dressed up” with market lights or draping. The courtyard is within the “U” of the house and provides a comfortable shelter from any breezes. It is perfect for theatre style seating for a wedding, or to hold a dinner party. A half-circle grassy area near the courtyard has ample space for lawn games or reception tables while enjoying a view of the woods.
Additionally, there is a large stone pillared terrace overlooking the event lawns which is located on the front of the house. The terrace offers sweeping views of pine trees and Gold Country (a perfect place for sunset photos).
Because of its peaceful location and natural setting, vine covered walls and lush gardens, the North Star House is not only a beautiful wedding venue but also the perfect place for a business retreat, retirement or birthday party, or other special occasion.
A stage and dance floor are available to rent, and there are a variety of table and chair options plus ample parking with accessible walkways.
If you love the woods, architecture, history and beauty, plus affordability for venue space, give The North Star House your consideration!
Thank you to our guest writer, Vixen Vendor, Rev. Jeri Murphy who also provided us with many of the gallery photos (check out Jeri Murphy Photography). Other images were gathered from The North Star House website, from Andrew and Melanie Photography and also from Alyssa Keys Photography – thank you all!