This had to be one of the last horrible rain storms of the year, yet we persevered and toured Rancho Murieta Country Club.  We were blessed with a break in the rain long enough to take golf carts on the course and check out the very best photo opportunities (you should have seen us driving the carts… very funny).  After winding our way through the beautiful course with many stops to take pictures along the way, we came upon an amazing bridge offering an equally fantastic backdrop photography.  This property runs along the Consumnes River and even has Indian grinding rocks near the 16th hole. There is a lot of Indian history and old family settlements that once dwelled in this area. There are views of the snow-capped Sierra Nevada mountains, and wildlife such as deer and turkey roam the course.

Meticulously maintained, Rancho Murieta has a lot to boast about. Don’t be shy; you don’t have to be a member to host an event at the club. Did I mention they have 36 holes of golf?  Yes, a golfer’s paradise.  Two meticulously maintained courses.  Ask and you might even get a couple rounds of golf for the guys to play before the ceremony.

This golf club is worth the drive – it’s just 30 minutes from downtown Sacramento driving toward the Sierra Foothills.  The clubhouse in designed with early California in mind with a few twists along the way. Be sure to check out the front doors as you enter.  Not what I expected!  The clubhouse has a very elegant and welcoming feel with small couch groupings and chandeliers as you enter.  Their main brick terrace is set overlooking the course and offers the perfect outdoor ceremony site with rock outdroppings.  Beautiful wrought iron tables and chairs, umbrellas, and overhead paddle fans are part of the package. Bring the guests immediately inside to their Terrace Lounge for cocktails to give a few extra minutes to rearrange the patio for continual cocktails in this beautiful outdoor space.  The Lounge has a beautiful semi-circle built-in bar and full liquor service. It’s a great party space.  Smaller events of 80 or less work well in the lounge area that has full views of the golf course.  Cocktail area and dancing would also be a great use for this space in conjunction with the main event space called the Murieta Room.  This is the largest of their facilities and the best location for parties of up to 200 guests.  Again, if joining the spaces, they can accommodate many more.  The joining rooms have a nice flow to them with easy separation if the element of surprise is desired.

The Murieta Room reminds me of a cathedral with its peaked ceiling, stained glass design of the famous Joaquin Murieta, along with the low hanging light fixtures, but it has that lovely touch of country club.  And the best part of country clubs for sure: everything is at your finger tips and they can do so much right there.  Be sure to check out their menu pricing, offerings, and inclusions.  I found myself asking the questions twice because I was shocked by the incredible affordability of it all.  If you want to stay away from all of the fuss it requires to bring everything in for an event or wedding call Bonnie at Rancho Murieta and she will take good care of you.  I haven’t seen competitive rental fees like this in a long time. Get everything you want in one spot!

Thank you to Visiting Vixen Jennifer Dunham-Starr of The Memory Journalists for joining us on this tour and capturing the splendor of Rancho Murieta… even that rainbow in the distance!

~ Vixen Catrina

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