Choosing a venue to hold a wedding and reception is one of the first and most important decisions an engaged couple will make during the wedding-planning process. Many couples search far and wide for the perfect venue but aren’t aware of the attractive ceremony and reception venues here in East County.

Nines

Situated right on the Brentwood Golf Course, Nines offers a gorgeous venue for both wedding ceremony and reception. Event planner Lisa Quinn has been with Nines since it opened 10 years ago. “You don’t just stay some place 10 years because you feel like it,” said Quinn about her job. “You do it because you love your work and believe in what you’re doing.”

Quinn and her staff help coordinate all the events at the Nines, handling all the setup and breakdown of the reception and ceremony, although the couple must provide their own flowers, décor and music.

Nines offers outdoor ceremonies on its Pavilion, which overlooks the 18th green. The beautifully landscaped patio is bordered by greenery and accented with a fountain. It offers wonderful views of the course and Mt. Diablo. “We get great views of the CornFest fireworks,” said Quinn, adding that there have been brides that have booked their weddings for CornFest weekend to enjoy the display.

The banquet area at Nines offers seated dining for 180 guests, though the Pavilion area may also be used during the reception for couples who desire an indoor/outdoor event. Nines offers a variety of menu options, and Quinn was proud to note that Nines makes use of local, seasonal fresh produce in all of its menus.

Lone Tree

Lone Tree Golf Course and Event Center in Antioch is a well-known venue for wedding ceremonies and receptions. The event center can accommodate an impressive 400 guests, making it one of the largest venues in East County.

“Our strength lies in our experience,” said General Manager Dave Van Fossen. Fossen, Executive Chef Jonathan Hork and Catering Director Julie Morrow make the most of their many years of experience in some of the nation’s best hotels and private country clubs.

Ceremonies are often held outdoors on the event center’s patio, overlooking the 18th tee. Wedding ceremonies may also be held on the golf course, at the first tee. Following the ceremony, the happy couple can be driven via golf cart to a spot on the green perfect for beautiful wedding photos.

Weddings are also held inside the event center. The ceiling-to-floor windows in the banquet rooms offer a panoramic view of Mt. Diablo as well as the 18th tee and neighboring reservoir.

Lone Tree caters all events held at the event center and offers offsite catering as well. Couples may choose from a variety of menus, including buffet or plated service and passed hors d’oeuvres.

Brownstone Gardens

For the couple looking for a beautiful garden wedding, Brownstone Gardens in Oakley is an outdoor wedding ceremony and reception venue capable of hosting events up to 300. The site is comprised of three areas: The Willow Grove, The Grand Court and Bridal Falls.

Brownstone Gardens is the labor of love of the Wiemholdt family. For his 25th wedding anniversary, Bob Wiemholt built a beautiful pond and gazebo for the outdoor celebration. His guests were awed by the area that eventually became The Willow Grove. Through the years, the Wiemholt family continued to build on the garden paradise. Brownstone Gardens opened to the public in 2003.

Kay-Kay Hines is wedding coordinator at Brownstone Gardens and daughter of Bob and Karen Wiemholt. Like her sisters, Hines was married in her family home before it officially became Brownstone Gardens and takes a great deal of pride in her family business. “I love working with people on the most important day of their lives,” she said. She works so closely with couples while planning their wedding that by the time the big day comes, “I feel like they’re one of my friends.”

Brownstone Gardens offers “hassle-free” wedding packages. A couple booking a wedding at the Brownstone Gardens may book many of the important vendors that same day, including officiant, photographers, caterers and florist. “Everything but the cake,” said Hines.
East County wedding venues

• Lone Tree Golf Course and Event Center
  
  4800 Golf Course Road, Antioch
  
  925-706-4220, Web site
• Nines at Brentwood Golf Club
  
  100 Summerset Drive, Brentwood
  
  925-516-3400, Web site
• Brownstone Gardens
  
  91 Brownstone Road, Oakley
  
  925-550-6094, Web site