Searching for a wedding venue that feels like a backyard wedding in the woods? If so, Fern Cottage in El Sobrante could be the perfect place for your celebration.
I always love it when I get the chance to photograph celebrations where the couple puts their own spin on their day, whether that’s having a wedding with a theme, choosing to wear non-traditional outfits, or adding in unique wedding traditions.
During the fall, I photographed an enchanting wedding at Fern Cottage for a couple who chose a Renaissance Faire theme. I loved everything about their day, including the venue.
Keep reading to discover more about the Fern Cottage wedding venue and take a behind-the-lens look at Luka and Gabe’s Ren Faire themed celebration here.
Fern Cottage Wedding Venue
Fern Cottage is an affordable, cozy, and intimate wedding venue located within the Kennedy Grove Regional Recreation Area, which I consider a hidden gem. The homey cottage has two outdoor decks, a landscaped lawn and garden, and a charming stovepipe fireplace.
This venue can accommodate up to 60 guests for a fully seated reception indoors and 130 standing. They also provide you with tables and white resin folding chairs, an audiovisual system, and a full kitchen. The venue has a complete breakdown of their rental rates, how to book the venue, and what’s included in your booking, which you can access here.
Fern Cottage is perfect if you’re planning to have a small or micro wedding. If you want to be immersed in the forest and nature on the day of your celebration, this venue sounds like everything you’re searching for. Here you’ll be surrounded by groves of redwood trees and ferns and nestled in a private, tranquil oasis. For more info on the venue, go here!
How much does a wedding at Fern Cottage cost?
The answer depends. Having a wedding at Fern Cottage during the week has a lower investment than a weekend wedding. For events booked more than 180 days in advance, an initial payment of $200, $500, or $1000 (depending on the ending time of the event) is required for you to reserve a specific date.
The rate also changes depending on whether you are an Alameda or Contra Costa County resident. For a complete pricing overview, go here!
Renaissance Faire Wedding at Fern Cottage in El Sobrante
Luka and Gabe planned an unforgettable Renaissance Faire-themed wedding at Fern Cottage in the fall. There were so many special, non-traditional details they added to their day that made you feel as if you had stepped back in time.
Some of my favorite Renaissance-faire details they incorporated were serving pie instead of cake and offering their guests palm readings, rune readings, and henna. Luka and Gabe also chose to go down the aisle together, marking an incredibly significant moment shared between them. If you’re looking for nontraditional ways to walk down the aisle, this is a great option!
To fully embody the Renaissance Fair theme, Luka and Gabe also had a halberd arch and ran through a breakaway banner to enter their ceremony. Some other Renaissance fair theme ideas they added were having a moon floral arch as a backdrop during their ceremony and wearing beautiful flower crowns.
Fern Cottage was the perfect venue for this couple to bring their wedding vision to life, creating a magical and festive day for Luka, Gabe, and their guests.
Luka + Gabe’s Wedding Vendors
I wanted to give a special shout-out to L+G’s wedding vendors who made this day possible:
Ear cuffs: @chained_dragon_works
Henna and palm reading: @whole.heart.henna
Rune reading, poem stand, officiant: @kevindevaneypoet
Florals: Megan Wuebold
How to Create a Renaissance-Themed Wedding
You don’t have to go to the Renaissance Faire to have an epic Renaissance-themed celebration! If you love the idea of having a Renaissance wedding, here are some fun ideas you can incorporate into your day:
Dress in costume and invite your guests to do the same
There are so many different directions you could take this, and lots of outfits to inspire you. For instance, you could wear a cloak, a frock coat, armor, or put your own spin on it!
Host a banquet-style meal
Mead, cider, turkey legs, hearty stews, cakes, and pies can all be on the menu for your celebration. One way to get inspiration? Head to a local Renaissance fair to see what food they serve and to collect additional ideas for your day.
If you’re in the Bay Area, check out the Northern California Renaissance Faire. My wife and I had a great time there. Learn more here!
Add in Renaissance-themed activities
The list of activities you could add to your day is endless! For example, you could bring in a tarot reader or a palm reader. You could also have a set-up for axe-throwing or archery!
Renaissance-themed entertainment
Another way to make your celebration feel like you’re in the Renaissance era? Your entertainment! You could hire a lute player, a harpsichordist, or a classical string quartet for your celebration.
Decor
The sky is the limit when it comes to Renaissance-themed decor. Some ideas you could try include long banquet tables, banners, lots of candles, or antiques on display. Add clockwork and other time pieces for a more steampunk twist, or giant fake florals for a more fairycore look!
Ready to Plan Your Wedding at Fern Cottage?
I hope you found all this info on planning a Fern Cottage wedding helpful. One of the best things about this venue is that it’s truly a blank canvas for bringing the wedding of your dreams to life. Whether you want a Renaissance faire-themed wedding like Luka and Gabe, a whimsical garden celebration, or something different, this venue provides you with endless possibilities.
And…if you’re in the Bay Area, looking for a photographer who specializes in photos of love, weddings, surprise proposals, and engagements, feel free to reach out here or learn more about my services here. I’ll fully support your nontraditional ideas and celebrate you wholeheartedly! I can’t wait to learn more about your vision and all the ideas you have in mind.
Read these next:
Nontraditional, Unique Wedding Outfits for LGBTQ+ Couples
Fantasy-Inspired Wedding at the Saratoga Springs Wedding Venue in California
