top of page
Writer's pictureMichelle Lew

Renaissance Revival at The Allied Arts Guild

As a wedding planner, I've had the privilege of coordinating and collaborating with a myriad of stunning wedding venues. Along the Bay Area's Peninsula, Allied Arts Guild lies in Menlo Park, California. This wedding venue holds a truly extraordinary charm as the historic garden oasis offers a unique blend of character, elegance, and versatility for creatives, designers and visionaries.


Quick facts:

  • Capacity: 140

  • Suggested capacity: 100-120

  • ADA Accessible

  • Indoor & outdoor event spaces

  • No getting ready room available on-site

  • Catering: required in-house through Cafe Wisteria


One of the most captivating and appealing features of The Allied Arts Guild is its design flexibility. The venue showcases an eclectic architectural tapestry, blending Spanish Colonial Revival and Mediterranean styles. The sage green of the doors paired with stucco walls and deep dark hard woods offers a stunning backdrop for any wedding theme. Whether you're looking for rustic charm or modern elegance, the Guild can be beautifully tailored to reflect your love story and wedding vision.


Ceremony



Weddings at The Allied Arts Guild often begin in the Guilds' ceremony site right next to the Rose Allée. This lovely outdoor space has a long and narrow grass area. Ceremony chairs fit in rows of 6 on each side with an extended (long) aisle. While the rest of the venue is paved, we often caution brides and guests to avoid stilettos for the ceremony! Surrounded by lush walls of foliage and architectural accents, the ceremony site creates a beautifully romantic and intimate atmosphere.


Cocktail Hour

We love the easy movement just across the walkway to the Blue Garden (also known as the Garden of Delight). There is plenty of comfortable space for a bar and even lawn games. Cocktail hour is also a great time for guests to also explore the Yellow Garden (or the "Court of Abundance")! While your guests are enjoying some apps and drinks, this is the perfect time for newlyweds to take advantage of the lush gardens and variety of backdrops that will never exist in the same way ever again. Dressed up or down, the Guild's gardens will always have fresh foliage in season.


Sunset Patio & Terrace - Dinner Reception



Receptions at Allied Arts Guild take place at the Sunset Patio and Terrace. The Patio has a stunning covered walkway and market lighting. With all of the tree coverage at and around the venue, it can get dark at night! With some more hedge walls blocking off the dinner area from parking, you'll find that the privacy and intimacy will transport you to the most elegant of garden parties.


Sunset Room - Indoor dancing


The Sunset Room acts as the Guilds' main hall with a tall A-frame ceiling and exposed beams to add a feeling of extra space. In the Sunset Room is an assortment of recessed shelves within the wall. This offers such a dynamic space to get creative and design an activation area to show off your love story, highlight your loved ones, display your engagement photos. Wedding planning checklists really help with this part!


Allied Arts Guild: The Creative Experience

Planning a wedding is always a memorable experience, but planning at The Allied Arts Guild speaks to the creative soul. At Lavender Crown, we love to hear about your story and see how can we best bring that story to life on your wedding day harnessing the use of the Guild's unique character and versatility. Whether you're dreaming of a garden wedding or a glamorous creative soirée, The Allied Arts Guild has a built-in base for everything you need.


Photos by Duy Ho

Comments


bottom of page