Black Bear Inn

- gorgeous location, just a few miles away from Big Trees State Park on the east side of the Sierra foothills. - because it is so beautiful, we needed very little decorations. too much would have taken away from the atmosphere. - because it was fall (October) the weather was perfect - 75 in the day time and about 50 at night and the leaves in the ceremony space were gorgeous fall colors. - we used the front yard space for the ceremony and backyard for dinner and dancing. we also had the inside of the inn we used as a lounge with hot cider and coffee if guests got chilly. the inside could have also held both our ceremony and reception if needed. - Wendi, one of the owners, was very helpful and answered my million questions about details and provided a list of other vendors to help me get started. -my family comes from out of town so the 5 bedrooms at the inn were helpful since they didn't have to worry about accommodations. Cons: - the rooms are very expensive. this is a luxury B&B and the rooms are $250/night. if you book here, you must also book all the rooms for 2 nights. We felt it rude to have to expect those who stayed to pay $500 just to stay for our wedding so we did not ask. That said, we had one extra room to fill and the several people it was offered to refused it. Even after being told they would not have to pay for the room they did not feel comfortable staying in such a pricey room so it went unoccupied for both nights. - also, we were not provided breakfast either day. The day of the wedding I was told I had to pay for it if they made it. I forgot to ask about the day after. My mom said they were making breakfast for themselves but my family went to the diner nearby. I thought breakfast was part of a B&B and I can't find in the contract where it’s not provided. -we had to rent tables, chairs, linens, etc. it would have been nice if some of these were provided. I was told that the caterer often takes care of rentals, but it worked out to be easier (and cheaper) to rent the items ourselves. - a month before the wedding we were told we had to provide cake tables, bar tables, etc. Of all the tables the inn already had, they only let us use 3 small tables for welcoming guests, and coffee, etc. and wanted to charge to rent any others. the way it was presented felt like nickel and diming, especially for what we paid to rent the place, I thought that meant the whole place. - my husband and I left after the reception for honeymoon, so my parents walked through the place the morning after with the owners to make sure there were no damages. They were told all was fine. In the card returning my security deposit, the owners mentioned there were minor damages. Weird they would tell my parents all was fine, then say there were damages. At least I got my full deposit back. Honestly, I loved having my wedding at the inn, but for us (on a budget) it was a bit of a stretch and hassle to fill the rooms. I know it wouldn't be the same experience, but I wish we didn't have to rent the rooms. If I had to do it again, I'm slightly conflicted, but I'd probably end up picking this place again, all considered. It was a great day!