4.8
Praised by couples for:
Amenities
Guests comfort
Helpful staff
Two stunning venues deep in the Redwoods.
Holds ceremonies and receptions
I would recommend Kennolyn again & again, forever & ever!
From our very first tour at Hilltop Hacienda, we completely fell in love with the venue. It was pouring rain that day, and Andrea handed us an umbrella so we could still experience all of the beauty of the property. Even in the rain, we knew it was the place where we wanted to get married.
From that moment on, the entire Kennolyn team made us feel so incredibly cared for. Throughout the planning process, Elyse was there every step of the way. She answered every one of my million questions with so much patience and kindness, and she always made us feel supported. What meant the most to us was that the team didn't just respond to our questions- they would often reach out with ideas they had been thinking about to make our wedding even better. It truly felt like they cared about our wedding as if it were their own.
Our wedding day was everything we had dreamed of and so much more. The venue was absolutely breathtaking, everything ran so smoothly, and because of the incredible team behind the scenes, we were able to be fully present with each other and truly enjoy every moment. That was the one thing we wanted most, and Kennolyn made it possible.
Every interaction with the team, from planning to the wedding day itself, left us feeling supported, cared for, and genuinely excited. They made what can be a stressful planning process feel so much more manageable, and we are endlessly grateful.
If you're looking for a venue with a stunning setting and a team that will treat you with so much kindness and care, we wholeheartedly recommend Kennolyn Events. We will always look back on our wedding day with so much gratitude because of them.
Bailey L.
5.0
I cannot recommend them enough. They had such exceptional attention to detail and are so committed to making your vision comes true. The food was so good (I dream about the risotto still). We got married at Hilltop Hacienda and the sunset during dinner was breathtaking. The redwood grove was so beautiful and had such a stunning golden hour during the ceremony.
Austin C.
5.0
AWARD WINNER
Thanks to recommendations from couples on The Knot
We have two distinctly different venues for your consideration.
Kennolyn Hilltop Hacienda is a picturesque wedding venue situated in Soquel, CA. This hilltop hideaway is set amidst 240 acres of beautiful countryside that overlooks Monterey Bay and redwood-topped hills. Couples seeking a modern and relaxed Californian setting with a classic Spanish feel will delight in this destination, where indoor and outdoor event spaces are available depending on your guest count.
Couples enjoy exclusive use of this private estate on their special day. Wedding parties can prepare in elegant get-ready rooms before enjoying an outdoor ceremony immersed in nature. Outdoor and indoor event spaces are curated according to each couple’s wishes and plans can be adjusted during periods of inclement weather. Ceremonies take place in our Redwood Grove overlooking the Santa Cruz Mountains or on our lawn looking out towards Monterey Bay. Afterward, loved ones and newlyweds alike can enjoy photo ops on the grounds during cocktail hour. Evening celebrations take place alfresco-style until 10pm. Floorplans on the terrace are curated to match each couple’s vision and wishes, with tables, chairs, and linens provided by the venue. Food and beverage packages include beer and wine served from our cozy bar.
Kennolyn Stone Creek Village is the ultimate all inclusive destination wedding venue. You and your guests have exclusive use of our 150 acre property. The old Western town vibe of this venue make sit feel like home. The venue has unlimited places to sit, relax, talk, and gather. The timetable can be arranged to fit your specific vision but for most groups the weekend starts with a welcome dinner and happy hour on Friday, recreation and wedding ceremony on Saturday, and a farewell Brunch on Sunday. Food and beverage packages include beer and wine served from our cozy bar. Cabins and guest rooms are all reserved for your family and guests.
With the extended time at this overnight venue, you and your guests can hike, relax by the pool, and even give the trapeze and ropes courses a try! Stone Creek Village will deliver your guests a wedding weekend they will never forget. The love and community that exist during these remarkable stays is unlike any celebration we know of.
The dedicated coordinators at Kennolyn are committed to making each couple’s dreams a reality which ever venue suits your needs. Kennolyn offers all-inclusive wedding packages that cover everything from gourmet catering, beer and wine beverage service to planning assistance and exclusive rentals. DJ and MC duties are included in every wedding package, so you can look forward to smooth and stellar entertainment on your big day. The staff recommends local, trusted suppliers for decor rentals, dessert and cake catering, and beauty services. You can connect with a member of the team and schedule a tour of the venues to see for yourself what this exquisite destination has to offer.
Woman-owned Business
Amenities + details
Amenities
Ceremony Area
Dressing Room
Handicap Accessible
Indoor Event Space
On-Site Accommodations
Outdoor Event Space
Reception Area
Wireless Internet
Ceremony Types
Civil Union
Commitment Ceremony
Elopement
Interfaith Ceremony
Non-Religious Ceremony
Second Wedding
Vow Renewal Ceremony
Settings
Estate
Garden
Historic Venue
Mountain
Trees
Venue Service Offerings
Bar & Drinks
Destination Weddings
Destination Wedding Packages
Destination Wedding Planning
Food & Catering
Planning
Destination Wedding Planning
Service Staff
Awards and Affiliations
2011 'Best of Weddings'
Best of Weddings
The Knot independently assesses vendors for this award—it’s never self-reported. We base it on firsthand experiences from real couples and guests, and they must have a 4.5-star average across 7+ reviews in the qualifying year.
Join couples who chose award-winning vendors for their wedding
Reviews
4.8
out of 5.034 reviews
Your trust is our goal. Our community relies on honest reviews to help
you make those big decisions with ease.
Review Summary
This AI-generated summary is a snapshot of this vendor's ratings and feedback.
Kennolyn's Hilltop Hacienda is a breathtaking venue with gorgeous grounds, a redwood grove, and unforgettable sunset views. Couples praised the attentive, detail-oriented team and helpful planning events that kept the day running smoothly. Guests raved about the food and overall experience.Review photos
Showing slide number 1 out of 9
Bailey L
5.0
7/01/2026
I would recommend Kennolyn again & again, forever & ever!
From our very first tour at Hilltop Hacienda, we completely fell in love with the venue. It was pouring rain that day, an...
d Andrea handed us an umbrella so we could still experience all of the beauty of the property. Even in the rain, we knew it was the place where we wanted to get married.
From that moment on, the entire Kennolyn team made us feel so incredibly cared for. Throughout the planning process, Elyse was there every step of the way. She answered every one of my million questions with so much patience and kindness, and she always made us feel supported. What meant the most to us was that the team didn't just respond to our questions- they would often reach out with ideas they had been thinking about to make our wedding even better. It truly felt like they cared about our wedding as if it were their own.
Our wedding day was everything we had dreamed of and so much more. The venue was absolutely breathtaking, everything ran so smoothly, and because of the incredible team behind the scenes, we were able to be fully present with each other and truly enjoy every moment. That was the one thing we wanted most, and Kennolyn made it possible.
Every interaction with the team, from planning to the wedding day itself, left us feeling supported, cared for, and genuinely excited. They made what can be a stressful planning process feel so much more manageable, and we are endlessly grateful.
If you're looking for a venue with a stunning setting and a team that will treat you with so much kindness and care, we wholeheartedly recommend Kennolyn Events. We will always look back on our wedding day with so much gratitude because of them.
Austin C
5.0
5/18/2026
I cannot recommend them enough. They had such exceptional attention to detail and are so committed to making your vision comes true. The food was so good (I dream about the risotto...
still). We got married at Hilltop Hacienda and the sunset during dinner was breathtaking. The redwood grove was so beautiful and had such a stunning golden hour during the ceremony.
Any questions?
Wendy L
5.0
7/20/2025
We chose the spring promo plan, which included catering, dessert, DJ, and a coordinator — and it was absolutely worth every dollar. The venue itself is breathtaking; we knew right ...
away after our tour (even though it was pouring rain!) that this was the perfect place for our wedding.
The wedding overview day was incredibly helpful in selecting the perfect menu for our special day. On the wedding day, the entire team went above and beyond to take meticulous care of us and our guests. A huge shoutout to Elyse, our coordinator from the very beginning, who was amazing — she responded to every email quickly and thoroughly, answering all our questions and even following up on anything she needed to research within hours.
Our guests couldn’t stop raving about the beauty of the venue. We loved that the ceremony, cocktail hour, and dinner were all held in separate, thoughtfully designed spaces, which made for stunning photos and unforgettable memories. The inclusion of heat lamps was a lifesaver on our chilly day, keeping everyone comfortable throughout.
We couldn’t be happier with our choice and highly recommend this venue to anyone looking for a gorgeous, well-organized wedding experience!
Renee N
5.0
6/27/2025
Kennolyn - Hilltop Hacienda was truly magical for our wedding day! Our guests raved about the food and the beautiful venue. We work with Elyse who was super easy to work with and h...
elpful. Highly recommend!
Mackenzie C
5.0
7/21/2024
Where to even begin with how amazing Kennolyn is? The staff, the location, everything about our wedding was perfect!
When we toured Kennolyn back in 2023, we met Elyse for the fir...
st time. She was incredibly helpful and friendly from the start. We immediately felt great about the venue and decided to book it for our wedding. Between booking and the wedding, we enjoyed several fun events like the wedding overview day and the details meeting. The overview day was a blast--meeting vendors, sampling the food we'd enjoy on our wedding day, and exploring all the beautiful spaces Kennolyn has to offer. The bridal area was lovely for getting ready, the groomsmen had a fantastic time in the groom's suite, and the ceremony and reception spaces were perfect. There was even a grassy lawn for the kids to run around on.
From our first meeting, Elyse was incredibly responsive and helpful with my countless questions. She ensured everything was perfect for our big day. We got married at Hilltop Hacienda, and the day went off without a hitch. My husband and I didn't have to worry about any details because the staff had everything under control. They were friendly and helpful to all our guests, who couldn't stop raving about the perfect day. The views were gorgeous, and the ceremony and reception spaces were stunning. The bartending staff were so kind and made everyone feel like old friends. The food was phenomenal, with many delicious options for our guests. The entire staff made sure everything flowed smoothly from one moment to the next.
We genuinely had the BEST DAY EVER, thanks to the Kennolyn team. Elyse and Deirdre ensured everything went well and helped calm any nerves I had. It's been a month since our wedding, and my husband and I keep saying we wish we could do it again every weekend because it was so much fun. I cannot recommend Kennolyn enough to anyone looking for a wedding venue.
Emily M
5.0
10/03/2023
My Stone Creek Village Kennolyn wedding went exactly as I dreamed it would! My husband and I were looking for a place where all of our guests could stay for the weekend. We also re...
ally wanted Redwoods. Lastly, Santa Cruz is a very important place to us! I worked closely with Elyse as our day-of-coordinator. She was so wonderful - although I did most of the pre-planning myself, she took all my worries away on the day of my wedding. I didn’t have to take care of a thing, which I loved! She coordinated with all my vendors and everything went off without a hitch. Although it rained most of the night before and day of my wedding, it cleared up just in time for the ceremony. The rest of the staff were so helpful and wonderful to work with and the catering turned out great! They even agreed to prepare a custom post reception late night snack. Our three days at Kennolyn are ones that I will cherish forever. It’s a perfect place for a summer camp vibe wedding. We would love to have another event there in the future!
Kelly H
5.0
7/21/2023
Kennolyn is the most incredible venue! From the gorgeous, towering redwoods to the incredible staff that help your wedding to be the amazing day that it's meant to be. From start t...
o finish, Elyse (our wedding coordinator) was there to help us with anything we needed. We were able to connect her with our vendors and she seamlessly worked with them to ensure everything ran smoothly. Dierdre spent a lot of time with me the weekend-of and was there to help coordinate anything needed on my end, wrangle people, and ensure that the bride and groom actually got to eat! Speaking of food, Chef Tom's meals were absolutely delicious, and you can tell the care and passion he puts into his craft. All of the staff were so nice and incredible to work with - I heard compliments from our guests the whole weekend. You can't beat the price of everything, especially when you get so much bang for your buck. It's an incredible venue, especially when you have big families with lots of kids, and we had the time of our lives. Highly recommend this venue and the staff that help make it the amazing place it is.
Rebecca H
5.0
7/15/2023
I wholeheartedly recommend Kennolyn Hilltop Hacienda! I was married on 5/20/23 with the Spring Promo package, and I was so happy with the experience.
The venue is gorgeous, and i...
t was the perfect place for my outdoor wedding. There is a redwood grove or great lawn facing distant views of the Pacific Ocean that are both beautiful options for a ceremony. The patio facing the lawn is perfect for dinner, and the indoor courtyard is stunning and great for cocktails and dancing. We didn't use the Hacienda itself much except for guests who wanted to sit by the fire (it's a good backup plan for inclement weather). The bridal house is amazing and accommodates many people for getting ready (multiple rooms and bathrooms, living/dining areas, with a gorgeous patio with the same amazing views out to the ocean). There is also a separate Casita with a bathroom for the groom's party to get ready. There are so many beautiful natural and architectural places for photographs as well. The landscaping is beautiful, so you don't need to spend money on many extra florals. Weddings have exclusive use of the venue, which makes it really private and intimate.
The Spring Promo deal was a great value and included buffet catering/cake/dessert, alcohol package, DJ/MC, tables/chairs/etc, ceremony arbor, some florals (it was enough given the landscaping), taxes/tips. The deal is for 100 guests, and when my group ended up being half of that, Andrea (Events Manager) was so kind and tried to give us more value for the money: double the variety of passed appetizers than was initially included in the package and adding orchids (my favorite flower) to the florals. The all-inclusive nature of the package was so amazing for not having to worry about each of these things individually.
Since the catering was included and food was very important to us, I was initially nervous to sign the contract before tasting the food. My family and I were so happy on our Tasting Day when the food was excellent, and everything we tried was delicious (and I think we have pretty high standards for food)! They were also so accommodating of dietary restrictions and preferences. Since our package was a served buffet, the vegetarian/vegans were given their own plates separately. The cake and assorted dessert were also delicious (and they were willing to make a chocolate cake with vanilla buttercream frosting as we requested).
The DJ/MC (Courtney Helms) was assigned from Sound in Motion, and we got along great. He did a wonderful job too - I danced the whole night! He was also very accommodating with including French music that we compiled (my husband is French).
Finally, I cannot say enough wonderful things about Andrea (Event Manager), Elyse (Wedding Coordinator), and the entire staff! I did not have a wedding planner, and they filled the job beautifully. I was so impressed with their communication. They responded promptly and warmly to every email, line-by-line, answering all my questions for months! They were so supportive and patient, and they seemed as invested as I was in having a wonderful wedding day and making everyone happy and comfortable. I am forever grateful to them and to Kennolyn for such a magical day!
Elina K
5.0
7/09/2023
We got married at the Hilltop Hacienda & it was a lovely venue!
I did not hire an outside planner, & in the year leading up to the wedding Elyse & team were so helpful answering a...
ll of my questions. Thank you for a magical day!
Nikita K
1.0
8/30/2020
We had really high hopes for Kennolyn when we began to plan our October 2020 wedding with them. Unfortunately, in the midst of the COVID crisis, they made it clear to us that we ar...
e just another business deal to them and they care more about our money than about fairness, integrity to our contract, and a positive and warm experience.
Once COVID hit, they spent several months telling us we could not move our deposit to another date and would be heavily charged extra for trying to do so, in spite of the fact that it became obvious that October would not be a safe time for gatherings of 100+ people. Spending thousands of additional dollars was not an option for us, neither was risking the lives of our friends and family (not to mention the Kennolyn staff).
Later, the general manager informed us that if by August, weddings were still not allowed, we would receive our full deposit back. In August, all of a sudden, Kennolyn stopped responding to our emails and requests to reconnect and figure out our next steps. They left us with vague messages that “we are still holding weddings as planned” which we know is not possible given the regulations (and if they are currently upholding contracts involving gatherings of 125+ people in the midst of a global pandemic and wildfires, this should be considered a pretty awful public health hazard and should be dealt with). Not to mention, their social media has made it clear that they are not upholding contracts for such large gatherings.
At this point, it has been a month of a wild goose chase trying to get some response out of Kennolyn. They have thousands of dollars of our money in a deposit and contract, and have not upheld a single portion of their end. I have been told at least 3 times now that “someone will hopefully get back to me by the end of the day!” over the course of the entire month of August.
I would not recommend this venue unless you are willing to take the risk of having your money held with no services provided in return. I understand it is a difficult time for everyone, but this is absolutely not how you treat your clients, not to mention questionably legal.
Stefanie B
5.0
12/02/2019
Kennolyn is a magical place that's hard to describe in words. The venue is breathtaking and the experience we were able to cultivate there was unforgettable. So many people told us...
that our wedding was the best wedding they've ever been to! From the rehearsal dinner under the lights at Stone Creek Village, to the comfy cabins everyone stayed in and the dance party at the Hacienda - people loved it. The staff was great and allowed us to stay up late and take full advantage of the grounds while we were there for the weekend. I couldn't recommend Kennolyn enough!
Kayla P
1.0
11/13/2019
The venue is beautiful but there were several reasons why it should only receive 1 star. First, before we signed our contract we were promised certain things, once our contract was...
signed they went back on things that were extremely significant to us. It’s almost as if they were trying to sell the venue to us and saying everything they could to get us to sign and once we did it changed. Another reason is the lack of communication between the employees at Kennolyn. We would have one person tell us something and another tell us a totally different thing. Also, at the wedding they ran out of potatoes at the buffet. How does that even happen? Especially when less people show up than what they planned for.
Response from Kennolyn – Hilltop Hacienda and Stone Creek Village on 11/16/2019
Thank you for your feedback, Kayla. We are sorry to hear that you did not have a 5-star ex...
perience at Kennolyn; we strive for excellence and are known for our exceptional service and personal, customized attention. As we recall, you were eager to book before prices increased and you also changed your wedding date at the last minute to our peak season with a higher minimum guest count. It was unfortunate that your guest count dropped below your contract minimum. The contract we use is industry standard, and is very clear about what is involved in the transaction – leaving no room for misunderstanding, but we do understand your disappointment. In term of running out of potatoes, it is always a challenge to anticipate consumption of each item with buffet service and we typically have multiple chaffers of each item left over. We apologize for running out of potatoes at your wedding. Your wedding day was absolutely beautiful, and we hope that you and your family have many happy memories of your special day!
Grace G
5.0
9/06/2018
Had my dream wedding here, my bridal house is spacious, the wedding site and reception site are beautifully decorated. The staff were helpful. Best pick for wedding venue!
Melissa M
5.0
10/12/2017
Cannot say enough about Kennolyn! Having out wedding at Kennoyln meant two great things: the cost included a day of coordinator, Janine, who was super on top of it, a joy to work w...
ith and just a rock star in general. I probably reached out to her 100 times with questions/ideas and she was always super responsive and helpful, and gracefully managed all the day-of curveballs with ease. Additionally, catering was included, and the caterers are excellent! They could make pretty much anything we wanted to serve, and we went with a taco buffet including vegan and gluten free options. The caterers were professional and sweet anytime I interacted with them day-of, and I was impressed. The venus itself it absolutely stunning. We got married in a redwood grove - a dream, realized - and had a beautiful dinner on the patio overlooking the lawn of the Hilltop Hacienda and Monterey Bay.
Donna H
5.0
10/31/2016
There aren't enough nice things I can say about the Kennolyn team; especially Jenn and Janine. They made our wedding seriously magical! We were married on 10.8.16 and also rented o...
ut the camp for an adult camp weekend.
They are quick to respond to emails, thoughtful in their suggestions, hands-on during the wedding day, friendly and just lovely. They are the kindest, most thoughtful women I've ever worked it. They loved my dog as if it was their own and made sure all of our family and friends were taken care of.
The venue itself is beyond beautiful with views to the sea, the food was delicious and we couldn't have asked for a better venue for our special day.
I would highly recommend Kennolyn for weddings but really any event needs. You won't be disappointed in the service you receive!
Anonymous
5.0
1/17/2015
Kennolyn could not have been a more perfect spot for our wedding. The Hacienda is gorgeous, teeming with flowers and plants with a gorgeous view overlooking the ocean and surround...
ed by redwoods. And the staff -- particularly Jenn and Janeen -- could not have been more helpful. They always responded to requests in a prompt, professional manner, they ran the show meticulously the day of the wedding, and they made the whole planning process so much easier, from start to finish. They are true professionals in how they handle everything, but also very kind and personal. I could not recommend them, or Kennolyn, highly enough. The food was also delicious -- guests remarked that it was the best wedding food they had ever had. And all of the servers were so friendly and helpful. We truly couldn't think of a complaint if we tried. Thank you, Kennolyn!
Anonymous
5.0
11/29/2014
We had our wedding at Kennolyn on 8-1-14. We went on a venue hunt with our moms and toured about 20 venues along the coast. We fell in love with Kennolyn as soon as we stepped onto...
the property. We could not have a picked a more perfect location. The natural beauty/flowers/landscaping is a gorgeous backdrop for a wedding and saves money on wedding decor. The food is excellent! Our guests raved about the beauty of the venue, the delicious food and helpful staff. They were able to accommodate for several vegan friends, which was great. We began our consultation with Jenn and then Janeen took over. Both are amazing. Janeen went above and beyond to ensure that our wedding day was successful and everything we dreamed it could be. She was quick to respond to emails and phone calls and answered the millions of questions I had. The day of, Janeen coordinated all the vendors and guests, and did a wonderful job. So many of our guests told us it was the best wedding they had ever been to!
We are SO thankful we chose Kennolyn for our wedding. You cannot beat the price for the location, staff and amenities. Thank you Kennolyn!
Here's our wedding highlight video so you can see more of the location:
vimeo.com/110116102
Alexandra C
5.0
11/09/2014
I would pick Kennolyn for our wedding over and over again!! It was such a spectacular venue, and I know that Kennolyn's awesome staff were a huge part of the reason our wedding day...
was such a success!
My mom and I loved Jenn from the moment we met her. She was so helpful and low pressure when we were first looking at the venue, and always very easy to get in touch with during the planning stages. Having her there as a day-of coordinator helped everything go amazingly smoothly! (Multiple guests commented on how flawless our wedding seemed!) It was so great to just be able to drop off our decorations during the rehearsal, and then to return the next day to see them expertly displayed! Jenn also coordinated all of the outside vendors we hired -- I didn't have to worry about a thing on the day of! I just showed up and enjoyed the day!
The food was delicious, and the servers polite and professional. Our champagne glasses were never empty! As bride and groom, appetizers and buffet items were brought directly to the sweetheart table. Jenn and Janeen even arranged it so that I could have a special vegetarian meal, and made sure I got a slice of the cake. They really thought of everything, and anticipated my needs before I even could.
Also, the location is really beautiful! We had an amazing view of the ocean, including a spectacular sunset during dinner. I love the Spanish hacienda style of the place, and our pictures among the redwood trees came out stunning. It was so nice that it is private (no strangers looking on!) and my guests were easily shuttled to and from the hotel in our charter buses. Many guests came up to tell us how beautiful, comfortable and fun our venue was.
Don't hesitate to book Kennolyn as your wedding venue -- I promise you won't regret it!
(Thank you again, Jenn and Janeen!)
Andrea K
5.0
11/03/2013
We had our wedding reception at Kennolyn's Hilltop Hacienda and it was beautiful. The venue is lovely, and was in good condition so it needed little decorating. The coordinators & ...
staff were great to work with & everything they coordinated went off without a hitch, very professional from accommodating vegetarians to arrange high chairs for the little ones, to setting up the things we brought for decor. Our guests had a great time & everyone was raving about Kennolyn.
Jess M
5.0
6/24/2013
We just got married at Kennolyn last month. Jenn was very helpful with all of the planning and answered all of my questions. She can be as involved or as hands-off as you want he...
r to be, it just depends on how much you reach out to her either by email or by phone.
We picked Kennolyn because we wanted to get married in the forest but also wanted the convenience of some sort of organized area where people could easily eat dinner and dance without having to worry about tons of bugs or tripping over tree roots. There is a huge parking lot that leads to a courtyard. The courtyard itself is where the cocktail hour and dancing happen if you want to keep things outdoors. The courtyard leads to a small banquet hall with a fireplace that they light when it get dark, the buffet tables, and a table for the cake. I personally did not like having the cake inside because it kind of messed up the flow (people had to move inside for cake cutting and then did not end up moving back outside where I had hoped the rest of the dancing would take place). However, it was a very hot day and it was the best place for it considering we did not want the cake to be a melted mess by the time we got around to cutting it five hours after it was delivered. After you go through the hall there is an outdoor, partially covered terrace where everyone can eat and you can see the Monterey Bay (if you're luck and the weather cooperates). Just past the tables are the steps that lead to the lawn area where there is a fountain and steps for the ceremony to take place on.
As mentioned, it was a really hot day so it was nice that they provide parasols for the guests to shade themselves. The one suggestion I have about the parasols is that they provide some for the parents and others who sit down after walking down the aisle.
Jenn had everything set up when I arrived, from the food platter and water in the (air conditioned!) bridal room to the guestbook and pictures in the courtyard. We weren't able to bring the wedding favors until last minute but Jenn took everything in stride. She was very calm the day of, which was very helpful.
We had practiced the ceremony the day before but she was still there to give us our cue to walk and helped everyone look great! She works behind the scenes to make things run smoothly.
The only negative that I can see is that if you are interested in using a DJ you must choose from either Sound in Motion or Music Now. We felt a little restricted in this sense but both companies have multiple DJs that should be available if you book early.
Good luck with your wedding planning!
Jennifer R
5.0
5/26/2013
Kennolyn was actually the first venue that John and I went to while investigating where we wanted to get married. It was also one of the pricier options as it is all-inclusive (th...
ey provide the food, the drinks, ceremony and reception venues and a planner who is amazing). There are several packages to choose from with different prices. We ended up going with the higher buffet and middle drink options and got rave reviews on the food and drinks from all of our guests (and we loved them too!!).
Jenn at Kennolyn is an amazing planner....her personality is so sweet and easy to work with. She was so patient with all my emails with questions and got back to me immediately.
The venue itself is tucked up in the hills above Soquel/Capitola. From the Hacienda back patio, you have an amazing view of the entire Monterey Bay. The plantings and everything about the venue are just beautiful. We had our ceremony on May 18, 2013, and the weather was amazing. We did it all outside...ceremony on the back lawn with the wedding party on the patio in front of the lion's head fountain; buffet, cake, coffee/tea, photobooth, slideshow, mingling tables and kid's craft table inside the hacienda itself, and the dining tables set up on the back patio. The reception was all in the front patio. It was so nice to have everything in one place and not to have to worry about a separate caterer.
This place is stunning, the food is great and the coordinator is amazing. It was definitely worth the price. We had a storybook wedding and so much of it was due to Kennolyn.
Danielle D
5.0
7/01/2012
Kennolyn was the first and only venue we looked at for our wedding. We lived on Glen Haven and fell in love with the area. This venue was beautiful and well laid out. The entire we...
dding flowed amazingly and the coordinator we had couldn't have been any better.
Jenn was our coordinator and from the very beginning she was so on top of her game and a real pleasure to work with. Our wedding was so successful and beautiful because of her!
This venue and it's staff are top notch and I wouldn't change anything. The food was also great, many people told us it was the best wedding food they had ever had!
Thank you everyone at Kennolyn!
Ashley H
5.0
10/07/2011
Kennolyn is the perfect place to get married for a number of reasons! Location is gorgeous and with beautiful views, the staff is top notch, the food is yummy, and the layout of t...
he hacienda is perfect for entertaining. Janeen & Jenn are class acts and make you feel like your wedding is the only wedding they have going on. My sister, best friend both got married here as well and it was a no brainer when it came my turn to get married. Well worth the money spent.
Lisa T
5.0
12/08/2010
What a wonderful place. Our wedding was fabulous. We fell in love with Kennolyn while visiting during a crazy rainstorm, if that tells you anything!
Kennolyn's Hilltop Hacie...
nda knows their stuff. Carrie Geldhof is the most wonderful wedding coordinator. She is enthusiastic without being over the top, she's funny without being sarcastic, she's a straight shooter while being completely professional and kind. Most of all, however, she's on top of her game. I felt completely in good hands when planning my Kennolyn wedding. She made me feel as though I could have the wedding I wanted, without ever leading me astray. Kennolyn is truly beutiful! The view of the Pacific Ocean at Kennolyn is unparalleled--yes, there are amazing views all over the greater Santa Cruz area--but few with mountaintop/redwood/ocean combination that Kennolyn gives you. The lawn is a beautiful place for a ceremony, and the Hacienda and patio give a lot room for a reception, dancing and delicious dinner. The food is delicious--something you really don't find at many venues. Having catering as a part of the venue really alleviated many other decisions/headaches! Because of all the space, you can have separate areas for many different activities if you wish. Kennolyn has great 'green' wedding options as well, which is really nice. There were rooms for both the bride and groom to ready themselves, which doubled as great private nursing areas for nursing friends!
Only minor complaint? The alcohol packages seemed a bit steep. However, the wine was both local and delicious! We'll have amazing memories for the rest of our lives.
Go Kennolyn!
veronica s
5.0
12/03/2010
I am a local wedding vendor that has worked with Kennolyn for a few years now. Everyone in the Monterey bay area loves Kennolyn. Just thinking of the property makes people take a d...
eep sigh and wish they could be there enjoying a cup of tea on the terrace that overlooks the bay, while being secluded in the middle of the forest with deer often not far from you. Janeen and Carrie are super to work with and always have wonderful dispositions while making sure all of the details are attended to. Definately a top spot!
Amy R
5.0
12/01/2010
My husband and I were referred to Kennolyn from a friend after visiting over 10 other venues and as soon as we saw it, we knew we were done looking around. The small, intimate ven...
ue with gorgeous views was exactly what we wanted. The staff, especially Carrie, went above and beyond what we expected to make our day perfect. Although the price was a bit more than we wanted to spend, we decided it was worth it in the long run and we had an amazing day. I hope some of our friends choose Kennolyn so we can keep coming back :)
Mary Jo S
5.0
11/28/2010
As a new vendor working with Kennolyn, we look forward to providing a superior product and service similar to what we personally experienced at our own wedding at Kennolyn more tha...
n nine years ago.
We were impressed with all our wedding vendors, the Kennolyn staff and professional services they all provided, everyone was extremely knowledgeable, flexible and accommodating. We are looking forward to being a part of the overall experience at Kennolyn, this time not as bride and groom but now as a vendor supplying wine for the various celebrations and events.
Steve and Mary Jo SchacherLeoa Cellars
Ann S
5.0
11/24/2010
We could not have been more pleased with our choice of Kennolyn Hilltop Hacienda for our son and daughter-in-law's wedding reception! The first time we visited the venue, we all kn...
ew that this was exactly what we were looking for. We wanted a private location which would reflect the beauty, style and character of California. With its historic Spanish style hacienda nestled in the forests of the Santa Cruz Mountains and an amazing view overlooking the Monterey Bay, Kennolyn fulfilled our expectations in every way. From the moment our guests arrived, they knew that this would be a very special event. They were warmly greeted by staff offering them chilled champagne and delicious appetizers around the fountain in the hacienda courtyard while the bridal party was being photographed in the gorgeous redwood grove. The chef worked with us to prepare a perfect menu which our guests raved was the most delicious wedding fare they had ever enjoyed. Dancing in the open air patio under the stars and surrounded by the sparkle of lighted trees was truly a romantic experience. Finally, the staff at Kennolyn was the absolute best! They were friendly, efficient, professional, and flexible and really made our planning experience go smoothly. From start to finish, the Kennolyn staff could not have been more accommodating to us in every way and we could not have been happier with our choice of Kennolyn for our wedding reception.
Dave S
5.0
11/23/2010
I have worked with Kennolyn as a vendor for four years now, providing transportation for weddings and events with my shuttling and transportation company, Santa Cruz Experience (sc...
exp.com). During this time, Kennolyn has been nothing less than a pleasure to work with. On a professional level, they are responsive, organized, and thorough, with a great staff and low amount of turnover. On a personal level, they are friendly, accommodating, and always helpful.
The venue is spectacular and I have heard nothing but great feedback from the countless clients that we have shuttled to and from the property. Kennolyn has everything that one could want in a wedding venue and I would not hesitate to recommend them as one of the premier wedding and event sites in the Santa Cruz and Monterey area.
susan H
5.0
11/22/2010
I have been photographing weddings at Kennolyn for close to 20 years and it is an amazing location. It is private, with
stunning views, lovely dining room, warm and wonderful staf...
f. I highly recommend it! Susan Helgeson
Mark T
5.0
11/22/2010
I have officiated over 25 weddings at Kennolyn so I have a lot of experience there. It is certainly one of the very best locations a couple could find for their wedding event. The...
staff is warm, friendly, professional and truly hospitable. I always see them going the extra mile to accommodate everyone’s needs. They do a great job coordinating all of the vendors.
But I really want to mention the venue itself. There are private full use cabins for the wedding party to change and relax in. There is an ocean-view lawn for the ceremony, a covered patio for sunset watching, dining or evening cigar smoking. There is an indoor dining room with giant fireplace that adds warmth and ambiance. And there is Hacienda style courtyard with a beautiful fountain for the cocktail hour and after dinner dancing. This facility is so much better than the single room setting.
Weddings are also family reunions. At Kennolyn there is ample opportunity for picturesque photos, reconnect with family strolls, and quiet leisurely conversation. And there is also plenty of room when it is time for everyone to come together and dance. Did I mention the food was creative, made on site and delicious!
Every couple needs to take a tour and at least see what is possible.
Jennifer D
5.0
11/19/2010
Kennolyn is an such a great place, I highly recommend the staff, service, venue and Jenn the wedding coordinator. The venue is exactly what we were looking for and I'm so happy we...
chose to go with Kennolyn for our spring wedding.
Janeen B
5.0
11/19/2010
I had to go back and have my children blessed where I was happily married. Our coordinator was great and the day was perfect. Kennolyn worked with my budget, food was incredible an...
d the waitstaff attended to every need my family and I had. maybe I can come back for my 50th anniversary and get re-married at Kennolyn.
Jackie R
5.0
5/10/2010
It was a beautiful, magical space, with both indoor and outdoor areas. The ambiance was wonderful and had spectacular views. It was incredibly private and picturesque.;Some of th...
e furniture, especially outdoors, was in need of repair/repainting. There were a couple of things that were not done to my liking.
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Wedding vendors in Soquel
Kennolyn – Hilltop Hacienda and Stone Creek Village
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