The Fensalden

wind-swept coast with our closest family and friends. We also knew it was a priority to find a venue that we could host a welcome dinner and a goodbye brunch at, so finding the right spot already had a long checklist of necessities. While looking at venues, it was totally the goldilocks situation - we pulled up to Fensalden and we just knew we were at the right place. Marne welcomed us with humor, openness, and a presence that just put us at ease. She offered so many suggestions, when we asked, and shared our vision of what our wedding weekend could be. Through the year-long process, she was so extremely communicative and helpful in the planning process. Leading up to the event, as the stress started to creep in, Marne continued to answer all our questions and help us through. On the wedding weekend, our guests could not believe as they pulled up to the house - for many of them, it was their first visit to the Mendocino coast and Fensalden showed off! Friday night we gathered on the lawn for seared ahi and korean ribs and so much laughter and hugs. Saturday, the wedding, was perfect in every way - the house was so peaceful as we got ready and everyone had their own space. Once the guests arrived, the lawn was so expansive we could have the ceremony space separated from the tent and happy hour area, making it seem like we were never tight or crowded. After watching the most epic sunset, we danced the night away and then even enjoyed karaoke and late night eats later on in the house! Sunday morning my dad hosted a blueberry pancake breakfast and we loved getting to spend that extra time with our guests who had traveled so far. We ended up renting the house for Thursday and Sunday as well, just to extend the weekend, and we were so sad to leave Monday morning. Months later, our guests are still gushing about how beautiful Fensalden was and the most perfect venue - many have said it was the best wedding venue they’ve ever been to- and we couldn’t agree more!

mprehensive list of vendors that made planning a wedding in a month (kind of) a breeze. The estate itself was beautiful with incredible views and comfortable accommodations for all of our guest who stayed on site. We got married in October 2024 and I’m just now getting around to writing this review nearly a year later because even though life gets in the way I want everyone to know how great our experience was and how lovely the Fensalden and Marne are :) if we could get married there every year we would I cannot recommend it enough!!

and exactly what we wanted. All our family and close friends stayed on the property for two nights and everybody loved it. Many of our attendants said it was the best wedding they have ever been to. The site manager, Marne, took extra time and planning on her part to be sure everything ran smoothly. And everything DID run smoothly. There is not a single part of our wedding that I regret or wish went differently. We got an incredibly gorgeous sunset setting over the ocean that illuminated the grass fields gold. Our photos came out amazing and everybody had a great time. It is exactly what we wished for and it was truly the happiest day of my life.

cean views provides a picturesque backdrop for both the ceremony and reception. Fensalden offers four unique houses, each with its own distinctive style, creating a true destination wedding experience. This setup not only accommodates guests comfortably but also provides space for your family and friends to stay for the weekend. Located near the town of Mendocino, guests can explore the local area, adding to the overall enjoyment of the wedding weekend. Fensalden's combination of charm and beauty makes it the perfect setting for a wedding celebration!