A Mediterranean Jewel in the East Bay

A sprawling, inviting villa full of enchanting architectural details, Hayes Mansion is a magical place to say “I do”. Buildings full of stained glass windows, elegant ballrooms of every size, and numerous spots on the property for a breathtaking ceremony make this venue an easy favorite.

A Venue With History

Built in 1903, the mansion was designed by George Page as a study in Mediterranean Revival Architecture, and is considered one of the best examples of it’s style. Bought by the city of San Jose in the 1990’s, restored and expanded to it’s current state, it’s now run by Dolce Hotels and Resorts, an internationally acclaimed event and resort company. It’s a rare find – a building on the National Register of Historic Places that doesn’t require you to jump through hoops to snag for an event!

Romantic Ceremony and Reception Spaces

From Here Comes the Guide:

“Hold your ceremony on the front lawn and let the entire mansion, with its grand entryway and four-story central tower, create the backdrop. Or get married at one of the entrances to the East or West Lawns, each with a carved archway and sweeping steps. If an intimate indoor wedding is your preference, exchange vows in the Willow Glen Room, standing in front of a marble fireplace beneath a gleaming wooden arch. These are just a tiny sampling of your many ceremony options.

Reception possibilities range from several smaller rooms like the Parlors, all the way up to the Grand Hayes Ballroom, which enjoys its own separate building. Serve cocktails and hors d’oeuvres in the vast foyer of the ballroom, whose French doors open to a vista of the lawn and Mansion. Then dine elegantly in the ballroom, with its 20-foot ceilings, chandeliers, stage, drop-down screens, projectors, sound system, dance floor—the works.”

Why We Love It

• It’s a breeze to shoot here! The grounds are always beautifully maintained, alcoves with vintage lighting are scattered throughout the property, and it’s impossible to pick a non-scenic spot for your ceremony. Because the mansion has some truly amazing attention to detail, everywhere you look is another fabulous backdrop.

• No matter what you’re envisioning for your wedding day, Hayes already has you covered. They specialize in same-sex weddings, Indian Weddings, and Asian weddings of all styles and sizes. A venue coordinator who is already on the same page as you will alleviate so many headaches when planning your big day.

Wendy + Bang

This sweet couple wanted to fill their wedding day with bright color, glittering decor, and multiple costume changes! After a gorgeous Catholic ceremony, they headed to Hayes Mansion for some beautiful portraits on the grounds and a luxe reception full of pink! See all the amazing details below.

Ready to blow away your guests at this luxury wedding venue? Let us know! Email the studio at info@milouandolin.com for all the details on how we can capture your day.

xoxo – Caroline and the Milou + Olin Team