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Mission Inn Wedding
The Mission Inn is one of the most iconic Southern California wedding venues, and for years I was dying to photograph a wedding there. Why? Since I was a kid, I had visited this gem in Riverside, CA for the Festival of Lights during the holidays with my family. Therefore, the spot was near and dear to m heart. So naturally, I was stoked when Mike and Crystal told me their intimate ceremony would be at the Mission Inn resort. Below are some of the photos from Mike and Crystal’s Mission Inn wedding, as well as some info on the stunning wedding venue!
Best Mission Inn Wedding Ceremony Location – St. Francis of Assisi Chapel
One of the most favored wedding spots at the Mission Inn is the St. Francis of Assisi Chapel. The chapel houses magnificent Tiffany stained glass panels, directly acquired from the famous Louis Comfort Tiffany. These panels add a grandeur and vibrancy to the walls, creating a mesmerizing backdrop for your ceremony.
In addition to the stained glass, the chapel features the 18-karat gold leaf Raya’s Altar, a mid-eighteenth century masterpiece originally commissioned for a private residence in Guanajuato, Mexico. The altar, resplendent in gold, adds an element of opulence and history to the space.
The St. Francis of Assisi Chapel also showcases an elegant beamed ceiling and doors made from ornate Mexican Mahogany, enhancing the overall aesthetic of the venue. With the capacity to accommodate up to 150 seated guests, the chapel provides a spacious yet intimate setting for your wedding.
10 Features Of Mission Inn Weddings
With over a century of history, the Mission Inn Hotel & Spa in Riverside provides a unique backdrop for weddings, combining architectural richness with diverse venue options. Here are 10 key features that make this wedding venue a good spot to get married!
- Spanish and European architecture create a distinct and grand environment.
- The bell-tower entrance marks your arrival into a space filled with artistic and historical elements.
- The St. Francis of Assisi Chapel features seven Tiffany stained-glass windows and an 18-karat gold leaf altar dating back to the mid-1700s.
- Sunlight uniquely highlights the bride’s entrance in the chapel, providing a special moment.
- Two courtyards offer alternative settings for outdoor ceremonies.
- The Grand Parisian Ballroom serves as a spacious option for large receptions, complete with elaborate decor and crystal chandeliers.
- Smaller groups of up to 120 can gather in the regally appointed Spanish Art Gallery.
- The Santa Barbara Room provides a more intimate setting, with traditional light fixtures and a view of the inner courtyard.
- With two on-site chapels and numerous reception sites, the venue offers a variety of settings.
- A dedicated staff is available to personalize your event, contributing to the venue’s long history of hosting weddings and special occasions.
Mission Inn Reviews – What Brides Are Saying
From Angelina via Wedding Wire – “I had my wedding in the St. Francis of Assis Chapel, cocktail hour in the the Atrio and my reception in the Spanish Art Gallery and the venue itself is remarkably beautiful! I have wanted to get married at the Mission Inn since I was a teenager in those exact locations. There is no other venue in the Inland Empire more historic, beautiful, or elegant than the Mission Inn. There is a magical & regal feeling once you step foot in the Historic Hotel. My wedding was planned in 6 weeks and I could not have asked for a better team to work with. ”
From Losa via The Knot – ‘The Mission Inn is BEAUTIFUL but the wedding “coordinators” are HORRIBLE!!!! Nicole, our first coordinator, took weeks to respond to my e-mails, never answered or returned my calls. Then we had Amanda Sweet…she was great at first but screwed up our final cost and was off by $2,000 and course two days before the wedding, money is tight so we had to cancel a lot of things we really wanted. Then Merissa, who is in charge of the ceremonies, put us in the wrong dressing room, made us move, which took over a half hour, and of course we started almost a half hour late. We ended up with only 20 minutes for formal pictures. They kept screwing everything up on my wedding day and made me so miserable.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Is an outdoor wedding possible at the Mission Inn?
Yes, the Mission Inn has outdoor spaces available for weddings. The wedding venue offers courtyards for ceremonies and receptions, providing an option for you if you prefer an open-air setting. For assistance with planning an outdoor event at the Inn, contact their event coordination team.
Who has celebrated their wedding at the Mission Inn?
Yes, several notable individuals have chosen the Mission Inn for their special day. Bette Davis and Richard Nixon both celebrated their weddings at this location. Ronald and Nancy Reagan spent their first night as a married couple here. The Inn has also welcomed famous guests like Humphrey Bogart and Harry Houdini over the years. While the celebrity connections add to its allure, the Inn’s status as a National Historic Landmark stands out as its primary draw.
How much does a wedding cost at the Mission Inn?
According to the website “Here Comes The Guide”, ceremony fees range from $1,500 to $4,000 per event. This includes two hours for your ceremony, a one-hour rehearsal, help from a special events coordinator, and more. For prep, you get two hours in the Grand Parlor and Hospitality Suite. You also receive banquet chairs if needed, and a hotel room for the night.
Different ceremony spots have varying costs. For example, the Chapel Ceremony costs between $2,000 and $3,500. On the other hand, the Atrio Ceremony is priced from $2,500 to $4,000. For a Courtyard Ceremony, it’s $1,500 to $3,000.
Reception packages start at $75 per person. These cover five hours at your chosen venue, a cocktail hour, a plated dinner, and more. There’s also a food and beverage minimum, ranging from $6,000 to $25,000, depending on the space. If you don’t meet the minimum, the difference becomes a room rental fee.
Remember, there’s an additional 23% service charge and 8.75% tax. This might seem like a lot, but it’s all part of creating your perfect day.
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