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A dream come true! Shadowbrook Weddings in Capitola-by-the-Sea California

  • , by Butter Be Mine
  • 11 min reading time

For 65 years Shadowbrook has been a favorite setting for exquisite weddings because of its romantic ambiance and magnificent setting on the banks of Soquel Creek in the delightful village of Capitola-by-the-Sea. Find out why here.

Looking for a primo place to have your wedding ceremony and/or wedding rehearsal? Look no further than the charming village of Capitola by the sea, located in Santa Cruz, California.

For 65 years Shadowbrook has been a favorite setting for exquisite weddings because of its romantic ambiance and magnificent setting on the banks of Soquel Creek in the delightful village of Capitola-by-the-Sea. Recognized for being the “Most Romantic Restaurant” in Northern California by the readers of San Francisco Focus, Shadowbrook will make your wedding rehearsal or wedding day even more memorable. (Excerpt, shadowbrook-capitola.com)

shadowbrook-capitola cakes

Image: shadowbrook-capitola.com

Weddings & Rehearsals
Make your best memories here!

SHADOWBROOK RESTAURANT
1750 Wharf Road Capitola, CA 95010 831-475-1222  banquets@shadowbrook-capitola.com
weddings@shadowbrook-capitola.com
www.shadowbrook-capitola.com  Special Event Coordinator Stephanie Sanders  Office & Appointment Hours: Tuesday-Thursday 10:00am – 2:30pm Friday 10:00am-4:00pm Saturday 11:00am-4:00pm (Except on days that there is a wedding or event) 

Let's close the deal with Shadowbrook's unique and exciting description of their beautiful wedding venue tells it all.

Much more than just a beautiful setting amongst lush grounds and waterfalls, Shadowbrook’s interior has an old-world charm that will put you and your guests at ease. Our exceptional cuisine will have your guests amazed and talking about their meal for years to come. Our extensive beverage selection allows you to tailor your special day to reflect your personal style and all budgets. Our award-winning service, provided by experienced professionals, will ensure that your wedding day is carefree, elegant and enjoyable.

Shadowbrook's Wedding Info Packet HERE

Capitola Santa Cruz Wedding Venue for RentImage: shadowbrook-capitola.com

 

Different options currently available for the Shadowbrook wedding venue:

OWNER’S PRIVATE RESERVE 
The Owner’s Private Reserve seats up to 16 guests (12 guests if AV is required) room with both a fireplace and aquarium adding to its ambiance. . Located on the main entry level; it is a cozy.

THE REDWOOD ROOM
Available from 11am to 5pm time frame only
The Redwood Room seats up to 26 guests on five individual tables or one long table that seats 18 If AV set up is required then we can seat 20 guests at five individual tables (some guests will have to turn their chairs to see the screen) 20 guests. 16 guests at one long table. The Redwood Room is located off the main entry level. Built with an abundance of beautiful redwood milled from old wine barrels, it opens onto a by level brick and wood patio overlooking our Chef’s herb garden. The patio is a perfect setting for standup hors d’oeuvres Wheel Chair accessible, there are 7 stairs and be ve leading up rage service prior to a seated dining experience. 

WINE CELLAR (shown below)
Seats up to 35 guests on individual tables or one long table that seats 20 If AV set up is required, we can seat 34 guests at individual tables (some guests will have to turn their chairs to see the screen) or 22 guests at one long table. It is a delightful setting for priv ate parties. It was once used as the restaurant’s original wine cellar. Though now it’s cozy with a corner fireplace, rich redwood and old world brick craftsmanship plus hundreds of wine bottles nested in storage. It is a perfect setting for larger, y et in stairs leading down to this room. Intimate parties. The Wine Cellar room is not wheel chair accessible.

Wine Cellar ShadowbrookImage: shadowbrook-capitola.com 

 

THE SHADOWBROOK GREENHOUSE (shown below)
Seats up to 50 guests on individual tables or one long table that seats 34-36 guests.  It is set near the bank of Soquel Creek and opens onto our creek side brick patio. There are large windows running the length of the dining room giving the experience of dining at water’s edge. Though very popular for daytime events, the Greenhouse is a comfortable and casual environment for dinner parties and special events of all kinds. This room is not wheel chair accessible, there are 22 stairs leading down to the room. 

 bank of Soquel Creek Image: shadowbrook-capitola.com

Shadowbrook's Wedding Services


BAR SERVICE

  • Hosted, no host and limited host bar service available
  • A full selection of banquet wines
  • Alcohol-free options available
  • Shadowbrook does not permit alcoholic beverages purchased elsewhere, other than wine, to be served in the restaurant
  •  Shadowbrook permits bottled wine to be brought in for a corkage fee of $25 per bottle and $35 for magnum bottles of wine. 

WEDDING CAKES

  • Shadowbrook offers custom wedding cakes designed and hand-made by our Pastry Chef, Linda Estrada.
  • Cake tastings for up to (4 guests) for $25.00. *The minimum charged for a cake is $45.00.
  • Wedding cake & cupcake pricing begins at $7.00 per serving and the price increases depending on design and detail.
  • Submit an image of a cake you would like for a price estimate.
  • Desserts purchased elsewhere are permitted to be brought in and served at a fee of $4.00 per guest.

Shadowbrook all wedding cakes

CAKE FLAVORS

Carrot Wedding Cake
Shredded Carrots, Coconut, Walnuts, Cinnamon and Nutmeg, filled with Cream Cheese Frosting (with or without nuts) 

Red Velvet Wedding Cake
With a hint of Almond Extract and filled with Cream Cheese Frosting   

Vanilla Wedding Cake
Vanilla Cake filled with Lemon Cream and fresh Raspberries, Chocolate Mousse and fresh Raspberries or Strawberries ~or~ Raspberry Jam and Vanilla Cream   

Devils Food Wedding Cake
Devils Food Cake Filled with either Chocolate Ganache ~or~ Chocolate Mousse with fresh Raspberries 

*Per Shadowbrook all wedding cakes are covered with either Italian Meringue Butter Cream~or~ Dark Chocolate Ganache.

SELECTING YOUR MENU

And now for one of the hardest selection of all, choosing your wedding menu. Consider the following before planning your wedding menu: 

  • DIETARY RESTRICTIONS
  • PLACE CARDS
  • You must submit your menu BEFORE any invitations are sent (3 weeks prior to event date). 
  • All menu selections for groups under 40 guests will be printed on a custom menu for your guests to select their entree the night of your event.
  • Please select a vegetarian option in addition to your entrée options as well as one children’s for guests 12 and under.  
  • For groups of 40 guests and over (Children are included in this count); Pre-Select 2 entrée selections and 1 vegetarian selection with counts.
  • Place Cards or 1 meat/fish entrée and 1 vegetarian entree selections without counts.
  • Groups of 100 and up; 2 entrée selections with counts or 1 entrée selection without counts.

Samples of Shadowbrook's current menu offerings (subject to change):

MENU PACKAGE DETAILS Depending on the type of service you envision, we have several packages that offer variety and unique style. We customize each menu to suit your needs.   

HORS D’OEUVRES RECEPTION
STARTING AT $50.00-$65.00/GUEST (SEE PAGE 18-19) If you are wanting a lighter fare with a casual reception then this is the menu for you!   A great variety of hors d’oeuvres served throughout 2 hours of your event.  See page for selections and additional pricing SHADOWBROOK PACKAGE STARTING AT $69.95-$74.95/GUEST (SEE PAGE 22-23) The Shadowbrook says it all!   2 Hors D’oeuvres, first course, entrée selections (vegetarian and child selection if needed)   Suggested wine pairings upon request CABLE CAR PACKAGE STARTING AT $74.95-$79.95/GUEST (SEE PAGE 24-25) Named after our famed Cable Car, this menu is sure to please all of your guests.   3 Hors D’oeuvres, first course, entrée selections (vegetarian and child selection if needed)   Suggested wine pairings upon request HILL TOP PACKAGE STARTING AT $84.95-$89.95/GUESTS (SEE PAGE 26-27) Attention all foodies! From luxurious Hors D’oeuvres to high end service, your guests will be talking about this for years to come!   4 Hors D’oeuvres, first course, entrée selections (vegetarian and child selection if needed)   Suggested wine pairings upon request.

Menu examples:
Bruschetta with Roasted Tomatoes & Fresh Pesto (Vegan without Parmesan Cheese)  GF Mushroom Caps with Pesto & Jack Cheese  Vegetable Spring Rolls with Dipping Sauce  GF Fried Artichokes with Lemon Cilantro Sauce  Baked Brie with Jalapeno Jelly & Crostini  GF Vegetable Kabobs  Spanikopita with Marinara & Blue Cheese sauces  GF Assorted Seasonal Fruit Platter  Bacon Wrapped Prawns  Seared Ahi with Wasabi & pickled Ginger (Add $2 per person)  GF Fried Calamari with arrabbiata sauce & tartar sauce  GF Chicken Satay with Dipping Sauce  GF Assorted Grilled Sausage with Dipping Mustard  Meatballs in Peppercorn Whiskey Sauce  Beef Skewers with Dipping Sauce  Mini Beef Wellington with Mushroom Duxelles  Assorted Pinwheel Sandwiches (Vegan without meet & Cheese)

More menu options are available at shadowbrook-capitola.com.

SUMMARY
To sum it all up this is what your day will look like if you have your wedding actives at the world-renown Shadowbrook in Capitola.

PLANNING YOUR DAY REHEARSAL
The Shadowbrook facilities are generally available for rehearsals between 11:00 am & 3:00 pm. In order to ensure a well-planned rehearsal it is necessary that your wedding party be present. Off-Site Ceremonies require a meeting to finalize all details of your reception. 

MUSIC
The City of Capitola prohibits amplified music outside, but permits low-level, acoustical instruments. Background music is provided throughout the restaurant for your dining time. You may bring in a small ipod speaker and play your own music indoors provided it does not disturb the other patrons of the restaurant. We also rent out a portable speaker with auxiliary cord and microphone for $75. DJ’s are permitted in the Lounge during our daytime wedding hours of 9-3pm. Some restrictions apply please discuss your options with the Event Coordinator. 

FLOWERS
Shadowbrook recommends local florists who consistently provide the highest quality of flowers and service.  If flowers are to be delivered, please notify our Event Coordinator of the florist’s name, telephone number and the approximate delivery time. The florist or members of the wedding are responsible for placement. 

CLEANING
The Shadowbrook does not allow any rice, birdseed, etc… to be thrown either on the grounds or in the parking lots.  Custom decorations must have prior Management approval.  A fee will be assessed in the event that Shadowbrook is required to utilize its maintenance staff for cleaning up any personalized decorations, prohibited items thrown or for damage to Shadowbrook property. 

PRICES
The Shadowbrook makes every effort to maintain menu prices and selections. However, all prices are subject to change and items may not always be available. You will be notified no less than 30 days in advance of any changes. 

COORDINATION SERVICES
Shadowbrook’s Event Coordinator will guide you through the planning stages as pertains to the venue; such as timeline, linen, rehearsal and ceremony, etc. She will be present for the ceremony and through the start of your reception. She will then introduce you to the lead server, who will oversee the remainder of your event. Shadowbrook’s Event Coordinator and Lead Server do not take the place of a Wedding Coordinator. You may bring in a Wedding Coordinator to oversee your special day. 

AV & RENTAL EQUIPMENT
Shadowbrook has screens and LCD projectors for rental use as well as a small flat screen TV. The cost for the screen is $25.00, for the projector is $75.00 and $50.00 for the TV. We also have a portable speaker with a microphone and auxiliary cord available for a $75.00 rental fee. We will have this set up at least one hour prior to your arrival time. Another popular local AV event company is Mindwarp Entertainment Productions.

LINENS
Shadowbrook provides complimentary linens to enhance the personalization of your wedding day. We provide an ivory table cloth with the following colors available as a napkin; white, ivory, sandle wood, bronze, red, burgundy, seafoam green, forest green, royal blue, navy, purple and black. Please let your Event Coordinator know which color you would like or if you would like to see them upon your visit. 

FLOOR PLAN
If you would like to see Shadowbrook's custom floor plans, please contact them directly.

More info on Shadowbrook's wedding services can be found here

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