Granite Bay Golf Club 9600 Golf Club Drive • Granite Bay • CA 95746

Although it's only a half hour from Sacramento, this premier private golf club in the Sierra Nevada foothills might as well be in another world—and in many ways it is. As the centerpiece of the upscale community of Granite Bay, it's a serene haven surrounded by luxury estates, woods, granite outcroppings, mature oaks, and lakes. With all this natural beauty, the club is a fabulous venue for a wedding, but the big surprise is that it's also affordable.

Events are hosted in the classically designed clubhouse, where a covered porch and white wood-and-stone columns give it a charming, old-fashioned feel. The view from here is spectacular: The golf course spreads out below, encircling a sparkling lake and continuing on to the tree-dotted hills in the distance. To the right, a cart path winds over a rustic wooden bridge (a favorite photo op) and disappears into the trees. And then there's the endless sky, covering the whole scene like a vast blue dome.

Ceremonies take place in the Wedding Garden right next to the clubhouse. A wall of greenery provides privacy, and vows are exchanged beneath a wrought-iron arch while seated guests look on from the impeccably manicured lawn.

The party starts just steps away on the Conservatory Patio, the expansive covered porch that extends the length of the Conservatory and is the best place to enjoy the picture-postcard view. Post-ceremony cocktails are served out here, and then everyone is invited inside for the reception.

The Conservatory is an extremely flexible space, thanks to a number of inspired design elements. White trusses and ductwork support a high, peaked ceiling, lending the room an industrial-chic ambiance. Overhead skylights are covered by shade screens that can be retracted to flood the room with natural light during the day, while bistro lights along the trusses create a "starry night" effect after sundown. Dimmers control the mood, and draping or uplighting can be added for a more dramatic atmosphere. Want to show a photomontage or video? A built-in projector and dropdown screen are at your fingertips.

Three smaller rooms are used in a variety of ways. The wood-lined Library, highlighted by a floor-to-ceiling stone fireplace and a baby grand piano that plays itself, is perfect for a cozy ceremony or rehearsal dinner. The two Colt Rooms (and patio) can be combined for an indoor ceremony, and Colt Room I frequently serves as a lovely bridal changing room, complete with fireplace, wood paneling, and bookshelves. Each of these spaces takes on a romantic glow when lit by dozens of candles.

Making it all come together is the club's exceptional Private Event Director, Kelle Collier. She oversees everything from your first meeting to the end of your celebration, and will do whatever she can to bring your vision to life. She'll even personally accompany you and your photographer on a golf cart ride around the property to show you the most photogenic spots to pose for pix!

As ecstatic couples have raved, "If you want to impress your guests, then this is the place for you!" … "The beauty and the staff are incredible and the food here is TOPNOTCH" … "Our experience was amazing!"