Mexican Heritage Plaza 1700 Alum Rock Avenue • San Jose • California 95116

The Mexican Heritage Plaza, a six-acre jewel located in a bustling section of San Jose, is a beacon of neighborhood pride and veritable feast for your senses. Viewed from the street, its distinctive adobe-hued tower and modern building complex barely hint at the treasures you'll find within this dynamic culture and education center. The artfully designed property revels in its mix of vibrant murals, architectural flourishes, tranquil gardens and soothing water features. But it's the whole-hearted homage to family and community, expressed artistically throughout the property, that stirs your soul and makes this exciting venue such a compelling choice for a wedding.

From the moment you arrive, you see the fun and unexpected ways in which Mexico's heritage is celebrated, from the colorful mosaic walkway at each entrance, to the Aztec symbols adorning a fountain at the side entry. A gate here leads to the beautifully landscaped garden and water areas.

The Main Garden is utterly charming, with a wide lawn planted with rows of stately palms and an adobe brick wall draped in ivy and red trumpetvine flowers. Set into the wall are large niches decorated with handcrafted tiles imprinted with photo transfers of local ancestors and historic events. Woven together, they create a tapestry of life from generation to generation. With your own nearest and dearest gathered to witness your rite of passage, this makes a particularly meaningful ceremony site. As an alternative, you can exchange vows in front of the adjacent Rose Garden. Your guests will be seated beneath a lovely arbor that's covered with an array of blooms and ringed by flowering trees. Separating these two captivating settings is a serene reflecting pool, complete with feathery marsh grass, a small waterfall and surrounding patio.

Either of these areas is also perfect for a cocktail reception, especially at night when twinkle lights or hidden spots add a bit of magic. Or take advantage of the site's modern, state-of-the-art theater building by utilizing the glass-enclosed Theater Lobby. With its massive, brightly painted wooden bar, Day of the Dead figurines and tribal theater masks adorning the walls, it makes for a festive scene.

You're in for a treat when it comes to options for your main reception as well. The dazzling Pavilion has a dramatic, stepped pyramid-style ceiling that reflects more than a nod to Aztec influences. The room's four walls are made up of glass doors that can fold away leaving only the corner pillars, creating an indoor-outdoor feel (with the advantages of a great sound system and climate control). If you're craving a totally al fresco party under the stars, set up your dining and dancing in the Plaza itself. No matter what spaces you choose you can't go wrong here: From expansive backdrops for large groups to unique nooks for more intimate gatherings, every spot at the Mexican Heritage Plaza has its own allure.