If you are interested in having your wedding at the Villa del Sol d’Oro it is recommended that you contact Andrea to discuss availability.

The Villa del Sol d’Oro | Sierra Madre Wedding Venue

The Villa del Sol d’Oro is our favorite Sierra Madre wedding venue. Hidden almost in plain sight, the villa is located at Alverno Heights Academy, a private catholic girls school. The spacious fields, beautiful architecture, and peaceful gardens bring a soft and romantic atmosphere to your wedding day. The villa feels historic, like a building created in Italy many years ago, gently lifted from the ground and carefully placed here. We have come to love the ethereal feel of the villa and the surrounding land and after reading and seeing the photos below we hope you take some time to tour the space. We’re sure you’ll fall in love with it the same way we have.

The Bridal & Groom Suites at the Villa del Sol d’Oro

The Villa del Sol d’Oro has a spacious bridal suite with lots of natural light. A few chairs and a couch are scattered around the room. Against one wall, a floor-length mirror within a beautiful frame stands tall and ready for the many times it will be used on your wedding day. Along another wall, a set of french doors open to a large square-shaped balcony overlooking a small and peaceful garden below. In the spring, bunnies can be seen snacking on the grass below. 

One of the best things about this Sierra Madre wedding venue is that there is a getting ready space for the groom as well. The groom’s getting ready room is located nearby the bridal suite, just a few steps down a hall and across a large open room. Because of this room’s central location to each getting ready space, it can be a common meeting place for the wedding party. Additionally, it can be a place for storing some of your belongings. This will keep the bridal and groom suites clean and decluttered, which is perfect for photos. 

Balcony for a First Look

Located off the central upstairs room, a balcony overlooks the courtyard below. Further in the distance, the reflecting pond and two columns of Cyprus trees reach to the sky. This balcony is the perfect location for a first look if you choose to do one. If your ceremony is scheduled for the later afternoon or early evening the sun will be on the other side of the Villa del Sol d’Oro. This means the lighting will be consistent and beautiful for your first look. Additionally, the balcony is secluded from view and you can share your first look in peace without any expectations from anyone. 

One of our Favorite Locations at the Villa del Sol d’Oro 

This balcony overlooking the courtyard is one of our favorite locations at the Villa del Sol d’Oro. As we’ve mentioned, it’s a great space for a first look, but it’s also perfect for seeing all of your loved ones during your reception. One of the best parts of a wedding day is getting all of your family and friends together. We encourage all of our clients to take time to be present with each other after their ceremony on this balcony. We encourage them to spend time looking down from above, holding each other close, while all of their loved ones are talking, smiling, and meeting their new family members. To be present in the moment to hear the clinking of glasses, the roar of conversation, and the beauty of their wedding day. 

Ceremony Space

The Villa del Sol d’Oro has one of the most beautiful ceremony locations of all the Pasadena wedding venues we’ve seen. It’s located at the back of the villa on the green grass with the reflecting pond in the distance. Tall rows of Cyprus trees run parallel to the reflecting pond bringing a sense of symmetry to ceremony and photos. The bride can walk from the Villa’s steps down the aisle towards her soon-to-be spouse waiting for her at the altar. Guests will see the bride first, and behind her, the mansion that is the Villa del Sol d’Oro.

 

Cocktail Hour at the Villa del Sol d’Oro 

A grand library is adjoined on one side of the courtyard. In this room, a bar is set up along one wall. This aspect of the Sierra Madre wedding venue is perfectly designed. Once seated, guests are only a few steps from the bar and can make trips as frequently as they would like. Additionally, the grounds of the Villa del Sol d’Oro are beautiful in the late afternoon sun and your guests can walk about enjoying all the beauty of your wedding venue.

Sierra Madre Wedding Venue Reception on the Courtyard

The courtyard located at the back of the Villa is used for the reception dinner and special dances. The courtyard is centrally located and just above the ceremony space so it’s easy to find. There is plenty of space and the area is walled on three of four sides with a balcony covering the fourth. Above the tables, twinkle lights will bring a soft and romantic atmosphere to your wedding reception. Even further above, the stars will sparkle as one of the best nights of your life comes to a close. 

Dancing at the Villa del Sol d’Oro

Amplified music can only be played indoors at this Sierra Madre wedding venue, which works out perfectly. The indoor dancing area is just as beautiful as the grounds outside and a wonderful place to share many dances with your spouse and loved ones. Additionally, the area reserved for dancing is centrally located to the courtyard and library. So, when you need a break from dancing you can easily find something to drink and a place to sit under the stars.

Your First Portraits as a Married Couple at the Villa del Sol d’Oro 

Reflecting Pond

The reflecting pond is located beyond the ceremony area. It’s a beautiful backdrop to your ceremony and altar, but it’s also a wonderful space for portraits. The Cyprus trees lined on either side of the pool give symmetry to your photos, something the human eye loves. Additionally, their height can block the sun so your photos will have consistent lighting no distractions.

Grassy Field and a Large Tree

A grassy field with a large tree is a short walk from the villa and one of our favorites for portraits. The grass glows almost golden in the light of the setting sun. Combined with a light summer breeze the movement of the grass and branches will look stunning in your wedding photos. This space also works wonderfully for wedding party photos.

Peaceful Garden

A small and peaceful garden is located near the front doors of the Villa del Sol d’Oro. Most likely your guests will walk past this garden on their way to find their seats for your ceremony. It’s a beautiful space for some photos and as the sun begins to set in the sky the golden and glowy light will make for gorgeous portraits.  

Rules & Regulations for the Villa del Sol d’Oro 

• Guest Wifi is available.
• The number of guests attending is approximately 200.
• Private location and only one event is permitted per day.
• The grounds and building are maintained by Alverno Heights Academy.
• One security guard ~$200, Cleaning fee ~$150 – According to Villa rental agreement.
• The venue is empty upon rental with the exception of an entry table and a 10’ table in the dining room usually used for coffee and tea.
• Sparklers are not allowed on the premises.
• Battery-powered candles are only permitted inside the premises.
• Lit candles enclosed in glass are permitted outside on the patio.
• Guest parking is available on the premises.
• Due to the surrounding neighbors, guests must leave the premises Fridays & Saturdays by 10 pm and Sundays by 8 pm.
• Amplified music may on be played indoors.
• Live bands are not allowed to perform on the premises.
• Live amplified music may only be played outside during a ceremony.  

The Villa del Sol d’Oro Layout

The Villa del Sol d’Oro Rental Fees and Scheduling*

May through October there are no private event rentals permitted Fridays and Sundays.

Friday – January through April and November and December $6,000 venue rental fee with a $3,000 initial deposit.

Saturday – January through April and November and December $6,000 venue rental fee with a $3,000 initial deposit.**

Saturday – May through October 7,000 venue rental fee with a $3,500 initial deposit.**

Sunday – January through April and November and December $5,500 venue rental fee with a $2,750 initial deposit.

• *This information can change without notice at the discretion of the Villa del Sol d’Oro 
• **May through October only two Saturday receptions are permitted per month due to the neighborhood agreement by the City of Sierra Madre.

Availability at the Villa del Sol d’Oro 

The Villa del Sol d’Oro only allows one event per day and is consistently booked many months in advance. Additionally, the villa is consistently being used for films, advertisements, and other works of art. If you are interested in having your wedding at the Villa del Sol d’Oro it is recommended that you contact Andrea to discuss availability.

Jocelyn & Spencer | Santa Barbara Wedding Photographer

We are husband & wife wedding photographers located in Santa Barbara, California. We believe your photos will be the window that transports you into the moments from your wedding day years into your marriage. They will show your joy, your tears, the hugs, and the abounding happiness that surrounds your wedding day.

We are experts at photographing the moments you’ll want to remember. All of the sweet romance of you being present on your day. From your first glimpse of each other to the tear about to fall from your mother’s eye. And each and every detail you’ve so meticulously planned. These are the memories that you should keep close to you. These feelings. These moments of love. 

This is your love story. Let us help you tell it.