Terrace
by Wade Snider
Woodside, California
Woodside, CaliforniaMOUNTAIN
TERRACE
PHOTOGRAPHER
Mountain Terrace is at 17285 Skyline Boulevard in Woodside, at the top of the San Francisco Peninsula where Skyline meets Woodside Road. Ten minutes from Highway 280. You come through a wood arbor and the property opens up into an acre of lawn ringed by towering redwoods, with a sliver of the San Francisco Bay visible through the trees. Two-level redwood deck above the lawn, a rustic lodge with an antique bar, a fire pit, and oaks with a tree swing just beyond the deck.
I have photographed weddings here. The redwoods are the thing. They ring the ceremony meadow without closing it in, so you get trees as your backdrop with open sky and filtered light through the canopy. It photographs well in every direction.
If you are getting married at Mountain Terrace and want a photographer who knows the property, get in touch.
MOUNTAIN TERRACE
SAMPLE GALLERIES
WOODSIDE, CALIFORNIA
Erica and ben
Woodside, California
MOUNTAIN
TERRACE
MOUNTAIN TERRACE
PHOTOGRAPHER'S TAKE
The redwoods ring the ceremony meadow without blocking it off. You get trees on three sides with open sky above and a sliver of the Bay through the canopy in front. The light that comes through is filtered and soft all day. You are not fighting harsh midday sun on this property the way you would at an open hillside venue.
The deck is where most of the reception action happens. Two levels, market lights overhead, oaks with a tree swing just beyond it. The tree swing alone is worth building portrait time around. It is one of the more genuinely photogenic details at any venue I shoot regularly in the Bay Area.
Know before you book: no amplified music outside. Dance floor goes inside the lodge. The lodge has exposed beams, a stone fireplace, and an antique bar so it is not a bad place to end up, but it changes the flow of your evening and you should plan for it.
If you are getting married at Mountain Terrace, hiring a photographer who knows the property and where the light lands makes the day easier.
MOUNTAIN TERRACE WEDDING FAQ
WHERE IS MOUNTAIN TERRACE?
17285 Skyline Boulevard in Woodside, California. At the intersection of Skyline and Woodside Road on the San Francisco Peninsula. About 10 minutes from Highway 280 and close to Palo Alto, Redwood City, and San Jose.
HOW MANY GUESTS DOES MOUNTAIN TERRACE HOLD?
Up to 400 on the ceremony lawn. Terrace dining seats 190. Lawn dining seats 300. Indoor lodge seats 120. Most weddings use a mix of the outdoor deck and lawn through the evening with dancing inside.
DOES MOUNTAIN TERRACE HAVE IN-HOUSE CATERING?
Yes. All catering is in-house. No outside food or alcohol permitted. You get a menu tasting after booking. Bar service is included. The food is consistently well reviewed and it cuts down on vendor coordination considerably.
CAN WE HAVE AMPLIFIED MUSIC OUTSIDE?
No. Woodside noise ordinances prohibit amplified sound outside. The dance floor goes inside the lodge. Plan for this before you book and structure your evening around it.
CAN THE WEDDING PARTY STAY ON SITE?
Yes. The Terrace Suite is a 4-bedroom, 3-bathroom house on the property that sleeps 10. Full kitchen, dining room, and living room. Available to rent for the wedding party to get ready in and stay the night.
WHAT TIME OF YEAR IS BEST?
Late spring through early fall. Summer evenings on Skyline can get cold even when it is warm in the valley. If you are going late into the night outdoors, plan for heaters. The venue rents them.
HOW FAR IN ADVANCE SHOULD I BOOK A PHOTOGRAPHER?
Bay Area Saturdays book 12 to 18 months out. If you have a date at Mountain Terrace confirmed, reach out as soon as possible.
Getting married at Mountain Terrace?LET’S TALK
I have photographed at Mountain Terrace and know the property. Get in touch with your date and I will let you know if I am available.