Grand Island Mansion

Had a brunch reservation at 1 and despite checking in on time… the hostess completely mistook us for the OTHER Asian group who had finished up their brunch. The hostess, an older blonde, ended up seating us roughly 30 minutes later, after she had asked us if we were the group that already had brunch (being the lone group lingering in the lobby, we were no doubt conspicuous).
It wasn’t until we corrected her that she realized we were a completely different party.
A server had informed me the hostess on duty for that day (01÷03÷16) was named Liz.
The servers working that day were on point. Very prompt. Dressed in classic black and white uniform. The catering company they likely hire is quite good. Though when pouring your beverages, a good amount spills onto the white tablecloth… very often. The food is decent enough, and the price ($ 30) is well
worth the atmosphere, which is beautiful and classic. Very open, lots of natural light, classical strings playing overhead.
I’ve been to nearly all the rooms, and perused the grounds, having taken part in a wedding at this venue some years ago. My friends who chose the venue said it was an amazing package deal, with the staff taking care of every detail, making it the best wedding venue and reception choice in the Sacramento area.
A couple ladies were meandering the staircase with alcohol in their hands, so it seems they’re pretty relaxed about exploring the gorgeous grounds during brunch.

We had a BEAUTIFUL wedding on 12−29−15. The venue has to be seen to be believed; a kooky and ornate mansion in the middle of nowhere with character for days, even with minimal decorations.
The property boasts a gorgeous billiards room, movie theater, bowling alley (if you’re lucky enough to see it), gorgeous ballroom, huge dining room, swimming pools, and lots of other unique nooks and crannies. Our families raved about the space (which was decorated for Christmas at no additional cost to us, so score!) and how prompt everything was. Our coordinator, Tara, moved everything along like clockwork and addressed every question with a smile. We definitely felt like we were in good hands.
Another perk? You are given a flat price for the event up front. No hidden fees for linens, tableware, extra staff, or other such expenses. The venue prepares the food (the buffet was spectacular and cost-​effective) in-​house and hires it’s own staff. The only third-​party vendors we had to hire were the photographer and the DJ, but they were both recommended vendors so they knew the venue inside and out as well.
Some fun extras:
1) The movie theater has approximately 15 seats and you’re allowed to use it for your event. I prepared a slideshow with music which played on a loop so guests could come and go as they pleased. Some weddings apparently use it to play children’s movies and entertain younger kids.
2) Tired of weddings where you’re stuck in one big room? There are dozens of great places to get away from it all. Some guests played pool, some hung out by the bar, some danced all night, some hung out in the theater. It made for a diverse and fun evening.
3) As I said, Christmas time is a great time to get married because the venue is already decorated for the holiday. We saved a fortune on flowers.
4) If you book a weekend wedding, you’re asked to rent some of the bedrooms upstairs for the evening. They showed us the rooms during our first tour and while it would have been fun to just spend the night there, we weren’t obligated to book these rooms since we booked a mid-​week event. There is a Holiday Inn about 20 minutes away in Elk Grove that offered a shuttle service so our families opted for that.
Highly recommended!

I went there for the brunch buffet ($ 35 per person including tip and tax). I rate this a 5 star because 1. Customer service was excellent. The waitstaff were on point; refilling our mimosas, coffee, and water even before it clears. They also gave new utensils frequently. 2. The mansion was beautiful. Very elegant. You can do a self guided tour. 3. Brunch was delicious. Don’t expect hometown buffet selections. The menu is limited but they have very good seletions; had two rounds. Dessert table was also very good.
Our dining area overlooked the back court of the mansion where wedding receptions take place.
I recommend this place; good for groups, bdays, wedding party, kids, etc.
Reservations only so call way in advance to RSVP.

My wedding was 11.14.15 and it was amazing! Everything about it was perfect! The Grand Island Mansion was the most beautiful venue I looked at and delivered an amazing wedding. The food was delicious all our guests were incredibly happy. The picturesque mansion provided a beautiful back drop around every corner and they were all so kind to all my guests. I can’t thank them enough for helping to make my dream wedding happen! The after party on the third and fourth floors on the mansion after the wedding was over was the most amazing experience for my bridal party and my husband and I. The bartender for the evening made everything perfect. I couldn’t have been any happier! My husband and I know we picked the perfect venue for our most special day!

Beautiful hotel and wedding venue. looking forward to taking my mom to sunday brunch.

I went here recently for a wedding, and it was really beautiful! The ceremony was decorated beautifully, and the pastel colors of the wedding blended well with the mansion as the sun set. The only setback I didn’t like was that there were a lot of mosquitoes. Cocktail hour was held out front, and champagne was served underneath the trees. I got bit so many times, and I couldn’t wait to go inside. I wish they had citronella candles to keep those mosquitoes out.
Otherwise, everything else was fantastic. The portion of the entrees were quite large. And after dinner, we were directed to go out to the patio, and it was a nice setting to get our groove on! After dancing the night away, we went inside to the Hemingway Room for pizza (which I think was provided by the hotel). It was a nice way to wind down and talk more intimately with the bride, groom, and the rest of the wedding party.

Just got married there this weekend, 8÷30÷15. They are amazing and the location is so beautiful! So happy with how everything turned out. The day of coordinator, Terri, was awesome and on top of everything! All our guest loved the location as well.

We got married here in June and I am still blown away by how amazing it was. From the first time we visited (October 2013) to the date of our wedding we were constantly in awe. We had Tara as our day of coordinator and she was absolutely amazing. She helped out with every little detail from setting up our cardbox to bustling my dress. I would HIGHLY recommend this venue to anyone!!! Although it was pricey, it is well worth it. The food was delicious, the cake was to die for and the service was spectacular. We even stayed over night and the pizza they provided was so cool! We still have guests saying it was the best wedding they’ve attended.

I looked back at my experience and review and thought I was being toooooooo generous by giving them a 3 star, especially how the staff were. Our livelihood is more important than the overall appearance of the venue and they should have been more professional. I hope whoever worked that day was fired. Lol. And when I think back at the wedding it makes me think of those dumbasses that I overheard talk shit about the people in the wedding. How rude is that? Imagine all the weddings they have had and how the workers would talk crap about it.

I’ve been to the Mansion a handful of times and think it is a beautiful place. The biggest downside to my visits in the past has been the hassle of getting there. That was the only negative complaint I had against the mansion… Until my fiancée and I actually put down a deposit and decided to get married there. It started to spiral negatively from there.
We set up an appointment to meet with a Grand Island representative on a Sunday around 11AM. I assumed that this appointment would be one-​on-​one, and a welcoming discussion about the amenities, pricing, and availability. We arrived, only to find the representative was busy, doing god knows what, and we were told to wait a few minutes until he was available. This doesn’t seem like a big deal, but this a momentous occasion we are planning, and this wasn’t the greatest start. The representative arrived, frazzled and sweating. Whatever, we were off to take a quick tour, along with another couple. This was quick and very business-​like. The experience of the staff didn’t exude a caring environment. However, we decided that the venue was beautiful, and we put down a deposit for our date on the spot.
Fast forward a few months, when due to extenuating circumstances, we needed to switch our slotted date for another date open at the mansion. Keep in mind this was still five months out from our date, and we had already laid down a deposit. We didn’t want our money back, we simply requested this deposit go towards another open date. The rep for Grand Island was not sympathetic and refused. I was perplexed. They had other dates open. We had already paid a deposit. We were multiple months away from the date. What is the problem? The problem is that this place appears to get by based on the majesty of the site. The rigidity in which they operate leaves a sour taste in my mouth.
Along with the above mentioned unaccommodating behavior, their short list of preferred vendors provides an annoyance, as we would have to pay an additional fee for any vendor outside of their list. We were also recommended to a DJ/​Officiant from the list. Come to find out from other reputable DJs in the area, he is only recommended for a specific reason that can only be described as ‘preferential treatment.’ I wont elaborate too much, but this is discriminatory behavior, and quite unprofessional.
I am upset that the staff treatment does not match the bucolic environment of the mansion. I am not angry, just disappointed. #SadFace

My wife and I had our wedding here on May 3^rd 2015 and are still talking about how amazing this place is! From the day we signed our contract, Rick gave us a walk through and explained all options for booking. They laid out a deposit payment plan that was easy for us and ensured we were well taken care of. The wedding planning with Debbie was awesome, easy and amazing. She had every little detail down to items that we didn’t even think of, like a gluten free meal for one of our bridesmaids or where people should sit. The rehearsal was great as well as they were well organized and ensured we were good to go.
Then the big day, from the moment you enter this place, the beauty overwhelms you and your guests. Its so peaceful and amazing at the same time. Everything flowed seamless as they ensured they worked with all vendors and were on the same page. Even little questions like «do you need more champagne» came up often as they catered to our every need. The ceremony, the dinner portion and the flow to get everyone downstairs for the reception were all seamless.
Even after the wedding was over when we retreated up stairs for our rooms and pizza and bar, Michele took great care of us. The staff here was amazing, the venue is beautiful and reasonable priced versus other venues in Sacramento or mansions in the bay area. And you are on the delta, super pretty! All in all, we had a wedding that was often referred to as: the best wedding I’ve been too”, «so seamless», or «so beautiful». Thank you to everyone at the GRAND ISLAND MANSION!!! Our wedding turned out as the great memory it should always be!

Absolutely stunning location. We had a family wedding here recently and while many people complained of the drive to get there, everyone was agreed that it was well worth it. Staff was very friendly as well and very patient and accommodating with all the kids running around.

This place is perfect for everything thing. I went for my sisters birthday with group of friends had brunch. Great food beautiful place

Great Place for an event!

Celebrated a friend’s 40^th bday with a group of 8 ladies during Sunday Brunch @the Grand Island Mansion. We loved exploring the beautiful historic location. The food was excellent… Eggs Benedict with creamy yolks, tender prime rib, orzo with artichoke hearts and olives, and mushroom crepes were our faves. The desserts need some attention. The best item was bread pudding with a thick caramel sauce. One of the dessert items, «scooped tiramisu» in a cocktail glass, had the cream over whipped, it had the consistency of butter and was not sweet at all. The espresso mousse also had the over whipped butter cream on the top.
As for the mimosas… the service provided by Jesus and Mario was wonderful. We’d barely set our glass on the table and it’d be topped off. They were very attentive at clearing and bringing piping hot coffee. The ladies working the buffet and carving station were kind and friendly.
Professional staff, delicious food in a beautiful setting… can’t wait to return.

My wedding was perfection. While I did have amazing vendors who helped make it so special (Jackie’s Flowers, Grand Island DJ, and a professional photographer from out of town who I’ve been close friends with since high school), I know that most of the success was due to the beauty, decadence, and general professional set-​up of Grand Island Mansion. I had my heart set on another venue when my intern at work suggested the mansion. After seeing the pictures, I knew I had to check it out. It is a breathtaking venue. Even for our wedding, which was in the cloudy and cold January, our outdoor ceremony was beautiful and comfortable.
I am not organized, and I am a major procrastinator. I have not been planning a dream wedding since I was a child. I started from scratch the moment my husband proposed, and after 13 months of planning, our wedding went absolutely perfectly. I remember thinking that the planning was going too smoothly, that I must be overlooking something. But Debbie and Tara had everything so organized and figured out for me, that I was afforded the luxury of non-​anxiety when planning and executing the event. Several family members and friends said it was the best wedding they had ever been to, and everyone in our wedding party was also pleased with how at ease everything went.
And the food was wonderful! We did a brunch-​theme for our 11am wedding with free-​flowing champagne and mimosas, sausage & puff-​pastry hors d’oeuvres, and a brunch with chicken crepes and filet benedict along with all the typical brunch fixin’s. I know they do a Sunday Brunch to the public here on Sundays where no wedding is scheduled. My husband and I will definitely be coming here on those days to enjoy the food and venue, as well as relive our spectacular wedding day.

My best friend had his wedding reception here in August 2014. It was absolutely amazing!
The drive going to the mansion makes you feel like you are about to get lost but keep your eyes open for small signs pointing you in the direction going there.
The reception was beautiful and very elegant. The mansion and its surroundings are huge. Curiosity will get the best of you making you want to explore the mansion to find out what is around.
The real treat was that my BFF booked rooms for the night for the out of town guests and the bridal party. I’m not going to lie — i was scared and made my husband promise never to leave my side in fear of seeing a ghost haha! Big mansions look different in the day verses the night!
We were able to explore more of the mansion as the reception ended and we were settling in for the night. There are a number of bedrooms and all have a certain theme. The mansion made pizza and kept the bar open — there must’ve been crack in the pizza because i was a heffer and had about 5 slices!
There was a breakfast the next morning, but we had to leave early so we were not able to partake in that. From what my BFF told me though, it was very good as well!
If you live in this area, consider this one of your venues if you plan to get married or a big celebration!

Attended a wedding here earlier this month, beautiful affair! Had been to Clarksburg but never to Walnut Grove and it wasn’t too far/​bad of a drive from Sacramento at all, although coming home on that river levee road was a bit precarious with the lack of adequate street lighting.
Ceremony was held outdoors in front of the mansion in the grassy gazebo area to the left of the fountain before dark. Second floor of the house closed off to the wedding guests. First floor had the guestbook, and setup for dinner reception, tables ranging from seating 4 to seating 8. After dinner, dancing was downstairs in the grand ballroom which is adjacent to its own bar, where the photobooth was setup as well. Cake cutting also happened downstairs.
We wandered around outside and saw a pool that was closed off, but could potentially be tented/​cabanas, a basketball and tennis court, and probably more of the property that we didn’t see.
Parking available along the levee road or in the back/​rear of the mansion.

We had our wedding here on Friday, September 19, 2014 and it was perfect! We had 107 guests and 3 kids. We also reserved the rooms to spend the night and it was fabulous. Absolutely no complaints as we loved every aspect of booking this venue.
We also got married on a Friday and since there were no weddings that morning, we were able to access the venue at 11am for an extra $ 500.00. It was well worth it and we were so relaxed before the ceremony at 6pm. It worked out great because we were also able to take photos before the wedding.
28 people spent the night with us (max amount) and the next morning, they had pastries, fruit and coffee waiting in the lounge. Being out by 10am was by no means too early and we did not feel rushed. They also served us pizza that night and kept a bar open for us (we brought our own alcohol for the after party and they serve it for you at no charge).
Here is what else we loved:
1. They know your needs before you even know them. Debbie, Rick and Tara have so much experience and it shows. Debbie was our day of coordinator and took care of anything we needed.
2. They are organized and ON TIME! Debbie ran our whole rehearsal and ceremony. She made everyone feel comfortable, welcome and happy.
3. They are professional and make you feel like you are at a world-​class venue.
4. The food was SO GOOD and our cake was delicious. All of our guests raved about the quality!
5. Oh the rooms, such a cool place to stay overnight! Our guests loved staying here and the pizza was a great touch at night!
6. We also added on an ice cream bar for $ 250.00 and it was such a great surprise for our guests. They loved it!
I could go on and on and will most likely update this review with how awesome this place was. Loved it!

A beautiful mansion smack dab in the middle of nowhere! Here’s the rundown;
Pros
Beautiful, actually… gorgeous! A beautiful setting for a wedding, the whole set up took my breath away. The rooms were each unique with tiny little details, ranging from shelled lamps to brass bird accents on the chandeliers. For those who aren’t the faint of heart — there is the Hemingway Hunt Lounge with all kinds of dead trophies lying around. I find kitsch near and dear to my heart, so I was in love with all the décor. Staff was polite and very accommodating, excellent customer service! Since I wasn’t the bride at this venue, I have no horror stories to tell. The food served was amazing, and pleasantly surprised since food is never memorable at a wedding. (In a good way, that is!) Although I’m not sure if the food served was catered on site.
Cons
Check in is at 4:30 pm (no exceptions)
Check out is 10:00 am
Closest hotel is 30 minutes away in Elk Grove. So if you’re planning an event from people coming in from out of state, this is a bit of a bummer.
There was a bowling alley I never got to see.
There is a pool (that I yanked out my bikini for) that is off limits! The bride and groom were told they would lose their deposit if anyone went in the pool. Major bummer. I was thankful that it was only 80° instead of 100° like a typical Central Valley day!
Overall it was an amazing venue, and would love to go back for their Sunday Brunch.
… and jump in their pool, right after I bowl a couple of lanes first.