Green Weddings Abound In Mendocino County
Beginning Your New Life on the Right Ecological Foot

MENDOCINO COUNTY, CA -- (January, 2008) – More and more couples today are choosing to go the green route when tying the knot -- committed to ensuring that every aspect of their nuptials reflects their own personal commitment to sustainable living, from the flowers to the food to the wedding dress itself. But sorting through the array of green choices can be overwhelming. From making smarter choices that are still luxurious—to staying in an inn that is completely off the power grid, Mendocino County continues to lead the eco-wedding way.

A pioneer in solar energy, organic wine production and conservation, Mendocino County was the first county in the US to ban genetically modified organisms (GMOs). Many of the B & Bs, inns, hotels and rentals in Mendocino County have been designed for the environmentally-conscious visitor, combining modern amenities with eco-friendly products and services. At many of the properties you will find organic bedding, water filtration systems, non-toxic, biodegradable and non-allergenic cleaning products, energy and water conservation and low impact waste practices.

Here are a few:

Shambhala Ranch, located in Comptche, just east of Mendocino Village, is completely off the grid and runs entirely on solar power. The ranch offers a complete green wedding package, and also has a private river beach on the grounds, as well as abundant gardens and hiking trails.

On July 7, 2007, Stacie and Joey Shepp, a couple who met in a Green MBA program, exchanged vows at Shambhala Ranch in front of family and friends.





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“We strive in our daily lives to conserve energy, reduce waste, and save water so when we started planning our wedding our first objective was to host an event that was in alignment with our values,” says Stacie. “Shambhala Ranch was the perfect venue for us to realize our dream of leaving a small ecological footprint as possible.”

Shambhala Ranch, 21200 Orr Springs Road, Ukiah, 707-937-3341 www.shambhalaranch.com

Little River Inn also hosts green weddings -- and they can provide everything from catering and lodging to full bridal services – and as an added bonus, there is a “green” 9-hole golf course on-site. Little River Inn, 7751 North Highway 1, Little River, 707-937-5942 or www.littleriverinn.com.

Brewery Gulch Inn also offers a complete green wedding package and can provide a list of local North Coast wedding resources to assist in the goal of balancing ecology, style and tradition. Brewery Gulch Inn, 9401 North Highway One, Mendocino Village, 800-578-4454 or www.brewerygulchinn.com.

Several vineyards offer beautiful and unique, environmental wedding settings. Jeriko Estate produces hand-crafted artisan wines from 100% organically grown and certified grapes from beautiful southern Mendocino county. Jeriko’s philosophy is to tread gently upon the earth while using the latest in winegrowing technology and respecting ancient cultural practices. Jeriko Estate Winery, Estate House and Tasting Room, 12141 Hewlitt and Sturtevant Road (Off Route 101) Hopland CA 707-744-1140 http://www.jeriko.us/jeriko/page/weddings.jsp.

Another option is the Stanford Inn in Mendocino Village. The inn is home to a certified organic garden which provides much of the food for the inn’s nationally acclaimed vegetarian restaurant, Ravens’. Guests can enjoy luxury massages and private yoga lessons, or perhaps canoe or kayak on the Big River. Stanford Inn, Coast Highway and Comptche Ukiah Road, Mendocino, 800-331-8884 or www.stanfordinn.com.

If you’re looking for a more organic setting in which to exchange your vows, the Mendocino County Botanical Gardens, located in Fort Bragg, offers charming wedding packages. Mendocino County Botanical Gardens, 18220 North Highway One, Fort Bragg, 707-964-4352 or www.gardenbythesea.org.