The Barton House in Redlands, California is one of my favorite wedding venues in Southern California. I am a bit biased since I use to live in Redlands and I’m a preferred wedding vendor. However, I truly enjoy photographing weddings at Barton House. The staff and the vibes are amazing!
Here’s an example wedding gallery: ERIKA + ALBERT
I decided that the best way to provide you with a comprehensive perspective of Barton House is to conduct an interview with the amazing, venue manager, Jessica. We discuss everything from the history of Barton House to specific details that you may need to know if considering this venue for your wedding.
Interview Questions and Answer | Jessica
- Please tell us a little bit about the history of the Barton House.
The Barton House was built in 1866 as the first house in Redlands, and second fire-brick building in San Bernardino County. Back in that time it was the home of Dr. Benjamin Barton (i.e., Barton Road), as well as a vineyard. He was a prominent family doctor and wine maker, and helped incorporate the city of Redlands and surrounding area. Many of our older wedding guests remember it from the 1970's when it was a ranch where they would learn to ride horses. In the 90's and early 2000's it was a bit worn down and became known for its paranormal activities among teenagers. It's gone through a few remodels over its years. You'll notice a picture of the House in our lobby of what it looked like in the 1900s. Its roofing has changed slightly - there is no longer a "widows peak" and the staircases to the balcony are "newer" - you'll even find some pampas grass in the photo (huge wedding trend now). But not until 2010 or so is when was it purchased by our current owners from the City and restored to its former beauty. It now houses local businesses upstairs and in the carriage houses who share our lot, and about five years ago began hosting weddings and events. The Barton House (also called Barton Mansion or Villa) was put into the City’s Register of Historic Resources in 1993 and in 1996 it received designation on the National Register of Historic Places.
- Where is the venue located?
Its address is 20 Nevada St, Redlands, CA 92373. More descriptively, we're in the "jewel" of the inland empire about 60 miles east of Los Angeles, and 40 miles west of Palm Springs. You'll find the large brick building on the corner of Nevada Street & Barton Road.
- How many guests can you accommodate for ceremony and reception?
We welcome up to 150 guests within our wedding rate, but there is an opportunity to go up to 300 for an additional fee
- Can you describe the different spaces you provide? (Ceremony, bridal room, groom room, parlor room)
We are a primarily outdoor venue. You'll often see ceremonies take place near our palm trees on the far end of the lawn with the San Gorgonio mountains in the background with reception tables either surrounding our 25ft cemented circular dance floor or closer to the House itself. Of course some prefer the House as their ceremony backdrop so their reception then pivots to the far end. The layout is decided upon by the couple and their vision on how they want to use the open space. Inside the Barton House we offer the parlor room that opens to the wrap around patio. Traditionally a parlor would be used for cocktails, but we also see it used as a welcome space for a guestbook and display of those lovely engagement photos, or a display for appetizers and desserts. The upstairs balcony is available for sweetheart photos during golden hour as the sunlight hits the brick. The groom's room is just as you enter the House from the lobby. This room offers more of a masculane vibe with seating, coat hooks and a full-length mirror. While the bride's room down the hall is a bit larger and more elegant and equipped with a vanity, tall hooks for dresses, sofas and views of the grounds. Our kitchenette is also referred to as the vendor room as a space where vendors can leave their items, store decor boxes, beverages and desserts, and prepare for the reception. Lastly, it might be weird to talk about the bathrooms, but they're really cutely decorated - envision a 1920s style restroom with original style-magazine clippings hung as posters. While unisex, the "men's room" is larger and more handicap accessible for those who need the space, and the other has two stalls that open to a shared sink. There are two rumors of what that now restroom once was. Some say it was a jail/holding cell as the only brick building in the area, or it was the kitchen. You'll see original bars used as ventilation from the outside of the house as you walk up to the breezeway.
- Is there a separate space for cocktail hour?
Most cocktail hours will take place closer to the house or nearest the bar area. The parlor room, as I stated earlier, would traditionally be used to entertain guests with cocktails, but that doesn't have to be its sole purpose.
- What makes your wedding venue unique compared to other venues near the area?
One is its history. It is a very important piece of Redlands history and offers its expansive outdoor lawn with the first house in the City as its backdrop. Secondly, we welcome any vendor of your choosing based on your style and budget. It's a "your day your way" kind of venue... within reason and respectful of our venue policies of course. Also its affordability.
- Do you have a preferred vendor list?
While we don't have "preferred" vendors we do have an extensive vendor list available of people who are familiar and respectful of our venue.
- Can I hire my own vendors or do I need to stick to the preferred vendor list?
Hire your own, but let us know if you need help looking for something specific. We have hundreds of vendors in our network that we can recommend as needed.
- What’s your weather contingency plan for outdoor spaces?
Being an outdoor venue this is very important. In the case it's rainy or crazy hot we do welcome a tent or umbrellas. To be mindful of our grass and the effort it takes to maintain it wedding after wedding, we do ask that tents and umbrellas be secured with stakes (not bases, barrels or sand bags that would otherwise be used on cement). We have many tent vendors we can recommend even as late as the day before your wedding...although it's always best to plan ahead of time.
- Are there any noise restrictions?
As an outdoor venue in a residential neighborhood we do have to be mindful of the noise. Music must be off by 10pm. DJs and bands are limited to 2 speakers, and bands are limited to three hours unless they're acoustic. Sadly, no Bandas (Regional Mexican Bands are far too loud for our neighborhood).
- How late can I have my wedding?
You're welcome to a 12 hour day from 11am to 11pm.
