These FAQs are geared towards weddings, please contact us for more specific meeting/retreat-related FAQs

Can I take a tour of the venue?

Absolutely! We accommodate tours year-round because we believe it is a very important part of finding the perfect venue for your event. To schedule a tour, please e-mail events@kennolyn.com.

What is the cost for having my wedding at Kennolyn?

Hilltop Hacienda Estate
$16,000 Wedding Package Fee + $160** per person for all food and beverages

Stone Creek Village Wedding Weekend Retreat (with lodging for 2 nights, up to 120 guests)

$20,000 Wedding Package Fee + $160** per person for reception food and beverages

Minimum guest count is 60 people staying for the weekend, maximum 120. Guests pay $495** per person for two night’s lodging and welcome dinner/breakfast/lunch/brunch which is a great deal for lodging in the Santa Cruz area!

What are the service fee and sales tax amounts?

*A 20% service fee is added to catering and beverage prices. Sales tax, currently at 9%, is added to all prices. Lodging Tax is currently 12% for Cabins at Stone Creek Village. Per California sales tax code, all service fees are subject to sales tax.

Do you have a full bar?

Our drinks package includes beer and wine. We do not have a license for hard alcohol.

How many hours do I have access to the venue for my wedding ceremony and reception?

Kennolyn allows five and a half hours for your ceremony and reception. Guests are welcome to arrive 30 minutes before the ceremony begins. The bridal house is open from 10 AM.

What is exclusive use?

Unlike a hotel, Kennolyn is a private venue with you as our only client on your special day. Very few event venues can offer this level of privacy and personal attention.

How much parking is available?

Our Hilltop Hacienda venue has just over 100 parking spaces, and our Stone Creek Village venue has 35 spaces available.

May I bring my own food and beverages?

Guests are required to select a catering package and a beverage package from our range of in-house options. You can cater cake and desserts with an outside vendor.

Is Kennolyn Eco-friendly?

Kennolyn is privately owned by a family that supports the environment. We own 450 acres in the Santa Cruz Mountains, and 75% of it is undeveloped. We actively recycle and compost almost 100% of our garbage, including all food, flowers, and paper products. We also strive to use non-disposable products whenever possible.

Is there a backup plan in case of rain or other weather events?

Both of our venues have indoor and outdoor spaces, and because we are an all-inclusive facility, we can convert indoor areas in case of rain or other inclement weather.

What time should my ceremony start?

We recommend ceremonies start at 4:30pm. Guests may arrive up to 30 minutes prior to the start of the ceremony. We will have the gate open with a water, iced-tea and lemonade station available starting at 4pm.

How late can the reception continue?

A County-Wide Sound Ordinance restricts amplified music after 10:00 PM. All events at the Hilltop Hacienda end at 10:00 PM. Any guests staying at the Stone Creek Village can gather indoors in the Lodge throughout the evening, even after loud music is restricted. All guests not staying on-site must depart at 10pm.

Am I required to use Kennolyn’s preferred vendors or may I bring in my own?

We recommend a list of vendors because we know they provide excellent services and work well in our venue. We are happy to work with your vendors as well. Remember the DJ/MC is included in your wedding package. You are welcome to hire a band or other live performers. Our DJ will MC your event, provide music while your musical performer takes a break plus provide the ceremony music and microphone system. You are welcome to rent upgraded linen, place settings, decor and furniture. Please arrange to have your rental vendor deliver and set-up furniture and large decor in place.

Am I required to have a wedding coordinator?

When you book with Kennolyn, our coordinator services are included in the package. Our highly experienced coordinators will be involved from start to finish and dedicated to making your wedding dream a reality. Their amount of involvement in your special day is up to you, but our clients tend to enjoy how reassuring their attention is. Some clients who have a specific vision for their day, or would prefer not to be involved in any planning, also hire a wedding planner. For Wedding Weekend Retreats at Stone Creek Village, there are a lot of lodging and meal details to manage. It is recommended you dedicate someone to manage this for you - mom/aunt/etc or a hired coordinator.

Can I have only my reception at Kennolyn if my ceremony will be off-site?

Yes. You are still welcome to get ready onsite before you depart for your ceremony.

Is the wedding rehearsal included at no extra cost?

Yes, your wedding ceremony rehearsal with your professional wedding coordinator is included in the package fee.

What is the benefit of a combined food and beverage package?

We designed our well-rounded catering options to make it easy for you to plan your event. With a package, you are guaranteed unlimited beverage service—regardless of how much your guests drink—and, most importantly, there are no financial surprises at the end of your wedding. Our bartenders are provided at no additional charge. We are happy to accommodate non-alcohol drinkers, and we offer non-alcoholic packages for guests under 21 as well as for an entire event

Do you offer vegetarian or vegan menus?

Our menu has some excellent options for vegan or vegetarian guests! We offer vegetarian entrées for those guests requesting it, or we can design a customized vegetarian or vegan menu for the entire wedding. Additional costs may apply.

Do you offer organic and sustainable ingredients?

Kennolyn tries to use organic and sustainable ingredients whenever possible but can design a customized menu or substitute specific ingredients to accommodate special requests. There may be additional costs associated with a more expensive ingredient, but this is dictated by the market rates at the time of the event.

What are your payment terms?

The Reservation Deposit is due 7 days from the date we place a hold on your event date. You will receive a contract via email, which both you and your partner will need to sign and return with the non-refundable reservation deposit to secure your date. The deposit amount will be noted on your contract and is 25% of your estimated event total. A 90-day payment of another 25% of the estimated contract total is due 90 days prior to your event. You may cancel your event in writing up to 60 days prior to your event and will receive the 90-day payment as a refund. Less than 60 days prior to your event, you are responsible for the payment in full of the total contract value. Your final numbers are due 2 weeks prior to your event start date, and then your final invoice will be issued and final balance is due 10 days prior to the event. Payment may be made by credit/debit card via Kennolyn’s secure payment portal, or by cash paid in person. There is a transaction fee when paying by card.

When are the final event details due?

In addition to the final guest count being due 14 days prior to the event, final menu and event schedule changes are also due 2 weeks prior to the start of your event. This allows Kennolyn time to order supplies and prep for your event properly.

Do you offer special pricing for children?

Special children’s menus and pricing are available. There is no cost for children under 2 years old. Prices for children 2–4 years old is $50**, children 5–12 is $95**, and 13-20 year olds is $120**.

Do I need to get any special event permits from the City of Santa Cruz?

At a private event venue in Santa Cruz County, you can skip the event permit you would otherwise need for hosting in a public space. The venue will guide you in observing any local noise ordinances and alcoholic beverage service restrictions.

Does it cost less to book an event during the week verses the weekend?

We reserve our venues for certain events during the week. Weddings are only offered on Saturdays and Sundays. You can reserve the space for meetings, some retreats, and special events during the week, and fees may be lower than those on the weekends. Reach out to us directly for more details

Dog Policy:

Kennolyn has a no dog policy. Emotional Support Animals and pets are not allowed on the property.

Exceptions are:

·       Bride and Groom may have their own dog be part of their ceremony.  A designated dog handler needs to bring the dog and then take the dog off- property immediately afterwards.

 ·       Certified Service Dogs (not ESA) may stay on property in one of the log cabins only, and must wear their service harness/vest at all times, and stay on leash.

Additional FAQs

for Wedding Weekend Retreats at Stone Creek Village

Do you have a minimum number of guests required for the Stay and Play Package? 

Yes, the minimum guest count is 60, and the maximum is 120 (with couples sharing beds). Rooming list and contact information need to be provided 30 days prior to your weekend. We will then bill one person per suite/cabin for the total of that suite/cabin (other guests sharing a room usually Zelle, Venmo or Paypal each other).  All guests need to be paid in full 20 days prior to the weekend’s arrival day.  Any unpaid balances will need to be paid by the event host 14 days prior to arrival. Each room is priced on Double+ Occupancy. If a Guest requires a single room, a charge of $245 will be applied on top of the $495 Stay & Play Package.

When can guests arrive?

Since Kennolyn isn’t a hotel, it is important your guests arrive between 4-6pm so they can be checked-in and shown where their cabin is located.

What type of chairs and linens are included in the catering package?

We have wood-colored folding banquet chairs. Our table linen colors come in white, ivory or sandalwood. Our napkin colors are white, black, ivory or sandalwood. We are also happy to use rental linen and custom napkin colors that you provide.

How does the weekend meal package work?

Our Stay and Play meal package includes dinner on Friday, breakfast and a grab-and-go lunch on Saturday and brunch on Sunday.  The Saturday night wedding reception is billed to the event host.   

How many beds do you have and what at the lodging accommodations like?

We have 30 cabins and suites. Typically, each cabin cottage is appointed with 2 double beds covered with down comforters, a gas fireplace and antique furniture. We have a four-bedroom suite, with 2 double beds in each room, and a three-bedroom suite, with 1 double bed in each room. Both have a comfortable living room. Eleven of our cabins have an additional day bed. We have a total of 67 beds (56 doubles and 11 twin beds) that can accommodate a total of 120 people.

Is there AC and heating in any of the cabins/rooms?

Each cabin had a heating source.  There is no AC, as our climate is mild.

Is there a fee to use the Swimming Pool? 

Our heated swimming pool is included for a 4 hour window in the facility fee.

How many restrooms are available for the guests? 

In addition to the bathrooms in each guest room, there are 2 restrooms off the Lodge deck.

for Weddings at

Hilltop Hacienda Estate only

Where will I get ready before the wedding at the Hilltop Hacienda?

Your bridal party is welcome to arrive on-site from 10 AM on your wedding day to get ready at our beautiful Casa de Caldwell. We also have a Casita available for the groomsmen starting at noon. Casa de Caldwell closes at 6 PM but the Casita will be available until the end of your wedding.

Can you please confirm if space heaters and umbrellas are included in the venue price?  

We have 3 freestanding outdoor heaters in the courtyard and a row of installed outdoor heaters on the dining patio. We have 3 large sun umbrellas for the cocktail hour in the courtyard too. All are included in the wedding package fee.

What is the width of the Redwood Grove Aisle?

6 feet

How many people fit in the Redwood Grove at HH?

200 seated guests

How many people fit on the Estate Lawn at HH?

300, this is our wedding maximum capacity.

Can we have dancing on the Estate Lawn?

Unfortunately, all dancing music must be held in the courtyard as it contains the sound level. Music on the lawn travels over to our neighbors.