FAQsFAQs

Question

When should I RSVP by?When should I RSVP by?

Answer

We invite you to RSVP online within this website. Please be sure to reply by the RSVP date listed on your invitation. We must provide a guest count to our venue in advance, so it's likely that late RSVPs will not be accommodated.

Question

What time should I arrive?What time should I arrive?

Answer

Please join us at 3:30pm for a welcome reception in the Hollins House courtyard. We kindly request that all guests arrive promptly by 3:50pm to take their seats, as the ceremony will begin on time at 4:00pm and late-comers will be asked to wait in the courtyard until the ceremony concludes.

Question

Where is the wedding happening?Where is the wedding happening?

Answer

Both the ceremony and reception will take place at the historical Hollins House in Santa Cruz, CA. The address is 20 Clubhouse Road, Santa Cruz, CA 95060. You can get to know the venue here: thehollinshouse.com. Once you pass entrance gate, turn right and proceed up the hill. There will be signage directing you toward Hollins House, which is on the right side of the road one driveway past the McKenzie Bar & Grill Clubhouse. You can park in either of the adjacent parking lots and head up the small staircase in front of the Hollins House courtyard.

Question

Is the wedding indoors or outdoors?Is the wedding indoors or outdoors?

Answer

Our afternoon ceremony will take place on the Hollins House lawn, followed by cocktail hour and dinner outdoors. Guests will walk from the courtyard to the garden on paved pathways, but will need to step on grass briefly to take their seats. Dancing and dessert will be indoors, but you're welcome to explore the property during the evening as well.

Question

What is the easiest way to get to and from the venue?What is the easiest way to get to and from the venue?

Answer

Feel free to drive or hitch a ride! There is ample on-site parking available at Hollins House. While we will not be providing guest transportation throughout the wedding weekend, Uber and Lyft is available in the area to bring you to and from the party. Beach traffic can be heavy on weekends even into October, so please allot ample time to drive over the hill if you're coming into Santa Cruz from Silicon Valley on wedding day. Please note that in the evening, ride-shares like Uber and Lyft can take a while to arrive. We recommend booking your ride in advance (the wedding will end at 10:00 pm) or requesting a ride at least 20 - 30 minutes prior to your anticipated departure time from the Hollins House. The entry gate will likely close before our party ends and will require a code to open. We will provide guests with a code for your Uber or Lyft driver to punch in, so that they can pick you up directly at the Hollins House.

Question

Is there parking available on-site?Is there parking available on-site?

Answer

Yes, there is ample on-site parking available adjacent to the Hollins House. If you are unable to drive home safely, you may also leave your car at the Hollins House until 10:00 am the following morning.

Question

Where should my Uber / Lyft pick me up after the reception?Where should my Uber / Lyft pick me up after the reception?

Answer

Hollins House is located in a super safe community, which is gated 24/7. When you arrive during the day, simply let the guard know you're here for a wedding at Hollins House and they'll open the gate. After 8pm, a code will be required to operate the gated entrance to Hollins House. We'll let you know the code on our wedding day, so that you can provide it to your rideshare or taxi driver in advance for a smooth pick up!

Question

Is there a dress code?Is there a dress code?

Answer

While there's no specific dress code, we'll be dressed to the nines and hope you will be too! Cocktail, semi-formal, or formal attire is appropriate for our venue. Think a cocktail or elegant dress or jumpsuit, or a suit with jacket or sport coat. Jeans and shorts - and white dresses - are not appropriate. Fall in Santa Cruz is warm during the day and cool at night, so we recommend a light wrap or jacket to cover bare shoulders in the evening. You may also want to bring sunglasses for the outdoor ceremony, which will take place around golden hour. You're also welcome to bring sandals for the dancefloor!

Question

Can I bring a plus one?Can I bring a plus one?

Answer

In order to keep our guest list on track we are only able to accommodate those guests who we have formally invited. The name of every guest invited to attend is clearly listed on your invitation and no additional guests can be accommodated. Please feel free to e-mail us with any questions!

Question

Are kids welcome?Are kids welcome?

Answer

While we love your little ones, our wedding is going to be an adults-only event so that everyone can relax and enjoy the evening. So book a sitter and dust off those dancing shoes! We appreciate you making arrangements ahead of time and leaving the kids at home so you can celebrate with us.

Question

I have a food allergy or dietary restriction, can I make a special request?I have a food allergy or dietary restriction, can I make a special request?

Answer

We'll be serving hors d'oeuvres at cocktail hour followed by a sit-down dinner with a buffet. There will be a meat and chicken options available, along with several vegetarian side dishes. We will not have any vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free entrees available by default. Please let us know in advance via text or email if you have dietary restriction so that we can do our best to have the Hollins House accommodate your needs.

Question

Will there be an open bar?Will there be an open bar?

Answer

We will have beer and wine available throughout our cocktail hour and the reception. We recommend bringing a credit card if you'd like a cocktail. The Tap Room at the Hollins House also has a full bar, but does NOT accept cardless payments (ApplePay) or cash.

Question

What is the wedding itinerary?What is the wedding itinerary?

Answer

Our wedding will take place at the Hollins House on October 17, 2026. Join us for a welcome drink at 3:30pm in the Hollins House courtyard. Guests will be seated for the ceremony at 3:50pm sharp, followed by cocktail hour and the reception, which is anticipated to wrap around 10:00pm. The Back Nine Grill & Bar down the road is open until 11:00pm, so join us for a night cap if you want to continue the party.

Question

Can I take photos at the wedding?Can I take photos at the wedding?

Answer

We kindly ask that you keep our wedding ceremony "unplugged" and refrain from taking any photos or videos at our wedding. We want our guests to truly be in the moment with us during this special day. During the reception, photos and videos are encouraged! We'll provide a QR code for you to share any great snaps with us. We'll also have a photo booth available throughout the cocktail hour and reception.

Question

Can I post wedding photos on social media?Can I post wedding photos on social media?

Answer

Sure! We'll make a formal announcement with our professional photos after the wedding, but want to see the party from your perspective. If you post, please make sure to tag Kate so that we can see your snaps.

Question

Will there be other events to attend on the wedding weekend?Will there be other events to attend on the wedding weekend?

Answer

All of our guests are invited to join us for a welcome reception on the evening before our wedding - details are TBD.

Question

Are you registered? Where?Are you registered? Where?

Answer

Your presence at our wedding is the greatest gift of all! Should you wish to honor us with a gift, a contribution to our honeymoon or home improvement fund would be greatly appreciated. We have several other options listed on the Registry page of this site, and welcome in-person donations at the wedding. We look forward to celebrating with you!

Question

What is the best airport to use?What is the best airport to use?

Answer

San Jose Mineta International Airport (SJC) is the closest airport, located about 30 miles north of our venue. San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is 60 miles north, but may offer more direct flights depending on where you're traveling from. Oakland International Airport (OAK) is another option that is about 60 miles north. Keep in mind that beach and commute traffic can be heavy even into October, so please allot ample time for getting over the hill from Silicon Valley to Santa Cruz.

Question

Do you have any hotel recommendations?Do you have any hotel recommendations?

Answer

Yes! We've outlined some of our local favorites on the Travel page of this site, along with information on room blocks and group discount codes. Please note that the Inn at Pasatiempo is closest to the venue. However, there are many options in town (Santa Cruz) and the surrounding area (Capitola, Aptos) which you may want to check out, depending on the vibe you're looking for.

Question

What is the weather like in Santa Cruz at that time of year?What is the weather like in Santa Cruz at that time of year?

Answer

The weather in Santa Cruz is generally warm during the day and very cool at night this time of year. We recommend bringing a jacket for the wedding and layers if you plan on staying in town for a few days. On hot years, it's been as warm as 80 - 85+ during the day and mid-40's in the evening.

Question

I have a question on the day of the wedding, who can I contact?I have a question on the day of the wedding, who can I contact?

Answer

We'll be enjoying our big day starting early in the morning, and likely won't be checking our phones. Feel free to phone a friend or the Hollins House if you have any last-minute questions that can't wait. The phone number for Hollins House is +1 (831) 459-9182.

Question

Can I take pictures during the ceremony?Can I take pictures during the ceremony?

Answer

No. We’d love for you to be fully present and request that you remain totally unplugged during the ceremony.