Outdoor Art Club
A historic 1892 venue in Mill Valley, offering a fairytale setting with charming architecture and lush gardens for events and artful exploration.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Gardens are stunningly beautiful
Outdoor Art Club
Best Time
Gardens are stunningly beautiful
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic 1892 venue in Mill Valley, offering a fairytale setting with charming architecture and lush gardens for events and artful exploration.
"Absolutely stunning venue for a wedding, even having to be inside because of rain!"
🎯 Book Familiar Vendors
Work with vendors experienced at OAC for a seamless event. They know the rules and best practices!
🌸 Garden Photo Ops
The grounds are incredibly photogenic. Allow ample time for capturing stunning outdoor art club wedding photos.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Historic Wooden Clubhouse
Main building
A charming 1892 property, beautifully restored with architectural character. Perfect for intimate gatherings and events.
Lush Gardens and Grounds
Outdoor spaces
Manicured gardens and natural beauty create a serene, picturesque setting for any occasion. A true hidden gem.
Artistic and Family Activities
Various locations
Engage in creative workshops, from painting to water play, often inspired by nature and art. Fun for all ages!
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Enchantment
Vendor Harmony is Key
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Familiar Vendors
Work with vendors experienced at OAC for a seamless event. They know the rules and best practices!
🌸 Garden Photo Ops
The grounds are incredibly photogenic. Allow ample time for capturing stunning outdoor art club wedding photos.
🎶 Music Volume Matters
While a dance party is possible, be mindful of sound restrictions. Communicate with your DJ.
🎨 Creative Exploration
Check for ongoing art workshops or events; they offer a unique, hands-on experience.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Familiar Vendors
Work with vendors experienced at OAC for a seamless event. They know the rules and best practices!
🌸 Garden Photo Ops
The grounds are incredibly photogenic. Allow ample time for capturing stunning outdoor art club wedding photos.
🎶 Music Volume Matters
While a dance party is possible, be mindful of sound restrictions. Communicate with your DJ.
🎨 Creative Exploration
Check for ongoing art workshops or events; they offer a unique, hands-on experience.
🚗 Parking Considerations
Parking can be limited, especially during peak event times. Carpooling is advised.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Outdoor Art Club for its stunning beauty and fairytale-like atmosphere, making it an ideal venue for weddings and events. The historic building and lush gardens are frequently highlighted as major draws. While the venue is highly recommended, some guests note the importance of working with experienced vendors familiar with the club's specific rules and restrictions to ensure a smooth planning process.
"We had our wedding reception at OAC and it was absolutely perfect! Such a stunningly beautiful building, and the gardens were gorgeous in early April. The space was perfect for everything we needed, and although we had our ceremony down the road at Old Mill Park, it would have been a beautiful place to have that too. The space is so gorgeous it needs very little additional decoration, and everything you add is just magnified by the surroundings.
As a historic building in a small town they have a number of rules and restrictions, and when we decided to book I did wonder if they might be difficult to plan around. But it wasn’t hard at all, and everything from the decor to the music was exactly as I hoped and not held back at all. I would definitely recommend booking vendors who are familiar with OAC though, because with them you never have to worry about a thing, knowing they have it handled!
I’ll specifically mention music volume, as that was the main thing I worried about - we wanted a dance party, and I'm glad to say we got one without any issue! Our DJ (Airsun) was familiar with OAC and with our coordinator (Stacey Dillon) - who herself works there all the time - and they all knew what they needed to do, so I didn’t worry for even a second about it. And I never would have guessed there were any sound restrictions by the experience, it didn’t hold back the party at all.
The facilities manager Dave did a great job with setup and was so kind and helpful about drop off and pickup of all our stuff. We also worked with Rodney of Marin Event Lighting to hang bistro lights (he is the only one allowed to do it) and they were gorgeous and perfect. They also require you work with one of their approved caterers, and Sage did a phenomenal job!
OAC is a stunning hidden gem in Mill Valley and I would highly recommend it for any event!"
Christina Barone
"Nice preserved building. The people who are in charge are very nice. The building is popular for venues such as weddings. Its nice that people can visit the club and explore its grounds. They also have a beautiful, manicured garden."
Town Traveller
"We got married here and had a wonderful experience. Staff was communicative and great to work with. The venue itself is beautiful and lovely. Highly recommend for weddings."
Viv and Greg
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Outdoor Art Club is located in Mill Valley, California, approximately 30 minutes from San Francisco. Driving is the most common method, with parking available on-site, though it can be limited during events. Public transport options are less direct, often involving a combination of BART and local buses. +1
Yes, there is parking available at the Outdoor Art Club. However, it can fill up quickly, especially during weddings and special events. Carpooling or arriving early is recommended.
The Outdoor Art Club is primarily a private venue, but it occasionally hosts public events or offers tours. It's best to check their schedule or contact them directly for visiting opportunities outside of booked events.
For events at the Outdoor Art Club, driving is convenient. If coming from San Francisco, consider ride-sharing services or coordinating carpools with other guests to manage parking.
Public transportation to Mill Valley is available via Golden Gate Transit buses from San Francisco. From the bus stop, you may need a short taxi or rideshare to reach the Outdoor Art Club.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The Outdoor Art Club is primarily a private venue for events like weddings. Entry is typically by invitation or ticket for specific events. Some public art activities may be free or require a small fee.
As a private venue, the Outdoor Art Club does not have set public operating hours. Hours are determined by the events scheduled. For specific event times, please refer to the event invitation.
Given its popularity as a wedding venue, it's highly recommended to book the Outdoor Art Club well in advance, often a year or more, especially for weekend dates.
Yes, as a historic building, the Outdoor Art Club has certain rules and restrictions, particularly regarding music volume and specific installations like lighting. It's essential to discuss these with your event planner and vendors.
The Outdoor Art Club sometimes hosts public art workshops and family activities. Keep an eye on their social media or local event listings for announcements.
🎫 ✨ Onsite Experience
The Outdoor Art Club is a popular venue for weddings, receptions, private parties, and community events. Its charming setting makes it ideal for celebrations. +2
Absolutely! The historic building, beautiful gardens, and natural light make the Outdoor Art Club a stunning location for wedding photos and event photography.
The venue typically includes a historic clubhouse, manicured gardens, and facilities suitable for events. Specific amenities like catering and lighting are often arranged through approved vendors.
Yes, you can have a dance party. While there are sound volume considerations, experienced DJs and coordinators can ensure a lively celebration without issue.
The atmosphere is often described as quaint, private, magical, and fairytale-like, with a seamless guest experience due to the thoughtful layout and management.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The Outdoor Art Club typically requires guests to use one of their approved caterers. This ensures quality and adherence to venue guidelines.
Yes, Mill Valley has a charming downtown area with various restaurants and cafes offering diverse culinary options, from casual to fine dining.
Generally, outside food and beverages are not permitted, and you must work with the venue's approved caterers. This is a common practice for event venues like the Outdoor Art Club.
Cuisine choices are diverse, depending on the caterer. Many opt for elegant meals that complement the venue's sophisticated yet natural ambiance.
Approved caterers are usually well-equipped to handle various dietary restrictions, including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and allergies. It's important to communicate these needs in advance.
📸 📸 Photography
The entire venue is a photographer's dream! Key spots include the historic clubhouse exterior, the manicured gardens, and areas with natural light. The surrounding Old Mill Park is also a popular choice for first looks.
While the venue may have preferred vendors, it's best to confirm their policy on external photographers. However, working with vendors familiar with OAC is highly recommended for a smooth experience.
Generally, standard photography equipment is allowed. However, drone usage or professional lighting setups might require special permission. Always check with venue management.
The 'golden hours' – shortly after sunrise and before sunset – offer beautiful, soft light. Midday can be harsh, but the gardens provide shade.
The venue itself doesn't typically offer photo packages. You would hire a separate photographer. However, the venue's beauty means fewer decorations are needed, simplifying photo backdrops.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1These activities are often drop-in, making it easy to fit into a family's schedule. The beautiful grounds provide a safe and inspiring environment for children to play and create. It's a wonderful way to spend a day exploring art and nature together.
+1💍 Couples Planning a Wedding
+1To ensure a seamless experience, prioritize working with vendors familiar with the venue. This includes caterers, DJs, and lighting professionals who understand the Outdoor Art Club's unique guidelines. This attention to detail will help create the wedding of your dreams.
📚 Book Lovers & Students
Imagine finding a quiet corner amidst the gardens to delve into a good book or focus on your studies. The natural beauty and historic architecture provide a unique and inspiring backdrop, far removed from the typical urban hustle.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Enchanting History of the Outdoor Art Club
Over the decades, the club has preserved its historic character while adapting to modern needs. It remains a cherished community asset, hosting a variety of events that celebrate art, nature, and togetherness. The venue's commitment to maintaining its picturesque grounds and historic building makes it a unique and sought-after location.
Today, the Outdoor Art Club is renowned not only for its artistic heritage but also as a stunning venue for weddings and private celebrations. Its blend of natural beauty and historic architecture creates an unforgettable atmosphere, drawing visitors and event-goers alike to experience its magic.
+1Planning Your Dream Wedding at the Outdoor Art Club
When planning a wedding here, it's crucial to work with vendors who are familiar with the Outdoor Art Club. This includes caterers, DJs, and lighting specialists, as the venue has specific guidelines to ensure the preservation of its historic nature. For instance, music volume is a consideration, but experienced professionals can manage this to ensure a lively celebration without issue.
From the moment you step onto the grounds, the Outdoor Art Club promises an unforgettable wedding experience. The venue's inherent beauty means less decoration is needed, allowing the natural surroundings to shine. With careful planning and the right team, your wedding at this Mill Valley gem will be nothing short of spectacular.
Family Fun and Artful Adventures
+1These family-friendly events are typically free and designed for drop-in participation, making them accessible for a fun day out. They provide a wonderful opportunity for children to express themselves artistically in a beautiful, natural setting. The Whitworth Art Gallery, for example, has hosted 'Turner-Inspired Outdoor Art Club' sessions, inviting families to get creative outdoors.
+1Keep an eye on local event listings and the Outdoor Art Club's social media for announcements about these engaging family programs. They offer a unique way to experience the venue and foster a love for art and nature in young visitors.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit