Facility Rentals
The grounds of the Shadelands Ranch Museum are available for non-commercial use by individuals, businesses, corporations, and nonprofit organizations with 501{c}3 status. The beautifully maintained landscaping surrounding the historic Penniman house and our picturesque gazebo provides a gorgeous setting for your outdoor event. For an evening event, tiny lights woven through the trees add an enchanting ambiance to the occasion. You and your guests will be reminded of the gracious hospitality that was once extended to guests of the ranch over 100 years ago. Shadelands is a particularly popular site for weddings. We also often host birthday and anniversary celebrations, company picnics, and family reunions.
Access to the house is limited to the kitchen, which is available as a changing room or as a preparation site for the caterer. As committed as Shadelands is to keeping the ranch authentic to its early 20th-century style, the "old-fashioned" kitchen comes with a new gas range masquerading as a black wood-burning stove and a refrigerator camouflaged with wood paneling.
Modern restrooms are adjacent to the new barn, just behind the circa 1902 water tank house and worker's cabin that border the garden.
The lawn area holds up to 300 guests. The grounds are available for rental April through October.
| Rates ~ Saturday | Rates ~ Sunday thru Friday |
| 3 hours : | $825 | 3 hours : | $585 | |
| 4 hours : | $1020 | 4 hours : | $740 | |
| 5 hours : | $1200 | 5 hours : | $925 | |
| 6 hours : | $1440 | 6 hours : | $1110 | |
| 7 hours : | $1505 | 7 hours : | $1225 | |
| 10 hours : | $2150 | 10 hours : | $1750 |
| ($215/hr for each add'l hour) | ($175/hr for each add'l hour) |
Rates subject to change without notice. Custodian set-up services with up to 150 chairs and 30 tables are included in initial fees, along with 90 minutes free rehearsal time on a date just prior to your event. Add $1 for each chair over 150 and/or table over 30.
A $300 deposit is required to reserve your date and is included in rental fees. For kitchen access and use of appliances, please add $100 to the total.
Rates listed above do not include $500 damage deposit fee, which is required with final payment 30 days before event. The $500 damage deposit will be refunded by mail following inspection after your event, verifying that trash was properly disposed of in trash bins and no damage incurred to grounds or property.
Additionally, a $1,000,000 Certificate Liability Insurance Policy is required with final payment.
If you would like to inquire about reserving the grounds for your function, please contact our events coordinator at (925) 935-7871.
Facility Rental FAQ
Q: What may not be used?
A: No rice, aerosol streamers, plastic, or metal confetti may be thrown. No nails may be used anywhere in or on the gazebo or any tree on the grounds.
Q: What may be used?
A: Bubbles, birdseed, and rose petals may be used.
Q: What part of the historic house and grounds can be used?
A: Events may be held in the gazebo and back garden only. Inside the house, only the kitchen may be used provided such use has been stipulated in the rental agreement.
Q: Who provides tables and chairs?
A: We provide up to 300 chairs and 50 tables. The initial price includes 150 chairs and 30 tables. Additional chairs and tables cost extra.
Q: When may we set up?
A: Our custodian will set up your tables and chairs before you arrive, and will begin taking them down near the end of your departure time. Rented equipment is to be delivered and removed within your rental time frame or with special arrangement permission with our office. The same applies to your caterer, musicians, florist, and photographer.
Q: May we serve alcoholic beverages?
A: Beer and wine are allowed with a signed alcoholic authorization form.
Q: In the case of wedding events, when may we hold a rehearsal?
A: The rehearsal should be held a day or two before the wedding date. Ninety minutes of free rehearsal time are included in the package price.
Q: What if we cancel?
A: If cancellation is done within three (3) days of contract your reservation deposit will be refunded. If cancellation is done more than 45 days prior to event, a partial refund will be made. If the event is cancelled less than 45 days prior to the event, there will be no refunds. You may, however, reschedule based on availability, in which case fees collected will be applied to your rescheduled event.
Q: Are there any restrictions regarding noise level?
A: Excessive or unreasonably loud noise of any kind is prohibited by the City of Walnut Creek. Amplified music must be discontinued by 11:30 p.m.
Q: Is smoking allowed on the premises?
A: No smoking is allowed in any building or structure, per California State Law.
Q: What about parking?
A: Free parking is available.