Forest House

I am so excited to write this review! I want to preface that I’m writing this review as a wedding guest/​bridesmaid, so I haven’t been involved or worked with anyone at the venue, but I have not heard anything negative from the bride or groom in regards to how everything was handled for her wedding, so that is a plus! This review is strictly based on my experience.
Here we go. End of May I was a bridesmaid for my friend, and myself and everyone involved had the absolute best time! I know our bride and groom enjoyed themselves to the fullest and that’s what I cared about most. The bride and other bridesmaids and I arrived at the lodge about 9am day of the wedding, and the wedding from the previous night was clearing out and finishing up their breakfast. I was a little confused at first, but someone came over and directed us to the bridal suite downstairs that was ready for us, so we went down and began the process of getting ready for the ceremony! There was champagne and orange juice and chilled glasses ready for us in the mini fridge behind the bar, and 6 or so ring light mirrors set up on top of the bar for us to use while getting ready. That was so cool, and majorly necessary so we could all have our own space to get ready. The morning and getting ready and such went great, and all the guys and the groom were having a great time right next door playing in the game room.
Come time for photos, the bride and groom did a first look (so cute!) so the bridal party all headed to the ceremony site and we took photos and such a few hours before the ceremony was to begin. Only con about the whole thing is that we all were pretty much attacked by mosquitos in the forest! ha. It was kinda funny, but also very itchy. So, note to all, if your wedding is in Spring or Summer BRING BUG SPRAY.
Moving on.
The ceremony went off without a hitch. The coordinator, Brie I think, was really awesome. She kept everything moving along, even though she was such a busy lady that weekend with a wedding the day before and one the following day! She still worked with my friend as though she was the only bride she was working with. Really cool.
After ceremony, back at the lodge, appetizers and bar are open for business. The bar was incredibly busy beginning of cocktail hour because the Warriors were playing and everyone had to watch. I thought the bartenders were great. Husband and wife team and they handled the busy, rowdy crowd with ease. My only con about the bar is that it is pretty separated from the dance floor, so towards the middle and end of reception I saw a distinct separation in guests. It was still cool though, pretty much half and half of the guests still there were at either spot.
After the last of the wedding guests left, via shuttle to their hotels, most of the rest of the people who were staying at the lodge went downstairs to the game room. It was really awesome down there. There’s a wii, an air hockey table, corn hole and lots of other fun stuff. It’s insane that there really is not «bed time».
After hanging out there for a bit, we went back up to our rooms. There are a lot of different layouts for the guest rooms. I know some of them don’t have bathrooms, so there are a few communal ones with a toilet, sink and shower. They were all clean and stocked for guests. The room I was in is a jack and jill style, so our room was connected to another room via a bathroom. Our room had a sink and mirror in it, then the bathroom connected had a toilet and shower. I didn’t use the shower, as we were only there one night and leaving home in the morning, but it’s a homey little old shower. Everything about the guest rooms is eclectic. Everything is pretty old, yet functional.
I think this review has gotten long enough. If you read it all, great. If not, here are some bullet points.
Pros:
–Gorgeous ceremony sight
–Cool bar
–Excellent service from everyone1
–Fun game room
–Tasty wedding food (buffet style)
–Tastier wedding cake
–S’mores bar!
–Late night snack appetizers
Cons:
–Bugs
Honestly, I don’t have any other con than that, it was such a fun and beautiful wedding and a great place to have it at!

My husband and I got married here in March. We had such a great time! I wish I could do the weekend all over again. Julie and Brie were AMAZING to work with. You get so much for what you pay– trust me, I tried to find a «better deal». Our guests raved about the accommodations, great food, and the amazing staff. You will not regret having your wedding here! I can’t wait to return for the cocktail party next year. Please feel free to message me any questions you have. I am happy to help!!!

Loved this venue!
My friend just got married here last Friday and it was one of the most beautiful weddings I’ve ever been to. Despite the unfortunate rain, the crew at Forest House was amazing and so comforting to both the bride and her wedding party (I was a bridesmaid). They waited patiently for her decision on whether to hold the ceremony outside, as planned, or bring it indoors. Even though the rain didn’t let up my friend decided to have the wedding outside! It was still an amazing site, thunder and all. The venue was also nice enough to provide many umbrellas at no extra charge.
We stayed two nights here, one for the rehearsal evening and one for the wedding, and both were superb. The food was amazing and the bartender, Trevor, is excellent! What I liked the most about this venue is that you truly have the whole place to yourself. We started getting ready on Friday morning at about 10:00 (after a wonderful buffet breakfast) and we never once felt rushed. The dressing room for the ladies was huge! Full length mirrors, bar with personal mirrors, plenty of outlets and extension cords for hairdryers and curling irons, couches, and mimosas!
The ceremony started at 5:00PM and after we got back to the Lodge we partied all night long! It was nice knowing we had access to the main floor, with the bar, until 2:00AM and then from there could retire to the downstairs lounge which included a pool table, shuffle board, ping-​pong table, air hockey, and a room adjacent for disco ball dancing. We never got bored!
All-​in-​all, this place was great. Great service, close attention to detail, beautiful location. Our bride was never stressed — except for maybe 5 mins when the rain wouldn’t let up — but she got over that quick! I would strongly recommend this venue to all brides.

I photographed a wedding here and I was just amazed by this venue. I was so happy the couple had hired me for 8 hours so I had time to hit all the great spots Forest House had to offer! The rooms inside were so unique. The small private courtyard in back was a great spot for doing «first look» pictures. The exterior of Forest House is gorgeous and the buildings surrounding the area made for amazing backdrops as well.
The ceremony site is just a short drive down the road. It’s incredible! There are no words to describe the view it has. It’s a must see!
I highly recommend visiting Forest House during your wedding venue search. Visually, this place is 5 stars all the way!
Denise Reason
Photography For A Reason

Yikes, there are so many hidden terrible reviews. We went here and quickly decided to not get married here. It was like a bad dream, only it was impossible to escape b/​c we were trapped in their captive audience approach to marketing.
The only good thing was that the GPS sent us on a very scenic albeit tour of the American River and we saw a bald eagle. Wow, we thought that was a good omen, turned out to be a sign to fly the other way.
Sure this will get hidden too. Felt really scammy, as does that fact their are 20+ hidden poor reviews and only good ones shown.

My wife and I were recent guests at a wedding at Forest House. Not being from the immediate area, we didn’t know what to expect in terms of venue or accommodations or staff. I must say that we were pleasantly surprised at almost every turn! From the friendly staff to the spectacular wedding venue, we now have a very fond impression of what awaits a visitor to this gem in Foresthill. At the Forest House, we were greeted by a friendly and welcoming young lady at the front desk where we checked-​in before retiring to the bar where we were met with a smile from the bartender. The staff in general clearly understands the nuance of being accommodating without being overbearing — they clearly have a lot of experience with how a wedding should be done!
The nearby venue for the wedding ceremony is something that is truly unique to Foresthill; a clearing in a meadow with a backdrop offering a spectacular view of a valley and mountain ranges in the distance. It is a view that you simply can’t find elsewhere.
The wedding reception back at Forest House was handle in a very organized manner with staff at-​the-​ready and food served on time… very GOOD food, by the way!
Finally, in terms of being accommodating; it turns out that I had left several articles of clothing in the closet of our room upon checking out. I discovered this several days later when I finally had time to unpack. I called Forest House and spoke to Julie and confirmed that they had secured my clothing. She then gathered my mailing information and committed to sending my clothing to me at no charge! (Seems that, with the celebration and revelry that goes along with a wedding, forgotten items is a common occurrence!) Though I felt silly for leaving my things, I couldn’t have been made to feel better about how the matter was corrected.
If you are looking for a unique experience that reflects the rustic nature of an earlier California, you would be well-​served to consider Forest House to handle your arrangements in a way that takes pressure off of the wedding party and envelopes guests in a welcoming atmosphere.

When looking for a wedding venue we wanted some place unique where we would be assured lots of time with our family and friends. This was particularly important as many of our family and friends were traveling from far away. We also wanted a worry-​free experience (or as close as you can get for a wedding) where our family and bridal party would not have to work, coordinate, or arrange anything the day of and could simply participate and enjoy the festivities. The Forest House Lodge exceeded our every expectation! Christine (wedding coordinator), Alley (bonus wedding coordinator), and Julie (house manager) who we worked with at various times during the planning process and day of, were exceptional and delivered a quality experience down to the last possible detail! They answered our every question and were happy to work with us on the particularities of what we wanted for our wedding. They were easy to communicate with as well as very responsive to emails and phone calls throughout the work week; (they are working all weekend on weddings after all!). The day of was handled with poise and grace like a well-​orchestrated show. If their were any hiccups, we do not know what they were. The day after, we could not think of one thing that could have made our wedding more perfect! The venue itself is a cut above the rest, providing unique décor and touches at every turn. The downstairs game room is a fun addition, the large bar and hat collection lead to great goofy pictures; the beautiful courtyard provides an elegant location for pictures and a romantic/​intimate outdoor setting and the ceremony site overlooking the Sierra Nevada mountains provides a breathtaking view. Just a stunning and stellar venue you will be overjoyed that you found.

Went there for a friends wedding. It was very nice setting, in the middle of nature. The food was very tasty, it was delicious. Service was excellent too. Only the rooms weren’t so comfortable and in the morning there was no hot water for shower. The bathrooms are shared; however, were very clean. Gaming room was very nice and after party was fun too.

I must preface this by saying our wedding day was THE best day surrounded by family and friends! My husband and I got married there in June on the ONE weekend virtually all summer it rained. Hey rain on your wedding day is good luck right?! FYI: in no way did the rain effected the rating…
I’m sure youre wondering how much the venue costs (the reason why I also Unilocaled my venues when I was looking too). Our plan when we booked in 2014 was around 14,000 for 100 people which didn’t include photog, DJ, flowers, and open bar my dad insisted on having. But beware, they have also not included several things that were included in my package since then. They also charge you for unused rooms (and they definitely did with us)
Pros:
— ditto pretty much what everyone else said, food was amazing, site was gorgeous, day was fantastic with my new husband…
Criticisms: (I hate to say cons, cause our day was awesome)
— the things that sold us was that it was all inclusive… was really turned off that now they are charging for the two suites (roughly $ 500). It’s annoying, it’s not like your NOT going to stay there with your guests, just include it in the price. Also, while I understand most places charge for tasting and you did get a lot of tasty food, being charged $ 100+ for basically dinner after were paying 14k for a wedding seemed kinda tacky. Of course my parents wanted to taste the food they were paying for, charging them each to try it seemed dumb. At the end also charging for rooms was ridiculous. Let me say that we were warned it could happen, and it did– I’m more annoyed at our shitty family for bailing then the venue for charging. But after spending a ton of money for the place and dropping a TON of money for the bar, charging $ 200 for a few rooms seemed miniscule. Oh well, we just tipped them less…
— we showed up and hour after the start of the window they told us we could be there, and they seemed VERY annoyed that we were there «early.» The coordinator who told us she would help a little set up center pieces (JUST put them on the tables, NOT full flower arrangements or anything) seemed annoyed she was helping us. The maid staff was also annoyed we were in the rooms too, even after we were told we could go up there and put our stuff in the two suites. We basically hung out in the salon for three hours before setting up our stuff (the carpet is pretty gross btw).
— the actual wedding ceremony, I’d like to say went off without a hitch but the rain kind of put a wrench in things lol. The main reason for the three stars is mainly the way they treated my photographer and DJ (who we consider friends, not just some fly by night people we don’t know) because of the rain! There was a point during the day where it was clear the rain wasn’t letting up and my DJ/​photog asked me if I still wanted it outside and warned me they had expensive equipment that cannot get wet. While I still of course wanted it outside, I COMPLETELY understood if my guests were gonna be soaked and the vendors have ruined equipment, it definitely wasn’t worth it and to just move it inside. The coordinators also came up after they spoke with me and told me not to feel pressured by vendors to move it (I thought it was INCREDIBLY tacky). The site also has no tent or any place for a DJ to put his equipment out of the rain, so we had no music to walk down the aisle to. I also found out after the fact FHL told my DJ… very rudely he would be «THE FIRST DJ» to not set up in the rain! Finally, they were also very rude to my photographer about her timeline for pictures. Obviously, everything got pushed back because of the rain and they basically told our photographer she needed to cut her time short to accommodate them. Of course all this stuff I was not privy to during the wedding but found out from my parents and guests…
— the cake was extremely under whelming, I take some part in that as I really didn’t have anything I NEEDED to have on the cake. So I just picked out a design I liked I told the decorator to use her imagination and have at it (having been told her cakes are amazing, I figured she would take it and run with it… she kinda didn’t). One side had the designed I picked and the other had two little things piped on the side– oh well, we ate it, it was smashed on my face, who cares! In hide sight I should’ve been more detailed with her, kinda my fault.
Overall it was amazing experience, coming from a non bridezilla bride who really even with the cons had an amazing day! I think it might have been an off day for the staff, I think I just expected a little more since every one raved about the 5 star service. I still had an amazing time there and I think my guests despite getting a smidge wet also had a good time too! I still recommend this place to every that asks.

I can’t say enough about Forest House Lodge and their team! We were married there July 17 and it was really more than we could have hoped for! We had such a laid back, stress free time, and our guests had a wonderful time as well from what we heard. We arrived Thursday, and had a nice night hanging with family and friends after the rehearsal. Friday, the wedding day, we didn’t have to worry about a single thing. Our family went hiking and swimming while my girls and I got massages and drank mimosas. What a dream! I want to get married here every year! But since that can’t happen, I’ll settle for the cocktail party they throw for «legacy couples» ;) See you next year, FHL!

My son had his wedding here on the 4^th of July, booked only 3 months in advance, the only opening they had. It was beautiful and orchestrated with precision! The venue was lovely in the pines over looking the Sierras.
The lodge was lovely and rooms (10 rooms included for family and friends overnight of the wedding and others could also choose to stay. With a nice morning complete breakfast buffet provided) were very cutely decorated. Food was served to our 175 guest and was great, presented beautifully. Pretty much everything was taken care of which was nice because most of us live about 3 hours away so there was little to do.
It was quite warm, as you might expect, and one of our guests had their air conditioner in their room go out. When this was reported the staff immediately replaced it with a new one! All was well!
We were also concerned about parking since it’s a tiny town and they have some big 4^th of July events. But there was no problem at all.
Our son and daughter in law made a couple of trips previously to wine and food taste and make plans so they could choose from a huge variety of selections-​also catering to dietary restrictions. There were pre-​and post gathering times with drinks and appetizers for guests to give the wedding party time for pictures and to keep the guests happy.
This was a top notch venue and everyone had a marvelous time!

AMAZING! Staff is incredibly friendly, attentive and beyond helpful. The facility is beautiful, and clean with special thoughtful touches throughout. We were there for a wedding: it was a perfect venue, making me wish I could get married again. Highly recommend, top notch!

This was the absolute best wedding I have ever attended. Even though it was my daughter’s wedding she and her fiancé made us proud. The attention to details that she made that were so important to them showed in the end. The rooms were beautiful, venue was outstanding. Staff went above and beyond what was asked and food was delicious. We couldn’t of asked for a more perfect venue for the wedding. We received several text messages from friends and family who said that this wedding will be talked about for years to come. So thankful for Forest House Lodge — you rocked it.

Stayed there last weekend for my best friends wedding. The staff is so wonderful! They are kind, professional and on top of things. Alley was very kind and Trevor the bartender was always on top of things (whether it was a drink or getting you an extra key for your room) The ceremony site was beautiful and the lodge is very rustic. The food was amazing and the game rooms and bridal suite are awesome. I would absolutely recommend this place to others!

The venue for the ceremony is breathtaking. The owner is very cool, the waitstaff is fantastic. The bartender was terrible. The saying «never trust a skinny cheff, it applies to bartenders. «Never trust a bartender who has never had a drink in his life.» No joke, never the man has never drank. Trevor the bartender will say anytying to anyone to be your buddy and get tips also his drinks a fairly weak. Absolutely loved the after hours game rooms and bridal/​groom party suites. The food the receprion was great! The rooms are outdated which is ok except the plumbing is very outdated! Our room had 0 water pressure making showering impossible, litterally. This place is a great venue with a couple hang ups. I wouldn’t come back but it was an amazing weekend for the bride and groom and that’s all that really mattered.

We just got married at the Forest House Lodge on 11÷8÷14, and the entire experience was absolutely incredible. Everyone we worked with at the lodge was nothing but responsive, knowledgeable, helpful and accommodating and made planning a wedding there a piece of cake. Due to the fact that the lodge only does weddings, you automatically get a built-​in wedding planner. Alley held our hand throughout the entire process and made sure our wedding was a perfect event.
The lodge owns a private outdoor ceremony site a mile down the road which is absolutely breathtaking, and is what sold me and my husband on the venue. You are surrounded by trees with a view of the American River Canyon and mountains in the distance. It is a stunning place to get married and all the guests raved about its sheer beauty. If you’re looking for a gorgeous woodsy feel for your wedding, this is the spot.
Then there’s the lodge itself. It has a rustic, charming feel but at the same time feels new and restored. It has a full bar with a multitude of unique hats and masks guests can wear while partying. The bartender filled my glass with champagne as soon as I set it down and overall the bar was a super fun place to socialize. There are plenty of places for guests to be aside from the bar; a large reception area with hardwood floors, a balcony overlooking a courtyard, a library with a cozy fireplace… and I haven’t even gotten to the downstairs.
As you descend downstairs, you feel like you’re taking a trip into the rabbit hole from Alice in Wonderland. There is every bar game you can imagine, from poker tables to pool, and from Rock Band to ping pong. It’s the perfect place for an after party, and even features a dance floor fully equipped with a disco ball. This «man cave» is also where the dudes got ready before hand, and they loved hanging out here and drinking some beers.
The food was incredible, and everyone complimented the variety and deliciousness that was served. We got yummy pre-​ceremony appetizers, and then more appetizers at our cocktail party. For dinner we had steak, chicken, fish, salad, fruit, vegetables, potatoes, and garlic bread. Monica, the on-​site baker, made a beautiful cake for us as well.
Speaking of which, the icing on the cake of the Forest House Lodge is that there are rooms for your out of town guests. This way they can party all night and not worry about having to drive home. The lodge is truly yours for your whole event and you never feel like you are rushed. In the morning they provide a lovely breakfast buffet to soak up those drinks from the night before. Your wedding here feels more like a whole weekend experience as opposed to an event that ends at 12.
I couldn’t be happier with the Forest House Lodge and am so happy we got married here. I would definitely recommend this venue to anyone looking to get married in the greater Auburn area. Thank you for making our special day so spectacular!

We were recently married here on 8÷2÷2014. I honestly cannot say enough about how amazing the Forest House Lodge was! From the second we walked in the door until the next day after we left, every person was there to help and with a genuine smile. There was not a worry the entire day as everything was already handled and I didn’t have to think twice about any detail. This is quite important for me personally as I’m type A and sometimes too anal for my own good. I worry about EVERYTHING! But with Alley as my coordinator I never once worried about a single thing.
My Mom was a little worried about the price and the distance but once she saw the lodge she was sure this was the place… she even told me that she wished she could get married there!
Every single guest was blown away about how seamless everything went and how amazing the food was! And the view! You could never say enough about the view! It’s so breathtaking!
The staff again, I couldn’t say enough things! One of my lovely guests caused a ruckus in the bar and the way the staff handled it was amazing and I’m so thankful for that. We recently got out pictures back, and WOW. The day was incredible and it really shows in the pictures. I feel like we had a fairy tale start with a wedding so amazing!
Thank you, thank you, thank you to everyone at the lodge for helping to provide that!

I had a blast at my friends wedding! Everything was perfectly planned and went off without a hitch. The food was amazing and the entertainment room down stairs was very exciting. I stayed up until 5am dancing, playing air hockey, and they even had karaōke.

Went there over the weekend for a friends wedding. It was an amazing experience. From the moment we checked into the room to the time we left it was so magical. The rooms are def not what I expected but they were cute and cozy. The bathroom is communal but stocked and ready for all your needs.
So cocktails started at 3pm. They served quesadilla’s, cucumbers, and steak skewers till it was time to go the the overlook for the ceremony.
The ceremony was beautiful. Overlooking the mountains around twilight. They offered water and bug spray to everyone (which came in handy deep in the woods).
When we arrived back to the lodge they had appetizers waiting. Spicy meatballs, fried artichoke hearts, and a mashed potato bar. Oh yes mashed potato bar. Let’s just say I went back a fee times to try out all the gravy’s lol.
Next came dinner. Beautiful room over looking the back patio. Let’s just say so much food. Stuffed chicken, steak, bacon Mac n cheese, asparagus, Caesar salad, and all the fruit you could want.
After dinner the dancing began which quickly went to the man cave. Downstairs is the party place to be. Dance floor, pool table, shuffleboard, air hockey, movie theatre. There is so much to do. They served an late night snack of chicken fingers and French fries before the bar closed. But the party didn’t end there. The bride and groom danced with us all till 5am.
The breakfast was a yummy buffet the next morning. Not a continental breakfast for sure. Check out was 11am. Perfect time.
Everyone one was so nice and accommodating. Love love love the look and feel of the whole Lodge. I’m telling everyone about this amazing place.

I’d like to update our review of Forest House. After sharing our frustrations and concerns, Patrick, the owner of Forest House, immediately reached out to me to apologize, and offered to help us continue with our planning. Unfortunately at this point we’ve already booked our venue, but I definitely plan to recommend this place for friend’s and family’s wedding’s to come. Patrick made us feel important, and was willing to do whatever he could to improve our previous experiences.
Thank you Forest House for the excellent customer service and support!