Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Perfect Event Venue in Nature's Embrace
Founded in 1946 by Max and Marion Caldwell, Hilltop Hacienda At Kennolyn began as a children's camp and has evolved into a premier destination for weddings, retreats, and special events. Nestled in the Santa Cruz Mountains on 450 acres of preserved natural beauty, we blend rustic charm with modern amenities across two unique venues. Our family-owned legacy ensures personalized service backed by decades of experience in creating unforgettable experiences.With a commitment to harmonizing with nature, we offer immersive outdoor activities alongside luxurious accommodations. Our dedicated team of professionals, many with decades of tenure, specializes in transforming visions into seamless events. From intimate gatherings to large celebrations, Hilltop Hacienda At Kennolyn's expertise in event coordination, culinary excellence, and venue versatility make us a trusted choice for creating lasting memories.
Services
Wedding Venues
Retreat Hosting
Event Planning
Accommodations
Outdoor Activities
Catering Services
Team Building
Custom Programs
Lodging
Soiree Packages
Details
- Year established: 1946
Highlights and features
- Family-owned legacy spanning 75+ years in event hosting
- Two distinct venues combining natural beauty with luxury amenities
- Experienced team with decades of institutional knowledge
- All-inclusive packages with customizable options available
- Commitment to preserving natural surroundings while providing modern comforts
What people say
Unforgettable experiences
Attentive team
Breathtaking redwoods
Seamless events
Culinary excellence
Services
Weekend Wedding Retreat
The Weekend Wedding Retreat at Stone Creek Village offers an immersive three-day celebration experience. This package includes exclusive venue access from Friday 4pm to Sunday 11am, accommodations for 60+ guests, recreational activities, and comprehensive event coordination. Professional staff handle all details while our culinary team provides locally sourced menus, creating a memorable celebration blending nature with luxury.
Hacienda Wedding Day
Hilltop Hacienda's wedding day package features Spanish architecture and coastal views for events hosting 90-300 guests. The offering includes 5.5 hours of exclusive venue use with ceremony and reception spaces, dedicated preparation areas, and complete event coordination. The package combines historic charm with modern amenities including catering services, decorative lighting, and outdoor recreational spaces for a sophisticated celebration experience.
Soire on the Hill
This elegant reception package transforms Hilltop Hacienda into an upscale event space for 100+ guests. The four-hour format includes venue exclusivity, premium beverage service, gourmet appetizers, and themed food stations. Professional event coordination ensures flawless execution for occasions like rehearsal dinners, corporate parties, or milestone celebrations, combining luxury amenities with the property's natural beauty for memorable social gatherings.
Corporate Retreats
Hilltop Hacienda At Kennolyn's retreat hosting combines natural surroundings with professional facilities for groups seeking productive yet inspiring environments. Packages include meeting spaces, team-building activities, and customized dining options across both venues. The all-inclusive offering features technology support, accommodation for multi-day events, and flexible scheduling, making it ideal for corporate strategy sessions, leadership development programs, and organizational team-building experiences.
Outdoor Activities
The property's natural setting supports diverse outdoor experiences enhancing any event. Features include hiking trails, sports courts, swimming pools, and adventure courses available for additional fees. These amenities create unique engagement opportunities for wedding guests or retreat participants, offering recreational breaks that leverage the redwood forest environment while fostering connection and relaxation during special events.
People
Pam Caldwell Nootbaar
President & CEO
Granddaughter of founders, overseeing operations since 1995. Holds MBA from Georgetown University. Expanded camp legacy to include events while maintaining family traditions and commitment to excellence.
Andrew Townsend
General Manager
35+ years experience starting as camp storekeeper. Holds management roles across operations. Ensures smooth event execution using extensive institutional knowledge and leadership expertise developed over decades of service.
Andrea Maue
Event Manager
Brings diverse hospitality background including winery management and culinary television experience. Combines traditional Hilltop Hacienda At Kennolyn values with innovative approaches to create distinctive guest experiences through meticulous event planning and coordination.
Elyse Lindgren
Event Coordinator
Santa Cruz native with hospitality degree from San Jose State University. 12 years event planning experience including banquet management. Specializes in creating personalized wedding experiences while maintaining professional standards for seamless event execution.
Maddie Walsh
Event Coordinator
Former educator and athlete applying organizational skills to wedding planning. Focuses on stress-free celebrations through detail management and compassionate communication, ensuring each couple's vision translates into flawless real-world events using structured yet flexible approaches.
Questions
What wedding packages do you offer?
We offer three main packages: Weekend Wedding Retreat at Stone Creek Village ($25k+), Hacienda Wedding Day ($17.5k+), and Soire on the Hill ($10k+), each with specific inclusions and capacity ranges.
What is the guest capacity for each venue?
Stone Creek Village accommodates 60-150 guests with overnight stays required. Hilltop Hacienda hosts 90-300 guests for day events. Soire on the Hill suits 100+ guests for reception-only functions.
What's included in your wedding packages?
Packages include venue access, event coordination, catering options, equipment rentals, and recreational access. Specifics vary by package but all include professional staff support and basic amenities for seamless event execution.
Can we customize our event?
Yes, menus and event details can be customized. Additional fees apply for extended hours, special programs like ropes courses, and premium services beyond standard package inclusions.
How do I book a date?
Submit a Request for Proposal through our website. Our team will provide availability details, pricing specifics, and coordinate site visits to begin planning your customized event experience.
What makes Hilltop Hacienda At Kennolyn unique?
Our combination of natural beauty, family legacy, and versatile venues creates distinctive events. The 450-acre property with redwood forests offers immersive experiences unavailable at conventional event spaces.
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