The Best Napa Valley Wedding Venues
Weddings are a once in a lifetime experience that deserve to be splendid in every way possible. One option is to host your big day in Napa Valley’s outdoors with rolling vineyard views perfect for gorgeous photos. You can literally party all night inside a huge ballroom, munching on all the delicious food and of course wine! You also have the option of staying longer and relaxing in Napa for your honeymoon. Your Napa Valley wedding would not be complete without the natural vines creating a perfect backdrop for a sunny and romantic wedding. We came up with a list of our favorite options for your perfect wedding at this exotic destination. Here is our compiled list of the best Napa Valley wedding venues:
Meadowood Napa Valley
Full of towered redwood groves providing ample shade, Meadowood Napa Valley is partly foodie center, part country club and is considered one of the top wedding destinations at Napa. The heavily bearded Robbie William’s got married here in 2011. Amazing, right? This place is located in a quiet and sheltered valley which is nestled close to the galleries and chocolate shops of St. Helena. Avoiding the traffic on the weekends, this place is around ninety minutes away from the Golden Gate Bridge. Lauren Bates is the wedding specialist of this venue, and she works with the catering director Jennifer Pike, the mastermind behind over five hundred weddings that have happened over here over the past ten years. This luscious location in northern California is full of emerald green lawns, majestic fir trees and azalea gardens.
Considered the most impressive spread in Napa, it’s a modest venue, with the option to get a massive marquee along with a spare room. You could have events all week here and you wouldn’t have to come to the same place twice. The options are nearly endless, from cocktails in the lawns, a wine bar, a poolside brunch, ladies at the spa, a catered picnic with a bike trip and a game night in a private room. You can try everything! Worried about your guests? A great point about this venue is that it has lots of low budget accommodation. Another surprise is that the resort has the largest food suburb and the main hotel located in this place has three Michelin stars. The chef has a garden of his own along with his own chicken yard with the grounds.
Solage Calistoga
This place made our Napa Valley Wedding venue list because it’s only five years old yet it’s sustainable! Moreover, this place has a station for electric car charging as well. It’s a friendly atmosphere with families, friends and kids welcome. It’s located on the Northern side of Napa, around a two and a half hour drive from San Fransisco. You can have a nice bike ride to the towns of Calistoga on your bike very easily and experience the hot springs, mud baths and bars. Alycia Krause works as the site coordinator and helps with every detail from the timing of the ceremony to the menu which also includes tasting the food at least two months before the event at the venue. However, they do not handle the vendors and decor, so you’d need to get a wedding planner on your own for those elements.
Made up of all the twenty first century details, this place has a crisp architecture and details such as solar panels on the roof, timber framed cottages, fire pits, artwork, and a living outdoor space that has the look of a Northern California vibe. It also has a very feasible schedule, which is one wedding on every Saturday and Sunday of the season. They have two spaces for events; the larger space is a big barn with terraces and a courtyard along with a lawn that has mountain views. Small courts available as well where you can have cocktail parties and a patio with a pool for the chic events in the evening. There are plenty of rooms and a Michelin starred restaurant, which gives a luxurious approach with a laid back feel. The best part? A separate pool for families and a pair of cruiser bikes for every room.
Auberge du Soleil
If you’re considering a Napa Valley wedding, look no further than Auberge du Soleil, one of the most iconic properties in the region. The venue sits along a hillside, looking out onto a gorgeous 33-acre olive grove. Nicknamed the “Inn of the Sun,” Auberge du Soleil is known for its vineyard views and top notch customer service, including cleaning service in rooms twice per day. Conde Nast Traveler voted this location #1 on it’s Gold List in 2018 based on the incredible customer experience provided.
It’s definitely a top option considering the breathtaking views, 50 luxurious private mansions available, all-inclusive spa services and Michelin-rated dining. Relax all weekend of your wedding with swimming, tennis, and get a stretch in at the yoga pavilion before you say, “I do!” Each room is adorned with an outdoor terrace and fancy fireplace, and the views outdoors get even better. There’s an extensive outdoor sculpture garden and olive grove overlooking the property. Don’t forget the complimentary use of a Mercedes-Benz vehicle, should you need to leave the resort for any reason.
Calistoga Ranch
Consider a Calistoga Ranch wedding if you’re a couple that wants to get away for some alone time. The property in total reaches 157 acres riddled with ancient oak trees, vibrant hills, rocky streams and even a private lake. There are two-bedroom lodges available, which are surrounded by a quiet, peaceful canyon. You can relax on the large decks or hop in the hot tub to unwind. The cozy rooms have full kitchens and indoor/outdoor fireplaces so you have an excuse to stay tucked away all weekend in complete privacy.
In addition to the quaint rooms, there are on-property hiking trails, and it’s dog friendly, so you can bring your pets too! Take a stroll past the vineyard or stay active and take a class or activity offered, such as yoga, cooking, or wine tasting. If a natural surrounding is your idea of a dream wedding getaway, Calistoga Ranch is a great option for your Napa Valley wedding.
Maritage Resort and Spa
If you’re planning on inviting a lot of guests to your Napa Valley Wedding, The Maritage Resort and Spa might be the best pick for you! You can have your ceremony on the beautiful Vineyard Deck, followed by cocktails on the covered terrace, and a reception in one of the massive ballrooms offering 25 to more than 500 people. There are also options for events up to 1,000 guests. The bridal party can spend some time indulging in the spa services, including some couples-only packages for some one on one time with your soon to be spouse!
The event manager of the resort handles all aspects of the wedding weekend, including planning the food and ceremony details, and a room discount for your guests. Wait until you see the ornate Estate Cave, a candlelit setting that was made for a perfect rehearsal dinner. For a little bit of playful fun, the Crush Lounge is great to grab a drink and perhaps play a game of bowling. Another highlight of the experience is their morning after Brunch, which is so delicious you’ll never forget!
Vintner’s Inn
Sixty miles north of San Fransisco, Vintner’s Inn sits along the Russian River Valley. The motto of Vintner’s Inn is “Celebrate Everything,” which is the perfect motto for a wedding! The property has been awarded various environmental awards for it’s energy efficiency policy, waste management, and conservation programs. Along with that mentality, there are walking paths through the surrounding vineyards, olive tree orchards and vegetable gardens that provide produce for the on-property restaurants.
There are a variety of options of spots to get married on the property, from the Wedding Pavilion to the Chapel Hall. You can’t miss the spectacular 35-foot bell tower and water fountain, so you’re sure to make an entrance on your special day. John Ash & Co. is a renown restaurant famous for it’s extensive wine list with over 275 selections of local wines from the Sonoma County region. Exquisite decor, stone alcoves and lush landscaped gardens all contribute to a dreamy Napa Valley Wedding at Vintner’s Inn.
At the end of the day, Napa Valley is your perfect wedding destination to organize a mesmerizing and memorable wedding. All celebrations included – a large-scale celebration or an intimate getaway for you and your family. No matter which venue you choose, you can be guaranteed that incredible food and wine, California weather, and an incredible view awaits you and your partner for the event of a lifetime.
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Article by Clane Gessel Photography
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