Searching for an amazing backdrop for a wedding, one with scenery as varied as it is breathtaking? Envision lush vineyards, majestic mountain ranges, leathery chapparals, towering coastal redwoods, colorful gardens, and groves of ancient olive trees. Add in a sprinkling of palatial estates, lavish resorts, opulent wineries, and rustic chic ranches. Don’t forget extraordinary gourmet cuisine and world-renowned wine. The idyllic setting for that most important day? Napa Valley.

For decades, from early spring through late autumn, throngs of weddinggoers have filled Napa Valley hotels and resorts, indulged in epicurean delights, luxuriated in the spas, and enjoyed invigorating excursions into pristine natural habitat. Perhaps a new winery or wine is discovered, creating a loyal fan. And then there was that celebration of a lifetime, immortalized in photos and videos.

Destination weddings and other life celebrations are an essential part of Napa Valley culture. No one getting married here will be wanting for anything, be it sophisticated photography and florals, memorable catering experiences, inspiring music, or transformative beauty services. Expect world-class hospitality from start to finish.

 

WINE COUNTRY CELEBRATIONS

Every year, nearly 4 million tourists from around the world visit Napa Valley to take in the region’s spectacular scenery and the bucolic agricultural setting, whose grapes produce some of the world’s premier wines. Early on, vintners and others in the region thought to protect the 23,000 acres (now 32K) of premium agricultural land in the valley and foothills, pushing back against the urban development that had spoiled other regions. In 1968, the Napa Valley Agricultural Preserve was established. In tandem with The Napa Land Trust, it has kept the region’s pastoral beauty intact and preserved the quality of the land, water, and air.

All of this is a prelude to understanding how events occur in the region, namely where they can be done and how they are produced to comply with the essential ecological restrictions. Important to consider: the beauty and caliber of experience visitors to the region enjoy is a direct result of these restrictions; they ensure Napa Valley maintains the qualities for which it is revered.

Before embarking on a frustrating attempt to find a winery willing to take on a wedding event, it is essential to understand the landscape surrounding the county restrictions. For those that don’t comply, the county may impose significant fines, and in the rare case an event takes place at a venue not in compliance, there is an underlying threat the event could be closed down mid-celebration. It happens.

 

WHERE TO HOST A WEDDING

There are three categories of settings available in Napa Valley appropriate for weddings: resorts, wineries situated outside Ag Preserve boundaries (only a handful), and then a sprinkling of assorted venues that range from a historic ranch setting to a culinary institute in a castle-like edifice.

Resort settings, by far, dominate the wedding scene in Napa Valley, and for good reason. They offer the spectrum of services destination wedding clients need—on-site catering, bar service, indoor and outdoor event spaces, furniture, tabletop and linens, accommodations, spa, and recreational services. All resorts in Napa Valley are outstanding, not only for the beauty of their structures and gardens but because they are thoughtfully designed to take advantage of the vineyard and mountain views couples desire for their wedding backdrop.

 

RESORT SETTINGS

Many of the region’s top resorts can be found in Yountville. This quaint village is surrounded by vineyards, has a European vibe, and has the highest level of Michelin-rated restaurants in Napa Valley – remarkable for a town of fewer than 3400 inhabitants. At the center of the village is The Estate Yountville, an expansive resort campus interspersed with luxurious and varied accommodations, gardens and vineyards, and intriguing indoor and outdoor event spaces. The Estate’s catering is on par with any of the world-famous restaurants down the street, and the resort can host weddings from 50 to 300, with a variety of spaces for ceremonies, dinner receptions, dancing, and afterglow parties. // www.theestateyountville.com

Also desirable are sister properties Bardessono Hotel and Spa and Hotel Yountville. Bardessono can accommodate a variety of celebrations, but the intimacy of the property makes it preferable for smaller gatherings of 50 – 60 guests. The ambiance is modern chic, and deeply green, both in aesthetic and in its mindful commitment to natural elements and the environment. Hotel Yountville, conversely, exudes classic wine country style with architectural features that include rough-hewn walls of native rock and European-style terraces lined with manicured cypress. The property is perfect for intimate weddings of 30 to 40 guests. // www.bardessono.com // www.hotelyountville.com

One of the region’s busiest wedding destinations is the Silverado Resort, conveniently located at the north end of the city of Napa—right off the Silverado Trail and close to downtown. Silverado’s most popular and scenic wedding venue, The Grove, can accommodate up to 280 guests and is surrounded by vintage oak trees and lush floral plantings. Near its ceremony area is a brick courtyard where receptions are typically held. Other spaces include the elegant Mansion Ballroom and Garden, which has been recently renovated and can accommodate 300, and the resort’s intimate wedding spaces, The Arbor and Vintner’s Court, where 90 – 100 guests can be hosted. Wedding packages include catering, full bar, tabletop, and furnishings, though most clients enjoy making the event spaces distinctively their own with custom decorative elements and upgraded furniture rentals. For overnight guests, there is a formidable collection of luxurious suites, dining options, spa services, and a world-famous golf course, racket sports, and bocce ball. // www.silveradoresort.com

On the south end of the valley, in Los Carneros AVA, are three distinctive resort settings: the Meritage Resort and Spa, Stanly Ranch Napa, and the Carneros Resort and Spa. Stanly Ranch is new to the region and has quickly grown in popularity. This highly versatile property is ideal for every type of wedding-related gathering, including the big event. The resort provides impeccable catering, plus exceptionally beautiful and distinctive event furniture, linens, and tabletop-components that perfectly complement the venue’s “modern ranch” aesthetic. Intimate weddings and elopements are available for 2 – 20 guests, and the resort can readily accommodate larger celebrations of up to 300. Event spaces include the Garden House Complex and the Glasshouse Barn, which opens up to an elegant patio and Cutting Lawn, where wedding ceremonies are held. // www.aubergeresorts.com/stanlyranch

The Meritage Resort is an expansive complex with over 40 unique venues for weddings and auxiliary wedding events. Notable are the Vineyard Deck on a hillside populated by grapevines, the romantic cave setting, the Village Lawn, and two grand ballrooms. The Meritage can take on every manner of event, from elopements to large gatherings of up to 700 guests, and the resort kitchen is uniquely able to accommodate a variety of cultural traditions. In addition to 467 guest rooms, the resort also offers an array of amenities: numerous dining options, pools, spa services, bowling, shuffleboard, and a “village” of tasting rooms highlighting boutique wines of Napa Valley. // www.meritageresort.com

The Carneros Resort, now over 20 years old, is well-established in the region and sits on 28 acres of rolling Carneros hillside, with idyllic ranches and vineyards as a backdrop. Carneros Resort is popular both for elopements and honeymoons, as well as weddings of up to 300. Celebrations take place in a combination of the resort’s nine indoor and outdoor spaces. Resort amenities include honeymoon-worthy cottages, pools, exceptional spa services, an expansive fitness center, and multiple dining options. Event catering emanates from the resort’s award-winning restaurant kitchens. // www.carnerosresort.com

On the valley’s north end is the region’s newest gem, the Four Seasons Resort and Residences Napa Valley. This impressive facility is located in Calistoga and looks out onto lush vineyards and the awe-inspiring Palisades mountain range. Resort architecture pays homage to majestic Civilian Conservation Corps projects, like those in Lake Tahoe, with carved stone masonry, massive vaulted ceilings of natural wood, and masculine furnishings reminiscent of the national park lodges of old. The resort offers 85 guest rooms, an on-site spa, three restaurants, a fitness center, and a wine-tasting room. Event spaces include the Vineyard Barn and Lawn and the Lakeside Lawn, a pastoral setting on the resort’s lake. The Four Seasons is ideal for weddings of up to 220 guests and is also available for elopements. // www.fourseasons.com/napavalley

 

WINERY SETTINGS

Of the almost 475 wineries in Napa County, only a handful are licensed to host wedding events. Beringer Vineyards, V. Sattui Winery, Charles Krug Winery, and Merryvale Vineyards are among those.

Charles Krug was founded in 1861 and was Napa Valley’s first winery, followed shortly after by Beringer Vineyards in 1876. Ironically, Jacob Beringer had been the cellarmaster at Krug before opening his winemaking facility. Both wineries sit on historic acreage on the north end of St. Helena, with structures dating over 150 years in age.

The Beringer Vineyards property has a number of beautiful settings for wedding events. A fitting spot for the ceremony is The Grove, a sacred circle of 100-year-old redwoods. Once the ceremony is over and guests are enjoying wine and hors d’oeuvres at the Wine Caves, this elegantly landscaped and private inner courtyard is transformed into a dinner and dance reception area. Other lovely spots to consider are the winery’s grand lawn, which overlooks vineyards, and the historic Hudson and Rhine Houses. Rhine House, built in 1884, is undoubtedly the crown jewel of the property and the iconic spot for wedding portraiture. The capacity for indoor weddings at Beringer is 90 guests, while the outdoor setting can accommodate up to 200.

Beautifully pairing up with Beringer is neighboring Alila Resort, which offers services and amenities, as well as additional event spaces, which complement Beringer’s offerings. The resort’s 64 rooms and suites are perfect for wedding guests, with a picturesque walking bridge between the properties eliminating the need for transportation. Alila’s contemporary and spacious Acacia Barn is a great place to host a welcome dinner or post-wedding brunch and can accommodate up to 140 guests, while the intimate Patio setting can host 40. Wedding groups will find the resort a great spot for socializing, with firepit lounge areas, an inviting pool, and the highly-rated Acacia House restaurant. // www.beringer.com // www.alilahotels.com/napa-valley

A stone’s throw away from Beringer is the Charles Krug Winery. Though the property is of a similar vintage, Krug has an entirely different ambiance and layout. From Highway 29, guests traverse a long and dramatic drive-up to the event area, the Great Lawn and Carriage House. The massive Victorian carriage house structure is offset by the aptly named lawn area bordered by towering redwoods and other old-growth trees. Beyond this lush and shady lawn are vineyards as far as the eye can see. This inspiring setting is ideal for large groups of up to 800. Smaller events (under 100) will likely feel dwarfed or find the site fee disproportionate to their use of the facility. An important consideration: this property is “bare bones” and will require the full gamut of event rentals and decorative detailing. // www.charleskrug.com

V. Sattui Winery is Napa Valley’s most popular wedding venue and one of the most visited wineries in the region. The appeal is in its classic Tuscan vibe, reflected in rough-hewn stone masonry structures, an abundance of flowers and herbs, ancient olive trees, and rustic Italianate fountains. The venue is best for groups of 100 – 200, though smaller events are also possible but still require a full venue buyout. Elopements are also very popular at V. Sattui and take place year-round. Popular event spaces on the winery campus include Vittorio’s Vineyard Lawn, which is adjacent to Vittorio’s Terrace, a popular spot for a wine reception. The majestic Tower Lawn and Lower Courtyard are the most popular ceremony areas, while the Barrel Cellar’s romantic ambiance is perfect for a candlelight dinner reception. Unlike other wineries in the region, V. Sattui provides in-house catering during high season. Michelin-starred chef Stefano Masanti oversees exquisite multi-course dinners that resonate with V. Sattui’s wines. // www.vsattui.com

Merryvale Vineyards is located in the heart of St. Helena and is another renowned event venue popular for its dramatic cask room. Merryvale is ideal for a rehearsal dinner or an intimate wedding dinner reception for up to 112. Couples can preface their dinner with a wine and hors d’oeuvres hour in the tasting room, and if desired, a dance reception can also be held in that same space post-dinner. Merryvale’s indoor setting is desirable for winter and spring events and is an ideal reception site for couples who’ve had a ceremony at one of St. Helena’s beautiful churches. // www.merryvale.com

 

WORLD-CLASS CATERING

Napa Valley hosts thousands of events each year, yet many of the venues in the region do not have in-house food service. For events at wineries, ranch settings, and private estates, outside catering services will need to be employed. Fortunately, Napa Valley has many excellent catering options, most on a par with the region’s top restaurants.

Elaine Bell Catering is renowned for exceptionally flavorful dishes, cutting-edge recipes, elegant presentation, and versatility in food service styles, from multi-course plated dinners to festive family-style presentations to stations and passed hors d’oeuvres. Also outstanding is the company’s mastery of numerous ethnic cuisines, including Indian, Greek, Persian, Mexican, Japanese, Italian, and more. The Bay Area is diverse, and Elaine Bell seeks to provide world-class cuisine for every type of celebration. // www.elainebellcatering.com

Tre Posti’s roots run deep in Napa Valley; the current operation has evolved from Tra Vigne Restaurant, a culinary landmark in the region for 30 years. Tre Posti takes advantage of local food purveyors, creating a seamless blend of classic Napa Valley and Italian fare, which pairs beautifully with regional wines. Full-service catering is their specialty, and that includes full bar service. // www.tresposti.com

Relative newcomer La Saison is a boutique catering company offering elegant California cuisine with ingredients sourced from local farmers. Recipes reflect Italian and French influences but are inspired by that which is seasonal. La Saisson specializes in more intimate affairs but can accommodate groups of 8 – 200 guests. Passed hors d’oeuvres, food stations, and dessert bars are specialties of La Saison, and its custom catering can be presented as multi-course plated dinners, family-style service, as a buffet, or in a themed format. // www.lasaisonnapavalley.com

 

ALL THOSE OTHER GREAT EVENT VENUES

Triple S Ranch, a historic private estate in the mountains above Calistoga, has become one of Napa Valley’s most popular wedding venues. Clients rent this expansive property for the weekend, making their celebrations a multi-day affair. In addition to the 2,200-square-foot event barn and over 10,000 square feet of outdoor event spaces, there are assorted accommodations for up to 60 guests, and the ranch includes luxurious amenities similar to neighboring resorts. The centerpiece of the property is a Victorian farmhouse that has been lovingly restored. In addition, all structures on the property have been detailed with antique decorative elements and vintage furniture. Triple S is perfect for wedding groups of up to 150. // www.triplesranchnapa.com

Other distinctive event properties in Napa Valley include the Culinary Institute of America’s Greystone and COPIA campuses. CIA Greystone is a castle-like edifice with massive event spaces that lend themselves to dramatic staging. Modern and stylish, CIA COPIA offers a variety of indoor and outdoor spaces perfect for weddings. The Amphitheatre sits behind the property with the Napa River as a backdrop, providing a natural yet elegant setting for the ceremony. At the same time, the Atrium, with its tall ceilings and floor-to-ceiling windows, is ideal for a cocktail hour and, later, the dance reception. The Grove, sprinkled throughout with olive trees, is a favorite space for wedding dinners. As one might imagine, the catering at both Culinary Institute locations are some of the best in the region. // www.ciaatcopia.com // www.ciachef.edu

Other notable non-winery venues in the region include Beaulieu Garden in Rutherford, with its posh European-style garden setting, and Farmstead, whose event spaces and grounds exude a classic American farm aesthetic. Farmstead’s popular restaurant kitchen pumps out some of the best NorCal farmhouse cuisine in the region. Luxurious Churchill Manor in downtown Napa has probably seen more weddings than any other venue and is popular for elopements and boutique weddings. This beautiful Victorian is adorned with elegant period furnishings and is a perfect spot for weddings and honeymoons. // www.beaulieugarden.com // www.longmeadowranch.com/eat-drink/restaurant // www.churchillmanor.com

Perched near the top of Mount Veeder and surrounded by vineyards are the Christian Brothers Retreat and Conference Center and Mont LaSalle Chapel. The Retreat offers numerous indoor and outdoor event spaces, full-service catering, and well-appointed accommodations. In the center of the complex is the magnificent Mont LaSalle Chapel, available for Catholic wedding masses with up to 200 attendees. // www.christianbrosretreat.com/property

 

IMPORTANT CONSIDERATIONS

All venues in Napa Valley require professional event planning services and liability coverage. Planners are essential not only for negotiating fair pricing and high-quality services but also for bird-dogging problems and keeping snafus invisible on the big day.

Highly regarded planners found on most preferred vendor lists include Cole Drake Events, which specializes in large ultra-luxury weddings, and Lovely Day Events, which produces intimate to medium-sized celebrations that embrace the organic look in sync with regional venue styles. Intimate Weddings Napa Valley is popular with locals and known for its inclusive events in all sizes and price points. // www.coledrake.com // www.lovelydayevents.com // www.intimateweddingsnapavalley.com

Good to know: Not all venues in Napa County allow a full bar. At play is the common liquor license available to wineries and event venues for fermented beverages, i.e., beer and wine. In these scenarios, “fermentation bars” are allowable, and a number of regional catering services support this type of beverage service.

Transportation is also of great concern for events in Napa Valley, especially when coordinating group events. In addition, some wine country roads are pitch black at night and full of unexpected twists and turns. Add to that hours of alcohol consumption, and the picture is clear— arranging transportation is crucial. Beau Wine Tours is the region’s top wedding transportation service, with an assorted fleet of vehicles, from coach buses and Mercedes Sprinters to stretch limos. Their “Napa Valley Wine Trolley” is fun for daytime events and great for photos. Also popular in the region is Classic Convertible’s fleet of 1947 cream-colored Packard Convertible Limousines. // www.beauwinetours.com // www.ccwinetours.com

Napa County’s marriage license process is simple: contact the Napa County Clerk (recorder-clerk@countyofnapa.org) with images of both parties’ government-issued photo IDs. An invitation will then be sent with instructions for submitting the marriage license application online. Final step: scheduling an in-person appointment to present photo IDs and pay for the license. Complete instructions for procuring the license can be found on the Napa County website. // www.countyofnapa.org/1327/Marriage-License-Ceremony

Finally, if lush vineyards are a must-have for wedding portraiture, plan accordingly. Vineyards in Napa Valley are fully leafed out from late March through mid-October. Though weddings take place all year, couples looking to have a primarily outdoor event should set a date from mid-May through mid-October while scenery is at its peak and the threat of inclement weather is minimal.

With so many venues, vistas, and wedding services to choose from, there is one thing all couples who get married in Napa Valley can agree on – when all good things converge, there is nothing better. Napa Valley is truly the quintessential setting for the celebration of a lifetime.