Napa Valley remains one of the most sought-after places in the country to host a destination wedding – and understandably so.

With a Mediterranean-like climate, gorgeous landscapes, and world-renowned food and wine, it’s no wonder so many couples opt for a wedding amongst our rolling vineyards. Where in the valley to say, “I do,” however, depends on what you’re looking for – and what you like.

Winery options are limited – only five Napa Valley wineries can legally host weddings due to the Winery Definition Ordinance (WDO) set in place in 1989. The WDO was established to protect Napa Valley’s agricultural land by clearly specifying what sorts of activities were allowed and not allowed on property. Of those wineries that can host weddings, they were "grandfathered" in due to their pre-regulatory status. And while resort locations are plentiful, they are usually geared toward larger groups.

Fortunately, there are a bevy of sites for all group sizes and interests – everything from culinary centers to parks and more. Here are some of our favorite Napa Valley venues for tying the knot.

Harvest Inn by Caitlin O'Reilly
Harvest Inn by Caitlin O'Reilly

Winery Wedding Venues

As noted already, only five wineries in Napa Valley can legally host a wedding per the WDO. However, the number of wineries that quietly accommodate private events grows every year. We’ve only listed the five wineries approved for wedding ceremonies below but learn more about which wineries can host a reception, rehearsal dinner, or morning-after brunch as there are a large number throughout the valley with private rooms or spaces that can accommodate everything but the ceremony itself.

  • Beringer Vineyards

    This stately St. Helena winery – the oldest continually operating winery in Napa Valley – has an array of beautiful and functional spaces for groups of all sizes, including the historic 17-room stone Rhine House, circa-1852 Hudson House, The Grove ringed with 100-year-old redwoods, and the wine caves. There are also beautiful picnic grounds, a bocce ball court, and a culinary center, all surrounded by vineyards on three sides. (For overnight guests, Alila Napa Valley is right next door.) The winery provides wedding services that can include engagement parties, bridal showers, the reception, and the ceremony itself.

  • Chandon

    This Yountville winery, famous for sparkling wine, is a perfect fit for weddings. Venues here include classic California gardens to a statement lawn shaded by 100-year-old oak trees and with views of the valley. Indoor tasting spaces also are available – both for wedding ceremonies, rehearsal dinners, or post-event brunch. The winery is a short drive or long walk from resorts in downtown Yountville.

  • V. Sattui Winery

    Located just outside St. Helena, this family winery was founded in 1885, and its original stone buildings create a romantic setting reminiscent of French and Italian wine estates. The buildings are surrounded by manicured gardens, lawns, giant oak trees and 35 acres of vineyards. Private and semi-private venues include the Barrel Cellar (seats 250), the Lower Courtyard (250), Vittorio’s Vineyard Lawn (250), Vittorio’s Picnic Area (100), and Vittorio’s Terrace (32).

  • Merryvale Vineyards

    Also in St. Helena, this winery is perhaps best known for its Historic Cask Room, with two stories of century-old 2,000-gallon casks lining the stone walls. Receptions begin in the tasting cellar with passed hors d'oeuvres. Candles are then lit, lights are lowered, music begins, and the drapes are pulled aside to reveal an enchanting dining hall reminiscent of majestic Old World winemaking estates. The room can accommodate groups of just over 100.

  • Charles Krug Winery

    Named one of the “Best Wedding Venues in Napa Valley by Food & Wine magazine, the oldest winery in Napa Valley (circa-1861) located in St. Helena boasts wedding options that include the restored 1881 Carriage House and Great Room, and the Great Lawn, a park-like garden wrapped in vineyards. The lawn, which is flanked on three sides by beautiful and spectacular old oak trees, can accommodate up to 700 guests.


Resort Wedding Venues

The stunning scenery of Napa Valley is sure to provide” wow factor,” and a four season, mild climate means planning everything from the ceremony to group activities can be done without the worry of weather woes. Choosing a resort venue for your destination wedding is another option and often comes with the added bonus of an onsite wedding coordinator, whose job it is to make sure your ceremony and accompanying celebrations are streamlined and worry-free so you and your guests can enjoy every moment. Below is a sampling of some of the resorts that can accommodate weddings or wedding-related activities.

  • Auberge du Soleil

    Renowned for its breathtaking views of Napa Valley, this St. Helena resort is the perfect place for an intimate affair. The outdoor Terrace and Ceremony Deck provide a stunning natural setting, while indoor event spaces offer venues shaded from the elements. A full renovation of the Private Dining Level at Auberge du Soleil is now open for events as well. The resort has a Michelin-starred culinary team to make the meal memorable.

  • Carneros Resort & Spa

    With the rolling hills of the Carneros region in the background, this Carneros spot is the ultimate location to share a wedding day with your loved ones. The 10,000-square-foot Vineyard Lawn is well-manicured and lined with flowers and lush gardens; it boasts a panoramic view of scenic vineyards that make quite a backdrop for an unforgettable day. Indoor spaces feature high ceilings and an abundance of natural light.

  • The Estate Yountville

    This downtown Yountville resort offers multiple venues for wedding parties, including a garden gazebo, a palm-shaded terrace with views of the Mayacamas Mountains, and a romantic 19th-century ballroom. The resort has dedicated culinary and audio/visual teams to help make the event exquisite and perfectly tailored to guest desires.

  • The Meritage Resort & Spa

    Located just south of the town of Napa, this sprawling resort offers three different venues for a ceremony and party: a wine cave, a hill with vineyard views, or a classic ballroom. A rooftop terrace also can be used for cocktail hours and smaller affairs. The largest of these options – the hillside – can accommodate up to 600 guests. On-site catering and audio/visual teams help make every wedding exactly what the couple desires.

  • Silverado Resort

    This country club style resort near the town of Napa serves as a picturesque backdrop for a commitment ceremony. Venue options include The Grove, nestled between oak trees and lush gardens, as well as various lawns and indoor spaces that look out on the golf course and the valley itself. An on-site culinary team takes care of food and wine, while a list of preferred vendors makes other selections quick and effortless.

  • Solage

    Surrounded by breathtaking mountain ranges, steps from Calistoga in northern Napa Valley, Solage, Auberge Resorts Collection brings an enchanting twist to the Napa resorts lifestyle. Wedding coordinators are available to help couples plan their perfect celebration, helping them to pick the best site amongst its seven different rooms, terraces, or lawns. Onsite catering is also on hand to take care of the food and wine so the wedding party can enjoy a spa treatment before the big day.

  • Stanly Ranch

    Napa Valley’s newest resort (as of April 2022) is a luxurious affair. With warm natural finishes, soft tones, firepits, and outdoor showers, guests will be enchanted by the natural setting. A convivial spirit enthuses the property, perfect for wedding celebrations. The property can support parties up to 300 people in the lofty Glasshouse Barn (which is exactly what it sounds like), 250 people in the fragrant Lavender Lawn, or intimate groups at The Grange, which is located in the chef’s garden.

  • Alila Napa Valley

    Able to host up to 120 wedding guests, the elegant Alila Napa Valley has a couple of gorgeous spots to say “I do.” With vineyards as the backdrop, couples can exchange their vows on the lush Acacia Lawn or the rustic yet elegant Acacia Barn. Most rooms have large terraces and a fire pit, and guests can unwind at Spa Alila, which specializes in holistic treatments and aromatherapy.

  • Four Seasons Napa Valley

    One of the newest residents to Napa Valley, Four Seasons’ gorgeous and natural setting blends in with the Napa Valley landscape, providing an elegant venue for celebrating the rest of your life with the person you love. Rolling vineyards serve as the backdrop, with venues on the valley floor, overlooking the winery (the only resort in Napa Valley with an onsite winery), or lakeside, which sits against their resort lake. And while Four Seasons can accommodate up to 174 wedding guests, those looking for something more intimate can take advantage of the microwedding, which includes reception, cocktails, dinner, and dancing with 40 of your best friends.


Boutique Inn Wedding Venues

Of the 120 accommodations in Napa Valley, 70 of them have 30 rooms or less. For those who prefer a more intimate gathering, these luxury boutique inns are perfect places to do a takeover – booking the whole inn for your reception, meal, and accommodations. We’ve included a sampling of some of our favorites below.

  • Harvest Inn

    With a storybook setting off Highway 29 in St. Helena, this resort offers many different backdrops for a wedding event. The Vineyard View Terrace, flanked by a wisteria-draped trellis, looks out on an expansive block of vines, and enables the happy couple to wed in the vineyard itself. The white rose-framed Vin Rose Lawn is another option, with the Mayacamas Mountains as a backdrop. The manicured Manor House Lawn sits in the shadow of the Tudor-style Manor House, and the Vineyard View Room is elegant and protected from the elements.

  • Churchill Manor

    This beautifully restored 19-century mansion offers up 10 rooms, with redwood carved moldings and mantels, a grand piano, and gorgeous period antiques. Perfect for small parties of 25 or less – or elopements – the property can also go big with buffet-style dinner and dancing for 150 guests. The property also has the honor of being the first Napa residence to be listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

  • The Francis House

    Built in 1886 and left uninhabited for 52 years, The Francis House is the only stone building with authentic French Second Empire architecture in Napa County. Contemporary French design and National Register of Historic Places status blend to create five distinctive guest rooms in the heart of downtown Calistoga. Relax by the pool, rejuvenate in the infrared sauna and salt room, or join in a game of bar billiards. A carefully prepared farm-fresh breakfast made with local ingredients and herbs from the onsite garden is served each morning, and afterwards, guests can stroll the two blocks to Downtown Calistoga.

  • Poetry Inn

    Poetry Inn is a luxury Napa Valley inn perched on a hillside Cabernet Sauvignon vineyard in the Stags Leap District. Beyond its gated drive, guests experience the ultimate in privacy, serenity, and world-class hospitality with unparalleled Napa Valley views. Each room boasts a private terrace with spectacular views of vineyards, and if vineyard views from your room aren’t enough, the sparkling pool is surrounded by acres of Cabernet vines. Guests may also enjoy a complimentary wine tasting at Poetry’s sister winery, Cliff Lede Vineyards.

  • White House Inn

    White House Inn is a unique blend of a downtown Napa B&B and a refreshingly modern wine country boutique hotel. Totally renovated, White House Inn provides a relaxing, resort-style feel with lovely grounds, pool, and hot tub, and its convenient location offers quick access to Downtown Napa's best restaurants, shops, and tasting rooms. Breakfast is served each morning in a convenient grab-n-go presentation, with each meal curated by resident chefs to go beyond the typical fare.


Other Wedding Venues

A sampling of other venues is included below to highlight some of the varying opportunities available for ceremonies and more, but check out our weddings venues for information on additional locations to host a wedding in Napa Valley.

  • Brasswood Estate

    A relative newcomer to the event scene, this St. Helena compound is a unique wine and food destination that offers several indoor and outdoor venues for gatherings of all sizes. Some of these spots include the Vintner’s Den, the Winemaker’s Den, and Brasswood restaurant. The open-air courtyard is another option, with a burbling fountain and manicured lawn. There also are wine caves available to club members for whom price is not an object.

  • The Culinary Institute of America at Greystone

    This iconic stone building in St. Helena was constructed in 1889 and operated by the Christian Brothers from 1945 to 1989. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1978. With grand cathedral ceilings and massive hand-cut stone walls, the Cask Room offers a stunning indoor venue for a wedding (or another celebration). Outside, the terraced amphitheater creates a great backdrop, too. One thing is certain about events here: You know the food will be great.

  • The Culinary Institute of America at Copia

    Situated next to the Oxbow Public Market in downtown Napa, this facility offers a variety of picturesque indoor and outdoor spaces for a wedding ceremony, reception, rehearsal dinner, brunch, or bachelor/bachelorette party. The venue offers an expert team to work with guests on every aspect leading up to the big day, including menu development, beverage pairings, décor, or hands-on ways to weave fun food experiences throughout.

  • Napa Valley Wine Train

    The Napa Wine Train, a scenic railroad that runs daily from downtown Napa to Yountville, offers a one-of-a-kind backdrop for a wedding or wedding-related event. The train offers ample room for a small group to celebrate, dine, and party – all while vineyards and the Napa Valley countryside zoom by outside. New for 2022 is a seated afternoon tea service that would make wedding brunch or a rehearsal dinner memorable for all involved.

  • The Saint

    Located in a historic bank building in downtown St. Helena, The Saint has become a popular spot for weddings and wedding-related events. Private rooms offer a unique event experience for anywhere from 12 to 100 guests. The venue has its own culinary team that can prepare a full dinner menu or appetizers, and a hospitality staff that can manage wine tastings for groups of all sizes. The Saint offers full buyout and individual room rental options, depending on the size of the event.

  • Triple S Ranch

    This private estate and ranch in the hills above Calistoga delivers some of the best sunsets California Wine Country has to offer. Onsite wedding venues include the beautifully restored Grand Victorian farmhouse, the 2,200-square foot vintner’s barn with a full commercial kitchen, and more than 10,000 square feet of outdoor entertainment space. Packages are available; some even include overnight accommodations.

  • Fairview Napa

    There aren’t many banquet halls in Napa Valley, but this one in Napa proper is among the best. The private reception site is set to accommodate gatherings of 50-200 people; both indoor and outdoor venues are available. All-inclusive packages are totally customizable and can include everything from catering and DJ to photographer and videographer. Fairview has wedding experts available seven days a week for tours and consultations.


Venues for Groups and Parties

The valley is full of restaurants that can accommodate wedding parties. Here's some unique ideas for rehearsal dinners, next-day brunches, bachelorette parties, and more, but you can also find additional group venue options.

  • Clif Family Winery

    While this St. Helena winery can’t host wedding parties, it does offer a range of sustainable wedding favors, welcome packages, and wedding party gifts. The patio in front of the winery also is a great spot for a rehearsal dinner or post-wedding brunch. For visitors who prioritize sustainability, every Clif Family product is made with the highest quality and care while having the lowest impact and cost to our planet.

  • Best Food Truck Ever

    The fast-casual Heritage Eats restaurant has attracted quite a following over the years for its healthy and locally sourced globally inspired comfort food. The food truck, owned and operated by the same team, delivers the same delectable food to weddings and wedding-related events. Chefs provide customizable menus for both traditional style catering and distribution straight from the truck. The result: Wedding food everyone will remember.

  • Napa Valley Lobster Co

    This Napa-based catering company brings together Maine lobster, New Orleans seasoning, and Napa charm for an unbelievable dining experience in the form of private boils. Designed for weddings, engagement parties, rehearsal dinners, and other intimate events, these meals are focused on making the dining experience interactive and unforgettable. Most options include live preparation right in front of guests’ eyes; food is then spread out on the table to enjoy family-style.

  • Pizzeria Tra Vigne

    A local favorite, this St. Helena restaurant is the perfect casual space for a rehearsal dinner, bridal shower, or bachelor/bachelorette party. Chefs prepare passed hors d'oeuvres, antipasti, salads, pizzas, pastas, and more. Event coordinators can also set up a mozzarella al minuto demonstration station for dramatic effect – and a delicious treat. Tra Vigne even has a private bocce court for guests to unwind after they’ve eaten and celebrated.

 


Wedding Resources