With over a decade of experience as a Sonoma wine country wedding photographer, I know all of the ins and outs. My clients have said “I do” practically everywhere! Which means that I have gotten to tour, explore and learn about diverse wedding venues across the state. Keep scrolling for my list of 10 of the best wedding venues in Napa Valley wineries and more (listed in no particular order).
Each Napa Valley wedding venue offers something unique - in style and experience. I assure you, there is a venue for everyone. If you’re planning your Napa Valley wedding from out of state, I encourage you to trust the recommendations that local wedding and event professionals provide. Click here to view more real wedding galleries.
10 of the Best Wedding Venues in Napa Valley
No. 1: The Meritage Resort and Spa
The Meritage Resort and Spa is one of the best wedding venues in Napa Valley for their sweeping views of vineyards and overall luxury experience. They offer that idyllic Sonoma wine country California experience that people travel thousands of miles to experience.
The Meritage Resort and Spa prides themselves on tailoring each wedding and event to their clients. Every Meritage couple gets exactly what they desire, so that couples can only focus on indulging and enjoying themselves on their wedding day. This is the perfect destination wedding venue in Napa Valley because, in addition to vineyards, they offer:
Nine tasting rooms
An award-winning spa
Ballrooms
Restaurants
On-site entertainment
Health and safety guidelines
Luxury hospitality
The Meritage Resort and Spa provides authentic experiences for guests - it is so much fun for me to take pictures of my clients at this venue! The resort is located in Napa Valley, between Thompson and Rocktram. I am very familiar with the area, which is another reason why I am a good wedding photographer choice if you book this Napa Valley venue.
No. 2: Castello di Amorosa
So many people dream of having a fairytale wedding. What fairytale is complete without a castle? Castello di Amorosa is definitely one of the best wedding venues in Napa Valley Wineries.
The castle is almost 30 years old and the stunning, medieval-inspired architecture is jaw-dropping. Castello di Amorosa has over 8,000 tons of hand-chiseled stone, including: A mote, five towers, a draw bridge, stables, an armory, courtyards and loggias, and even a torture chamber. But don’t worry, that is reserved for wedding crashers. Not only is this one of my favorite Napa Valley wedding venues, but it is one of my favorite photo session destinations in general.
The best part? Castle di Amorosa is placed right in the middle of gorgeous, green, sprawling vineyards. It is a Sonoma wine country California wonderland.
If you desire a unique wedding experience, Castle di Amorosa will leave your guests in awe. This Napa Valley venue will make your destination wedding unforgettable.
No. 3: Carneros Resort and Spa
Carneros Resort and Spa is one of the best wedding venues in Napa Valley wineries. The weddings that are hosted here are luxurious and legendary - my favorite style!
This Napa Valley wedding venue destination can host traditional, indoor events and outdoor events that overlook vineyards and rolling hills. Each on-site event space features clean and modern design aesthetics. Carneros Resort and Spa will cater to your every need while also providing views that receive oohs and ahhs. As a Napa Valley wedding photographer, I simply love this location.
As an added bonus, the resort is committed to creating sustainable wedding environments. They achieve this with eco-friendly lawns and landscaping and seasonal menus. They also have an arbor, dining room and ballroom.
If I haven’t been able to convince you of this Napa Valley wedding venue’s magic yet, don’t worry - Carneros Resort and Spa is also beloved by the world. It was even featured in People Magazine when actress and singer Lea Michele tied the knot there. This is another reason Carneros Resort made my top 10 list of Best Wedding Venues in Napa Valley.
No. 4: Auberge du Soleil
International destination weddings are dreamy, but sometimes France is a little unattainable. Lucky for you, Napa Valley weddings can be just as magical at Auberge du Soleil - a venue that brings the romantic taste of Southern France to California.
What began as a French fine-dining experience has expanded into a luxury hotel with 33 acres of heritage olive and oak trees. Comfort and sophistication are combined with a long-standing reputation as Sonoma wine country California’s most iconic property.
Auberge du Soleil guarantees that your wedding day will be one of the happiest days of your life. They promise that you and your guests will “go home with a story.” I can be there to capture those memories and turn them into a wedding album that you will cherish forever.
Getting married at Auberge du Soleil means that your big day will be set amongst panoramic views of vineyards. Located on the valley floor with the Mayacamas Mountains in the distance, this Napa Valley wedding venue is a wedding photographer’s dream come true.
No. 5: V. Sattui Winery
All of the places on my Best Wedding Venues in Napa Valley Wineries list are special, and V. Sattui Winery is no different. This venue has a unique rustic charm that makes them stand out. Plus, your event can be catered by an Italian Michelin Star Chef, Stefano Massanti. For the reason alone, you should be planning your next visit.
Your wedding at V. Sattui Winery can have some of the world’s best food and delicious award-winning V. Sattui Wine. The happy couple even gets a complimentary Chef’s Table tasting with Stefano, so that he can create your ideal menu. My mouth is watering already!
V. Sattui Winery has various rooms that you can reserve, each with its own style of beauty and ambiance. From The Barrel Cellar and Vittorior’s Terrace to The Gold Room, Picnic Grove and Vineyard Lawn - you can’t make any wrong choices when it comes to getting married here.
BONUS: I love shooting all of the rooms at V. Sattui Winery and I can’t wait to capture your special day!
No. 6: Fairview Napa
Fairview Napa valley wedding venue makes wedding planning fun and stress-free. Not only does this venue offer stunning views, but they also have convenient accommodations for all aspects of your wedding. Fairview Napa can provide the following:
Dinner
DJ and MC
Invitations
Wine
Appetizers
Congratulations toast
Hosted bar services and cocktail hour
Guest book
Centerpieces
Ceremony florals
Wedding cake
And the list goes on! The only thing that they don’t offer is photography, which is where I come in as your Napa Valley wedding photographer.
Fairview Napa valley wedding venue works with couples to create customizable and personal wedding packages that fit within your budget. They host everything from small intimate affairs to full-blown galas. The sky's the limit. Wedding planning is already stressful, but it doesn’t have to be if you choose Fairview Napa.
No. 7: Hans Fahden Vineyards
There’s only one word that can be used to describe weddings at Hans Fahden Vineyards: magical. This Napa County wedding venue is located in Calistoga, California. Hans Fahden Vineyards offers some of the most beautiful outdoor event spaces in the state, which makes them a top-choice venue.
Here is a list of photo opportunities that are waiting for you at Hans Fahden Vineyards:
Vine-covered walkway
Peaceful ponds
Romantic gardens
Ancient vines
Rustic wine cave
Hans Fahden Vineyards is an amazing place for me to photograph couples. This Napa Valley venue is available for rental, but they also offer an all-inclusive package to couples who don’t want to worry about anything.
No. 8: Silverado Resort
The breathtaking mansion of Silverado Resort sets it apart from other places on my Best Wedding Venues in Napa Valley Wineries list. I love to take pictures of the happy couple in front of the mansion on their big day. The gorgeous, expansive house is a beautiful backdrop for any special event and serves as a unique event space.
Silverado Resort offers the following amenities:
Arbor
Outside Terrace
Bocce courts
Gardens
On-site wedding planners
Customized catering
Cultural and global wedding services
Wedding party activities
What more could you want from a Napa Valley wedding venue? From beginning to end, rehearsal dinner to the farewell brunch, Silverado Resort will take care of everything.
No. 9: The Culinary Institute of America
Attention foodies! I have the perfect Napa Valley winery wedding venue for you. Not only are the grounds of The Culinary Institute of America stunning, they also have two Northern California locations.
The Culinary Institute of America at Greystone in St. Helena - This venue has a main building with grand cathedral ceilings and hand-cut stone walls. According to their website, those walls lend a historic and romantic feel to events. This venue also has gorgeous vineyard views because it was previously Greystone Cellars Winery. The Institute at Greystone in St. Helena is a quintessential Napa Valley setting.
The Culinary Institute of America at Copia in Napa Valley - This sister-venue has a more modern style. Located in the heart of the Oxbow District in downtown Napa Valley, CIA at Copia is conveniently close to hotels, tasting rooms and nightlife. This venue also has a light-filled atrium and outdoor amphitheater for epic events.
Every food item in your wedding will be planned down to the minuscule detail at either of these CIA venues. They are dedicated to providing world-class food,, wine and hospitality that is honestly unmatched. Yes, this is another Napa Valley wedding photographer's dream destination.
No. 10: Charles Krug Winery
If Napa Valley is your dream wedding destination, you might as well tie the knot at the oldest winery in the valley. Charles Krug Winery is home to California’s first tasting room and has evolved into a renowned hospitality center. Known for its wines, design and one-of-a-kind experience, this venue has sat on the same stunning estate for centuries.
Acres of vines, heritage oak trees, lawns and redwood trees at Charles Krug Winery can serve as the backdrop for any wedding aesthetic. Your guests will marvel at massive oak trees and breathtaking views of the estate and vineyards as far as the eye can see. Grand architecture, cathedral ceilings and intricate woodwork abound.
Charles Krug Winery made it onto my list of the Best Wedding Venues in Napa Valley Wineries for its incredible scenery. This is definitely one of my favorite Napa Valley wedding venues to photograph.
Click here to book me for your picture-perfect Napa Valley wedding.
XOXO,
Alicia Parks Photography