Introduction

This comprehensive guide is designed for couples planning a wedding in Napa Valley in 2026-2027. It covers the best wineries, resorts, and hidden gems, explains local regulations, and provides expert tips for choosing the perfect venue. Discover why Napa Valley is one of the world’s most sought-after wedding destinations and how to make your celebration unforgettable.

Key Takeaways

Napa Valley wedding venues book 12–18 months ahead for prime dates—start early
Only a small number of grandfathered wineries host weddings; resorts and estates offer more flexibility
Venue type shapes your photography: caves, gardens, modern architecture, and vineyard lawns all tell different visual stories
Budget for venue fees in the $8,000–$10,000+ range, with per-guest costs often exceeding $500 for premium celebrations
May–June and September–October offer the best weather and colors for photos and video
Working with a photographer who knows Napa’s venues, light, and logistics makes timeline planning significantly easier

Planning a Napa Valley wedding is an investment in one of the world’s most photogenic destinations. The venue you choose sets the stage for every image and memory from your wedding day.

When you’re ready to start planning—or if you have a venue shortlist and want to see how it photographs—reach out to our team. We’ll help you visualize your day and make sure every golden-hour moment, wine cave portrait, and vineyard sunset is captured exactly as you imagined.

Your love story deserves Napa’s stunning scenery. Let’s make it unforgettable.

Start Here: How to Quickly Choose Your Napa Valley Wedding Venue

Napa Valley has strict winery wedding rules that catch many couples off guard—only a handful of grandfathered properties can legally host ceremonies and receptions. Top venues book 12–18 months ahead for prime Saturday dates. This guide will help you navigate your options, connect you with photography and videography services to capture every moment of your wedding day, and highlight the value of working with wedding planners to streamline the venue selection process.

Here’s a quick overview of the main venue types you’ll find in wine country:

Luxury resorts & spas – All-inclusive properties with on-site rooms, ceremony lawns, ballrooms, and built-in coordination
Permitted winery estates – Grandfathered wineries with vineyard views, barrel rooms, and that classic stone-and-vine aesthetic
Private estates & gardens – Exclusive private estate and historic estate venues, featuring formal European-style gardens or historic homes that offer both privacy and historical significance
Golf clubs & country clubs – Manicured lawns, pavilions, and clubhouse receptions at often more accessible price points
Barns, farms & countryside venues – Rustic-chic properties offering weekend-long experiences and relaxed atmospheres

Napa Valley wine country is renowned for its prestigious and scenic location, making it an ideal backdrop for weddings and special events. Napa Valley wedding venues include historic castles, wineries, luxury resorts, and art centers. Many couples appreciate the variety of venue types available in Napa Valley, including resorts, estates, and wineries.

Napa Valley wedding venues offer a wide variety of event spaces, including lush gardens, elegant ballrooms, scenic outdoor patios, and unique barns, providing options for ceremonies, receptions, and all your wedding-related events. These venues are also suitable for hosting a range of special events, such as corporate functions, birthdays, and anniversaries.

How to use this guide: Start by picking your preferred town—Napa, Yountville, St. Helena, Calistoga, or Carneros. Next, nail down your guest count and budget range. Then shortlist 3–5 venues from the sections below that match your criteria. Tour them, ask the right questions, and book early. Many couples find that working with experienced wedding planners can make the venue selection process much smoother and less stressful.

A Note From Our Studio We provide Napa wedding photography and videography and have shot at many of the venues listed in this guide. If you’re struggling to visualize how different spaces will look on camera, we can share real galleries and films to help you compare options before you commit to a venue.

When searching for Napa Valley wedding venues in 2026/2027, the most important thing to understand is that this market is competitive, expensive, and regulated differently than most regions. Napa wedding cost typically runs higher than national averages—but you’re paying for world-class scenery, hospitality, and imagery that lasts a lifetime.

Many couples recommend hiring a wedding planner to help navigate the venue selection process in Napa Valley, ensuring you find the perfect event space for your celebration.

Why Napa Valley Is So Special for Weddings

Napa Valley delivers what few wedding destinations can: rolling vineyards framed by the Mayacamas and Vaca mountain ranges, bathed in Mediterranean light that photographers dream about. The landscape offers spectacular views of lush vineyards, scenic mountain backdrops, and picturesque olive trees, creating a truly breathtaking setting for your special day. The climate allows outdoor weddings from April through October with minimal rain risk.

Scenery that photographs like a film set. Think lush gardens, cavernous barrel rooms, candlelit wine caves, olive orchards with mature olive trees, and vineyard lawns that glow gold at sunset. Every corner offers a backdrop of scenic views—no styling required.
Climate and seasons work in your favor. The best months for a Napa Valley wedding are May–June and September–early October 2026. Bud break happens in late April, veraison (when grapes change color) runs July–August, and harvest season brings buzzing energy and stunning vineyard colors.
Mild Mediterranean climate for year-round weddings. Napa Valley’s mild Mediterranean climate allows for year-round wedding planning without weather concerns, making it an ideal destination in any season.
Accessibility from major airports. San Francisco International is about 70 miles away, Oakland roughly 55–60 miles, and Charles M. Schulz–Sonoma County Airport sits just 33 miles north. Many Napa resorts offer shuttle recommendations or partner transportation services.
The landscape changes month to month. Spring brings bright green hillsides, summer offers golden grasses and full canopy, and fall delivers red and orange vine leaves. Professional photography and videography can capture golden-hour vineyard light, foggy morning views, and dramatic sunset portraits that shift with the seasons.

Types of Napa Valley Wedding Venues (and What They’re Really Like)

Napa County limits true “winery weddings” to a small number of grandfathered properties. Most celebrations happen at resorts, private estates, historic estates, gardens, and a handful of permitted wineries that have operated event programs for decades. Private estates in Napa Valley are exclusive, picturesque venues featuring scenic outdoor spaces, luxurious amenities, and a sense of privacy—perfect for personalized, high-end celebrations. Many Napa Valley wedding venues offer unique settings such as gardens, vineyards, and historic estates for weddings. Napa Valley also boasts historic castles, wineries, luxury resorts, and art centers, making it a top destination for a wine country wedding. Some venues provide exclusive use of their facilities, ensuring privacy for couples and their guests. Understanding the venue types, including those ideal for smaller guest counts and intimate, personalized experiences, helps you filter your search fast.

Luxury Resorts & Spas

Venues like The Meritage Resort and Spa, Carneros Resort and Spa, Stanly Ranch, and Silverado Resort offer the full package: ceremony sites, ballrooms, getting-ready suites, spa services, private suites for bridal parties and guests, and room blocks for guests. These private suites provide added comfort and convenience, ensuring privacy and a luxurious experience for both the wedding party and attendees. They’re ideal for destination weddings where you want everyone on one property. Expect capacities ranging from 150 to 1,000+ guests depending on the resort.

Permitted Winery Estates

Iconic options like V. Sattui Winery in Saint Helena, Inglenook, Trinchero Napa Valley, and Beaulieu Garden deliver that classic stone winery or formal garden look. Many of these permitted winery estates are family owned, offering a personal touch and authentic wine country experience. Most Napa Valley wineries cannot host a wedding due to the Winery Definition Ordinance (WDO) established in 1989, which was designed to protect agricultural land by specifying what activities are allowed on winery property. The WDO, established in 1989, was created to protect agricultural land by clearly specifying what sorts of activities were allowed and not allowed on winery property. Only a few wineries are permitted to host weddings, as they were "grandfathered" in due to their pre-regulatory status. These properties typically serve only wine, beer, and sparkling wine (no hard liquor) and may have sound curfews around 10 p.m. Guest counts range from 100 to 400+.

Hotels in Town

Napa hotel options like The Westin Verasa Napa and The Estate Yountville in downtown Napa and Yountville provide convenient accommodations and amenities for guests attending weddings. MacArthur Place is another beautiful, non-traditional hotel venue in Napa Valley that offers a charming and upscale atmosphere for weddings. These properties offer walkability to tasting rooms and restaurants, making them perfect for couples planning a full wedding weekend with rehearsal dinner, wine tasting, and farewell brunch all within strolling distance.

Golf Clubs & Country Clubs

Chardonnay Golf Club, Eagle Vines Vineyard & Golf Club, Fairview Napa, and Santa Rosa Golf & Country Club offer sweeping lawns, pavilions, and indoor ballrooms. They deliver wine country views at sometimes more accessible price points than premier wineries.

Barns, Farms & Private Estates

Venues like Suisun Valley Inn (historic Monroe Ranch), Park Winters, and ru’s Farm emphasize rustic-chic aesthetics and weekend-long experiences. These private properties are ideal for small weddings or an intimate gathering, offering a personalized and cozy atmosphere. They often provide more flexibility with vendors and schedules, plus endless photo opportunities—oak groves, wildflower fields, and barn interiors lit with string lights.

Top Napa Valley Resorts & Hotels for Weddings

Resorts are the perfect location to host out-of-town guests for your Napa Valley wedding. Ceremony, reception, getting-ready suites, and guest rooms all live on one property—which simplifies logistics and keeps your wedding party together.

Many Napa Valley resorts feature terraces or patios that are perfect for a relaxed cocktail hour, allowing guests to socialize and enjoy scenic views. Catering options at Napa Valley wedding venues often include locally sourced cuisine and world-class regional wines.

The Meritage Resort and Spa (Napa)

Set among rolling vineyards, Meritage is one of Napa’s largest wedding venues with capacity for up to approximately 1,000 guests. The Estate Cave provides dramatic underground ceremony or reception space—imagine candlelit vows surrounded by wine barrels. The Vineyard Deck, lawns, terraces, outdoor patio, and ballrooms offer flexibility for any size celebration, with the outdoor patio and terraces serving as picturesque settings for cocktail hour, allowing guests to mingle and enjoy drinks while taking in scenic views. On-site spa means your wedding party can prep and pamper in one location.

Ideal for: Large 150–300+ guest weddings, couples wanting dramatic photo/video in wine caves

Carneros Resort and Spa (Carneros)

This 28-acre property in the Carneros region features modern farm-inspired design and vineyard views stretching to rolling hills. The Hilltop lawn delivers panoramic sunset portraits. Private cottages scattered across the property give guests a boutique hotel experience. The clean, contemporary aesthetic photographs beautifully for editorial-style wedding films.

Ideal for: Design-forward couples, 80–200 guests, lifestyle photography

Stanly Ranch, Auberge Resorts Collection (Southern Napa)

One of the most buzzed-about new venues, Stanly Ranch sits on a historic working ranch with sweeping views of vineyards and the Napa River. The Glasshouse Barn and hilltop ceremony spaces offer sleek modern architecture that looks stunning in photos. Capacity reaches about 300 guests with buyout options for weekend experiences.

Ideal for: Modern luxury aesthetic, couples wanting contemporary architecture

Silverado Resort (Napa)

Golf course views, a historic mansion feel, and both indoor and outdoor spaces make Silverado an elite wedding venue known for its luxury and amenities. Guests can play golf before or after the wedding. Oak-lined paths and expansive lawns provide traditional, manicured landscapes for portraits.

Ideal for: Classic resort weddings, golf-loving guests, 100–250 guests

The Estate Yountville (Yountville)

This 22-acre “village-within-a-village” features romantic courtyards, stone backdrops, and garden pathways, offering some of the most romantic settings in Napa Valley for weddings. Its walkable location puts guests steps from The French Laundry, Bouchon, and tasting rooms—perfect for building a full weekend itinerary. The property blends relaxed and upscale vibes.

Ideal for: Yountville-based wedding weekends, 80–200 guests, walkable tasting experiences. For those seeking inspiration outside Napa, explore our guide to intimate wedding venues in Los Angeles.

The Westin Verasa Napa (Downtown Napa)

Riverside setting with convenient access to Oxbow Public Market, The Westin Verasa Napa in Napa CA works for both intimate and mid-size weddings. Getting-ready rooms and first-look locations are easy to coordinate on property. The urban-meets-wine-country feel suits couples who want downtown energy.

Ideal for: Downtown Napa weddings, 60–150 guests, easy guest logistics

From Our Team: We frequently photograph and film at these resorts and can share sample galleries or films to help you compare spaces visually before committing. Seeing real wedding images from a venue can transform your decision-making.

Iconic Winery, Vineyard & Garden Venues in Napa & Sonoma

While true winery weddings in Napa proper are limited, grandfathered wineries and nearby Sonoma properties deliver the quintessential vineyard ceremony. These venues offer that wine country wedding experience couples envision when they imagine saying vows among the vines, with picturesque vineyard estates and romantic settings, often surrounded by gorgeous gardens that provide a stunning backdrop for outdoor ceremonies and elegant events.

Many couples appreciate the variety of venue types available in Napa Valley, including resorts, estates, and wineries. Many Napa Valley wedding venues feature both indoor and outdoor spaces for ceremonies and receptions, giving couples flexibility and a variety of beautiful settings to choose from.

V. Sattui Winery (St. Helena)

The iconic stone tower, tower lawn, courtyard, olive tree grove, and vineyard lawn create a European feel that’s unmistakably romantic. String lights, fountains, and stone archways produce storybook evening receptions. This is one of the most photographed napa wedding venue options in the valley.

Photo moments: Tower silhouettes at sunset, courtyard dancing under lights, olive grove portraits

Beaulieu Garden (Rutherford)

Long allées of sycamores, clipped hedges, and gravel paths evoke a French country estate. With capacity up to around 400 guests, it’s ideal for high-end, formal garden weddings. The tree-lined driveway and reflecting pool are signature editorial-style imagery spots.

Photo moments: Driveway procession shots, Italian garden portraits, arbor ceremony frames

Ashes & Diamonds Winery (Napa)

Mid-century modern architecture on Highway 29 offers rolling berms and minimalist interiors. The design-forward aesthetic photographs clean and contemporary—a departure from traditional Tuscan wine country looks. Perfect for couples wanting something different.

Photo moments: Architectural lines, modern lounge setups, geometric shadows

Landmark Vineyards (Kenwood, Sonoma)

Mayacamas mountain views, a courtyard, and lush gardens create a fairytale feel. Soft golden light at sunset makes this property particularly magical for golden-hour portraits. It’s a short drive from Napa proper.

Photo moments: Mountain backdrop portraits, garden ceremony, sunset terrace

B.R. Cohn Winery and Viansa Sonoma

Panoramic vineyard and valley views, multiple ceremony options, and ivy-covered or Italianate architecture suit romantic wine country photography. These Sonoma venues offer more flexibility than many Napa properties.

Photo moments: Valley overlooks, ivy-covered walls, sweeping vineyard rows

Cline Family Cellars and Jacuzzi Family Vineyards

Rustic charm at Cline includes ponds and willow trees; Jacuzzi offers Tuscan-inspired piazzas and a more Mediterranean feel. Both handle medium to large weddings with flexible guest capacities.

Photo moments: Willow tree reflections, piazza string lights, mission-style architecture

Our team regularly navigates winery timelines—early noise curfews, harvest restrictions, and limited access windows—and plans photography and videography schedules around them.

Rustic Estates, Barns, Farms & Countryside Venues

These venues are perfect for couples who want vineyard views plus relaxed, backyard or farmhouse energy. Many offer more privacy and support multi-day experiences where guests feel like they’re at a private country retreat.

Suisun Valley Inn – Monroe Ranch (Napa Valley Area)

This historic ranch, purchased by James Monroe in 1860, now operates as a barn and farm venue. The wraparound porch, open fields, and vintage farmhouse details deliver authentic wine country history. It’s a hidden gem for couples seeking something beyond the typical winery.

Park Winters (Near Napa Valley)

A historic Victorian inn with formal gardens, a chic event barn, and wide-open farmland. Park Winters feels like a private country estate with endless photo backdrops—lavender fields, heritage oaks, and a pristine white barn interior.

ru’s Farm (Healdsburg)

Gardens, barn, and vineyard overlook create an “elevated backyard wedding” vibe. String lights and barn interiors look incredible in evening photos and drone footage. The property balances rustic authenticity with refined design.

Flying Cloud and The Barn at Green Valley

Family-run, flexible venues with barn interiors, lawns, and views of rolling hills. Good for 100–150 guest weddings with rustic, laid-back style. These properties often work with couples on personalized setups.

The Barn at Harrow Cellars and Cornerstone Gardens (Sonoma)

Folktable Catering is exclusive at Cornerstone, which offers multiple spaces including a grand lawn, garden barn, and Sperry tent option. Colorful gardens provide vibrant photo and film backdrops throughout the property.

These venues often have fewer visual restrictions, allowing creative photography and videography—sparklers, drone footage where permitted, long-exposure night portraits under the stars.

Golf Clubs, Country Clubs & Hidden Wine Country Gems

Golf and country clubs offer wine country views at often more accessible price points. Manicured lawns, established landscaping, and professional event coordination make logistics smoother than many private properties.

Chardonnay Golf Club (American Canyon)

Vineyards border the fairways, quiet meadows stretch beyond, and clubhouse reception spaces handle both intimate and medium-size weddings. It delivers a vineyard feel without booking a winery.

Eagle Vines Vineyard & Golf Club (American Canyon/Napa)

The outdoor pavilion offers panoramic vineyard and golf course views. A rustic wooden-walled clear tent with chandeliers creates an elegant reception space with capacity up to around 280 guests.

Fairview Napa and Fairview Sonoma at Valley of the Moon

Packages include planning help, lush backdrops, flexible ceremony/reception layouts, and expert coordination provided by the venue's professional event staff. These venues work well for couples who want venue coordination without hiring a separate planner.

Santa Rosa Golf & Country Club and Hiddenbrooke Hills Golf Club

Heritage oaks, sweeping fairways, and stately clubhouses suit classic or black-tie weddings. Indoor ballrooms provide weather backup while outdoor spaces capture expansive views.

Unique Non-Winery Options

Sonoma Raceway – For motorsport enthusiasts wanting something completely different
The Lighthouse at Glen Cove Marina – A historic waterfront garden venue from 1910, close to Napa but offering bay views

Each venue type serves different couples: classic aesthetics, budget-conscious planning, or hobby-focused celebrations. Photography options include expansive fairway views and sunset silhouettes against open skies.

Realities of Napa Wedding Rules, Availability & Costs in 2026

Napa Valley is breathtaking but one of the most complex and expensive wedding markets in the country. Planning early isn’t optional—it’s essential.

Winery Regulations

Only a limited number of Napa wineries are grandfathered for weddings. These properties face strict event caps (sometimes only a few weddings per year), sound curfews (often 10 p.m.), and transportation requirements. Most can serve only wine, beer, and sparkling wine—no full bar. Resorts and estates offer more flexibility.

Availability

Prime Saturdays from May–October 2026 often book 12–18 months ahead at top venues. Weekday (Thursday/Friday) and Sunday weddings can unlock better dates and sometimes better rates. If you have flexibility, use it.

Costs

Venue rental alone typically ranges from $8,000–$10,000+ for many Napa properties, with some premium venues reaching five figures. Overall per-guest expectations can hit $500+ for high-end weddings when you factor in catering, rentals, florals, and vendors. Sonoma and surrounding counties sometimes offer slightly lower averages.

Hidden Line Items

Ask about these on every tour:

Service charges and gratuity
Corkage fees if you bring outside wine
Food and beverage minimums
Required shuttle services
Late-night noise limits and overtime fees

For more wedding inspiration, ideas, and expert planning tips, visit our blog.

Photography & Videography Planning

Reserve your photo and video team early once venue and date are set—especially for peak months. We can help build realistic timelines around Napa’s light patterns and venue rules, ensuring you maximize golden hour and ceremony timing.

Weather, Seasons & When to Marry in Napa Valley

Napa’s climate is generally mild, but real seasonal differences affect vines, colors, and guest comfort. Planning your date around weather helps you get the photos you’re imagining.

Spring (March–May)

Temperatures: Highs in the 60s–70s°F
Risk of rain in March and early April
Vines leaf out late April to early May
Hillsides glow bright green
Planning note: Have a rain plan and tent options ready

Summer (June–August)

Temperatures: 80s–90s°F with dry conditions
Long golden evenings perfect for outdoor receptions
Midday can be hot—plan for shade, hydration, and indoor cocktails
Vines are full and lush

Fall/Harvest (September–October)

Peak wedding season with comfortable temperatures
Colorful vineyards with red, orange, and gold leaves
Wineries are busy with harvest—book vendors early for 2026
Harvest energy adds excitement to the atmosphere

Winter (November–February)

Temperatures: 50s°F days, 30s–40s°F evenings
Lower prices and more availability
Cozier indoor celebrations with barrel rooms or caves
Vines are dormant; imagery focuses on architecture and moody skies

Photography Considerations

Golden hour timing shifts with seasons—summer sunsets run past 8 p.m. while winter golden hour hits around 4:30 p.m. Foggy mornings, clear sunsets, and fall colors dramatically change the look of photos and video. Discuss timing with your photographer before finalizing your ceremony time.

Travel, Accommodation & Guest Experience Planning

Many guests travel in for Napa weddings, which means logistics matter as much as venue aesthetics. A smooth guest experience starts with smart planning.

Getting There

San Francisco (SFO)

Distance from Napa: ~70 miles
Approximate drive time: 1.5–2 hours with traffic

Oakland (OAK)

Distance from Napa: ~55–60 miles
Approximate drive time: 1–1.5 hours

Sonoma County (STS)

Distance from Napa: ~33 miles
Approximate drive time: ~45 minutes

Traffic on weekends, especially during harvest season, can add time. Advise guests to build in buffer.

Where to Stay

Book a room block at your primary resort venue (Meritage, Carneros, Silverado, Estate Yountville, etc.) for convenience. Add overflow options in downtown Napa, Sonoma, and American Canyon for different budgets. Share a hotel list with guests early—Napa fills up.

Transportation Plans

Recommend shuttles from hotels to venue. Parking is often limited, tasting room traffic complicates navigation, and you don’t want guests driving after celebrating. Some venues require shuttles by contract.

Weekend Itinerary Ideas

Friday: Welcome wine tasting, casual dinner in downtown Napa or Yountville
Saturday: Wedding day
Sunday: Farewell brunch at Oxbow Public Market or among vineyards

Integrating Photo & Video

Consider coverage beyond just the wedding day: welcome party, rehearsal dinner, or a day-after session in vineyards, hot air balloon launch fields, or downtown alleys. These add dimension to your wedding film and album.

How to Choose the Right Napa Valley Venue for Your Style

Napa venues range from ultra-modern wineries to historic gardens. For a truly unique experience, consider the Culinary Institute of America, a renowned culinary institute that also serves as a high-end event venue, celebrated for its expertise in cuisine and ability to host memorable occasions. Many venues offer wedding packages, which can simplify planning by providing comprehensive and customizable services tailored to your celebration. Many Napa Valley wedding venues also feature expert culinary teams, ensuring an exceptional dining experience for your guests. Aligning venue choice with guest count, budget, and desired aesthetic saves you from touring properties that won’t work. Couples often highlight the need for early booking due to high demand for popular wedding venues in Napa Valley. Choosing the right venue can create an unforgettable experience for both you and your guests.

Guest Count & Layout

Up to 60 guests

• Best venue types: private estates, small restaurants, wine caves

60–120 guests

• Best venue types: garden venues, small wineries, hotel courtyards

120–200 guests

• Best venue types: resorts, larger wineries, golf clubs

200+ guests

• Best venue types: large resorts (Meritage, Silverado) and large estate venues

Aesthetic and Photography Style

Match your vision to the venue:

Modern: Ashes & Diamonds, Stanly Ranch
Romantic/European: Beaulieu Garden, V. Sattui, Estate Yountville
Rustic: Suisun Valley Inn, Park Winters, barn venues
Luxury resort: Meritage, Carneros Resort, Auberge properties

Many Napa Valley wedding venues offer the perfect backdrop for wedding photography, with their stunning natural beauty, unique architecture, and picturesque surroundings enhancing every photo.

Logistics

Consider:

Proximity to guest hotels
Curfew times and noise restrictions
Backup indoor spaces for weather
Ease of late-night breakdown (affects when coverage ends)

Budget Priorities

Decide early: Will you spend more on venue and food, or on photography, videography, and design elements? Many Napa Valley wedding venues feature an expert culinary team that works closely with couples to craft personalized menus, ensuring a memorable dining experience as part of your celebration. In a visually iconic place like Napa, photo and video investment pays off—these are the memories you keep.

Using Your Photographer as a Resource

Our team can share real galleries from weddings at venues you’re considering. Seeing how your day might look at each property—by season and time of day—can transform your decision. We’ve shot in Napa’s challenging light conditions and tight timelines, and we can help you understand what’s actually possible.

Our Napa Valley Wedding Photography & Videography Support

your team

Venue choice is difficult, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. We help couples both select Napa Valley wedding venues and capture every moment of your special day through professional photography and videography.

Whether you choose a classic estate, a modern winery, or a scenic venue like Harvest Inn, our team ensures your memories are preserved beautifully.

Our Experience

We’ve photographed and filmed at venues throughout Napa and Sonoma: Meritage Resort, Carneros Resort and Spa, V. Sattui Winery, Estate Yountville, Park Winters, Cornerstone Gardens, and many others. We know each property’s light patterns, preferred portrait locations, and timing quirks.

Services We Offer

Full-day wedding photography coverage
Multi-camera cinematic video
Drone footage where venue permits allow
Rehearsal dinner and welcome party coverage
Day-after vineyard sessions for relaxed portraits

Planning Help

We offer pre-venue consultations where we review your guest count, season, and style preferences—then suggest a shortlist of 3–5 venues based on our on-the-ground experience. We’ve seen what works and what doesn’t.

Book Early for 2026

If you’re planning a May–October 2026 wedding, especially on a Saturday, reach out once you have a rough date and guest count. Top weekends book fast for both venues and photographers.

Frequently Asked Questions About Napa Valley Wedding Venues

These FAQs address the most common concerns for couples planning a 2026 celebration in Napa and nearby wine country.

Can I actually get married at a winery in Napa?

Only a limited number of grandfathered wineries can legally host weddings in Napa County. The list is short, and these venues book quickly. Alternatives include winery-style resorts (like Meritage), private estates with vineyard views, and Sonoma wineries just across the county line.

How far in advance should we book our Napa venue and vendors?

For prime Saturdays in May–October, plan to book your venue 12–18 months ahead. Friday and Sunday dates may be available 9–12 months out. For top photography and videography teams, booking at least 9 months ahead is wise—earlier for peak fall weekends.

What is the average Napa wedding budget?

High-end Napa weddings often reach six figures for 150+ guests when you include venue, catering, rentals, florals, and vendors. Keeping costs in check is possible by managing guest count, choosing weekday dates, or exploring venues in nearby Sonoma, American Canyon, or Vallejo.

What months are best for photos?

May–June and September–October offer the most consistently beautiful conditions. Spring brings bright green vines and hillsides; fall delivers warm colors and harvest atmosphere. Both seasons have comfortable temperatures and reliable golden-hour light.

Do we need a wedding planner?

We recommend at least a month-of planner for Napa weddings. The logistics—vendor coordination, shuttle timing, venue rules, and day-of execution—are more complex than most markets. We happily coordinate with planners on timelines, shot lists, and vendor schedules. While planning, don't forget to plan your perfect shoot for after the wedding as well.