Venue Scouting in Napa & Sonoma Wine Country: How to find the perfect wedding venue
Are you recently engaged and looking to get married in the highly desirable Wine Country? Whether you are local or looking for a destination wedding, we are here to help you find a perfect fit for your wedding venue. With over 60,000 acres of vineyards and more than 600 wineries in Napa and Sonoma Counties collectively, there are an immense and diverse range of options to choose from when visiting these popular tourist destinations.
Over the years, Napa and Sonoma have rapidly become two of the top desirable locations in the world for destination weddings due to its rustic charm, upscale wineries, vineyards, restaurants and its vast scenic beauty. With so many options in these two areas for wedding venues, it can be an overwhelming and tedious feat to try to pick and choose where to host your big day. This is where we come in.
We have recently created a special package for this exact reason. With the majority of our team being from the Napa and Sonoma regions, we are highly knowledgable of all that these destinations have to offer, from wineries and vineyards, to hotels and restaurants and beyond. Combined, we take pride in our ability to create an efficient and productive day of venue scouting that will give you a great kickstart to your wedding planning. We believe that the entire wedding planning experience should be fun, inspiring and enjoyable for the couple, and we want to help create this easygoing and memorable experience for our clients.
How It Works:
We come on board to get to know your visions, dreams and ideas for your wedding and focus those into one cohesive list of qualified venues to suit your style and price point. We put together a lovely day of venue tours, lunch on us, and wine tastings. This is an excellent opportunity for us to get to know you as the couple better and discuss logistics of the venues, paint a picture of how the wedding day/weekend would look and how the style and design could be produced in each space. We really want to make this fun, exciting and inspiring for you, so we follow up with a detailed spreadsheet with information about each venue we visited (inclusions, requirements, suggestions, etc.) so that you can not only make a confident and positive decision, but also not have to worry about retaining all of the information during the day. This will allow you to focus on seeing and visualizing the space without having to take notes or worry about remembering the many logistical details that will be discussed.
Hopefully, by the end of our day together, we have established trust and a great relationship and you are interested in bringing us on board to be apart of their wedding planning dream team. We know how overwhelming this aspect of planning your wedding can be, and our goal is to provide our clients with valuable information and affordable assistance that will help you moving forward and ease any stress or worry that you may have around planning. While we are focused in Sonoma and Napa, we are always excited to see new venues and locations and the challenge of designing a new space, regionally, domestically or internationally. The sky is the limit, and we look forward to any chance to help you make your dream wedding a reality.
Danielle + Bryan
How do you take cutest and most creative couple of the year to the next level? Step 1: Design and construct your own kayak – Step 2: Propose in said kayak under Brooklyn Bridge – Step 3: Somehow top off this heartfelt proposal with a surprise engagement party - complete with friends, flowers and lots of champagne! And to think, that’s before the wedding plans even begin.
I think it’s quite obvious that Danielle and Bryan take the cake for this one! Every ounce of their joint creativity was reflected in their wedding. A playful palette of yellow and ivory, a birch-wood alter strung with antique bottles and gorgeously whimsical floral arrangements are just a few of the lovely details we can’t get enough of. Ah yes, and did we mention she designed all of her own printed materials?
Planner: Julia Evans | l’Relyea Events
Venue/Caterer: Farmstead at Longmeadow Ranch
Photographer: Myrtle & Marjoram
Florist: Shotgun Floral Studio
Hair & Makeup: Wash & Brush Up
Di + Peter
Di and Peter met by happenstance as a friends Christmas party. They went on their first date the next day and fell into an international romance which had Di in New York City and Peter in Hong Kong. Peter knew early on that Di was The One and told her so on quiet park bench just a few months into their relationship. After a few years of dating, Di moved to Hong Kong to be with Peter. He proposed to her on a romantic getaway to the Maldives. Di and Peter love the Napa Valley lifestyle and wanted their guests to enjoy all that wine country had to offer. They were married at Calistoga Ranch with a sophisticated color palette of whites, lilac and olive green. Everything about their day was the perfect representation of classic elegance.
Planner: l’Relyea Events | Lindsey Relyea Venue: Calistoga Ranch | Laura Vaughn Ceremony Officiant: Michael LeBlanc Photographer: Sylvie Gil Photography Ceremony Music: Harpist | Jessica Schaffer Reception Music: Boutique Wedding DJ Florist: Valley Flora | Polly Harrington Wedding Cake: Perfect Endings Transportation: Napa Valley Tours & Transportation efrediani@nvtt.net Hair & Makeup: Betten Chaston Rentals & Lighting: Classic Party Rentals Cinema: Edge Fog Films | Joel Kling Stationary: Minted {Invitations} | Vellum & Vogue {Day Of Materials}
Jules + Chris
This elegant French country inspired wedding had our hearts fluttering from our first design meeting. It certainly doesn’t need to be said that Jules and Chris, above all else, have impeccable taste. From the bubbling champagne tower and artisan cocktails [complete with smokin’ bartenders] to the luscious floral and stunning lighting design – their celebration radiated fun, romance and beauty.
Their love story is similar to their style – simple, classic and beautiful. They met one fall evening at a mutual friends birthday party and no more than a month later Jules knew Chris was “the one”. Fast forward through a few yoga classes, dinner dates and happy years to New Years Eve in Hawaii where Chris got down on one knee and told Jules that she was “the one” – they lived happily ever after!
Planner: Julia Evans | l’Relyea Events
Venue/Caterer: Solage Calistoga
Beverage: The Grand Bevy
Ceremony Officiant: Father Jovic
Photographer:Kevin Tachman
Videographer: Cana Family
Reception Music: Pride & Joy
Florist: Studio Choo
Wedding Cake/Sugar Cookies: Susie Cakes
Hair & Makeup: Marisa Perel
Rentals: Classic Party Rentals; One True Love Vintage Rentals; Blue Print Studio
Calligraphy: Bernard Maisner
Lighting: Lux Productions
Erin + Victor
We are loving the bold purple hues that were set into this classic white toned wedding! The lovely couple celebrated their special day at Trentadue Winery in Geyserville, Ca, surrounded by lush vineyards, giant oaks and fresh summer air. They used rustic wine barrels and iron candelabras to embrace their Spanish-infused Wine Country wedding.
Planner: l’Relyea Events | Lindsey Relyea
Venue: Trentadue Winery
Caterer: Park Avenue Catering
Ceremony Officiant: Brian Plaugher
Photographer: Jennifer Bagwell
Ceremony/Reception Music: AMS
Cocktail Music: Jay Alverez, Guitarrist
Florist: Fleurs de France
Wedding Cake: Cousteaux
Transportation: California Wine Tours
Rentals: Wine Country Party
Rentals Video: Uforia Films
Stephanie & Alex
Nothing is more appealing than a fun, relaxed wedding at a family property that holds so many valued memories. We were thrilled to hear that Stephanie wanted to get married at her parents estate property, and over the several months leading up to her wedding we transformed their family abode to a wedding destination to host 250 of their nearest and dearest. Set in Healdsburg, Ca. this country estate wedding encompasses family, friends and new memories making this day one to remember. Truly a labor of love, everything from the floral design, handmade wooden signage, to the desserts were made by family and friends. It is easy to see how much thought and love went into each little detail and that is what makes this wedding even more special.
Planner: Lindsey l’Relyea Events
Venue/Caterer: Jim, Black Bean BBQ
Ceremony Officiant: Sanhya Jea
Photographer: To Amaze
Ceremony Music: Way Out West Band
Reception Music: Verducci Entertainment
Florist: Darla Fairlee, Aunt | Dragonfly Floral
Wedding Cake: The Flour Girl, Cake | Desserts made by the Bridal Party
Transportation: Family Friends | Avis Rentals
Hair & Makeup:Guys & Dolls Salon
Rentals: Encore Rentals and Wine Country Party
Stationary: Handmade by the bride
Liz + Matt
In these dreary winter months we can use a pick-me-up and nothing does it better than a fresh and beautiful wedding with cheery colors. If this palette doesn't make you smile and swoon for spring, I don't know what will! We had just the right balance of natural-organic simplicity with a backdrop of Saint Helena Mountain and bright pops of color with these coral blooms.
Planner: l’Relyea Events | Lindsey Relyea
Venue/Caterer: Solage Calistoga
Ceremony Officiant: Father Gerald Caprio
Photographer: Borrowed Blue Old and New | Emily Scannell
Ceremony/Reception Music: SF Conservatory | Addi Liu
Florist: Mother of the Bride
Hair & Makeup:Sarah E Hyde
Rentals: Classic Party Rentals and La Tavola
Lighting: Twilight Design
Tatiana + Sam
"As soon as she walked into the room, stole my cigar and demanded my seat, I put my arm around her, kissed her head, and fell in love." Sam's description of how he fell in love with Tatiana is the perfect representation of these two as a couple: fun, spontaneous and head over heals in love. The wedding was a reflection of them which featured bright pink color and edgy yet fun details.
Planner: l’Relyea Events | Lindsey Relyea
Venue/ Caterer: Farmstead
Ceremony Officiant: Fr. Kenneth J. Babauta
Photographer: Caitlin O’reilly
Ceremony/Reception Music: Napa Valley DJs
Florist: Teresa Stoner Floral Designs
Hair & Makeup: Bella Bridal
Transportation: CWT
Lori + Ryan
What does it take to pull off a wine industry wedding? A stunning venue and award winning wines is certainly a start but throw in mouthwatering food, a crafty bride, amazing friends and family {and a handful of co-works} and there you have it - a Trione wedding is born! Lori and Ryan met as wine industry interns and when planning their wedding couldn’t think of a better place to get married than the one that brought them together.
When we asked Lori what the most important part of her wedding day is for her, she replied “that I’m marrying the love of my life, and I want everyone to have fun and dance a lot!” and it’s safe to say that they did just that. The day itself was so filled with love, laughter and joy - they were both grinning from ear to ear the entire time. We loved being a party of the day of festivities for this heartfelt homemade wedding!
Planner: Julia Evans | l’Relyea Events
Venue: Trione Winery
Caterer: Peloton Catering
Ceremony Officiant: Derek Manus (Groomsman)
Photographer: Marc Blondin
Ceremony/Reception Music: Runaway DJ
Florist: The Leafy Lady
Wedding Cake: Costeaux French Bakery
Hair & Makeup: Koree | St. James Salon
Rentals: Wine Country Party
Karina + Mark
Their love story was like something out of a romantic novel. They met while studying in Barcelona, Spain. He caught her eye during a romantic walk in Versailles, France. Six months later after returning from an exchange program in Shanghai he asked Karina on their first date. Three hours, twelve miles, and several villages westward, their connection was forever cemented. Their wedding was just as whimsical and romantic with a crisp white palette, floating florals and rich golden accents. Get ready to be whisked away.
Planner: l’Relyea Events | Lindsey Relyea
Venue/Caterer: Solage Calistoga
Ceremony Offiant: Buddhist Weddings| Evan Kavanagh
Photographer: To Amaze Photography
Videographer: Marmaladesky films
Ceremony/Reception Music: Johan Khiski
Florist: Waterlily Pond
Hair & Makeup: Tamara Brown
Rentals: Hartmann Studios
Lighting: Got Light?
Cake: Marie Betts | Bouchon Bakery
Leah + Rob
Leah and Rob were so adorable together and their details for the day reflected the sweet simplicity of themselves. Leah had envisioned their wedding to be rustic chic, elegant, fresh, romantic and of course intimate. We decided on a color palette with lush white flowers with subtle hints of pink and champagne. She handcrafted her alter, and various details inside the reception including the flower garlands. It was truly a sweetly romantic day.
Planner: l’Relyea Events | Lindsey Relyea
Venue/Caterer:Solage Calistoga
Ceremony Officiant: Rev Peader Dalton
Photographer: Matthias Photography
Cinema: Uforia Films
Ceremony/Reception Music: Verducci Entertainment
Florist: Kate Stanley
Wedding Cake: Forget Me Not Cakes
Makeup: Jenna Dancer | Hair: Courtney Sweat
Marissa + Kevin
Marissa and Kevin have impeccable taste. We designed a wedding that showcased some soft romance with bold poppy red colors. Beautifully captured by Stacey Pentland. Marissa and Kevin decided on a summer wedding in wine country and Solage located at the top of Napa Valley held their modern and chic style. Marissa glowed in her two piece Monique Lhullier gown and her satin Badgley Mischka heels. And Kevin wore a sharp grey Hugo Boss suit and they left no detail unattended right down to the scent of the reception space. Above all the tiny details it was the love and their chemistry that truly took your breath away.
Planner: l’Relyea Events | Lindsey Relyea
Venue/Catering:Solage Calistoga
Ceremony Officiant: Fr. Charles Grande
Cinema:Video BASICO
Photographer:Stacey Pentland
Ceremony Music: Bride’s Sister / Guitarist – Glenn Staller
Reception Music:Spinheads
Florist: Hunt Littlefield
Wedding Cake & Favors: Patisserie Angelica
Hair & Makeup:Katie Nash Beauty
Rentals: Classic Party Rental & La Tavola Linen
Lighting: Got Light
Photo Booth: Snap Fiesta
Stationary: Three Little Words
Sayre + Jordan
Sayre and Jordan met when they were only a few years old in the backseat of a convertible. Over the years growing up Jordan pursued his love and years later their long time crush became a reality. When I asked the bride how she knew he was "the one" she said, "Being with him feels like coming home. The first month we started officially dating we were driving home from lunch with the windows down and music playing, his hand was on mine. I remember feeling like I never wanted to be without him. I think my exact words were "I have so much fun with you!" and he looked at me and said "I love you too." and that was it."
Their Day
Sayre and Jordan wanted an intimate affair in wine country that represented them. Relaxed, simple, intimate and fun. With the help of their loving friends, family and a beautiful venue like Scribe Winery they were able to achieve just that. Handmade floral arrangements, hand-sewed runners and fun lawn games were just a few personal touches they added. The ceremony took place nestled in the vineyards at the base of the soulful Hacienda, Scribe's historic Victorian style manor. The guests mingled on the steps before making their way through the gardens up the knoll to a rustic styled reception beneath the oak trees complete with burlap runners, hydrangeas, a banjo plucking in the background and a classic yellow cake with chocolate frosting and rainbow sprinkles!
Planner: Lindsey l’Relyea Events
Venue:Scribe Winery
Ceremony Officiant: Will Stewart, Cousin of the Bride
Photographer:Mary McHenry
Ceremony/Reception Music:Steve Pile Band
Florist: Mother and Aunt of the Bride / Paul Tesoro
Wedding Cake:Olive & Vine Catering
Hair & Makeup:Stella Sevens Hair Salon /Audrey Crandall Makeup
Rentals:Wine Country Party Rentals
Caitlin + Trevor
For these two high school sweethearts, a blast from the past was exactly the way Caitlin and Trevor wanted to celebrate their nuptials. How did they do it? With a homecoming dance theme for their reception, complete with a Marcarana tribute. The location for the festivities? An open air, barn-style restaurant known as Barndiva. Located in Healdsburg and featuring a rustic style and all natural ingredients, Barndiva became the perfect atmosphere for a high school styled party. This time parents WERE invited. To compliment the restaurants country chic vibe, Caitlin hand stitched burlap silverware pouches, stamped cupcake flags, and added take-away treat favors for each guest. When the music came on, I had never seen a fuller dance floor! It truly was a unique and colorful wedding, full of infectious fun and laughter.
Planner: Lindsey l’Relyea Events
Venue/Caterer: Barndiva
Ceremony Officiant: Lukka Feldman of Barndiva
Photographer Tibidabo Photography
Ceremony & Reception Music: AMS Wine Country
Florist: EV Floral
Beauty: Nikol Elaine Makeup Artistry
Wedding Cupcakes: Bardiva
Rentals Wine Country Party Rentals | La Tavola Linen
Make-up: Nikol Elaine Makeup Artistry
Brooke + Robert
Brooke and Robert are a couple that embodies the unique culture of North Cal. The love birds, who met from a chance encounter at a convenience store in SF, desired a wedding that was “casual, but stylish” with a twist on some of the traditional aspects. Their sweet ceremony took place at the very quaint General Vallejo’s Home, a historical house located just a short walk from Sonoma's town square. After the “I Dos”, the wedding party and guests marched down the street playing instruments as they followed behind the band. They were creating a symphony to announce the joyous harmony of Brooke and Robert’s union. The parade would end at El Dorado Kitchen, where the party would begin. The restaurant itself has a very rustic, yet chic atmosphere. To compliment the organic ambiance, each guest had their own personalized stamped wood coins at their seat; these will make memorable ornaments on their Christmas tree this year. We also enlisted the help of the talented Lidia of La Flueriste to design natural tablescapes of flowers, herbs, and vegetables. The Newly Weds wanted to approach their reception like a “big party” that “not only celebrates the fact that we are getting married, but also a celebration of all the people we love”. With half of their guests from Germany, they wanted to blend the family traditions and help with ice breakers at the dining tables. Each guest was given “fact” cards to match up with other guests at their table. It was really fun to watch everyone bond over dinner. Rather than a traditional guest book, Brooke and Robert decided to have 6 wine bottles labeled for each of their first 6 anniversaries of marriage. Guests were asked to impart words of wisdom or written love notes for the couple to read on each bottles respective anniversary. By the end of the night, it wasn’t hard to see why this couple had fallen in love. Through the laughter, blessed tears, and gleeful merging of families, it was apparent these two would be together for many years longer than their guest book elixir would last them.
Planner: l’Relyea Events
Ceremony Venue: General Vallejo’s Home
Ceremony Officiant: Lili Goodman Freitas
Reception Venue: El Dorado Kitchen & Hotel
Reception Music: Premier productions
Photographer: Rebecca Gosselin
Florist: Lidia of La Fleuriste
Transportation: Sebastiani Trolly, Vinatge Cab: William Valley
Hair & Makeup: Salon Novo - Hair: Andrea & Makeup: Alan
Rentals: Big 4 Rents
Kim + Eric
Kim and Eric had dated for nine years and the common theme you would hear from all of their guests was "it was about time!" Their love for one another was infectious and I instantly fell in love with these two. Not only are they genuinely the nicest two people, but it is heart warming how caring they are for one another and all of their friends and family. As a dog lover myself, I LOVED their sweet little pup and her wreathe....and the surprise doggie grooms cake was to die for. They had envisioned a romantic garden-inspired wedding at Saint Vincent's. After a sweet mass honored Kim's Mother, guests retreated to the courtyard adorned with twinkle lights and lush floral garlands. In combination with the soft neutral color palette you couldn't help but to believe you were in a romantic fairy tale. The night flowed on with tender toasts, handwritten wishes for the couple, and topped it off with a cigar and bourbon bar. A private lounge with oversized sofa and chairs provided attendees a place to retreat and relax. Guests bid Kim&Eric a farewell as they lined the candle lit walkways with streamer wands to send the couple off in style as newlyweds.
From Kim:
Nearly 9 years after we started dating in high school, Eric proposed to me on a warm summer night on the rooftop of our then San Francisco apartment. When we started thinking about wedding venues, St.Vincent School for Boys was the first thing that came to mind. I had always wanted to get married there ever since I started attending church as a child. It is also a place very dear to both our hearts as it’s been a place where we’ve created several memories over the years. The chapel is absolutely stunning- tall ceilings with elaborate detail and stained glass windows throughout. It is beautiful on it’s own and hardly needed additional decorating. The surrounding grounds are equally as breathtaking with a lush courtyard for our cocktail reception and an additional courtyard for the dinner reception. We wanted a wedding that truly felt like us with a cozy, intimate, and genuine vibe at heart. Planning a wedding that was a true reflection of us as a couple conveniently made all of our decisions easy; for a location, vendors, and other details we just picked our favorites!
Planner: Lindsey Relyea, l’Relyea Events
Ceremony/Reception Venue: Saint Vincent School for Boys
Ceremony Officiant: Deacon Jim Meyers
Caterer: Insalada’s, Catering
Photographer: Allyson Wiley Photography
Cinema: Ashley Maddox, Missionary Films
Ceremony Music: Marin String Quartet
Reception Music: DJ Chris Fox
Florist: Marcia Maffei, Main Street Flora Gardens
Wedding Cake: Perfect Endings
Hair & Makeup: Make up: Laura Mercier – Danielle | Hair: Show Room 383 – Sloan
Rentals: Wine Country Party Rentals, Blue Print Studios {lounge}
Invitations: Bella Figura, Union Street Papery
Lighting: Lux Lighting Design | Kate Fitchie
Real Wedding: Tanya + Chris
This chic {and ridiculously gorgeous!} couple wanted to offer their guests a wine country experience that captured their NYC lifestyle. After searching high and low they found the perfect setting for their September wedding in Calistoga, Ca. Guests flew in from the East Coast for an early start to their weekend which kicked off with a rehearsal dinner in the wine caves of Clos Pegase Winery and spent the rest of the weekend wine tasting at a few favorite Napa Valley wineries, cruising through the quaint town on their bikes, and basking by the mineral pools in Calistoga. The highlight, of course, was their modern wine country nuptials at Solage Calistoga.
Photography: Brett Butterstein | Planning & Design: l'Relyea Events | Venue: Solage Calistoga | Floral: EV Floral Design | DJ: Spintronix Entertainment LLC | Cake: Perfect Endings | Rentals: Wine County Party
Real Wedding: Lauren + Blaise
Lauren and Blaise wanted to create a wedding day that reflected their effortless and sophisticated style. "simple, elegant, chic, stunning and, above all, intimate and personal" is exactly what the bride mentioned to me on our first phone call. With the couple living in Washington DC, they entrusted us and the help of her mother's impeccable style to design the day and plan the details. The couple were married at Lauren's childhood church, Grace Episcopal in Saint Helena, followed by a stunning reception at Solage Calistoga.
Ceremony Venue: Saint Helena Episcopol Church Photographer: Diane Askew Florist: Centerpiece Napa Valley Reception Venue & Catering: Solage Calistoga Planning & Design: L'Relyea Events Cake: Penelope Jane Dress: Carolina Herrera Shoes: Kate Spade Lighting: Twilight Design Rentals: Classic Party Rentals and La Tavola Hair: Alexis Gularte Makeup: Betton Chaston
Real Wedding: Brooke + Matt
They say that rain on your wedding day is good luck, and after being apart of this energetic wedding I can see why! There is something so romantic and impetuous about being caught in the rain with your true love. And when you aren't expecting it, what more could you ask for than to have all of your besties surrounding you to ensure a smile is on your face the whole day! Brooke and Matt had fun playing with the umbrella in the rain, and they were troopers when we made the last minute effort to pull the ceremony indoors. All of their guests cozied up indoors and watched as these two recited their vows with twinkles in their eyes. Personal touches included Brooke's initial-stiched ribbon wrapped around her bouquet, table numbers which declared the couples first date and other fun facts, and their cork-printed invitations to complete their wine country wedding.
Matt & Brooke from Jordan Tabak on Vimeo.
Officiant: Judge Carter Holly | Photographer: Luke Snyder Studio | Venue/Caterer: Solage Calistoga | Florist: Tesoro Flowers | Wedding Cake: Penelope Jane | Entertainment: ParTime Band | Favors: Napa Valley Chocolate Company | Hair Stylist: Angela Smith | Rentals: Hartmann Studios & La Tavola Linen | Cinema: Jordan Tabak
Planning & Design: l'Relyea Events
Real Wedding: Lianna + Justin
Hometown harvest wedding? Yes, please! This crafty duo and and their amazing friends hand crafted nearly every detail in their Harvest inspired wedding. With the stunning backdrop of Alexander Valley, it's sure to bring a smile to your face! In addition to all of their art savvy friends who lent a hand in crafting the wedding day, the groom's mother catered a beautiful and delicious meal for wedding with produce from her own backyard.
These beautiful wine-stained paper details were hand-crafted by the bride's mother!
Wishing you two a lifetime of love and laughter!!
A sweet note from the Groom: Lindsey, our wedding was the best we could have hoped for! We have been complimented by almost everyone that our wedding was THE best wedding EVER. THANK YOU for all of your dedication and hard work. REALLY, it was a dream come true.
Check out our feature on Borrowed & Bleu!
Photography: Annika Erickson, AE Productions Florist: Dragonfly Floral Caterer: Mother of the Groom and Star Staffing Music: Nor Cal Pro Sound Wedding Cakes: Downtown Bakery and Costeaux Bakery Rentals: Encore Rentals Lighting: Twilight Design Planning & Design: l'Relyea Events Venue: Alexander Valley Hall
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