‘Tis the season for engagements, so we wouldn’t be surprised if you’re already dreaming of a Napa Valley wedding. The first step in your planning is finding the right venue, which may sound overwhelming given the hundreds of wineries in Napa Valley. While Sonoma may have plenty of winery options for your nuptials, Napa is a bit more limited, offering only a handful of choices (though all stunning). If you’re open to other ideas, it’s just a matter of focusing on what elements will make your big day perfect for you and your guests.

The good news is if you know what you’re looking for—and how much you can afford—it’s pretty easy to narrow down your options and find the right fit. From luxury resorts to restaurants to surprising alternative venues, here is our go-to guide to finding the best Napa Valley wedding venue for you.

Historic Winery Wedding

In addition to coveted permits allowing weddings, Napa Valley’s winery venues share rich, century-old history, offering a romantic, old world vibe. If that’s what you’re looking for, it’s just a matter of comparing perks and prices.

At Charles Krug, Napa’s oldest winery, couples can host a grand outdoor wedding for up to 1200 on The Great Lawn under the property’s majestic heritage oaks. Or, choose to celebrate in the renovated carriage house, which dates back to 1881, but know you’ll have a hard stop at 10:00 p.m.

V. Sattui‘s site fee includes multiple venues for the ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception, until 11pm, as well as exclusive portrait access in the vineyards and winery tower. With over 60 varietals of wine to choose from and an in-house Michelin-starred chef handling catering, couples can count on a premium Napa-style food and wine experience.

For more intimate winery weddings, Merryvale Vineyards in St. Helena offers ceremony and reception venues, including their stunning cask room, where guests can dine between two stories of gigantic, century-old wine barrels. Further north, nestled in the Mayacamas Mountains between the Sonoma and Napa County lines, Hans Fahden Vineyards is a hidden gem with an idyllic garden setting and wine cave for dinner and dancing.

Resort Weddings

Couples looking for all-inclusive packages or those planning a destination wedding should consider one of the many resort locales throughout the valley. In addition to vineyard backdrops and sometimes even wine caves, resort weddings can offer all the feels of a Napa Valley wedding, along with the ease of in-house catering, bar service, accommodations, and flexibility that many couples and their guests are seeking.

Silverado Resort and Spa lures wedding parties with its golf and spa packages, but it sets itself apart by specializing in Indian weddings, offering three-night celebration packages that blend tradition, ritual, and culture. The Meritage Resort & Spa is another great option for larger-scale weddings, with a plethora of site options for ceremonies and receptions.

At Carneros Resort and Spa, couples can choose from an intimate elopement package paired with dinner at their FARM Restaurant + Bar or host a wedding for up to 300. The idyllic farmhouse setting and stunning scenery make for a particularly picturesque Wine Country wedding day.

In Calistoga, Indian Springs Resort & Spa welcomes intimate weddings for up to 85 guests on their peaceful grounds, while weddings at Harvest Inn in St. Helena include a beautiful vineyard backdrop perfect for outdoor receptions under the stars.
Though not quite as expansive or luxurious as a resort, Calistoga Inn, Restaurant & Brewery is a fantastic option for weddings and rehearsal dinners. The secluded event garden has space for 10 – 150 people, while a full property buy-out can accommodate up to 300 guests.

Food-Driven Weddings

For foodie couples hoping to infuse the best of Napa Valley’s farm fresh cuisine into their big day, there are several great options that will guarantee a memorable wedding feast.

Serious foodies will revel in a wedding at CIA at Copia, the world-renowned culinary school’s downtown Napa branch. In lieu of a pricey site fee, the venue charges per person for their assortment of catering packages, with customizable add-ons for options like bar service and menu extras, giving couples a lot of flexibility to tailor every detail to suit their needs.

Longtime Napa favorite, Brix Restaurant, offers both the setting—a stunning backdrop of the Mayacamas Mountains with acres of vineyards and gardens—and bountiful menus of farm-to-table California fare at a much more affordable price tag than most.

At The Charter Oak, couples can buy out the entire restaurant, getting access to both indoor and outdoor spaces, along with the acclaimed chef’s hearth-driven cooking.

Set up for everything from elopements to 300-person rustic Wine Country weddings, Farmstead at Long Meadow Ranch offers picturesque lawn and garden settings for vows, along with a dedicated barn space for dancing and receptions where guests can indulge in top-notch, organic American farmhouse cuisine.

Unexpected Venues

If resorts, wineries, and restaurants don’t quite fit the bill or the budget, one of these Napa Valley venues might surprise you.

Whether you’re inviting guests for your ceremony and reception or you’re planning on eloping, set your marriage in motion aboard the Napa Valley Wine Train. Catering packages and changing scenic views of the valley make this a one-of-a-kind destination wedding option.

For slightly more affordable options, Churchill Manor and River Terrace Inn, both located in downtown Napa, offer classic Wine Country weddings and elopements. Or, for couples looking for a flexible venue that lets you dance and drink until midnight, The Chardonnay Golf Club is another spot that won’t break the bank.