A winery wedding is the perfect mix of stunning views and relaxing ambiance. If you’re a wine connoisseur, vineyard wedding venues have likely been top-of-mind since your engagement. From Napa Valley and the multitude of California wineries to Tuscany’s beautiful countryside, rows of vineyards in the distance are a beautiful sight — and backdrop for your nuptials.
One of the best things about this type of “destination” wedding is that you don’t always have to travel far to find your nearest wine region. As of 2023, there are more than 7,000 wineries in the United States; you are sure to find a venue in the vines near you. If you’re looking for more of a destination spot, there is no shortage of breathtaking wineries all over the world.
PartySlate talked to Bridget Flynn, Lead Planner and Founder of Bridget Mary Weddings & Events, along with PartySlate brides who hosted vineyard weddings to get advice, tips, and tricks. Read on to find our top nine reasons why you should have a winery wedding and begin planning, and daydreaming about, your vineyard-set nuptials.
Check Out This Stunning Winery Wedding in Sovicille, Italy
1. The Views
A winery wedding definitely makes a photographer’s job more fun. Capturing the vast views and beautiful memories of your big day is so important. Those views are going to be in every one of your wedding photos, as well as ingrained in your memories. Choose a venue that highlights the perfect panorama for you.
First & Foremost, the Views
Alila Napa Valley is a beloved winery wedding venue for endless reasons. Book this venue for its sleek interior and exterior design, along with its vineyard views for miles.
You Can Still Find Beauty in the Storm
Not even a rainstorm can hinder the vast vistas at Viansa Sonoma. This couple embraced the storm on their wedding day and wound up with these stunning photos.
An Altar Before the Vines
Strelitzia Flower Company created this minimalistic “wedding arch” to make the most of the view behind the couple saying “I Do.”
Vines Without End
This rustic wedding, planned by Michelle Garibay Events, captured the essence of Wine Country. We love how this wedding style complemented the natural beauty of the venue.
No Tent Needed
Why tent your reception when the views are this good? Jackson Durham Events designed this stunning wedding and filled it with an abundance of florals to compliment the surrounding vines.
2. The Wine
Need another reason to book a winery wedding? The wine. It’s tough to beat anything made and bottled at the source, and it’s a fact that wine tastes better when when paired with beautiful views. You and your guests can indulge in the finest of wines during your wedding weekend. You can also give bottles of local wine as personalized party favors.
Pop a Bottle, Post “I Do”
West Event Co. planned this beautiful wedding in California’s Wine Country. After the ceremony, the couple popped a bottle of sparkling rosé from their winery wedding venue to celebrate their nuptials.
In the Cellars
We love this intimate rehearsal dinner in the wine cellars, planned by Carly Saber Events. This venue gives a warm ambiance to this special occasion.
Everyone Gets a Bottle
Give the gift of wine. This sentimental wedding favor served as a gift and a keepsake for guests at this beautiful wedding, planned by Amazáe Events Inc.
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Your Choice of Sparkling or Still
L’Relyea Events planned this late summer wine country wedding with incredible views and dinner beside the vines while sipping on refreshments straight from the source.
3. The Seamless Transition From Wedding to Honeymoon
There are so many fabulous reasons to honeymoon in the same destination as your wedding ceremony and/or reception. Winery destinations are home to some of the most beautiful resorts and spas around the world. There’s no better place to kick off your honeymoon.
Intimate, Yet Vast
Radicondoli, Tuscany
Koby Brown Photography photographed this stunning destination winery wedding. Celebrating your wedding in a destination such as Tuscany makes for the perfect send-off to your honeymoon.
4. The Exciting Guest Activities
From winery tours and private tastings to spa days and lounging by the resort pool, winery destinations offer stunning amenities and activities for guests coming in from out of town. Make sure to choose a venue and hotel accommodations that are perfectly located near activities for your guests to partake in prior to the wedding festivities.
Make It a Winery Weekend
This unforgettable wedding at Fazeli Cellars in Temecula Valley offered endless weekend activities for guests.
5. The Accompanying Décor
Choosing décor and a wedding theme or style is one of the most exciting parts of planning your wedding. When having a winery wedding, there is a style of décor that naturally complements the scenery and setting. Below, you will see how Kylie, PartySlate’s Senior Events Manager, said “I do” in dreamy Sonoma, California. Her planner, Madix & Co., and florist, Rust & Flourish, worked together to create a colorful combination of fruit and florals.
Kylie spoke to some of the reasons that she and her husband decided to have a destination winery wedding, saying, “We loved the idea of a destination wedding and hosting a weekend of events, so that we could maximize time with our friends and family. Sonoma was a perfect fit for the relaxed, romantic destination we were looking for — and, of course, offered great weather and amazing wine!”
Florals Galore
Kylie notes, “We loved ’s sweeping vineyard views, olive trees, romantic lighting, and the moody wine cellar for our late night dance party.”
A Cohesive Vineyard Motif
These invitation suites perfectly matched the vineyard style of this romantic California wedding, planned by Ybarra Events.
A Built-In Wedding Theme
This whimsical wedding, planned by Madix & Co., twinkled with string lights hung above the outdoor dining tables.
Wineries in Autumn Make for a Rustic Aesthetic
Sometimes, your venue and season combine to make your perfect wedding style. LaBelle Winery Derry offers that perfect combination, no matter the season.
6. The Temperate Weather
Choosing a wedding venue and date relies heavily on the climate of your chosen location. By choosing a vineyard wedding venue, you are likely choosing temperate weather that is perfect for al fresco dining and a tented reception. Even when the sun goes down, you will still be able to enjoy the perfect weather and ambiance.
Warm Days & Cool Nights
allows for an outdoor, sunset dinner with temperate weather almost all year round. See how this winery wedding went from day to night with an outdoor ceremony and reception.
Intertwined in the Vines
O’Malley Photographers captured this stunning winery wedding at SageCliffe Resort & Spa in Quincy, Washington. The perfect weather allowed the reception to be held outside amidst the vines.
7. The Delectable Fare
Food tastes better when paired with the perfect wine. A seasoned caterer will be able to curate a menu, complete with wine, cocktail, and even mocktail pairings, that suit your wedding style. Take advantage of the locally-sourced ingredients and incorporate fresh fare into your menu.
A Perfect Pairing
From cocktail hour to dinner, food and drink pairings are essential — especially at a winery wedding. Every Elegant Detail planned this elegant, rustic wedding at Tyge William Cellars.
A Fresh & Light Menu
Chef Carlo Cavallo Catering served a delightful menu full of fresh greens and accompanying cocktail and wine pairings.
8. The Venues & Accommodations
Although your wedding day is all about you and your significant other, considering your guests’ accommodations is key. Set your guests up in luxury at a top hotel or resort with stunning views to match. Whether your venue is at the same hotel or resort where your guests are staying, or a dedicated event space, remember that accommodations matter.
More Than the Vines
We love how this timeless wedding, by Kate Whelan Events, took the reception inside the wine cellars for a different view of a winery wedding.
Rustic Meets Organic
planned this elegant wedding at Four Seasons Napa Valley where the couple said “I Do” in between the vines and the rustic, chic barn on the venue property.
Sometimes It’s All About the Venue
This white wedding at Solage, Auberge Resorts Collection wowed with natural greenery and beauty around every corner.
An Italian-Inspired Venue — In Texas
We love this classic wedding at D’Vine Grace Vineyard. The venue’s courtyard space offers the ideal reception space with string lights overhead, enhancing the Italian-inspired ambiance.
9. The Best of Both Worlds
If you want a winery ambiance without the travel, choose a winery in the city. Read below to find three stunning wineries and distilleries located in the heart of some of our favorite cities. If the city is more your speed, this option will allow you all of the aforementioned perks of a vineyard wedding, but in a location where you’re more comfortable.
Where the City Skyline & Wine Cellars Collide
District Winery offers river-front city views and delicious wines. The industrial-chic architecture makes this space a beautiful canvas for your wedding theme and style.
A Private Event Venue With Urban Charm
Located in River North, Chicago Winery is the perfect mix of a warm, inviting ambiance and modern architecture for your Chicago wedding.
Replacing Vines With Fermenters
This chic wedding used colorful florals and elegant décor that perfectly complemented the rustic vibe of Brooklyn Winery.
People Also Ask…
What are some things I should consider when planning my destination winery wedding?
Our Senior Events Manager, Kylie, notes a few things to remember while planning your winery wedding: “You’re not there in person — obviously that’s the point of a destination winery wedding, but it can make planning a bit tricky. Hire a planner who can be your local expert and boots on the ground.
“Remember: Book early! Smaller destination markets means local vendors, venues, and hotels will be in high demand.”
Bridget Flynn, Lead Planner and Founder of Bridget Mary Weddings & Events, comments, “Guest transportation is key for a destination winery wedding.
“If guests are traveling all this way, I highly recommend having shuttles to bring guests to and from the hotel, ceremony location, and reception location. If you want to be extra kind, arrange shuttles to the airport the day after the wedding.”
Should I host a winery wedding?
Our Senior Email Marketing Manager, Chelsea, eloped in The Douro Valley of Portugal in 2022. She spoke about her decision of having a destination winery elopement, saying, “We weren’t specifically looking for a winery wedding, but knew we wanted to have an intimate elopement in a beautiful, relaxing location. Six Senses Douro Valley ended up being the perfect venue because a winery is all about slowing down, taking the time to appreciate nature’s bounty, and celebrating together. The gorgeous backdrop of the vineyards did the heavy lifting as the décor during the ceremony and allowed us to feel more in the moment.
“My favorite detail was that once my husband and I exchanged the vows we wrote, we sealed them up, along with a bottle of port wine from the winery, bottled the year we met, inside of a wooden wine box to open in 5 years on our ‘wood anniversary.’
“Another fun element was when the resort’s sommelier personally made us port tonics, my new favorite drink, during our cocktail hour.” These special details made it a no-brainer for Chelsea and her husband to choose a destination vineyard for their nuptials.
Flynn, of Bridget Mary Weddings & Events, explains, “Winery weddings are perfect for out of town guests who want to explore the area while they are only there for the weekend. You are automatically creating an experience for your guests, while also supporting a local business. It’s honestly the perfect kind of venue.”
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Bridget Mary Weddings & Events
We love how this Chicago-based event planner can bring your vision to life. From downtown Chicago weddings to winery weddings, Bridget Mary Weddings & Events will exceed your expectations. photographer: Melody Joy