Looking to tie the knot in the Napa Valley?
With the multitude of options available, getting started can feel overwhelming. For couples hoping to plan their big day in wine country, here’s a helpful guide highlighting three beautiful and distinctive venues.
Before diving into the locations themselves, there are a few things every couple should prepare before reaching out to a venue.
Riana Mondavi, the director of direct-to-consumer operations at Charles Krug Winery, emphasized the importance of coming prepared when inquiring about hosting a wedding. Couples should be ready to share the basics — such as the wedding date or timeframe, estimated guest count, budget, desired theme or style, and a list of must-haves or non-negotiables (such as live music, specific photo opportunities, or cultural and religious traditions).
Mondavi also suggests letting the venue and planner know if any vendors are already booked, dietary restrictions or menu preferences, travel needs like shuttles, and the type of ceremony being planned. Providing a wedding website or Pinterest board with inspiration can also go a long way in helping a couple’s vision come to life.
With those tips in mind, here are four Napa Valley venues that perfectly capture the romance of wine country.
Charles Krug Winery
Charles Krug Winery, founded in 1861, is the oldest winery in Napa Valley and one of only a handful of wineries permitted to host weddings in the area, according to Visit Napa Valley’s website. Its rich history and sweeping grounds make it a timeless choice for couples seeking both beauty and tradition.
According to Mondavi, the St. Helena winery is “more than just a beautiful venue — it offers a personalized and seamless planning experience in the heart of Napa Valley. The estate blends historic charm with modern elegance, allowing couples to create a celebration that reflects their unique vision.”
The winery’s expansive site offers flexibility for both large and intimate gatherings. The outdoor space accommodates up to 800 guests, while the historic indoor Carriage House can host up to 260 guests and includes an on-site kitchen. For those looking for added convenience, a guest house is available for use from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. at an additional fee of $1,500. Couples can also enhance the experience with unique wine-focused offerings, such as private tastings and curated wine pairings.
The winery’s planning team provides extensive support throughout the process. As Mondavi explained, “Charles Krug offers couples the freedom to curate the look, feel and flow of their special day, all while surrounded by the elegance of wine country and the richness of history.”
The site fee for weddings begins at $16,000, according to Milestone Events Group.
Charles Krug Winery is located at 800 Main St. (Highway 29/128) in St. Helena. For more information about planning a wedding, visit milestoneeventsgroup.com/venue/ charles-krug-winery.
Carneros Resort and Spa
Situated off the Sonoma Highway southwest of the city of Napa, the resort features private cottages and vacation homes, multiple onsite dining options, and a full-service spa — making it both a wedding destination and a romantic retreat.
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Carneros resort nestles proposal experience in vineyard landscape Carneros Resort and Spa recently announced a one-of-a-kind proposal package in partnership with Brilliant Earth, a San Francisco based global leader in ethically sourced fine jewelry. Today, couples are increasingly seeking engagement rings that reflect both their values and personal story, embracing craftsmanship and ethical sourcing alongside meaningful customization. “Protecting the surrounding land-scape has created a secluded, romantic setting at our resort that pairs well with the exclusive experiences available to couples. To show our commitment to conservation, we prioritize sustainability throughout the property, whether it’s sourcing fresh produce from our culinary gardens or using recycled milk cartons to build the rocking chairs on each cottage’s porch, where couples can relax together,” Edward Costa, managing director at Carneros Resort and Spa, said in a news release. “Being eco-conscious is now a necessity rather than a luxury across industries, so Brilliant Earth is a natural fit as a partner with their impressive dedication to transparency, ethical sourcing, and distinctive designs.” The proposal package features every element essential for crafting a moment of profound significance, including the white-glove presentation of a Camellia-inspired engagement ring from Brilliant Earth’s distinguished Signature Collections. These collections showcase two decades of innovation and represent the pinnacle of Brilliant Earth’s in-house design expertise and award winning craftsmanship — a testament to their enduring commitment to excellence. The exquisite Camellia designs, with their delicate symmetry and nature inspiration, feature exceptional diamonds meticulously selected by world-class gemologists, capturing the inherent grace and refined beauty of their namesake flower. In addition to a stunning ring, the package includes a one-night stay in one of Carneros Resort and Spa’s Residences, which include 1,700 square feet of ultimate luxury, a full kitchen and dining area, a spacious backyard with an in-ground hot tub, and more, according to the resort. Couples can enjoy an intimate candlelit dinner in the privacy of their Residence curated by the talented chefs at FARM, the resort’s seasonally driven signature restaurant. The resort team will also set the stage for a surprise proposal at one of its idyllic venues with sweeping views of Napa Valley’s famed vineyards and rolling hills. Guests can then capture one of their happiest moments with a professional photography session on property. Carneros Resort and Spa is located at 4048 Sonoma Highway (Highway 12/121) in Carneros. For more information, visit carnerosresort. com. |
“At Carneros, we aim to offer couples a wedding day that feels as timeless and meaningful as their love story,” said Edward Costa, managing director of the resort. “Every detail is thoughtfully curated to reflect romance, intention and natural beauty — creating unforgettable moments from the moment they say ‘yes’ to the moment they say ‘I do.’”
The property offers six unique wedding venues ranging from 3,276 to 10,000 square feet, each accommodating up to 300 guests. Couples can choose from vineyard-view terraces to more intimate spaces in the heart of the resort.
Carneros Resort also provides specialty packages designed to simplify the planning process. The Brilliant Beginnings Proposal Package includes a partnership with Brilliant Earth jewelry, featuring an engagement ring from the Camellia Collection, a one-night stay, a candlelit dinner for two, a personalized proposal setting, and a professional engagement photography session. Pricing varies depending on the ring selection and current room rates.
For couples ready to say “I do,” the Elopement Package accommodates up to 18 guests and includes a ceremony service, officiant, flowers, photographer, musicians, sparkling wine and snacks. The package costs $6,250.
Carneros Resort and Spa is located at 4048 Sonoma Highway (Highway 12/121) in Carneros. To learn more about wedding and engagement packages, visit carnerosresort.com/luxury-napa-weddings.
Culinary Institute of America
The Culinary Institute of America has two locations in the Napa Valley for couples looking for their perfect wedding venue — CIA at Copia and Greystone.
Both locations offer a multitude of options for couples. The venues combine world-class cuisine with different event spaces, offering a setting that is as delicious as it is picturesque.
Situated in the heart of downtown Napa, CIA at Copia is an ideal venue for a city wedding. Copia has seven available spaces, including The Atrium for an indoor option and the Culinary Garden for an outdoor space.
“At the Culinary Institute of America at Copia, your wedding should be as unforgettable as your love story,” stated Kristin Lehmkuhl, the special events sales manager for the CIA at Copia and Greystone. “In the heart of downtown Napa, we celebrate the beauty of the valley by pairing world-class cuisine with exceptional hospitality, creating a celebration for all to enjoy.”
For those looking for a traditional, luxurious wedding, CIA at Greystone is an excellent choice. Greystone is located in a castle-like building in St. Helena, surrounded by vineyards. The property also has seven spaces to choose from, including the Barrel Room, surrounded by redwood wine barrels, and the Herb Terrace, with flower beds and herb gardens.
Both venues accommodate up to 300 guests, with site fees ranging from $4,000 to $10,000 for a six-hour event. Fees include setup, takedown, cleanup, tables, chairs and tableware. Couples must also meet a food and beverage minimum averaging $120 per guest, with customizable options that range from appetizers and formal plated dinners to full bar service.
In addition, CIA at Copia and Greystone require couples to hire a dedicated wedding coordinator (outside of attendees) and provide liability insurance covering up to $1 million.
CIA at Copia is located at 500 First St. in Napa, and CIA at Greystone is located at 2555 Main St. in St. Helena. For details on planning a wedding, visit ciafoodies.com/weddings-napa-ca.
