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Carmel Valley Wedding Venues

Carmel Valley Wedding Venues The Ultimate Carmel Valley Wedding Venues Guide (with Pricing + Photos) Carmel Valley wedding venues offer an authentically Californian experience with wineries, rustic landscapes, and golf courses, making it a favorite choice for destination weddings. Just a short drive from the Pacific Ocean, Carmel Valley offers a rustic respite from the busy coastal life. Whether you live nearby or are traveling from around the world, there are plenty of perfect options for your Carmel Valley Wedding. Here are some of the top Carmel Valley wedding venues to consider! Gardner Ranch Rental Fee: $8,000 Gardner Ranch is a great location for wedding large and small alike. The sprawling estate provides many locations including three banquet rooms, a clubhouse, an outdoor patio, and many different lawn locations. The backdrop of the Santa Lucia Mountains makes for a great setting for an outdoor wedding in virtually any season. This is also surprisingly one of the more affordable Carmel Valley wedding venues given its elegance and charm. All weddings include exclusive use of Gardner Ranch, plenty of on-site parking, wine barrel cocktail tables, landscape lighting, wooden chairs, and plenty of other perks. This is one of the more popular Carmel Valley wedding venues around for good reason. Bernardus Lodge & Spa Rental Fee: $5,500 – $13,500  This is one of the larger Carmel Valley wedding venues that offers six different wedding locations that range from vineyard views to rose gardens. For intimate ceremonies or elopements of 10 people or less, the Vintner’s Suite is a favorite or can be used as a bridal suite. Of all the locations, the Wedding Garden is possibly the most beautiful with immaculate landscaping, over 100 varieties of roses, and the chef’s own vegetable garden. Wedding packages include luxury accommodations for the couple and an open bar with Bernardus’s own wines.  Los Laureles Lodge Rental Fee: $2,500 – $3,300 One of the more unique Carmel Valley wedding venues, Los Laureles Lodge is a ten-acre ranch with three different options for settings. The largest is the Terrace Garden, a stunning area beneath cascading oak trees where guests watch from wooden pews. This holds up to 200 people. Intimate weddings of up to 30 guests can celebrate at Hill House, a beautifully adorned home with a hillside deck. The Hill House has a full kitchen and, true to its namesake, supports sweeping views of Carmel Valley. Finally, the Terrace Garden Banquet Room can hold a small reception or rehearsal dinner. Quail Lodge & Golf Club (Carmel by the Sea) Contact for pricing Quail Lodge Golf Club provides six different options for your ceremony. Quail Meadows is likely the favorite for outdoor weddings, which features a lush meadow on the banks of a stream, creating a perfect location for wedding photos. The Peninsula Ballroom in the Clubhouse is a great choice for a reception whether opting for buffet style or a sit-down dinner. This venue specializes in weddings from small groups to up to 200 guests. This is one of the more affordable Carmel Valley wedding venues for the budget-conscious bride and groom, providing beauty at a lower price than many local venues. Stonepine Estate Resort Rental Fee: starts at $9,000 As you approach through a road lined with oak trees, you will soon catch a glimpse of Chateau Noel, an architectural experience that will have you thinking you have somehow landed in Tuscany. Guests can opt for a California Country package which includes use of the Paddock Lawns or a Chateau Exclusive which involves use of Chateau Noel. Can’t decide? Book the entire estate to have one of the most regal wedding venues in Carmel Valley all to yourself! For a more Old West style feel, try the Blacksmith Bar where guests can practice archery and horseshoes while drinking beer. Needless to say, this is one of the most varied Carmel Valley wedding venues on this list. Holman Ranch Packages: $18,000 – $35,500 Holman Ranch is one of the few Carmel Valley wedding venues that can accommodate a larger number of guests with a capacity of 500. With 400 acres of land, Holman Ranch provides several wedding location options, but most couples choose the recently restored 1928 stone hacienda, an iconic building with an intimate courtyard. Others opt for a stone terrace adorned with flowers with the Santa Lucia Mountains serving as a great backdrop. Combine your ceremony with an elegant reception at the Carriage House, allowing guests to dine beneath twinkling lights. This huge estate offers something for everyone! The Holly Farm Rental Fee: starts at $28,000 One of the most beautiful Carmel Valley wedding venues, The Holly Farm is filled with winding gravel paths, towering bamboo and banana trees, and rustic cottages. The unique design of the grounds presents a variety of options for photos, ensuring you will have plenty of mementos of your wedding. In addition to no corkage or cake cutting fees, you’ll also find a number of other perks including hundreds of island orchids for décor. CONTACT ME TO DISCUSS CARMEL VALLEY WEDDING VENUES Best Wedding Venues in Carmel Valley for Elopements Joullian Vineyards Rental Fee: starts at $6,500 Located high above Carmel Valley, Joullian Vineyards’ Venue in the Vines is a premier wedding location. This is a place for weddings of many sizes, able to accompany as few as 50 guests or as many as 250. Smaller parties may instead be interested in The Overlook, which allows couples to exchange nuptials in front of a wood and floral arch with the entire Carmel Valley as the backdrop. With 20 to 50 guests, this is one of the more popular Carmel Valley wedding venues that caters to smaller weddings. Best Outdoor Carmel Valley Wedding Venues Chateu Carmel Ranch Contact for pricing Holman Ranch is one of the few Carmel Valley wedding venues that can accommodate a larger number of guests with a capacity of 500. With 400 acres of land, Holman Ranch provides several wedding location options, but most couples choose the recently

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auberge du soleil wedding flowers hanging as two grooms hold hands in front of their wedding guests

Wedding Venues in Napa

Wedding Venues in Napa The Ultimate Guide to the Best Wedding Venues in Napa (complete with pricing and photos) If you are looking into the best wedding venues in Napa, look no further! Napa is a hugely popular location known for its award-winning wineries and country charm, and is one of the most sought after destinations in Northern California. With so many places to choose from, let’s help you narrow down your list of possibilities by highlighting some of the best wedding venues in Napa below (entire Napa Valley included). Harvest Inn (St. Helena) Reservation Fee : $6,000 – $10,000Beverage Minimum : $8,000 – $15,000Meals : $150+/personCapacity : 120 guests Having a Harvest Inn wedding allows you a handful of options to choose for your wedding. They offer a few lawn and terrace options that all offer differing views of the scenic vineyards and rolling hills in the background. This is one of the more diverse wedding venues in Napa since they can also offer services for elopements. Check out my Harvest Inn wedding walkthrough for more details. Auberge du Soleil (Rutherford) Small wedding (30 guests and under): $3,500 – $5,100Food & Bev Min: $3,500 – $5,000 Large wedding (over 30 guests): $6,500 – $12,500Food & Bev Min: $15,000 – $25,000 Set amidst a 33-acre olive grove, Auberge du Soleil’s hillside presence provides amazing views of the Napa Valley. Just a few miles north of the town of Napa, there are many options for your ceremony. La Pagode is an Asian-inspired pavilion surrounded by olive trees, vineyards, and a sculpture garden featuring over a hundred works. Meanwhile, the venue’s Terrace location provides an outdoor setting paired with Vista rooms that serve as a great setting for a reception. This is one of the more popular wedding venues in Napa, especially since it is Michelin awarded. Fairview Napa (Napa) Ceremony Fee: $1,500Up to 100 guests: $65 – $139 / personOver 100 guests: $60 – $134 / personFacility Fees: $15 or $25 / personService Charge: 22% If you are a busy couple looking to find something all-inclusive to make wedding planning as easy as possible, The Fairview Napa is an excellent choice. They offer four (4) distinct packages from the the Essentials to the Elite. The reception pavilion offers sparking chandeliers and stunning lake views.  The Estate Yountville (Yountville) Inquire for details For those looking for a true Wine Country experience, look no further than this luxury Napa wedding venue. This is one of the larger wedding venues in Napa with a total of six event spaces. The favorite is clearly the vineyard; however, a hidden gem is the barrel room with high ceiling, wrought iron décor, brick walls, and wooden rafters. It really gives a rustic look that pops.  Eagle Vines Golf Club (American Canyon) Pricing: Inquire for more detailsCapacity : 250 guests The Eagle Vines Pavilion offers a 4000 square foot tent, with half of it consisting of clear walls to showcase the surrounding mountains and vineyards. It is known for its 12 chandeliers to offer guests a rustic elegance for your wedding Churchill Manor (Napa) Rental Fee for over 30 guests: $4,250Food and Bev: $40 / personElopement: $800 – $1,900 for champagne reception includes use of all parlors/grounds and one room rental Capacity : 150 guests Churchill Manor is one of the premier wedding venues in Napa designed with an elegant aesthetic. Indoor and outdoor weddings of up to 150 people are available year round. Located one block away from downtown Napa, it allows guests to explore the city before or after your wedding day. Inn on Randolph (Napa) Pricing: Inquire for more details The Inn of Randolph is one of the favorite wedding venues in Napa for many couples. This 19th century estate serves as a boutique luxury inn fitting for an intimate Napa Valley wedding. Perfect for a small ceremony or elopement, you will exchange vows in front of a cute little gazebo amidst a romantic garden. Host a sit-down dinner in the courtyard or indoors. This is a great setting for couples who want to spend a lot of time celebrating with a small group of friends and family. River Terrace Inn (Napa) Rental Fee: determined by day of week and time of yearService charge: 7.75% taxDestination Fee: $25 per room plus %15.19 tax One of the more awarded wedding venues in Napa, the River Terrace Inn has a large 3,000 square foot outdoor terrace overlooking the river. This space opens up to a ballroom with French doors and low-hanging chandeliers, creating an elegant reception hall. Indian Springs Resort (Calistoga) Rental Fee: you can contact the venueCapacity: Maximum 95 Indian Springs brands itself as a “modern bohemian retreat” and is one of the most beautiful wedding venues in Napa. It’s a historic resort with lovely gardens, ponds, and greenery, among other things. If that’s not all, this site contains four natural geysers! The main highlight of this location is an Olympic mineral pool first built in 1910. If you are looking for something other than the typical Napa winery wedding, you’ll find it here.  Check out the best wedding venues in Calistoga for more options Napa Valley Wine Train (Napa) Ceremony packages: $1,500 – $2,500Reception package: starts at $315 / person  This is perhaps the most unique wedding venues in Napa since it is an actual train that can take your guests on a tour of the Napa Valley for between three and six hours depending upon the package. The linear layout of the train provides a multitude of options for mingling with guests and enjoying the scenery. Up to 300 guests can be included while the cars themselves feature fine cherry wood and lace tablecloths. It will feel as if you have been transported back in time as you tour the rolling hills of Napa. Interested In More Information? Please Fill Out the Form Below! 415 756 9335  ianchinphotography@gmail.com

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weddings at big sur coastline ocean and cliffs

How to Plan a Wedding in Big Sur

How to Plan a Wedding in Big Sur The Ultimate Guide to Planning a Wedding in Big Sur (complete with tips and venue information) There are few places on the west coast as stunning as having a wedding in Big Sur. Known for state parks and coastal scenery, countless couples have planned their wedding in Big Sur and it is becoming one of the more popular locations to exchange vows and take wedding photos. Below is the ultimate guide for all your planning needs for a wedding in Big Sur.  1 Simple Method to Having a Wedding in Big Sur All you really need to plan your elopement or wedding in Big Sur is an officiant, a marriage license, and one witness.  And of course, CONTACTING a photographer like me! Getting the Marriage License Your wedding in Big Sur can’t be official without a marriage license. In California, a marriage license can be obtained in any county for a ceremony held in the state, even if the marriage is held in a different county. Big Sur is in Monterey County, so you can get the license from San Francisco County, for example. However, you must return the license to the county that issued it, along with the signature of the officiant and at least one witness.  For out of town couples, it’s popular to stay in San Francisco while having your wedding in Big Sur. If this is the case with you, read up on how to get your marriage license in my San Francisco City Hall Weddings Planning Guide And if you are flexible with locations, take a look at the Best Places to Have an Elopement in San Francisco Big Sur Wedding Permit Best Times of the Year for a Wedding in Big Sur There are more ideal times to have your wedding at Big Sur. Perhaps the safest is Fall for its warmer weather, color, and clear skies. However, anytime between March and October is suitable while the winter months may be a bit too cold and overcast. Rain does tend to occur in early Spring so plan accordingly. If you plan it right, you can time your wedding in Big Sur with the warmest time of the year around September and October and if you’re lucky, can make a stop to see the visiting monarch butterflies nearby in Pacific Grove Photo Locations for a Wedding in Big Sur Regardless of where you host your wedding at Big Sur, you will have many breathtaking locations for photos nearby. The Bixby Bridge on Highway 1 provides a unique backdrop and is probably the most popular. Pfeiffer Burns State Park is a majestic location, particularly near sunset. Rocky Point Restaurant provides a scenic overlook set aside rugged coastal cliffs. Finally, Garrapata Trail is a perfect backdrop filled with wildflowers during spring and summer.  Bixby Bridge Iconic Big Sur Coastline Big Sur Elopement Packages Big Sur elopement packages are typically customized to fit your needs, but start at $2000 for 3 hours. A sample elopement in Big Sur consists of getting ready/details, the wedding ceremony, group photos, couples portraits, and a reception. For the more adventurous couples, doing multiple photo locations around gorgeous Big Sur is highly recommended to take advantage of the stunning coastline and scenic views Best Wedding Venues in Big Sur CA Big Sur is popular for elopements and marrying on cliffs overlooking the ocean, but for those who want an actual venue that’s no problem either! Let’s take a look at some of my favorite wedding venues in Big Sur CA. Big Sur Lodge Rental Fee: $599 – $1,199 This is one of the most classic Big Sur wedding venues around the area. Big Sur Lodge is located in Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park with indoor and outdoor seating. Most popular is the Redwood Patio, located next to a flowing stream. There is also an option for a picnic style rehearsal dinner in the state park. This is easily the most popular place to have a wedding at Big Sur. Ventana Contact for pricing Ventana is a resort that prides itself on a wide variety of options for your wedding in Big Sur. The blending of the ocean, forests, and mountains at this Big Sur wedding venue will leave you in awe. With over 12,000 feet of event space, there is a setting for a wedding of any size. Sur Visa is an outdoor overlook adorned with picnic tables and elegant landscaping. Redwood Cathedral provides a space surrounded by towering trees. The Loft blends natural woods with modern décor to create an intimate indoor setting. This is definitely one of the most diverse wedding venues in Big Sur CA to fit your needs. Check out my Ventana Big Sur Wedding Guide for more details Loma Vista Gardens Rental Fee: $5,400 – $18,400 depending on size and day Loma Vista was named for the its beautiful views, making this one of my favorite wedding venues in Big Sur CA. The location is backdropped by mountains and has elegantly manicured landscaping including cactus gardens. With packages for traditional and elopement weddings, Loma Vista Gardens can customize the perfect ceremony for any types of wedding in Big Sur. This locale is a great choice for couples wanting a rustic feel for an outdoor ceremony.  Point 16 Contact for pricing Located about half an hour outside of downtown, Point 16 is an area off of Highway 1 that is frequently used for planning a wedding in Big Sur. There is perhaps no better view in the area as Point 16 overlooks the beauty of the Pacific Ocean from a lush hillside meadow. There is no bad time for a wedding here as any time of day will provide an excellent view for your wedding at Big Sur. Post Ranch Inn Rental Fee: $6,000Small weddings: $5,500 – $6,600Elopements: $3,900 You haven’t seen Big Sur until you’ve seen a sunset from the Post Ranch Inn’s view of the Pacific Ocean. Couples will find a variety of packages

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zephyr lodge wedding northstar resort lake tahoe

Lake Tahoe Wedding Venues

Lake Tahoe Wedding Venues If you are looking for Lake Tahoe wedding venues the list below breaks them down into South and North Lake Tahoe. The lake itself is known for the pristine clarity of its water as well as the mountains surrounding it. Popular year round for all types of water sports, it is also a popular year round wedding destination. Let’s take a look at some of the best Lake Tahoe Wedding Venues. South Lake Tahoe Wedding Venues Black Bear Lodge 1202 Ski Run Blvd; South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150 For those having a smaller wedding, Black Bear Lodge is an excellent choice. This is a one of the more quaint and charming Lake Tahoe wedding venues that is perfect for a late Fall or Winter wedding. The beautiful lodge consists of open space with a rock fireplace while the grounds are framed by large pines. Rental includes a large bridal suite, wedding coordinator, and outdoor lighting.  The Hideout at Kirkwood 43300 CA-88; Kirkwood, CA 95646 Just a few miles south of Lake Tahoe, The Hideout at Kirkwood is simply stunning. The log cabin sits on a pond and is framed by forests and rolling rock cliffsides. There are plenty of open spaces and an intentionally flexible layout that provides many different options for wedding setup. Of all the Lake Tahoe wedding venues, this one particularly excels at customization. Those seeking a slightly more secluded setting will adore The Hideout, which provides a variety of packages.  Tahoe Edgewood Resort 180 Lake Pkwy; Stateline, NV 89449 On the Nevada side of the lake, Edgewood Tahoe provides a stunning backdrop for a ceremony on the lakeshore with their North Lawn and 17th Green settings. Enjoy a cocktail on the lakefront deck or head into the clubhouse for an elegant reception. While Tahoe Edgewood can accommodate a variety of wedding sizes, they are one of the few Lake Tahoe wedding venues unable to perform elopements.   Lakeview Lodge at Heavenly  3860 Saddle Rd; South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150Capacity: 200 guests As the name would indicate, this is another one of the Lake Tahoe wedding venues that is situated high in the mountains surrounded by evergreens. A ski resort by trade, Heavenly Mountain provides weddings at its Lakeview Lodge which hosts up to 200 people. You can even make an entrance by riding the resort’s aerial tram to the ceremony site. With an expansive view, weddings are booked during the summer months with availability from June to September.   photo taken from iconicweddings website Valhalla 1 Valhalla Rd; South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150 Valhalla describes itself as “rustic elegance.” The century-old lodge is adorned with hardwood floors and French doors, featuring a grand lawn filled with towering pines. Perfect for a romantic wedding with hours of dancing beneath antique lanterns and stringed market lights, Valhalla is my choice for a fairy tale wedding setting. With venue fees all going towards preservation of the historic estate, your choice of this wedding venue in Lake Tahoe will also help give back to Tahoe’s cultural history.  Tahoe Ridge Resort 400 Ridge Club Dr; Stateline, NV 89449 Across the border in Stateline, the Tahoe Ridge Resort is a great choice for couples seeking an all-inclusive wedding package that will help remove the stress from their magical day. This location specializes in an outdoor ceremony on a terrace that overlooks a natural canyon. Meanwhile reception areas indoors feature floor to ceiling picture windows, offering expansive mountain views. Tahoe Ridge is also a relatively affordable option compared to similar resorts in the area, making it a great choice for more budget conscious couples who want all the adornments of a large wedding venue in Lake Tahoe. Best Time for a Lake Tahoe Wedding If you ask me, I would say Spring is the best time overall to have a wedding in Lake Tahoe, ranging from March – mid June. Arguably the busiest (and best) time for a Lake Tahoe wedding is during the summer months June to August, as most attractions are open and weather is perfect. In addition, catching the Fourth of July celebrations might also be something worth considering. For fall foliage, October up until mid-November is best, and there’s nothing like capturing the fall colors in your wedding photos! Of course, if the quiet of winter and snow are more appealing, the winter months of November through January are best for your Lake Tahoe elopement (although the second most busy time of the year in Lake Tahoe). For visitors who simply want to avoid tourist season, September through November is best. CONTACT ME TO DISCUSS WEDDING VENUES IN LAKE TAHOE North Lake Tahoe Wedding Venues Northstar California Resort 5001 Northstar Dr; Truckee, CA 96161Capacity: 300 guests A stunning and spacious ski resort, Northstar California boasts its Zephyr Lodge, one of the more iconic Lake Tahoe wedding venues with its unique shape. Only accessible by gondola, this site high in the mountains provides an ideal wedding setting outdoors with scenic views. With the ability to host up to 300, this upscale locale is sure to leave all your guests talking about your nuptials for years. With a classic ski lodge vibe, this location offers perhaps the most expansive views in the region. Resort at Squaw Valley  400 Squaw Creek Rd; Olympic Valley, CA 96146Capacity: 80 – 500 guests Just northwest of Lake Tahoe, Squaw Valley may sound familiar because the Winter Olympics were held here back in 1960. Accomodating anywhere between 80 to 500 guests indoor and outdoors, the property and staff provides comprehensive service from décor to catering and event planning. For couples wanting one