What is your dream venue?

If you asked me in my 20's, I would have said big & glam like Ritz-Carlton, Four Seasons, etc. Buuut...now in my 40's finally having met the right guy who is my creative match, we chose amazing venues that fit our themes! Our wedding/reception was in 2017 and both venues rocked.

Pirate Wedding at Calistoga Ranch (Napa Valley)

Calistoga Ranch: their amazing wine cave!

Three months later...

Our 1960's reception (Temecula)

So classy! Delicious wines.

We didn't think of it until we already booked our venue, but the Queen Mary would have been ideal for our 60's theme (a 20's theme would be even cooler). Their ballrooms have such a vintage glam to them (minimal decor needed = save money). Plus, guests could have had a LOT to drink and safely spent the night on ship! I've always wanted to stay there. Anyhoo, a cool option for other couples to think about.

Queen Mary - Long Beach

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This place is gorgeous! I'm sure whatever he picked out will be just a stunning for your wedding!

I wanted a high rise with a view of the city. I definitely found that and get to have my dream venue.

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That's my dream, too! Somewhere out in Napa Valley would be amazing! Glad to hear you compromised, sounds like a fun theme!!

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OMG I'm obsessed, my dream is to get married out in Napa Valley!!! Looks absolutely gorgeous!

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Totally worth it!!! Amazing DW for guests too, A few tips for Napa, CA weddings:

* Vineyards not in bloom until mid to late June usually. July/Aug best for vineyards, also the most expensive for weddings. Be careful about booking too late in Sept/Oct because harvest dates aren't exact and the vines might be cut/bare if your wedding is *after* harvest.

* Off-season, weekday weddings can save you up to 50% on site fees and hotel costs. Plus, you won't be there with all the tourists.

* Several wineries offer "elopement/private wedding" packages for 20 guests or less. Really good deal and then you can dine there or go to a local restaurant.

* Napa has restrictions on weddings which is probably why they're so pricey. Few wineries are allowed to offer weddings (and only so many per year), so call first to find out. Some can do receptions; have the ceremony elsewhere and enjoy your favorite winery for a delicious reception.

Our top venues in Napa/Sonoma were: Calistoga Ranch, Chateau St Jean, Gundlach Bundschu, Brix, Charles Krug. The year before our wedding, we did a 4-day vaca there and visited 10+ venues (some appointments, some browsing around). It helps so much to visit the venues to see if it's the overall "vibe" and kind of space you want. If you're considering Napa, feel free to hit me up with questions!

My dream was always a castle. I booked a reproduction castle hall (the inside looks like the Great Hall from Hogwarts, the outside is much more modern though it has a giant knight on top).

Park Winters

This is our venue for Sept 2020! Its a bed and breakfast and restaurant when not being used for weddings; its heavenly!

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Caitlin this is beautiful!!!! Your photos are going to be amazing

Are you going to have an indoor or outdoor ceremony?

View Quoted Comment We’re going for an outdoor ceremony and cocktail hour with an indoor reception - September in our area is super hot in the day and freezing at night!

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Wow, this would be my dream venue, too, if I lived in Maryland! Absolutely gorgeous!