30 California Destination Wedding Venues with European Vibes
Who doesn't dream of jetting off to Europe for a destination wedding? There's a certain je ne sais quoi when it comes to transatlantic travel: The colorful cliffside village of Positano on the Amalfi Coast, the ultra-romantic Bridgerton vibes of the English countryside, the grand art and architecture of Paris... Europe's Old World charm and rich history are enough to set anyone's heart aflutter. But what if we told you that a European-style wedding venue may be closer to home than you think? We've found the dreamiest California wedding venues that'll make you feel as though you've been whisked away to Europe. No passport required!
If You Love Old World Architecture...
If You Love Old World Architecture...
The Mission Inn Hotel and Spa
Riverside, California
Fab Features: extraordinary castle-like venue with European charm and dazzling Spanish architecture • the Grand Parisian Ballroom resembles a baronial hall in an Old World castle • Spanish Art Gallery richly appointed with regal 17th-century European décor
Catering: In-housePrice: $ • $$ • $$$
Berkeley City Club
Berkeley, CA
Fab Features: designed in 1929 by famed architect Julia Morgan, this historic hotel is like a miniature Hearst Castle • Moorish Gothic-style building features landscaped inner courtyards and fountains, plus a wealth of graceful arches, domed ceilings, pillars, leaded-glass windows and doors, and art • time-honored guest rooms include classic vintage décor
Catering: In-housePrice: $$ • $$$
The Hibernia
San Francisco, CA
Fab Features: iconic 1892 treasure designed by Albert Pissis that boasts a grand corner location, giant exterior colonnade, and famed verdigris domed entrance • the Main Hall boasts a soaring 30-foot ceiling, massive arched windows, and ornately gilded fixtures • historic San Francisco experience coupled with state-of-the-art amenities
Catering: Preferred listPrice: $$ • $$$
Great American Music Hall
San Francisco, California
Venue Superpowers:
Ceremony Stage
Fabulous Acoustics
Dramatic Design Elements
Fab Features: alluring 1907 Rococo concert hall with a starry past • luxe décor includes marble columns, ornately gilded balconies, and an elaborate frescoed ceiling • unique theatrical touches, like personalized marquees and state-of-the-art lighting and sound
Catering: In-house, BYOPrice: $ • $$
If You Dream of the Coastal Cliffs of Ireland...
If You Dream of the Coastal Cliffs of Ireland...
Slide Ranch
Muir Beach, CA
Fab Features: breathtaking ceremonies on a grassy bluff overlooking Muir Beach • a trail stretching from the bluff to the sands offers plenty of stunning natural locations for portraits, backed by the rugged rock formations of the coast • glamping and late-night celebrations on the adjoining campground
Catering: BYOPrice: $ • $$
Switzer Farm
Westport, CA
Fab Features: 1884 Victorian farmhouse perched on a striking bluff overlooking the Pacific • the 22 private acres provide unfettered ocean and headland views, a private meadow, a garden cottage, historic barn, and garden • the rental includes 3 nights lodging for up to 27 guests in plush yet cozy accommodations
Catering: Preferred list, BYOPrice: $ • $$ • $$$
If You Want To Wed in the French Countryside…
If You Want To Wed in the French Countryside…
Madonna Inn
San Luis Obispo, CA
Fab Features: imaginative world-class hotel • vibrant event spaces that come in a myriad of themes and colors • exchange vows in a lush garden followed by one-of-a-kind receptions among bold colors and eclectic accents like cupid angel chandeliers
Catering: In-housePrice: $ • $$
Beaulieu Garden
Rutherford, CA
Fab Features: gorgeous estate setting with a sunken garden • pool and lawn area perfect for a warm, casual cocktail hour • delectable dinners served beneath a lush, vine-covered arbor adorned with twinkle lights
Catering: In-house
Price: $$ • $$$
Leoness Cellars
Temecula, California
Fab Features: picturesque and welcoming setting crowned by ivy-covered walls, impeccable vines, and panoramic views • secluded ceremony lawn framed by the sprawling vineyards and mountains beyond • the barrel room (the largest in the area!) boasts high ceilings accented by drapes, chandeliers, and twinkle lights
Catering: In-housePrice: $$ • $$$
Lafayette Park Hotel and Spa
Lafayette, CA
Fab Features: Four Diamond Award French Chateau style hotel • distinctive architecture showcases dormers, shuttered French windows, and peaked roofline • the Spa offers luxe treatments along with a fitness pavilion, pool, seasonal poolside café, and an outdoor fireplace
Catering: In-housePrice: $ • $$
If an Opulent Italian Villa Makes You Swoon…
If an Opulent Italian Villa Makes You Swoon…
Allegretto Vineyard Resort
Paso Robles, California
Fab Features: a 20-acre vineyard resort populated with art and artifacts from South America, Asia, Europe and beyond • exchange vows in a French-inspired Abbey, or dine under the stars in the Italian-inspired courtyard • with European-style hospitality, guests are invited to relax in lush gardens, soothing spa experiences, or in a private pool cabana
Catering: In-housePrice: $$ • $$$
The Havens Country Club
Vista, CA
Fab Features: Tuscan-inspired architecture surrounded by stunning mountains and rolling hills • ceremony site boasts elaborate 18th-century French gates and pillars imported from Provence, France • the Mission Revival-style clubhouse is reminiscent of a traditional Mediterranean abbey, with huge wood doors, soaring archways, and a pale stone exterior
Catering: In-housePrice: $ • $$ • $$$
Hotel Winters
Winters, CA
Fab Features: luxe boutique hotel with an exceptional wedding planning team • exchange vows before a spectacular water wall feature in the Rail Road Courtyard, then dance under the stars and glowing market lights • or, opt for the airy Orchard Ballroom, with its grand stone fireplace, high ceilings, and modern arched windows
Catering: In-housePrice: $ • $$ • $$$
Jacuzzi Family Vineyards
Sonoma, CA
Fab Features: dreamy vineyard estate • outdoor ceremony site overlooking the the eastern vineyards and Wetland Preserve • enjoy cocktails on the picturesque Grand Piazza paved with Italian stonework and lined with potted plants, then dine and dance in the European-style Barrel Room
Catering: Preferred listPrice: $$
The Chateau Escondido
Escondido, CA
Fab Features: romantic hilltop chateau • panoramic views of the surrounding vineyards in the valley below • weekend wedding experiences with luxury overnight accommodations
Catering: Preferred list, BYO
Price: $ • $$ • $$$
Villa de Amore Vineyard Estate
Temecula, CA
Fab Features: charming Tuscan villa adorned with flower gardens, tranquil fountains, and historic sculptures • exchange vows against a backdrop of the rolling hills of Temecula wine country and the distant San Bernardino Mountains • romantic receptions in the breathtaking interior courtyard are fully catered, including a late night snack
Catering: In-house
Price: $ • $$ • $$$
Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa
Sonoma, California
Fab Features: 10-acre retreat with plenty of amenities, like a luxe day spa package with European-style baths, mini mani-pedis, and use of the private Spa Loggia for wedding party primping • numerous verdant lawns— bordered by a creek, bounded by flowerbeds, and shaded by trees— are perfect for al fresco ceremonies • the luxe Vintage Hall boasts floor-to-ceiling windows and a breezy veranda with golf course views
Catering: In-house
Price: $$ • $$$
If You're Seeking a Mediterranean Oasis…
If You're Seeking a Mediterranean Oasis…
Solage, Auberge Resorts Collection
Calistoga, CA
Fab Features: tour of their edible garden and a cocktail course led by a master mixologist • sunrise yoga • create a customized essential oil blend based on the numeric values of your wedding date • open-air jeep ride through Safari West, a private wildlife preserve
Catering: In-house
Price: $$$
Tuscan Rose Ranch
Santa Paula, CA
Fab Features: breathtaking new garden wedding venue at the edge of the Heritage Valley boasts over 3 acres of roses, lavender fields, olive trees and lush greenery • spacious ceremony lawn bordered by shrubbery and low arcaded walls has a paved aisle, and trickling fountains in the background • all-inclusive catering packages invite you to celebrate with ease under the stars and twinkle lights
Catering: Preferred listPrice: $$
Marbella Country Club
San Juan Capistrano, California
Fab Features: elegant club nestled in a pastoral valley between the Pacific Ocean and the Saddleback Mountains • say your vows on the verdant Croquet Lawn, then snap romantic photos among the rose gardens, picturesque fairways, and clubhouse architecture • savor creative delicacies from the Certified Master Chef on the breezy Catalonia Terrace as the sun sets
Catering: In-housePrice: $ • $$ • $$$
Estancia La Jolla Hotel and Spa
La Jolla, California
Fab Features: fabulous resort encompassing 10 acres of romantic gardens minutes from the beach on the La Jolla cliffs • a sweeping staircase leads to the Garden Courtyard, a manicured lawn bordered with native foliage and magnolia trees • sumptuous event details and indulgent on-site amenities (like the full-service spa!) create an elevated resort experience
Catering: In-house
Price: $$ • $$$
If You Adore Greek and Roman Art and Architecture…
If You Adore Greek and Roman Art and Architecture…
Hacienda de las Flores by Wedgewood Weddings
Moraga, CA
Fab Features: authentic Spanish-style mansion • ceremonies on the expansive lawn or in the Pavilion, a semicircular building with huge Corinthian columns • the inviting interior is designed with hardwood floors, beamed ceilings, and a grand fireplace
Catering: In-housePrice: $ • $$
If You Want a Taste of Italy or Spain…
If You Want a Taste of Italy or Spain…
Muckenthaler Mansion
Fullerton, California
Fab Features: 1924 Gatsby-esque art-filled estate • octagonal Solarium flooded with natural light and 9 acres of outdoor space outfitted with lush lawns, a rose garden, and a romantic stone gazebo • delectable and creative five-star cuisine from Colette's Catering
Catering: In-housePrice: $$ • $$$
Inn at the Mission San Juan Capistrano, Autograph Collection
San Juan Capistrano, CA
Fab Features: inspired SoCal hotel that blends historic Mission-style beauty with plenty of plush amenities • say "I do" in the heart of a graceful courtyard, framed by sparkling fountains, olive trees, and the glow of bistro lights • the gracious Catalan Room is flooded with light from the adjacent Spanish-tiled courtyard
Catering: In-housePrice: $$ • $$$
V. Sattui Winery
Saint Helena, CA
Fab Features: 1885 vine-covered stone winery, now in its fourth generation of family ownership • say "I do" in a bucolic courtyard or an ivy-covered tower that overlooks an expanse of flower-lined lawn • elegant al fresco receptions on the front patio enjoy glowing bistro lights, lush landscaping, and a large Mediterranean-style fountain
Catering: In-house, Preferred listPrice: $ • $$ • $$$
Annadel Estate Winery
Santa Rosa, CA
Fab Features: striking turn-of-the-century estate set on 40 acres of woodlands, vineyards, and heirloom rose fields • magical Old World-style ruins boast hand-hewn stone walls and lush trellises • artful lighting illuminates expansive lawns, terraces, and a rustic barn
Catering: Preferred listPrice: $$ • $$$
Santa Ynez Ranch Events
Santa Ynez, CA
Fab Features: stunning Santa Barbara Wine Country luxury retreat is set amidst a 105-acre organic vineyard and farm • vineyards views and lavender-scented breezes enhance your vows on the Wedding Lawn, which overlooks a pretty pond • a gorgeous upscale event barn with a chic lounge hosts exquisite celebrations
Price: $$$
CaliPaso Winery and Villa
Paso Robles, CA
Fab Features: hilltop Tuscan-style inn framed by hundreds of acres of lush vineyards • exchange vows in a dramatic courtyard framed by gorgeous circular staircases • elegant al fresco receptions on the tree-lined terrace or among the manicured gardens
Catering: In-housePrice: $ • $$ • $$$
Villa San-Juliette Winery
San Miguel, California
Fab Features: Tuscan-inspired estate and Tasting Room on 168 acres of manicured grounds, gardens, and grape vines • gorgeous verandas and patios overlook the three-tiered fountain, pond, and lush vineyard • glowing market lights illuminate romantic lawns
Catering: BYOPrice: $ • $$
Morgan Estate
Temecula, CA
Fab Features: a beautifully designed Georgian country manor situated on 20 hilltop acres • the property boasts an elegant ceremony site, a veranda for cocktail hour, a covered reception area, plus a custom airstream and a dressing suite for wedding party prep • exclusive use of the estate and its manicured grounds on your wedding day
Catering: Preferred list, BYOPrice: $ • $$
If Beaux-Arts style leaves you breathless…
If Beaux-Arts style leaves you breathless…
FEATURED CALIFORNIA WEDDING DESTINATION
FEATURED CALIFORNIA WEDDING DESTINATION
Distinct Locations
Distinct Locations holds the keys to the most exclusive destination wedding venues in California's Napa and Sonoma Wine Country. From estates and ranches to wineries with incredible vineyard views, their venues are intimate and private—yet conveniently accessible for your guests. Knowing your preferences, Distinct Locations will not only help you find the ideal location for your wedding but also introduce you to their network of local vendors. When the big day finally arrives, all aspects of the property will be in perfect harmony—and you'll know you are in the perfect place.
Venue Pictured: VILLA & VINE
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