33 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 Dream of the Coastal Cliffs of Ireland...
If You Dream of the Coastal Cliffs of Ireland...
Slide Ranch
Muir Beach, California
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 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: $ • $$ • $$$

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: $$ • $$$

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 Club at Pasadera
Monterey, CA
Fab Features: private country club overlooking the rolling northern slopes of the Santa Lucia Mountains • the hacienda-style clubhouse takes its inspiration from the region’s Spanish Colonial heritage, with a traditional red-tile roof and ivy-clad façade • outdoor features include a splashing triple-tiered fountain, a 100-year-old oak tree, an arched stone wall, and ornate wrought-iron entry gates
Catering: In-housePrice: $$

If You Want To Wed in the French Countryside…
If You Want To Wed in the French Countryside…
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: $$ • $$$

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…
Grand Island Mansion
Walnut Grove, California
Fab Features: Italian Renaissance styled villa is the largest private estate in Northern California • distinctive original features include marble fireplaces, unique handmade tile work, inlaid parquet flooring, and imported wood paneling • riverfront setting boasts expansive views and outdoor spaces, including an Italian Statuary Garden
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: $ • $$ • $$$

Vista Valley 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: $ • $$ • $$$

If You're Seeking a Mediterranean Oasis…
If You're Seeking a Mediterranean Oasis…
Montalvo Arts Center
Saratoga, California
Fab Features: a 1912 Mediterranean-style estate in the secluded Saratoga Hills • expansive manicured lawns, colorful gardens, and the scenic Spanish courtyard • non-profit organization hosting over 100 artists each year from diverse backgrounds across the globe
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: $ • $$ • $$$

The Maxwell House
Pasadena, CA
Fab Features: Mediterranean Italianate-style mansion • intimate celebrations in the private rose garden or open-air patio • the interior impresses with a coffered ceiling inset with decoratively painted panels and paintings on loan from the historic California Art Club
Catering: BYOPrice: $$

If You Adore Greek and Roman Art and Architecture…
If You Adore Greek and Roman Art and Architecture…
Legion of Honor Museum
San Francisco, CA
Fab Features: majestic Neoclassical building standing on the highest point of Lincoln Park • exchange vows against a breathtaking panorama of the Golden Gate Bridge and Pacific Ocean • an impressive collection of more than 70 Rodin sculptures reside in three adjacent galleries with vaulted ceilings
Catering: Preferred listPrice: $$

Vibiana
Los Angeles, CA
Fab Features: historic 1876 cathedral transformed into a vibrant, full-service event space • stunning Italian Baroque facade, onyx & marble interior, massive cupola, manicured garden courtyard, and 83-foot bell tower • state-of-the-art lighting and sound systems, high quality rental items, seasoned event staff, and an extensive, foodie-forward dining and craft libations program
Catering: In-housePrice: $$$

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…
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: $$ • $$$

Gavilan Vale at Eden Rift Vineyards
Hollister, CA
Fab Features: grand vineyard and event space nestled among the rolling hills of the Cienega Valley • exchange vows perched atop a deck or in front of the classic California Mission doors • dine and dance under the stars or in the expansive, glass-walled Ballroom, which offers a remarkable indoor/outdoor flow
Catering: Preferred listPrice: $$ • $$$

Carneros Resort and Spa
Napa, CA
Fab Features: say “I do” against a backdrop of Napa Valley vineyards and distant mountains • the Napa and Sonoma Ballrooms showcase soaring peaked roofs, handcrafted barn-board walls, and state-of-the-art lighting and sound • the 28 acres include beautifully landscaped walking paths, flowering gardens with fountains, and spacious lawn and stone fireplace
Catering: In-housePrice: $ • $$ • $$$

Santa Ynez Ranch
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: $$$

Europa Village
Temecula, CA
Fab Features: a variety of event spaces inspired by the landscapes and architecture of Spain, Italy, and France • al fresco receptions are right at home in the outdoor courtyard, veranda, or Tuscan-style open-air terrace • menus from Bolero Restaurante will take you on a culinary journey throughout Spain—tapas style
Catering: In-housePrice: $$ • $$$

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: $ • $$

Villa Toujours
San Diego, CA
Fab Features: luxurious estate set on 40 acres of land, framed by palm trees • say "I do" beside the natural pond, followed by cocktails on the pool deck beside the sparkling waterfall • receptions in the Old World-style salon are accented by a grand fireplace, historic artwork, and a roundabout courtyard and fountain
Catering: In-housePrice: $$ • $$$

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…
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: $$ • $$$

James Leary Flood Mansion
San Francisco, California
Fab Features: a symphony of classical styles, including Italian Renaissance, Rococo, Tudor and Georgian • the Reception Room features a magnificent coffered ceiling; painted murals in golds, blues, and greens; a marble fireplace; and a parquet floor • enjoy stunning bay views from the Grand Hall and Courtyard
Catering: Preferred listPrice: $ • $$

If You Wish For a Mountain Wedding in the Swiss Alps...
If You Wish For a Mountain Wedding in the Swiss Alps...
Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite
Fish Camp, California
Fab Features: four-diamond lodge set in the incomparable Yosemite National Park • exchange vows on the two-story deck of the Terrace, in the secluded wedding garden, or off the beaten path in the surrounding forest • unwind at Ascent Spa, go horseback riding, golfing, or just take in the spectacular scenery
Catering: In-housePrice: $ • $$

Resort at Squaw Creek
Olympic Valley, California
Fab Features: all-season resort set on 195 acres of forests, meadows and towering granite peaks • exchange vows on a multi-level terrace before a 250-foot waterfall or beside a roaring fire on the deck • exquisite dining options, luxe amenities, and plenty of access to outdoor activities
Catering: In-housePrice: $$ • $$$

Venue Pictured: VILLA & VINE
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