10 best central valley wedding venues
Congratulations on your engagement! One of the first and biggest tasks during your wedding planning process is choosing your venue. There are so many factors to think about when deciding on a venue. The central valley is known for gorgeous country settings, and vineyards, but also unfortunately we are known for our insanely hot summers and there are not as many options as you would find in the big cities. Do you picture yourself dancing in a barn under twinkle lights? Or do you envision an upscale country club indoor reception? From rolling vineyards to black tie ballrooms, there is a venue for every style, season and couple in the central valley. Travel up to the foothills for a rustic ceremony shaded by the sierras, or celebrate in the city at a historic wedding venue. Here are 10 Central Valley wedding venues that just might be the perfect fit for you and the way you want to celebrate.
There is more to choosing a venue than location, guest head count, and budget. Before you start looking through google and the knot, I would highly recommend answering a few questions first.
What time of year is your wedding? If you have your heart set on a winter wonderland themed wedding in January, you might not want to get married in a vineyard after all of the leaves have fallen off the vines. You might be disappointed with your photographs when all is said and done. An elegant indoor venue might fit your needs better. Are you a teacher getting married during the summer months? An outdoor ceremony by the river might be great, but your family might appreciate an indoor air conditioned reception (and your cake won't melt away either!) Nobody wants to look sweaty and red in their wedding photos.
How much work do you want to put into the details yourself? Do you have a large family ready to pitch in and stage your reception themselves? Do you want to hire your own team of professionals? Or do you want to hand off the details to the venue. Many venues offer full service packages and it takes a significant amount of the workload off of your plate. However, if you have a very specific creative vision for your wedding day, you might prefer a blank canvas to work with.
How flexible is your guest list? Do you envision a huge rocking reception dance floor or a more intimate space under the stars and twinkle lights. Sometimes grand venues can feel a bit cold if your guest list is smaller and sometimes country venues can struggle to accommodate parking for a larger crowd. These are important questions to ask the venue’s wedding specialist.
Do you have a specific theme or vision for your wedding? Looking at photos can be helpful but make sure you visit the site to ensure your rustic table settings won't look out of place in the modern ballroom. Also ask your wedding photographer for tips on how to make sure your decor vision comes to life in photos. They may have some great tips and tricks for you.
Details, details, details. Don’t forget to ask about the outside alcohol policy, the parking lot situation (is a dirt lot ok for you?) the set up and tear down timeline requirements, and what kind of wedding day help they offer. These may seem like small things, but make sure you get all the details before you make the big commitment.
Now here are some of my favorite wedding venues within an easy drive of the central valley.
Delona Photography
WINE AND ROSES
Wine & Roses is settled in beautiful wine country in Lodi, California. Set among romantic vineyards, this hotel, restaurant and spa will help you create the wedding of your dreams. Wine & Roses can accommodate up to 350 guests. They have multiple indoor and outdoor options to choose from. The wedding garden is the perfect choice for a spring wedding, but consider the indoor ballroom for a winter or summer wedding. One of my favorite things about Wine and Roses is the gorgeous bridal suite where you and your bridesmaids can get glam. If you are looking for a venue that will take care of everything from catering to clean up, I highly recommend them. Wine and Roses Lodi, CA
Mettler Family Vineyards
If you are looking for a beautiful outdoor venue with lush landscaping, I highly recommend Mettler Family Vineyards. The gorgeous property features a modern tasting room, a twinkle-lit courtyard, willow-shaded pond, expansive lawn areas all surrounded by acres of vineyard. To end your perfect day make sure to take sunset photos in the vineyards. Mettler Family Vineyards Lodi, CA
EVERGREEN SPRINGS
Are you looking for something with an outdoor ceremony and an indoor reception and a venue that will take care of all of the details for you? Evergreen springs by wedgewood wedding might be a great choice for you! Their location right off the 99 makes it an easy trip for your guests. This modern stylish spot will fit couples looking for a beautiful, elegant and modern venue without any of the stress. Evergreen Springs, Elk Grove, CA
Delona Photography
Viaggio Estate and Winery
This European-inspired villa on the banks of the Mokelumne river exudes elegance and California style. The banquet hall ensures that you have a perfect spot to host your evening reception, regardless of the weather. If you are looking for gorgeous luxury with the best country views it would be an easy choice. Personally, I think the views are hard to beat! Viaggio Estate and Winery Acampo, CA
THE RIVER MILL
An absolute hidden gem on the San Joaquin river this repurposed property has turned history into luxury. This venue includes lush courtyards, brick buildings, massive oaks, and of course a tasting room to provide amazing ambience to set your day apart. Hold your ceremony under the towering oak trees, and then head into the historic building with its spectacular fireplace and tall barrel ceilings to dance the night away with your guests. The River Mill, French Camp CA
DEL RIO VISTA GARDEN
Del Rio Vista Garden is an elegant waterfront venue located on the beautiful Stanislaus River. The garden offers a blend of natural beauty with its lush gardens and a grand waterfall flowing into a majestic koi pond. As you enter the grand courtyard you will come upon the Garden Chapel, adorned with arches and shimmering chandeliers. Enjoy the evening with the twinkle of vintage lights surrounding the pavilion and walkways right on the edge of the Stanislaus river. Del Rio Vista Garden Escalon, CA
Delona Photography
GRAND ISLAND MANSION
Planning a story book wedding with over the top elegance? Does magnificent, authentic, old world opulence in a riverfront setting sounds perfect to you? Grand Island Mansion provides shaded wrought iron gazebo for warm weather ceremonies, elegant ballroom for Winter wedding ceremonies and everything else you could possibly want. One of the areas most lavish and incredible historic venues, this could be the place you have been searching for. Grand Island Mansion Walnut Grove, CA
RUSTY SPURS RANCH
Is the theme for your wedding rustic country vibes? What sets Rusty Spurs apart is the feeling of a getaway weekend for all of your guests. Included in this venue are 10 cabins for up to 50 guests. The beautiful ceremony area with large antique doors and an open pavilion area next to a pond. Huge stone fireplace, wood farm table, lawn games and outdoor chandelier lighting round out the decor that’s perfect for a bride in cowboy boots. Rusty Spurs Ranch Valley Springs, CA
Delona Photography
DELTA DIAMOND FARM
Take a little drive out of town to a historic farm house, a beautiful barn, fountains and lush gardens. Delta Diamond a versatile wedding choice for the bride that wants nature with a rustic twist. Right along the sacramento river is a blank canvas that you can design to fit any vision. This would be a perfect spring or fall venue when your guests can enjoy the gorgeous outdoor setting. Delta Diamond Farm, Isleton, CA
HANFORD RANCH WINERY
Are you a DIY diehard who is ready to take a blank canvas and create a custom day just for you and your fiance? Hanford Ranch Winery is an elegant country outdoor wedding venue with the most beautiful views, sitting atop a hill looking over the surrounding farmland. This outdoor venue offers the wedding couple complete customization of a romantic, shabby-chic, vintage, modern, or country themed one-of-a-kind wedding day! At Hanford Ranch, the policy allows you to bring their private selection of vendors to provide services for your special day. Hanford Ranch Winery, Galt, CA
I’m here to help.
Choosing a venue is probably the biggest decision you'll make in your wedding planning process. Once you book your wedding venue, you can then start booking your other vendors.
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If you need any assistance with your next steps please don’t hesitate to reach out to me holly@delonaphotography.com Planning is stressful but I’m here to make it easy and FUN.
Happy planning!
Holly Delona
