Welcome to I Do Venues—your insider’s view into California wedding ceremony and reception venues. The industry’s best wedding photographers provide daily design inspiration with professional photographs from of real weddings in the hottest west coast venues. You can visualize the best themes, color palettes, and design concepts for your wedding venue.
Our practical information on each wedding venue is based on first-hand experience from industry professionals who have successfully executed real weddings at your selected wedding venue. Since choosing your wedding venue is the pivotal choice for designing your dream wedding, make the best decision with I Do Venues’ insight and insider knowledge and be inspired along the way.
Wedding Venue: Holman Ranch, So Many Choices
Photography by: Jeff Newsom
Check out this and other fun weddings held at Holman Ranch – click here!
About the Venue
Imagine waking up on your wedding day, the sun peeks through the curtains, and as you draw them open you are surrounded by the serene mountains of the Carmel Valley. The soft coastal mist retreats over the hills slowly and you can see that your day will be complete perfection. Sip your coffee as you sit on an antique rocker on the stone veranda of a rustic Spanish-style hacienda and enjoy the seclusion.
Holman Ranch is everything you imagined – “it is where the past is always present” and the perfect place to begin your happily ever after. The property has been lovingly restored stone by stone by the Lowder family. The restoration has outfitted the property with all the modern amenities and for this day, this little piece of heaven is yours.
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Holman Ranch is such a treat for any designer or planner and oh, so much fun for the brides. The limitless possibilities of how to host your celebration make it a virtual Pandora’s box of possibilities. There are so many different options of where to host the ceremony, cocktails, and the dinner party – it is sometimes difficult to know where to begin.
If you have always dreamed of a gorgeous one-of-a-kind outdoor garden ceremony, it doesn’t get more picture-perfect than the lawn which includes a perfectly placed stone veranda. The veranda slightly elevates you and your groom and it perfectly allows you to be framed in by the rolling hills of the Carmel mountains. This gorgeous setting needs little embellishment – decorate the stone veranda with rustic baskets filled with flowers or consider a rustic wooden arch covered with soft vines as a delicate floral decor. The dramatic setting is gorgeous when embellished with a crisp white aisle runner or a gorgeous patterned floral display. The facility provides chairs; however, if you are looking to host a celebration that is a bit more outside the box, consider using a combination of birch wood benches paired with garden-style scrolled iron chairs. The aisle can be adorned with hanging wild flowers, mason jars, or monogrammed flower vessels would be perfect.
Holman Ranch is a very unique and beautiful venue where we have the opportunity to transform it with each couple’s style. Being that it is naturally rich in beauty, it provides the perfect backdrop. This particular wedding was very sophisticated but organic and that is just what Holman Ranch is!
I love everything about this venue! I have been very fortunate to assist many couples with their weddings at Holman Ranch. The staff is amazing and the grounds are unique and majestic. I love every detail of the property and love how with every wedding it feels like the most special wedding to date. ~ Amy Byrd.
I Do Venues wants to recognize the talented team of wedding professionals who helped to make this bride’s dream a reality: Photographer – Jeff Newsom; Designer/Planner – Amy Byrd Weddings and Events; Florist – Floral Design by Reina; Catering – Classic Catering; Videographer – Lola Video; Entertainment – Kelly Productions (ceremony), Mat Weddle (cocktail), Goodbeat Productions (DJ), Obadiah Parker; Rentals – Unlimited Events; Linens – La Tavola Linen; Photobooth – Matnolia Photobooth.
Wedding Venue: Cordevalle Sneak Preview
Photography by: Geoff White
Click here for some more fun images!
About the venue
Leave it to the extremely talented team at Geoff White Photography to “stump” us. When we first viewed these amazing photographs I was sure this was some hidden treasure that was awaiting our discovery deep in the heart of Napa or Sonoma.
When I finally found them, I was so surprised to see that not only is CordeValle located in a wonderfully secluded spot in the foothills of the Santa Cruz mountains – this wonderfully Mediterranean-style wedding venue is an incredible five start luxury resort featuring a spa, indoor and outdoor ceremony and reception areas, championship golf, swimming, tennis, and so much more.
If you are familiar with Clos laChance Winery (which is located on this stunning property), then you know the effortless style and beauty that will surround you. The best part of this amazing location – with only 45 rooms - is a one of a kind opportunity for you and your guests to celebrate in complete luxury, but yet only surrounded by your closest family and friends…
I Do Venues wants to recognize the talented team of wedding professionals who helped to make this bride’s dream a reality: Photographer – Geoff White; Floral – Bloomsters; Cake – Icing on the Cake; Catering – CordeValle; Videographer – Dream Video Productions; Entertainment – Sound in Motion.
Wedding Venue: The Harvest Inn by Melissa Mermin
Photography by: Melissa Mermin Love Stories
For some more fun images, click here!
About the venue
What I love about the Napa Valley is that there is a decidedly laid back atmosphere, while it still embraces everything that is elegant and romantic. There are literally hundreds of unique and stunning wedding locations available to brides looking to host a wine country wedding, but none that have the same combination of an English Tudor Manor house set among the valleys and grape vines that dot the rolling hills of the Mayacamas Mountains.
The Harvest Inn is Napa Valley luxury at it’s best. Located on Highway 29 in St. Helena, the inn is surrounded on all sides by world-class wineries. The inn’s design is reminiscent of a Country estate, and the event spaces include lush green lawns, brick courtyards with stunning vineyard views, and your guests can experience a unique romantic respite that is secluded and distinctive.
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Melissa Mermin, who is oh so talented, brought us this gorgeous celebration. The couple’s destination nuptials brought in friends and family from Wisconson, and as a planner I can’t think of a better location to host friends from the mid-west. The Harvest Inn’s central location is ideal – there is an overabundance of gourmet eatery’s, fun shops, and of course great wine – what a great way for your family to get the best of the Napa Valley in one place.
A joyful ceremony positioned under the flowing sheer fabric of a custom designed huppa looks stunning. The brick courtyard is flanked on one side by the incredible Tudor style country cottages and on the other by acres of vineyards. As the guests enjoy a little light jazz and some cocktails nestled in one of the gardens, the staff will “flip” the ceremony area and just like magic, the perfect reception awaits you. I love the use of cafe lights overhead. This distinctive look provides great lighting and atmosphere all in one.
I Do Venues wants to recognize the talented team of wedding professionals who helped to make this bride’s dream a reality: Photographer – Melissa Mermin Love Stories; Designer/Planner – Britta Kramer of Private Palate; Floral – Bella Vita Event Productions; Cake – Sweetie Pies; Catering – Knickerbocker Catering; Linens – La Tavola Linen; Invitations – Weddingpaperdivas; Band/DJ – Garden Strings Quartet (ceremony), All Star Jukebox Band (cocktail hour, reception).
Wedding Venue: Mt. Verde Inn
Photography by: Stout Photography
About the venue
Summer in the Sierra Foothills is a gorgeous tradition of changing colors and tall looming trees casting the perfect amount of dappled sunlight on the bride, groom, and surrounding guest. Bay Area brides are always finding new locations and redefining the idea of where and what a Bay Area wedding can be. The Sierra Foothills are conveniently located between the hustle and bustle of San Francisco and the rustic pine-covered setting of Lake Tahoe. The Monte Verde Inn in Auburn has become one of the premier locations of this region, combining an exquisite inn with all the amenities of a resort-style property, but the personal feel and touches that are always associated with that small town venue.
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Wow, what a wonderful warm sunny burst of yellow inspiration! I love this wedding because it demonstrates a growing trend in the bold and appropriate use of color. Today’s couples are using their ability to be creative and use a signature color combination in things like their invitations, favors, and escort cards. The vein of color running through an event provides cohesion and style, but eliminates the feeling of “matchy matchy” or trying to hard sense.
The simple band of color around each tier of the cake is understated and barley there, yet without it, the cake is a bit ‘bla’ and whitewashed – lacking the character and frivolity that this simple design choice brings in. You can’t help but love the pinwheels. The combination of the solid yellow pinwheels and the tiny polka dot pattern is brilliant – it breaks up a design element that could easily seem a bit over done. And let’s hear it for the polka dots! The dot pattern re-creates itself in so many ways – again we have cohesion and frivolity. But the simple ways that the couple has used it; the cake pattern, as a background for the collateral, even in floating yellow dots seen in the beautiful floral arrangements; it all works together brilliantly.
I Do Venues wants to recognize the talented team of wedding professionals who helped to make this bride’s dream a reality: Photographer – Stout Photography; Floral – O’Shays Flowers and Antiques; Cake – Kelly of the Monte Verde Inn; Entertainment and Lighting – SJ’s Disc Jockey.
Wedding Venue: Camarillo Ranch Seaside Country Couture
Photography by: Lukas VanDyke Photography
Click here to see some more images from this fun wedding!
About the venue
When you decide to pay a visit to Camarillo Ranch, you will see that it is hard to decide what you love best. The historic 1892 home is a blend of a stately antebellum-style farming estate with rich tradition enveloped in California’s Spanish roots. The outdoor setting is jaw-dropping, the picturesque landmark includes a gorgeous mansion, vintage barn, and endless rolling meadows and hills that touch the horizon. The unpretentious and laid-back community of Camarillo is a perfect location for the couple who wants to feel secluded, but are intimated by the idea of locations that are too remote. Many facilities that offer a similar setting, combined with the flexibility, tend to have a price point that is reflective of these qualities. The modest price tag under $5,000 makes this location a remarkable venue and bargain.
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Country Couture with a flair for seaside romance is the best way to describe this couple’s unique panache for style and country elegance. I can’t get over how the event seems to be seamlessly blended with all the elements that adorn the farmhouse and estate grounds. Rustic and relaxed elements are used to bring an authenticity to the photography. The vivid colored doors of the vintage barn simply burst off the page. The wagon wheel is perfectly placed if a more elaborate look is desired – this is an excellent element to use for escort cards or to display bridal flowers upon.
The rustic farm equipment juxtaposition against the bride’s simple and elegant dress embodies classic country couture. Instead of using a traditional guest book, I love the use of a photo matte where guests can add their well wishes for the couple to keep as a memento alongside their favorite wedding portrait. This adds a level of intimacy to the traditional hanging wedding portrait.
I Do Venues wants to recognize the talented team of wedding professionals who helped to make this bride’s dream a reality: Photographer – Lukas VanDyke Photography; Floral – Crystal Sanford of A Recycled Love Story; Day of Coordinator – Elise Hamel; Catering – Wood Ranch Barbeque and Grill; Cake – Jane Beard; Programs – Jane Guy.
Wedding Venue: Culinary Institute of America
Photography by: Melissa Mermin Love Stories
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What bride does not envision the fairytale wedding walking off the pages of a storybook just like Cinderella?! If this is what you have always envisioned, then make that dream come true and consider hosting your wedding at the Culinary Institute of America in Napa. For over 100 years this incredible masonry winery has blessed the Napa Valley.
Located centrally along highway 29, Greystone Winery was the largest stone winery in the world for decades, acting as home to the Christian Brothers order and wine-making collaboration for several years and now as home to one of the world’s leading culinary and wine schools. I can’t imagine a more appropriate place for the ultimate foodie wedding.
The grounds of the CIA are remarkable. Organic gardens, fields of rosemary and lavender, and the arched stone corridors all give you the presence of a romantic almost mid-evil era. Most couples will choose to host both their ceremony and reception here, and when doing so, it is almost overwhelming to decide just how to do it.
The gorgeous facade of the building is one of our favorite locations for an elegant ceremony. The picture perfect stone-covered wall has ivy that has crept up the side of the building. The neutral color palette of the stone walls is in sharp contrast with the varied shades of green, gold, and amber of the creeping vines – it looks amazing and gives you an incredible canvass for your ceremony design.
White chiavary chairs are ideal and give you a tremendous amount of pop. You won’t find a more regal look than having the ceremony at the base of the “castle” – white chairs, a bright white aisle runner, and a combination of brightly colored flowers and whitewashed pastels make an incredible statement. There is a rustic wood trellis that is already interspersed with ivy and greenery – create an alter under this structure to frame in the happy couple. An antique side board looks wonderful adorned with candles. Consider using a combination of full lush flowers in whitewashed hues with an occasional pop of color as a treatment at the front of the trellis, cascade flowers, vines, and loose ribbons that will catch the breeze. The massive structure is breathtaking, but can be overwhelming – the key here is to soften the look by bringing elements that create a more feminine and romantic feel.
I Do Venues wants to recognize the talented team of wedding professionals who helped to make this bride’s dream a reality: Photographer – Melissa Mermin Love Stories; Floral and Lighting – Kate Stanley Design; Catering – Culinary Institute of America; Linens – La Tavola Linen; Entertainment – Mixxed Company.
Wedding Venue: Nicholson Ranch A Perfect Day In Sonoma
Photography by: Scott Andrew Studio
About the Venue
Drive along the main highway in Sonoma, just beyond the crossroads where Sonoma and Napa become an amazing meld of flavors, aromas, and sights. Gaze slightly to the North and you’ll notice a wonderful little winery nestled on the hillside, where the old world meets the new. A quaint country-style farmhouse is juxtaposed by a modern Italian villa winery, where a lovely pond and Greek columns creates a fascinating, friendly atmosphere. All of these fanciful details are just the beginning of why Nicholson Ranch is one of our favorite intimate wedding venues in Sonoma.
The 160-acre winery is a superb location for a wedding reception. The property can accommodate a mixture of weddings; whether a small intimate affair of 50 or tipping the scales at about 150. The reflective pond is gorgeous, reflecting so many wedding ceremonies and long-lasting love here. The tranquil water lilies, local herons, and a few resident ducks keep you and your guests company while they enjoy a golden splash of award-winning chardonnay.
The warm Sonoma sun sets the perfect reflection of light against the pond and creates a breath-taking backdrop for your ceremony. This exquisite boutique winery can capture both feelings and sentiments, but I believe that the understated casual and chic event is best for the serene setting. Iron scrolled chairs set with a natural cushion sets a wonderfully chic garden tone, or bring a burst of color and shabby chic into play by using a French bistro wood chair, white washed with iron accents.
Ask the Expert
I will never get tired of the classic wine country wedding – casual yet elegant with a backdrop that most brides would kill for. Recently we have seen a trend among brides to take things down a notch and the wine country is the perfect place to apply this. Allow your guests to drink in their natural surrounding. There is no need to be overly theatrical or fussy with your design. Use what is already there and choose color palettes that are complimentary and fun.
I love this bride’s interpretation of a romance at a Tuscan villa. The overall design is soft and dreamy, tranquil and understated with a dollop of pink. I love the use of gold, wheat, and honey. Each of the colors is drawn from the vines and grasses that are abundant on the property. The setting is perfectly balanced with the overhead cafe lights and pimento hues found in the tile roof and outdoor courtyard.
I Do Venues wants to recognize the talented team of wedding professionals who helped to make this bride’s dream a reality: Photographer – Scott Andrew Studio; Designer/Planner – Angela Nelson of Lulu Events.
Wedding Venue: Bently Reserve Design
Photography By: Andrew Weeks
Want to see another fun wedding held at the Bently Reserve? Click here!
Ceremony
When considering design, the Bently Reserve is like a treasure trove of endless possibilities. The Bently hosts the beauty of old-world architectural details, honed marble floors, stone columns that seem to reach all the way to the heavens, and the true sophistication that only years of history can provide. For a wedding day that will stay forever imprinted on your memory, the Bently Reserve provides the perfect classic timelessness for stylish brides and grooms.
Create a breathtaking focal point for your wedding ceremony by using panels of soft, billowing drapery to provide a sheer yet dramatic backdrop. The light entering through the arched entryway will frame the room’s 20ft tall columns, giving it an ethereal burst of filtered light. The bride and groom will literally glow in photographs during the ceremony. This is a perfect venue in which to pair traditional elegance with a splash of modern style. Consider using a chameleon style chair in fanfare gold. This chair has classic lines, but the metal frame gives it a modern chic touch. A breathtaking entrance can be achieved by allowing the bride to descend from the balcony. As she appears to the crowd and her groom, she is flanked by two grand columns and backlighting. The scale of the room requires large, domineering props, so consider decorating with tall columns holding oversized floral arrangements or staging potted Japanese maples throughout the room. Other sculptured foliage will add warmth, height, and texture to the space. Frame your aisle using candles with water elements. The Bently’s indoor space is ideal for a romantic candlelit ceremony. All the candlelight will wash the walls with flickering patterns, creating warmth and texture on the grand, oversized canvas.
Reception
While the staff transforms your ceremony space into an incredible reception locale, move your guests to the grand foyer, mezzanine, and adjacent conference room for appetizers and cocktails. The sleek marble and bronze backdrop creates a show-stopping location for a martini bar complete with an illuminated ice carving of your personal monogram. Bently is the perfect location to embrace the theme of “old world meets new,” and its rich architectural heritage gives you an abundance of decorative details to work with. Lighting is the key to creating a chic yet soft look at the Bently. Translucent washes of color – with or without patterns – will beautifully transform the ceiling and walls, while uplights strategically placed at the columns’ bases and in the balcony will help soften the room. Experiment with your tablescape – there is no need to stick with a standard round table! The Bently Reserve is the perfect place to dabble with shape and dimension, so try square tables for eight or two dramatic king banquet tables that span the length of the room. The room’s height with its soaring ceilings demand tall, dramatic floral arrangements. Draw the eye up toward the amazing vintage light fixtures by using candle arrangements and towering florals on your tabletops. Rich, deep tones bring the Bently to life, as the dramatic marble floors, staircases, and columns tend to become washed out when paired with muted shades. If you desire a traditional feel with a modern edge, consider using black damask, blended with pops of turquoise and cranberry. Another traditional choice with a bold punch is raspberry or chartreuse, again paired with classic black and white damask. If you’re looking for old-fashioned San Francisco elegance, charm your wedding guests with a color palette of copper and navy blue to accentuate the earth tones of the room’s existing architecture, or inspire the spectacular features with bold shades of plum, silver, and white.
Ask The Experts
The Bently Reserve truly embodies a feeling of opulence and elegance with great design elements everywhere. Transforming the large room to be fit for the wedding of your dreams can be extremely difficult, so consider hiring a wedding designer. This is a space that needs to be managed, and creating a structure with lighting, draperies, and furniture needs the expertise of a director from its set-up to breakdown. With the huge wow factor you have to look forward to, allow yourself to enjoy your own wedding! Hiring an event designer and manager is the best investment you can possibly make.
Wedding Venue: Conservatory of Flowers Picnic in The Park
Photography By: Jessamyn Harris
Summary
The lure of a casual outdoor picnic in the park has inspired many brides, but who could ask for more than this picturesque setting? Imagine your wedding ceremony and reception on the dramatic grounds of the San Francisco Conservatory of Flowers in historic Golden Gate Park.
Every DIY bride has imagined and planned each detail of their celebration. If a good old-fashioned picnic is your desire, then the sprawling lush green lawns and endless selection of gardens, paths, and trails will make this location perfect.
I love this celebration filled with a color palette of sherbet, butter yellow, and honey. The photographs by Jessamyn Harris make you wish you’d been invited. The couple chose to host a very casual affair where classic fun was the order of the day. This allowed them to have a wonderful celebration with family and friends while keeping a modest budget.
Details
This celebration is a wonderful example of creating cohesive DIY details on a streamlined budget. The invitations were a great starting point – the colorful graphic was a wonderful way to tie the color palette of spring blossoms into the theme.
Ask the Expert!
Take a look at the ceremony. A simple circle of rose petals surrounds the couple as they exchange vows with their family and friends, completing their circle of commitment to each other. There is no need for chairs. The guests dined al fresco using handmade blankets spread on the lawn which is a great way to get back to the basics of an outdoor picnic. I love the idea of a competitive game of croquet or bocce – a fun way to involve the guests while the bride and groom mingle. If you love a causal theme, play with it and have fun. There is no need for a wedding to be overdone – if it fits your desires, then it is the perfect choice for your celebration.
Picnics are a great way to create an intimate and warm event. It is an easy DIY wedding theme. It is the simple touches that can make all the difference. Blankets for the ground, along with some pillows, will encourage your guests to relax and mingle. Games and activities for the guests like bocce or croquet are a great way to get your guests interacting. If you want an informal buffet, you can pick an assortment of nibbles from a local store or restaurant. How about using mason jars as glasses? You can buy a case at any large grocery store without going over budget. You can find wicker plate baskets at your local dollar store, paint them any color and you have a great way to spruce up paper plates! Wrap paper napkins and utensils in pieces of fabric or ribbon. No need to overdo it with the design as your surroundings are a great background.
Wedding Venue: Corinthian Yacht Club View and Value
Photography by: Choco Studio
Summary
What an incredible view! Your guests will be awestruck as you exchange vows at the water’s edge with the spires of the Golden Gate Bridge emerging behind you. I just love how the bridge peeks out from behind the rolling hills of the Marin Headlands.
The Corinthian Yacht Club is a favorite venue for the bride looking to inspire her guests with breathtaking views of the San Francisco Bay, but who has a modest budget. This view where the water meets the land are what every bride dreams of.
The facility rental fee for the top floor of the club will average about $4,000 for a prime weekend day at the height of the season. The wonderful catering staff is very accommodating and menu prices are modest. The view alone is priceless and other Bay Area Venues that can boast such an incredible view may also have a price-tag that reflects it.
I Do Venues wants to recognize the talented team of wedding professionals who helped to make this bride’s dream a reality: Photographer – Natalia Valik of Choco Studio, Day of Wedding Coordinator – Leila Heyman of the Corinthian Yacht Club, Florist – Main Street Floragardens.
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