As spring beckons, thoughts of weddings bloom. One of the biggest challenges of planning a ceremony (besides the dress, of course!) is where to hold the event.
Two local resources help make it a snap. The Sonoma County Tourism Bureau has just launched a referral service that is not only free, but with its new Suite Deal Sonoma promotion, can offer up to $1,500 toward your Sonoma County wedding.
Pure Luxury Transportation, meanwhile, has just been named a Bride’s Choice Award winner by WeddingWire.com. This is a significant honor: Bride’s Choice Awards are determined by surveys from more than 750,000 WeddingWire newlyweds, and the 2011 award recipients represent the top five percent of wedding service purveyors throughout the U.S. and Canada.
It’s like having a personal wedding planner, to fulfill your most creative dreams. You can walk down the aisle among the vineyard rows, say your vows at a “chapel” nestled within a canopy of towering thousand-year-old redwood trees, and dance at your reception to the rhythm of the ocean waves pounding the coast. Plus, with limousines, Town Cars and even luxury shuttles for larger gatherings, you won’t have to worry about too many details. Except, of course, that dress.
Your Happily Ever After Starts Here:
Paradise Ridge Winery, Santa Rosa
The estate spans 156 acres, captivating with its European style courtyard, panoramic verandas, and a terrace with stunning vineyard views. Flexible space accommodates up to 250 guests, but is also ideal for intimate ceremonies. prwinery.com.
Viansa Winery, Sonoma
Sumptuous views, a Tuscan courtyard setting, rolling vineyards, and the candle-lit barrel cellar – it’s pure romance. Receptions can include wine and passed hors d’oeuvres on the upper terrace, or a lavish sit-down dinner in a tented pavilion. viansa.com.
Madrona Manor, Healdsburg
This is a grand, 127-year-old estate of gardens and woods tucked into a hilltop overlooking the Dry Creek Valley. The Mansion and the gardens are beautifully interwoven for a variety of indoor and outdoor arrangements, catering to intimate groups as well as elaborate weddings for up to 150 guests. madronamanor.com.
Trentadue Winery, Geyserville
A taste of Tuscany comes to Alexander Valley in this Old World Italian ambiance of lush vineyards, vine-covered arbors, splashing fountains, mature redwoods and expansive lawns. The Sala del Leone Vineyard Pavilion is particularly lovely, featuring sponged golden walls, arched French doors, and olive trees adorned with white twinkle lights.
Dawn Ranch Lodge
With 53 cabins and chalets, you can accommodate your entire party, up to 500 people for wedding ceremonies and up to 119 overnight guests. Stage the ceremony in the picture book orchard or the meadow, by the pool or in the Lodge. Hold the reception in the restaurant, on the decks, or at the boathouse around the campfire. Then celebrate the honeymoon in the hideaway bridal cottage. dawnranchweddings.com.
Timber Cove Inn
A wedding by the sea, with harbor seals as bridesmaids? It could be, at this spectacular cliff top resort. Your can even plan your private ceremony at the nearby Fort Ross Chapel. Enjoy a retreat with ocean or forest view rooms, private spa tubs and fireplaces. timbercoveinn.com.
Jacuzzi Family Vineyards, Sonoma
There are three stunning venues to choose from. The Vineyard Vista overlooks the estate vines and features an authentic Italian marble fountain. The Grand Piazza boasts artisan stonework, Roman columns and stunning views through arched windows. The Barrel Room is designed in the style of a grand Italian cathedral, for dining and dancing amid the art and architecture of Old World Italy. jacuzziwines.com.
Hans Fahden Winery, Calistoga
Cradled between Cabernet vineyards and mountainous ridges soaring 1,000 feet above the Napa Valley, this is a dream setting. A stunning grand room and wisteria covered teahouse overlook a romantic bridge and ponds brimming with lily pads, cattails, and Koi, while paths meander through patches of roses, sunflowers, and a sprawling garden. A candlelit dinner in the volcanic ash cave is a dramatic statement. hansfahden.com.
Vintners Inn, Santa Rosa
Host all your guests at this wine country village inn, with large gathering spaces like the Pavilion, intimate gardens and terraces for more private affairs, and cozy hotel suites to extend the stay. The award-winning John Ash & Co. restaurant overlooks 100 acres of vineyards and gardens. vintnersinn.com.
Geyserville Inn, Geyserville
Weddings at this blissful property can accommodate from eight to 200 guests, staged on the lawn amid the roses and lavender, and with a backdrop of vineyards and mountains beyond. The Hoffman House Restaurant next door to Geyserville Inn, is a converted farmhouse built in 1903 and is a charming spot for a more intimate ceremony. The hotel also can provide suites for after the festivities. geyservilleinn.com.
Please Note: To be eligible for the Suite Deal, brides must contact The Sonoma County Tourism Bureau before contacting a lodging property, at 707-522-5814 or smontes@sonomacounty.com.
Tip: Reserve your Pure Luxury Transportation arrangements as early as possible. The Pure Luxury concierge can offer even more recommendations for rehearsal dinner restaurants, winery tours and more.
