Your Complete Guide to Getting Married at Carneros Resort and Spa in Napa Valley

Say “I Do” at Carneros Resort and Spa Wedding Venue in Napa Valley

In the heart of wine country, where golden vineyards meet quiet luxury.

The secret is out—Carneros Resort and Spa in Napa Valley has quickly become one of the most sought-after destinations for couples dreaming of an intimate, elevated wedding experience. If you’re envisioning a celebration that feels effortless, design-forward, and deeply rooted in nature, a Carneros Resort wedding may be the perfect fit. Here is my Guide to Getting Married at Carneros Resort and Spa in Napa Valley.

As a Napa Valley wedding photographer who creates soulful, artful imagery that lets you feel fully present in your most meaningful moments, I’ve captured countless love stories across wine country. Today, I’m sharing a step-by-step guide to help you plan a seamless, heartfelt wedding day at Carneros Resort—whether you’re hosting a full celebration or planning something intentionally intimate.

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Why Couples Love Carneros Resort Weddings

Carneros is more than a venue—it’s an experience.
With panoramic vineyard views, private cottages, modern-rustic architecture, and that distinctly relaxed-luxury Napa feeling, it’s no surprise that more couples are choosing this iconic resort for both elopements and elevated destination weddings.

And let it be said clearly: Intimate weddings and elopements deserve breathtaking photography, too.
Your wedding day is a milestone, whether shared with two people or two hundred. Carneros offers some of the most cinematic backdrops in all of wine country, and it is an honor every time I get to document a couple’s story there.

How to Get Married at Carneros Resort and Spa: A Step-by-Step Guide. Below is everything you need to know—from securing your marriage license to choosing your ceremony location on property.

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1. Getting Your Marriage License in Napa Valley

For Carneros Resort weddings, couples typically obtain their marriage license from:

Napa County Clerk-Recorder

Address: 1127 1st Street, Suite A, Napa, CA
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8 AM–4 PM
Phone: (707) 253-4247

Requirements

• Both partners must appear in person.
• Valid government-issued ID (passport, driver’s license, or state ID).
• No blood tests required.
• License fee: $85 (public) or $90 (confidential).
• License is valid for 90 days.

Pro tip: Plan your appointment early if you’re coming in from out of town, especially during peak wedding season.

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2. Booking Your Ceremony or Wedding at Carneros Resort

Carneros offers several beautiful spaces that can accommodate elopements, micro-weddings, and full-scale celebrations.

Popular Ceremony Locations

• The Hilltop: Sweeping vineyard views—a dream at sunset.
• The Arbor: Romantic, intimate, and framed by greenery.
• Carneros Courtyard: A modern-rustic space surrounded by gardens.
• Private Cottages: Perfect for small ceremonies with just your closest people.

Contact for Weddings & Events

Email the Carneros Resort events team or submit an inquiry through their website to check date availability, pricing, and package options.

• 4048 Sonoma Hwy, Napa, CA 94559
• T: 707-299-4900
• E: info@carnerosresort.com

Carneros weddings are highly curated, so expect helpful guidance from their team along the way—another reason couples love choosing this venue.

What to Expect on Your Carneros Resort Wedding Day

Your day begins the moment you step onto the property. There’s a stillness and sweetness here—sunlight catching on the vineyard rows, the smell of rosemary and citrus in the air, the gentle hum of Napa mornings.

Here’s how the flow typically unfolds:

Arrival & Getting Ready

Most couples book one of Carneros’ iconic luxury cottages or the Hilltop Suites. These spaces are airy, filled with natural light, and perfect for those soft, emotional getting-ready moments.

As your photographer, I’ll arrive early to document details, wardrobe, the scenery, and the quiet anticipation that makes these mornings so special.

Ceremony

Your ceremony location will depend on your chosen space, but rest assured—every corner of Carneros photographs beautifully. The light is pure magic, especially in late afternoon.

Portraits

After the ceremony, we’ll wander the resort grounds together. Some favorite portrait locations:

• Above the vineyards for sweeping views
• The olive trees at golden hour
• The Italian cypress tree walkway
• The private gardens tucked throughout the resort

These moments are always romantic, organic, and filled with ease.

Celebration

Whether it’s a private dinner on a terrace, a multi-course meal at FARM, or a larger reception under the stars, Carneros is known for intimate, elevated dining experiences rooted in Napa cuisine.

Tips for a Beautiful, Seamless Wedding at Carneros Resort

Book Photography Early

Carneros is one of the most visually stunning properties in Napa. From the architecture to the vineyards to the soft evening light, it deserves intentional, artful documentation.

Plan for Golden Hour

Carneros sunsets are pure wine-country magic. Scheduling portraits 60–90 minutes before sunset ensures you get that luminous, romantic glow Napa is famous for.

Dress for the Environment

The property has natural, organic textures—wood, stone, lavender, vines.
Soft neutrals, earthy tones, and flowing fabrics photograph beautifully here.

Leave Time to Explore

Some of the best photos happen in the quiet moments between locations.

Ready to Begin Planning Your Carneros Resort Wedding?

I would be honored to document your celebration—whether it’s an intimate elopement tucked inside the vineyards or an elevated full-weekend experience for your dearest people.

Click here to inquire about Carneros Resort wedding photography.
Your story deserves more than a photo—it deserves soul.

What You Need to Legally Get Married in Napa

Once your date with Carneros is secured, here’s what to bring on your wedding day:

• Valid IDs for both partners
• Your marriage license
• Any required documents for your officiant (Carneros can provide referrals)

After your ceremony, your officiant will file your signed license with Napa County.
Certified copies of your marriage certificate can be obtained for $15 each.

Farm-to-Table Wedding Food at Carneros Resort and Spa

Let’s face it, one of the most important details of your wedding is food and drink. Carneros
Resort and Spa will create exceptional dining experiences for you and your guests, from cocktail
hour to the farewell brunch. Carneros couples get to customize their wedding menus with
personal touches and preferences. Known for using locally sourced seasonal ingredients, the

Their dedicated wedding and event staff is the chef’s kiss! Carneros Resort
and Spa offers several unique places to eat. https://carnerosresort.com/luxury-napa-weddings/

FARM – Discover a fine dining restaurant that features an elevated farm-to-table menu
designed by Chef John Carney. Elevate your wedding rehearsal dinner or reception meal with
their extensive selection of wines, craft beer, or hand-crafted cocktails. Menu highlights include
Black Truffle Potato Gnocchi and Sonoma Red Chicken.
Boon Fly Café – Before heading to the airport, join your guests at this rustic on-site roadhouse
for brunch or a gourmet burger. Don’t miss your chance to try their famous donuts and fried
chicken!

Amazing service, spectacular views, and incredible food make Carneros Resort and Spa a
dangerously delicious wedding destination. Feeling extra festive? Plan a private wine tasting for
your guests.

P.S. Breathtaking views are always on the menu at Carneros Resort and Spa.

Obviously, I could go on and on about why you should get married at Carneros Resort and Spa.
Have more questions about this Napa Valley wedding venue? View more gorgeous wedding photos here https://aliciaparksphotography.com/weddings

Click here to fill out my contact form and schedule a consultation. https://aliciaparksphotography.com/contact

Photographer Alicia Parks Photography
Venue Carneros Resort and Spa