It’s no secret that Sonoma & Napa County in California are some of the most sought-after wedding destinations in the nation.
Internationally recognized as Wine Country due to the Valley’s various soil types which allow for the cultivation of over 50 varieties of grapes; holding a destination wedding here is the stuff of dreams. After all, who doesn’t love a winery?
However, all things considered, a Napa Valley Wedding Cost can be higher than expected and you should take budget creation very seriously to ensure smooth sailing. With that said, we’re going to take a deep dive into Wine Country Wedding Costs in this article.
So without further ado, let’s get into it.
It Depends on Which Area of Wine Country You Choose
Depending on which part of the valley you’d like to get married in, costs can add up significantly or remain the same. For example, St. Helena is the actual center of wine country and consists of a myriad of Napa Valley Wedding Venues; some of which can be rather expensive.
Sonoma County, which is to the west of Napa is also a very popular destination-wedding spot and home to several wineries. The good news is that Sonoma Wedding Venues roughly cost the same as those in other areas of Napa, so it really depends on the vibe you’re looking for.
Venue Will be a Major Expense
Several Napa Valley Wedding Venues in Wine Country offer breathtaking scenery and rustic charm while you get married with beautiful vineyards as a backdrop. However, this does come at a price. Napa Valley Wedding Costs in terms of the venue can set you back anywhere from $6,000 – $25,000.
However, the average Wine Country Wedding Cost in terms of the venue should be in the range of $12,000 for about 100 guests.
Who Pays for the Rentals?
While some Napa Valley Wedding Venues will offer all amenities including but not limited to tables, chairs, china, linens, and more; some wedding venues will require you to arrange everything from your own restrooms, portable kitchen, and even generators for power!
Hence you might end up paying more out of your pocket for rentals which can add to a Napa Valley Wedding Cost.
It’s hard to place a ballpark amount on the cost of rentals because they vary greatly depending on the décor and style the couple is looking for.
Photo above of the beautiful https://www.brcohn.com/weddings-private-events
Catering is your Next Biggest Expense
No extraordinary wedding is complete without amazing catering. Some Napa Valley Wedding Venues like Auberge du Soleil offer Michelin Star Culinary teams in addition to palate-pleasing wines from vineyards and barrel rooms.
Your menu – both food and beverage – will determine the final cost, but you might have to add labor charges, service charges, and taxes which can increase Wine Country Wedding Costs.
Typically you can expect to pay $100 – $125 per person but of course, this can change based on the menu and the location offering it.
The Photographer
As you prepare to say your ‘I Dos’, you’d want an able photographer to capture stunning moments from your big day. After all, these promise to be memories that will last you a lifetime.
Thus, the cost of a photographer should be one of the most important things to include in your budget as you narrow down Napa Valley Wedding Costs.
Photographers usually charge based on how many hours you book them for and whether or not they bring someone to assist them. However, many offer all-inclusive packages too.
You can expect to pay anywhere between $3,500 – $8,500 on average, while Alicia’s offerings start from $3800.
Flowers, Music, and the Cake!
Other integral aspects of Napa Valley Weddings include flowers, music, and cake. In terms of flower arrangements, you can expect to pay $75 – $150 per centerpiece, with the average cost being $100 if you’re not looking for something too fancy.
Depending on whether you want live musicians or a DJ, or maybe a combination of both, your Wine Country Wedding Costs can add up. Most DJs will charge between $1,500 – $2,500 and a live duo for the ceremony and cocktail hour will set you back around $750.
And finally, if you choose to have a wedding cake, you can expect to add another $9 – $15 per guest to your Napa Valley Wedding Cost.
In Conclusion
Based on everything mentioned in this article, a 100-person wedding in Wine Country or Napa Valley will run you up to $40,000 or $80,000 for 200 people. It’s important to plan with this budget in mind and keep a reserve budget for things like the wedding officiant, hair and makeup, and gifts, among other things.
All said and done, a wedding in Wine Country can cost less or even more in some instances, based on your tastes.
But one thing is for certain, when you have an accurate estimate of a Napa Valley Wedding Cost, you can avoid major surprises and the accompanying anxiety that stems from spending more than you expected.
We sincerely hope you found this post helpful! Should you need professional photography for the occasion, you can always get in touch with us info@aliciaparksphotography.com to see more visit https://aliciaparksphotography.com/weddings
XOXO
Alicia Parks