How to choose between a Napa or Sonoma Elopement 

Big weddings get a lot of attention, but you know what is also exciting? Small weddings. Micro weddings. Elopements. The most perfect day with an intimate group of your supporters and favorite people. No more worrying about a coworker you don’t even know well or an aunt who hasn’t seen you since you were this big. After you’ve decided on a Northern California wedding, the next step is figuring out how to choose between a Napa or Sonoma elopement.

If you’re wondering where do most people elope, the assumption is Las Vegas or Hawaii. However, according to The Knot’s The 31 Best Places to Elope in the US and Abroad in 2024, San Francisco and Santa Barbara made the list! California is certainly getting attention as a premier place to elope. Fly into San Francisco and make the easy 1 hour drive to explore wine country to start your next chapter to forever. 

We are here to help you plan between a Napa or Sonoma elopement! 

Don’t underestimate the pure romance of an elopement. With over a decade of Sonoma County wedding photographer experience under my belt, I can honestly say that weddings are not “one size fits all.” For some of my couples, the time and stress that goes into planning a traditional wedding are not desirable. Elopement weddings are an equally as romantic and intimate way to celebrate you and your partner’s love.

What is a downside to an elopement?

While we love elopements there are some downsides. Some of our couples really want their parents or siblings to be part of their day, or close friends that feel like family. For that reason, we are including options below that accommodate BOTH elopements and micro weddings. Your wedding deserves to be your way!

First let’s look at options for where to get married between a Napa or Sonoma elopement.

Should I go to Napa or Sonoma? You can think of Sonoma and Napa as siblings. They were raised with the same great wineries, in the same California sunshine, but there are differences between the two.

Sonoma County is a larger geographic region than Napa County, at nearly double the size. There are more wineries and vineyards and you’ll also find a greater diversity of grapes grown and vinified. It is also more cost effective.

Napa is, well, Napa. It’s world renowned for their wines. On a hundred point scale, the Napa wines are considered 95+-point wines. In addition to great wines, Napa Valley is also home to many fine dining establishments, including the Michelin-starred French Laundry, La Toque, the Restaurant at Auberge du Soleil, Kenzo Napa and Bouchon Bistro.

Difference between a Napa or Sonoma elopement- how to get your marriage license

The marriage license process differs slightly between a Napa or Sonoma elopement, however the process isn’t different enough to sway whether you choose a Napa or Sonoma elopement. 

Napa County

You and your partner will begin the process by emailing marriagelicenses@countyofnapa.org with images of your government-issued photo identification. Next, you will receive an invitation to submit your marriage license application online.

Once the application is filed, you will receive a preview of the license for review and approval. When you email back the approved preview, they will send you an appointment to appear in person together at our office, 1127 First Street Ste. A, Napa, CA 94559

There is no waiting period, blood test or residency requirements to marry in California. The fee for a public license is $83.00. Check out the Napa city website here.

Sonoma County

You and your partner will begin the process by submitting your marriage license application online. A marriage license must be purchased prior to a marriage ceremony occurring. You and your partner will appear together at the County Clerk-Recorder Office to get your marriage license. 

You will both need to bring a valid, government-issued photo identification with your name and date of birth. This can be a driver’s license, passport or US-government military identification. The marriage license is valid for 90 days from the date of issuance. The fee for a public license is $82.00. Read more from the Sonoma city website here.

Once you have your marriage license, you are ready to plan your ceremony!

Napa Micro Wedding and Elopement Venues

Our roundup of Top 5 Napa Valley Wedding Venues includes options for weddings big and small! For our elopement and micro wedding friends, we recommend the following.

Beringer Vineyards

Rhine House at Beringer Vineyard was completed in 1884 by architect Albert Schroepfer. Frederick Beringer’s former residence is now the centerpiece of the expansive Beringer property. Showcasing the fine, detailed craftsmanship of the period, the Rhine House has beautiful exterior stonework, stained-glass windows and interior wood paneling. Rhine House is a classic example of ornate Victorian architecture with its many gables, turrets and ornaments. It is perfect for a micro wedding for a couple that has a deep appreciation for history and architecture. This venue can accommodate 10 guests. When the evening falls and the castle lights up, your wedding night magic will be out of a fairy tale!

Beringer Address: 2000 Main Street, St. Helena, CA 94574

Churchill Manor

Churchill Manor specifically offers two different elopement / micro wedding packages.

To ensure privacy and exclusivity, they host only one wedding or elopement per day. Your intimate ceremony will be followed by cake cutting and a champagne toast! Bring your favorite people to stay in their ten guest rooms at this bed and breakfast.

After arriving at the b&b in Napa, CA, you will choose where to exchange your vows. The ceremony spots include the fountain in the front garden, on the rotunda of the covered veranda overlooking the gardens, or fireside within the mansion’s ornate parlors. Truly something for everyone!

Take a look at their Simply Elegant Elopement Package or Ultimate Intimate Elopement Package

Address: 485 Brown Street, Napa, CA 94559

Carneros Resort and Spa

Hold the wedding of your dreams and say “I do” at Carneros Resort and Spa to experience the relaxed sophistication of Napa Valley. With the serene and secluded atmosphere, Carneros Resort and Spa makes an ideal spot for intimate weddings and Napa elopements where the focus is on the ceremony itself rather than a large reception.

Book the small wedding / elopement package! Carneros has a stunning ceremony location, officiant, bridal bouquet and boutonniére, solo guitarist for one hour, sparkling wine for a post-ceremony sparkling toast and a selection of mini dessert bites or savory hors d’oeuvres. They have promoted a complimentary night in a garden cottage so make sure you inquire about it!

This venue offers a traditional two person elopement or the option to host 18 guests for a micro wedding. When you host your small wedding at Carneros Resort and Spa, the resort’s romantic cottages and thoughtful amenities are yours to you, along with the splendor of Napa Valley.

Make your first meal together unforgettable. FARM’s unique menu showcases simple and elegant food, imaginative hand-crafted cocktails, a selection of craft beer, and an extensive list of regional wines. Perfect for your wedding night.

By choosing a Napa Valley elopement, you’ll find activities post wedding such as bike tours, hiking, kayaking and romantic hot air balloon rides over stunning vineyard views.

Address: 4048 Sonoma Hwy, Napa, CA 94559

Sonoma Micro Wedding and Elopement Venues

Is Sonoma cooler than Napa? To some, definitely. Where Napa has the reputation of prestige, there are some venues in Sonoma that lean into being the overlooked but an even more fun option. Such as, Songbird Parlour below. 

Geyserville Inn

From the wisteria-covered pergola to the mountain views, this family-owned inn has the awe power of a destination resort without the clamor of tourists. Guests at Geyserville Inn receive AAA-rated quality and service. We had the pleasure of capturing Justin and Amanda’s Geyserville Inn elopement. Their intimate elopement ceremony and first dance were emotional and touching. At sunset, the newlyweds basked in the glow of twinkle lights while enjoying a four-course dinner and wine pairing on the lawn of Geyserville Inn. 

Address: 21714 Geyserville Avenue, Geyserville, CA 95441

Chateau St. Jean

Calling all wine lovers! Please add Chateau St. Jean on the northern side of Sonoma Valley to your must-tour venue list. This vineyard venue comes with a dramatic mountain backdrop, whimsical gardens and a 1920s chateau. Within two steps onto the property you’ll be transported to Italy or the South of France via perfectly manicured grounds and beautiful architecture.

Originally built as a family summer home, Chateau St. Jean was restored in the 1970s to welcome modern-day wedding parties with timeless style. Today, the venue is listed in the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Amenities include an intimate inner courtyard and patio, lawns, vineyards, gardens, water features, mature redwood trees and a state-of-the-art visitor center. Chateau St. John even made our Top 10 Wedding Venues in Sonoma list!

The comfortable and romantic outdoor areas create a sophisticated, yet relaxed ambiance surrounded by lush vineyards, picturesque mountains, shaded gardens, mature redwoods, and expansive lawn, with the Chateau as an elegant backdrop.

Songbird Parlour

Move over sad beige weddings! Their speciality is in co-creating a non-traditional micro wedding experience designed exclusively for you and your closest loved ones. Their couples are anything but ordinary, and unlike conventional weddings, their micro weddings focus on quality over quantity- something they hold in high regard.

Tell a story with your wedding; reimagined in the historic 1839 building Songbird calls home. Designed to evoke your senses with modern and global food, art and music, and inspiration from around the world, they invite you to gather your guests at our Cascading Decks along the lush Sonoma Creek for your ceremony, and then head up to their Parlour for a trendy space to host a luxurious reception that transcends the norm.

Address: 14301 Arnold Dr. Suite 3, Glen Ellen, CA 95442

If you are still on the fence between a Napa or Sonoma Elopement, reach out! As a local photographer I am well versed in both. I can’t wait to hear about your vision and see how I can bring it to life.