How Much Does a Wine Country Wedding Cost?

It’s no secret that Sonoma & Napa County in California are some of the most sought-after wedding destinations in the nation. The sister counties are internationally recognized as Wine Country due to the Valley’s various soil types. This allows for the cultivation of over 50 varieties of grapes! Holding a destination wedding here is made of dreams. After all, who doesn’t love a winery? One of the first questions I get from couples when they decide on Sonoma or Napa is how much does a wine country wedding cost?

How the Different Areas of Wine Country Affect Your Cost

How much does it cost to get married at a winery in California? Depending on which part of the valley you’d like to get married in, costs can greatly vary. For example, St. Helena is the center of wine country. It 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.

How Much Does a Wine Country Wedding Cost- Venue

As Lovely Day Events points out: The wedding venue is usually one of the first pieces that a couple of books. This makes sense since it is the backdrop and sets the vibe for the whole wedding day. In Sonoma and Napa valleys, wedding venues range from private estates to wineries to luxury resorts to country clubs and private homes.

As a wine country photographer, I can attest that majority of the options you find in Sonoma or Napa 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 cost anywhere from $6,000 – $25,000. This is also dependent on guest count. The average wine country wedding cost in terms of the venue should be in the range of $12,000 for about 100 guests.

How to choose between Napa or Sonoma

Who Pays for the Rentals?

While some Napa Valley wedding venues will offer all amenities some wedding venues will require you to arrange everything. Many venues will list on their website what they include. Items such as tables, chairs, china, linens, are typically included. Some venues have different upsell options for these choices. If the venue does not include these basic items, you should price that out before choosing them as a venue. Many times it may actually be cheaper to pick a higher cost venue that includes more. I have seen venues that include close to nothing and the couple is expected to bring in their own restrooms, portable kitchen, and even generators for power! 

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. Also be aware of labor charges, service charges, and taxes which can increase your wine country wedding costs. Typically, you can expect to pay $100 – $125 per person.

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