Hi all! It’s Erika, the owner and a lead planner with Sealed With A Kiss Events. I have been wanting to create this blog post to share with you all for quite some time now as this topic is very near and dear to my heart.

Why Sonoma is so special to me!

Sonoma is a very special place to me as it is personally the place I got married! When we get inquires from couples considering Sonoma for their wedding, I get a filled with emotions reminiscing over the smells of lavender, the crisp taste of rose wine on a warm summer day, and the feeling of the breeze on my face as we biked along the country roads to Sonoma’s Best coffee shop every day during my wedding weekend. So, here we created a list for couples of some of our favorite wedding venues to Sonoma. If you would like to know more about how to make a memorable wedding weekend in Sonoma, you should definitely inquire with me!

The Barn at Harrow Cellars

Capacity: 200+ guests

If you want to dine outside under string lights directly next to the world renowned vineyards of Sonoma Valley, then look no further. This venue is very customizable and gives the couple the ability to cut and paste (for lack of a better term) certain aspects of their big day. Guests take an olive lined pathway over to the The Willow Lawn to host your ceremony. Guests then walk over to the patio of the elegant white-washed barn for the outside bar and cocktail hour. Following this, guests can dine at tables on The Harrow Lawn (seen below) outside the barn with views of Carneros’ rolling hills. The option for inside dining in The Barn is also an option and great for the unfortunate event of poor, unpredictable weather. Despite Northern California’s world famous wine country being just that, it is not impermeable to the elements. Like most cities and towns, Sonoma also has certain city ordinances relating to noise/music as there is no outside amplified music past 10pm. With that being said, The Barn is a beautiful spot for indoor dancing and cake, while not hindering the views of beautiful wine country encasing you and your guests. These three locations (bolded) are at your disposal to choose which event of your wedding you have there. Folktable Catering is their exclusive in-house caterer, offering a creative menu inspired by our Bib Gourmand recognized Folktable Restaurant with locally sourced ingredients, stunning presentation, and all-inclusive service. For more images from a wedding at The Barn at Harrow Cellar, check out the full gallery in our portfolio!

Buena Vista Winery

Capacity: guests

If you want to tell your family and friends that you are getting married at the oldest winery in California, then get married here. Founded in 1857, Buena Vista is California’s first premium winery. The fountain courtyard with stone building gives off European vibes. The Bubble Room (champagne) is so fun for cocktail hour or dancing after dinner. Little glam in wine country. Great venue to have a romantic winter ceremony in the cave with tons of candles. Even though the property is not right on the vineyards there is a great spot next door for those iconic wine country images. Alcohol: beer and wine only. Catering: RAWM catering teams. Transportation: not required but recommended for groups over 30. Bridal Suite: Room to get dressed, hair and makeup take place at your hotel. Time: Includes 4-5 hours and event concludes at 10pm.

Gundlach Bundschu Winery

Capacity: 140 guests

Notes: This top-rated Somona wedding venue and winery has been in the Bundschu family for six generations and is rooted in the love story of the founders. The sweeping beauty of the 320-acre estate allows for endless possibilities when planning a wedding, but the landscape isn’t the only draw at this venue. The winery is known for its warm people, cool climate, and creative spirit. They provide elopement and micro wedding packages along with hosting larger weddings up to 140 guests. Both indoor and outdoor options are available. Great for having a rain plan! They offer reduced off-season rates between November-March. Venue rental time for guest access is 4-10pm and bridal party can begin to arrive at 1pm. Rentals can begin to arrive for set up as early as 7am. They provide a pre-approved catering vendor list. All wine is provided by Gunlock Bundshu Winery and the couple can bring in beer and non-alcoholic beverages. No liquor is permitted. You CAN take pictures in the vineyard, major plus!

Abbot’s Passage

Capacity: 150 guests

Notes: Ceremony site is within the vines with breaking views of the rolling wine country hills. Within their site fee, they include a gorgeous wooden ceremony arbor, cafe lighting, sail shoes, patio and longer furniture, shuffleboard and bocce ball courts, cocktail hour surround by 80+ year old vines, indoor dancing in chic tasting room, indoor and outdoor bars, and selection of world-class Sonoma wine. Venue rental time for guest access is 4-10pm.

Seven Branches Inn

Capacity: 150 guests

Notes: Bordering stunning parklands and just blocks from Sonoma’s historic town square, Seven Branches Venue & Inn captures the essence of a wine country wedding. Reflecting Sonoma’s Spanish heritage with its tiled roof, rammed-earth walls, and charming balconies and patios, our venue expresses elegance and charm. It gives the vibes of a Tuscan villa to me. Provides options for indoor and outdoor spaces. The outdoor patio is nestled under a serene canopy that provides an intimate space to celebrate surrounded by friends and family. Framed by ivy-covered walls, the ceremony courtyard is a picturesque backdrop encompassing wine country charm and elegance. Guests can book onsite accommodations at this venue. The party can go up until 12am if music is indoors and the rooms are rented. Venue is close to Sonoma square for after party options (Steiners!) can be planned with weddings here! Catering is in house and service is excellent.

K2 Ranch

Capacity: 350 guests

Notes: K2 Ranch is a family operated horse boarding facility located in the heart of the Sonoma Valley. The Ranch, situated on 18 Acres, was developed in the late 60’s as a breeding stable for Arabian horses. Although Arabians are no longer bred on the property, it has continued to operate as a boarding and training facility by day and very special property that is available for a limited number of events. At The Ranch, possibilities are only limited by your imagination. This venue is exclusive to a five star caterer, Paula LeDuc Fine Catering, a 40+ year caterer that accepts only the best quality of ingredients and holds itself to the highest standards. If you are a foodie, you must consider one of the 5 exclusive venues though Paula LeDuc Fine Catering, such as K2 Ranch in Sonoma!

Beltane Ranch

Capacity: 200 guests

Notes: Historic Beltane Ranch provides a most unique and breathtaking event venue. The 1892 Landmark Victorian is surrounded by lush gardens on a hillside overlooking estate vineyards and the heart of Sonoma Valley. The property includes an award-winning b&b and offers packages for weddings from 2-150. Caterer is provided onsite and they pride themselves on a farm to table experience. Onsite accommodations can be provided for limited amount of guests. Beltane Ranch is a winery as well and is known for their award winning red blend. Included in the site fee is a 2-night stay in their cottage. If you are a lover of sweet farm animals, you can request to have a chicken processional at your ceremony and also a meeting with their instagram famous baby doll sheep Wally! Go look up Wally the Wooly Weeder!

MacArthur Place

Capacity: 80-100 guests

Notes: MacArthur Place is an ideal venue for small to medium weddings. Whether it’s an intimate gathering or a lavish celebration, MacArthur Place delivers an idyllic, unforgettable setting for your dream Sonoma wedding. They have a variety of beautiful indoor and outdoor venues that are perfect for your wedding or special event. And, with their dedicated event staff and on-site catering, they will be with you every step of the way and ensure your event goes off without a hitch. They offer natural luxury and farmhouse charm in the heart of Sonoma, making it a premier wedding destination in Northern California. Their newly designed “Coach House” features three elegant and well-appointed salons that can be combined for in an indoor reception is chosen. MacArthur Place has several indoor and outdoor event venues that are perfect to accommodate your wedding. Option for all guests to stay onsite at the hotel. Onside dinning available at onsite restaurant, Layla. They also have a hotel bar and morning coffee shop all onsite!

The Generals Daughter

Capacity: 100 guests

Notes: A beautiful, historic building surrounded by lush gardens and fruit trees, General’s Daughter is located at the base of oak-covered hills in downtown Sonoma. The 1864 Victorian was once the home of General Vallejo’s daughter and her husband, the founder of California’s first winery. General’s Daughter's sprawling East Patio, with fireplace and vine covered arbor, is ideal for a ceremony or cocktail hour. The wisteria covered West Patio offers a shaded location for larger ceremonies or dinners. Step inside the interior and you are greeted with a vintage bar restored to its original beauty, adjacent to the intimate dining room. As the exclusive caterers, the culinary team at General’s Daughter's, Folktable Catering, will create the perfect menu for your off-site event. Their menus demonstrate their creative style and showcase the best of what Sonoma has to offer, including farm to fork seasonal menus. . The space is designed to accommodate both large and small groups.

Viansa Winery

Capacity: 400 guests for outdoors and 220 guest capacity for indoor spaces

Notes: Viansa Sonoma is located just 35 minutes from San Francisco, and offers stunning views, vines and wines. Viansa Sonoma serves as an unforgettable wine country venue, with the perfect backdrop for your special event. Their wide array of event spaces throughout the property can accomodate groups large and small, in locations that are sure to wow you and your guests. The stunning property offers several locations to host an elegant and timeless wine country event. Viansa Sonoma is able to host events all year long in the Pavillion, providing breathtaking panoramic views of the Sonoma Valley, their estate vineyards, and coastal wetlands. The Viansa Sonoma team will execute every detail of your celebration flawlessly, with warm hospitality and careful precision. Viansa accepts outside caterers. The spectacular views, gorgeous ivy-covered courtyard, rolling hills, and utterly romantic cellar are hard to resist when selecting a spot for your special day.

Jacuzzi Family Vineyard

Capacity: 150 guests

Notes: Jacuzzi Family Vineyards is a stunning site that features Italian stonework, beautiful vineyard views, and breathtaking outdoor venue overlooking the eastern vineyards and Wetland Preserve. Their wedding package includes exclusive use of three beautiful venues. The ceremony can be held in the Vineyard Vista, followed by an outdoor celebration in the Grand Piazza, followed by dinner and dancing in the exquisite Barrel Room. Jacuzzi can host both large and small weddings. At Jacuzzi Family Vineyards, you may personalize our Italian-inspired settings to create your dream wedding! The venue permits beer & wine only. You must select caterer from their preferred caterer list.

Cline Family Cellars

Capacity: 500 guests

Notes: Cline Family Cellars offers the rustic charm of landscaped gardens, willows, spring-fed ponds, and breathtaking vineyard views. The Great Lawn is a beautifully landscaped garden venue bordered by spring-fed ponds and mature willow trees. The perfect venue for groups of 50 or more guests. The maximum capacity for the Great Lawn is 500 seated, ideal for those events with larger guest counts. The Adobe Mission is perfect for those smaller guest counts, up to 100 people. You will enjoy string lights overhead, a stone patio and vineyards views during your event. The venue permits beer & wine only. You must select caterer from their preferred caterer list.

Gloria Ferrer Winery

Capacity: 120 guests

Notes: The Tasting Room is a modern, open space with iconic views from its substantial panel windows. The Vista Pavilion overlooks a breathtaking expanse of vineyards and mountains in the distance, beautifully framed by two trees. The Vista Terrace would be a lovely spot for a wedding reception, complete with a scenic view of the Carneros wine country.