Wedding Agenda
- Pre-Wedding Weekend
- Friday Evening Welcome Dinner: Host an intimate welcome dinner at a local restaurant or a private beachside location for close family and friends.
Saturday Activities: Arrange optional activities for guests, such as wine tasting in Napa, beach yoga in Malibu, or hiking in Yosemite.
Rehearsal Dinner: Celebrate with a relaxed dinner, perhaps a sunset cocktail hour on a terrace overlooking the Pacific or an elegant vineyard dinner.
Wedding Day Schedule
10:00 AM – Bride & Groom Getting Ready: Hire a professional hair and makeup team to pamper the bride and bridal party.
1:00 PM – First Look & Photoshoot: Arrange a private moment for the couple’s “first look,” followed by bridal party and family photos in a scenic spot on the property.
3:00 PM – Ceremony: A classic outdoor California ceremony with lush floral arrangements, live music, and a beautiful view.
4:00 PM – Cocktail Hour: Serve signature cocktails and hors d’oeuvres while guests enjoy the sunset.
6:00 PM – Reception: Begin the evening reception with a formal dinner, speeches, and a first dance under the stars.
9:00 PM – Dance Party: A lively dance floor with a DJ or live band.
11:00 PM – Farewell Toast: Conclude with a sparkler send-off or farewell toast, allowing the couple a memorable grand exit.
Sunday Farewell Brunch
A casual farewell brunch, either on-site or at a nearby beach, to wrap up the weekend with your guests.
Top Venues for a California Wedding
1. Napa Valley – Charles Krug Winery
Location: Napa Valley
Vibe: Romantic and lush vineyard setting
Highlights: Charles Krug is California’s oldest winery, offering a rustic charm with a polished vibe. Couples can marry in the iconic Redwood Cellar or outdoors in the vineyards, surrounded by breathtaking vineyard views and historic charm.
Best For: Wine lovers and couples looking for a sophisticated yet relaxed ambiance.
2. Big Sur – Ventana Big Sur
Location: Big Sur
Vibe: Natural, intimate, and scenic
Highlights: Ventana Big Sur provides a luxurious escape with sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean and the rugged California coastline. The venue offers a romantic outdoor space surrounded by towering redwoods and an intimate indoor reception area with panoramic views.
Best For: Nature-loving couples wanting a tranquil, stunning coastal wedding.
3. San Francisco – Palace of Fine Arts
Location: San Francisco
Vibe: Elegant and grand
Highlights: This iconic San Francisco landmark is ideal for a classic wedding, with Greco-Roman columns, a grand rotunda, and a beautiful lagoon for unforgettable photos.
Best For: Couples desiring a glamorous city wedding with historic elegance.
4. Malibu – Calamigos Ranch
Location: Malibu
Vibe: Enchanting and whimsical
Highlights: Nestled in the Malibu Hills, Calamigos Ranch combines natural beauty with modern amenities, featuring waterfalls, a charming garden, and cozy barn spaces for a fairytale-like ambiance.
Best For: Couples looking for a rustic yet refined setting with lush, picturesque landscapes.
5. Santa Barbara – Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore
Location: Santa Barbara
Vibe: Coastal elegance
Highlights: Overlooking the Pacific, this luxury resort has both beautiful gardens and ocean views. The Coral Casino Beach and Cabana Club is perfect for a sunset reception with a sophisticated coastal atmosphere.
Best For: Those wanting a luxurious beachside wedding with a refined touch.
6. Yosemite – The Ahwahnee Hotel
Location: Yosemite National Park
Vibe: Rustic grandeur
Highlights: A National Historic Landmark, The Ahwahnee is known for its stunning setting and historic charm. Weddings here feature views of Yosemite’s granite cliffs, giving an awe-inspiring backdrop that’s perfect for an unforgettable outdoor ceremony.
Best For: Adventurous couples who love the mountains and want a majestic, natural backdrop.
7. Los Angeles – The Ebell of Los Angeles
Location: Los Angeles
Vibe: Vintage Hollywood glamor
Highlights: With a Spanish Revival style, The Ebell offers vintage elegance with a dramatic staircase, courtyard, and chandeliered ballrooms. It’s ideal for a grand celebration with a touch of Hollywood history.
Best For: Couples looking for a sophisticated, classic wedding venue with vintage appeal.
8. Lake Tahoe – Edgewood Tahoe
Location: South Lake Tahoe
Vibe: Lakeside and serene
Highlights: Edgewood Tahoe offers pristine lake views and mountain backdrops. Couples can host a lakeside ceremony and a grand reception in the elegant lodge, perfect for a tranquil yet luxurious experience.
Best For: Couples who want a scenic, lakeside wedding with mountain elegance.
9. Carmel-by-the-Sea – Holman Ranch
Location: Carmel Valley
Vibe: Rustic, ranch-style
Highlights: Holman Ranch is a charming, Spanish-style estate with views of Carmel Valley’s rolling hills, a stone hacienda, and a beautiful courtyard perfect for ceremonies and receptions.
Best For: Those desiring a rustic, elegant wedding with a countryside feel.
10. Palm Springs – Parker Palm Springs
Location: Palm Springs
Vibe: Bohemian chic
Highlights: Known for its eclectic style and lush gardens, Parker Palm Springs combines mid-century modern decor with a relaxed atmosphere. Its gardens and vintage-inspired spaces make it ideal for a chic desert wedding.
Best For: Trendsetting couples wanting a unique, boho-glam experience in the desert.
Conclusion
California’s natural beauty and diverse venues make it an exceptional place for a wedding that reflects each couple’s unique style, whether that means a laid-back beach celebration or an elegant vineyard affair. By carefully planning each part of the day—from an intimate first look to a final sparkler send-off—couples can create a beautifully memorable wedding that captures both the love they share and the stunning essence of California.