The tranquility of lush vines; the sweet smell of ripening grapes; and the whimsy of reception tents set amongst rolling hills: saying “I do” at a winery is a dream come true. Regardless of whether the marrying couple is a pair of oenophiles or just appreciates the beautiful backdrop of sunkissed vineyards, something about celebrating love at a winery is undeniably elegant. Plus—there is no shortage of bubbly on-site to celebrate the big day!
From the coastal cape of New Jersey to the sweeping altitudes of Sonoma, California, here are eight beautiful winery wedding venues across the U.S. to consider for breathtaking nuptials.
Breaux Vineyards: Virginia
Located in Virginia’s wine country, the 404-acre Breaux Vineyards has a distinctly Tuscan feel with sweeping views of rolling fields conveniently planted only one hour from Washington, D.C. Depending on your preference for an indoor or outdoor setting, you can choose the Acadia indoor pavilion, which is decked out in chandeliers and a fireplace, or on the Lafayette Terrace, nestled within the vines. The indoor space can accommodate up to 150 people, while larger groups of up to 400 should choose the outdoor space. Those looking for a more intimate setting can book the Cork & Key cellar on the property for a unique ceremony of up to 50 guests.
Stone's Throw: Wisconsin
When you need an elegant midwestern wedding with stunning natural beauty and tons of history, consider Stone's Throw, an Italian-inspired winery in Door County, Wisconsin. Although the winery was named after its picturesque stone walls, you can have your wedding in the Barrel Room, a space that can accommodate up to 70 people for a seated event. Looking for an outdoor venue? The property's many options include the Tree Bar, a sculpture garden, and the Aventura Rose Patio, planted within the gardens with a seasonal fire pit.
Amaterra Winery: Oregon
You can have both views of the rolling landscape of the Willamette Valley coupled with the proximity to downtown Portland at the Amaterra Winery. The most popular place for couples to wed is the 7,000-square-foot Terrace lawn, complete with reflection pools and a natural waterfall with water cascading 30 feet below. If indoor ceremonies are the preference, the destination also has the chic Skyline Room, complete with expansive windows, a wraparound deck, outdoor lounge areas, and fireplaces.
Willow Creek Winery, New Jersey
An ocean breeze with sips of wine? Yes, please. Head to New Jersey’s Outer Coastal Plain and experience a mixture of vineyards and gardens with views of the ocean at Willow Creek Winery. The 50-acre vineyard offers brides and grooms special amenities like horse-drawn carriages for grand entrances and a 12,000-square-foot Grand Tasting Room to host a rehearsal dinner or a wedding reception. Those looking for a place to accommodate family and friends should consider the quaint sister property, The Southern Mansion, also located in Cape May.
Sunshine Mill: Oregon
While not your typical vineyard setting, if you want to throw a wedding with a twist, consider nuptials inside a 130-year-old flour mill in The Dalles, Oregon. The downtown location of Sunshine Mill means that guests can explore the area before and after the wedding. For the big day, couples can decide to get married next to the grain silos or next to the tasting room with the funky brick backdrop (ideal for photos). The location also has a drive-in movie theater with movies projected onto the grain silos.
Ru’s Farm: California
If rolling hills and farm country sounds like your cup of tea, Ru’s Farm makes for a dreamy wedding option, as it's located smack dab in the heart of Sonoma farm country. Some of the special features of the destination include not only vineyards, but you can stroll through rose, lavender, and rosemary gardens, and check out the property's barn (built in 1902). Looking for the perfect spot? There is a 100-year-old majestic cork oak tree that provides refreshing shade over the wedding proceedings. Set friends and family up at one of the two classic farm cottages just steps from the barn and gardens.
The Winery at Bull Run: Virginia
Conveniently a 20-minute drive from Dulles International Airport is The Winery at Bull Run, which offers a bucolic setting flanked by both vines and towering trees; fittingly, the property features outdoor-only reception spaces. The focal point for the ceremony is the remains of an old stone house planted on a slight hill which allows guests a terrific vantage point of the bride and groom while they exchange vows.
Wolf Mountain Vineyards
For a southern wedding, head to Wolf Mountain Vineyards, nestled in the picturesque North Georgia Mountains. Located just an hour from Atlanta, this 10,000-square-foot winery makes delicious wine at its 1,800-foot elevation. The wedding can be held in the vineyard pavilion which overlooks the rolling fields of the Appalachian Mountains.