How to Throw a Wedding at a Vineyard

bride and groom kiss in vineyard — Photo by Dragonfly Photography

Rolling fields, saturated colors, and plenty of natural light are just a few of the perks of hosting your wedding at a vineyard. It's also an incredible location for wine lovers to celebrate amongst the vines and have some amazing local bottles to enjoy as you toast to your new marriage.

If you and your soon-to-be spouse are thinking of tying the knot in wine country, make sure you consider some of the non-negotiables that are often accompanied by vineyard venues. A restricted bar list, noise obligations, and other regulations are things to consider before booking your vine-adorned site. But, don’t let these discourage you from a day of romanticism, delicious food, and total serenity.

To guarantee a seamless day of wine and food pairings, stunning barrel-adorned decor, and other elegant elements fit for a winery wedding, we tapped industry experts who are experienced in pulling off a wedding at a vineyard.

How to Choose the Perfect Wedding Venue

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Do Your Research

A couple kissing at a vineyard — Photo by Manali Anne Photography

Lindsey Nickel, founder of Lovely Day Events, reminds guests to be considerate of obeying local noise ordinances. “Often in rural towns amplified music can’t be played after 10 p.m., so make sure you do plenty of research for your specific venue,” Nickel says. This may mean you want to start your ceremony earlier so that you can still maximize your time during the reception.

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Make the Most of the Landscape

An arch in front of a vineyard — Photo by By Leah Photography

“You won't need a ton of floral décor if you're getting married in front of growing grapes,” says Amy Nichols, founder of Amy Nichols Special Events. With a venue that’s already filled with an abundance of natural beauty, let the site speak for itself and opt for a minimal display of décor.

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Think About the Bar

Cocktails — Photo by Karen Hill Photography

“Keep in mind many wineries may limit your bar options,” advises Jacin Fitzgerald, owner of Jacin Fitzgerald Events. Some wineries only allow serving their own wines, eliminating the option of serving other types of alcohol. “Make sure you check on that before signing the dotted line if margaritas or liquor were on your must-have list,” Fitzgerald says.

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Incorporate Wine Barrels

A floral arrangement on a barrel — Photo by Elisa Bricker

One subtle way to bring in the feeling of a winery into your décor is to incorporate wine barrels into your ceremony space or cocktail hour. “They can be used as tables or to elevate arrangements!” says photographer Elisa Bricker, who captured the stunning contrast between this delicate, blush floral arrangement and a rustic barrel.

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Use Local Vendors

Table set up at an outdoor reception — Photo by Eric Kelley

“Anyone thinking of a vineyard wedding may have immediately thought of Napa, but truth be told, Virginia is for lovers, wine lovers!” advises Brianna Sumey, Director of Sales at Pippin Hill Farm and Vineyards. Depending on your location, finding local vineyards can make it easier for your guests in terms of travel and can create a local feel for your wedding. Scout your options!

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Use a Wine-Inspired Color Scheme

Alex's moody bouquet of roses, baby's breath, and grasses wrapped in a ribbon — Photo by Chaz Cruz Photographers

Draw inspiration from the burgundies, mauves, and deep reds seen throughout the features of your vineyard venue (and let’s not forget the wine itself!) for your florals and overall color palette. Dark blooms and décor would complement the greens and browns of vineyards well. “I love the contrast between the elegant florals and the rustic use of a barrel,” says Jennifer Haf, owner and designer at BLOOM Floral Design.

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Embrace the Backdrop for Your Photos

A couple at a vineyard — Photo by Trent Bailey Studio

One of the greatest perks of marrying at a vineyard is utilizing the scenic backdrop that your venue provides, especially for photos. Rolling hills, lush greenery, and an abundance of natural light make for a stunning collection of wedding pictures. Trent Bailey, owner of Trent Bailey Studio, made sure to embrace these elements when capturing the images for this couple’s al fresco nuptials.

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Go Bold With Florals

A bride holding a bouquet — Photo by Jessica Burke Photography

“Incorporate lots of color into your florals, so they really pop,” says Cassy Anderson, owner of Cassy Rose Events. For this bride’s vineyard-inspired bouquet, bright reds and purples were used to complement the venue’s surrounding vines, details that kept her bundle of blooms from blending in with the site’s natural color scheme.

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Design a Custom Crest

A wedding invitation — Photo by Allan Zepeda

“We designed a crest that looked like a wine label,” says Leslie Mastin, president of Leslie Mastin Events. The letterpress wedding invitation was tied together with a thin piece of leather with a copper leather crest in the center, stamped with the crest in navy ink. “This crest was carried throughout on the programs, cocktail napkins, menus, and baseball caps that were distributed later in the evening,” Mastin says. Coordinate with your events planner to create a custom design that's meaningful to you as a couple.

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Plan Ahead for the Terrain

Couple portrait in vineyard vines — Photo by Kurt Boomer

“Bring an extra pair of shoes to wear if you want pictures among the grapevines,” advises Miki & Sonja of Miki & Sonja Photography. With an abundance of soft and dusty dirt permeating the landscape of a traditional vineyard, caution your guests—and wedding party—to bring an extra set of shoes post-ceremony.

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Stay On-Theme With Small Details

Guest name cards on corks — Photo by Charlotte Jenks Lewis Photography

“Using the wine corks to hold the place cards for this winery wedding added a playful element to the table as well as the final photos,” says Charlotte Jenks Lewis of Charlotte Jenks Lewis Photography. Incorporating details that give a nod back to the venue will leave a lasting impression.

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Be Prepared for Sun

A couple walking down the aisle post-ceremony — Photo by Anni Graham

In general, outdoor weddings tend to be super sunny. “When throwing a wedding at a winery, like all other al fresco venues, it is important to remember guest comfort,” says Heidi Hughett, co-owner and lead designer at Coastside Couture, who recommends offering sunscreen and paper parasols for the ceremony, as well as lots of shaded seating during cocktail hour.

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Spotlight Wine Country Scenery

newlyweds portrait — Photo by Kelley Williams

Guests will be engrossed in wine country scenery for the entirety of their stay so stay true to finding the perfect site—with or without vineyards. “Caves, barrel rooms, vineyards, and vista views are all iconic images of wine country,” says Stephanie Cole, principal planner and founder of Cole Drake Events. “If your wedding site doesn’t check all the boxes for you, consider hosting your auxiliary event(s) at sites with these as options."

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Pair the Food With the Wine

wine and food pairing at wedding — Photo by SoCal Standard

Work with your caterers and bar team to determine what wines you will serve based on your menu. “On your menu cards or signs, include a note about wine pairings,” suggests Diana Chouinard, senior event planner and designer at Jubilee Events. “If guests have preselected their entrée, you can include the name and the selection of the wine next to each meal description, but, if you are hosting a family-style meal, list the suggestions that pair best with what the caterers are providing."

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Consider Moving Indoors

Don't forget about the interior opportunities at your winery venue. You can move festivities indoors after the ceremony for a warmer ambiance. The industrial spaces and natural barrel decor can also add a fun touch to the design.

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