Located amidst the rolling hills of California, Sunstone Villa offers you a retreat unlike any other. This winery combines historic architecture with top-notch amenities to provide you with a complete escape. Their concierge approach to their weddings has made this a favorite venue amongst couples looking for a luxurious venue fit for their celebration. As a documentary wedding photographer, I adore working with couples to help them have their dream weddings. Here is everything you need to know about a Sunstone Winery wedding!
About The Sunstone Winery Wedding Venue
125 Refugio Road, Santa Ynez, California 93460
Sunstone Winery is a breathtaking wedding space that was completed in 2004. Nestled in the midst of 52 acres, this winery offers a bit of everything from robust reds to bubbly roses. The Villa itself stands at the center of the property as its crowning jewel. This building is an old world-inspired structure created with limestone from chateaus across Aix Provence, Normandy, and Loire Valley.
The wooden beams and rafters inside come from a 19th-century lavender factory. The reclaimed elements bring a feeling of authenticity without removing you too far from modern accommodations. The winery takes pride in being a destination space for wine lovers from across the country. With stunning views, high-end service, and delicious beverages, this venue has all you need for your dream wedding!
Details of the Grounds
At the heart of Sunstone Winery wedding venue is the Villa. Spread across 8,500 square feet, this elegant space features five master suites with private baths and fireplaces. These are going to be the best spots to gather with your wedding party and get ready for the day. There are private terraces where you can take pictures while still remaining separate from your partner.
For your ceremony, the Grand Lawn is going to be your perfect space! This grassy field is lit with bistro lights while acres of vineyards stretch out just beyond you. This area is ready to accommodate up to 300 guests. You will be able to dress it up however you’d like whether you prefer simple flowers or a grand altar with all the drapery and roses.
The Fountain Courtyard gives you a paved space where you can hold your ceremony. You can choose to put your altar in front of the limestone villa, or you can place it beneath the trees for something a little more rustic.
Once your ceremony has ended, your friends and family can gather at the Fountain Courtyard, where they can enjoy wines and cocktails. You can choose to set out lounge furniture so your guests can relax while you take your portraits.
Sunstone Winery Wedding Reception Spaces
There are several Sunstone Winery spaces you will be able to use for your wedding reception. Large parties will be able to use the Grand Lawn. The venue will bring out a dance floor where your guests can celebrate late into the night! You can place a bar where the refreshments will flow for hours.
The Fountain Courtyard is another popular option for this portion. This area will put you right next to the Villa, offering any indoor accommodations your guests might need. String lights illuminate this space, while trees offer a bit of shade before the sun sets. For a seated dinner, this option will accommodate up to 80 guests.
Nearby the Fountain Courtyard is the Lavender Court. This is close to the venue’s lavender garden, giving you a gorgeous and fragrant backdrop as you celebrate with your loved ones. The ground is paved with brick, offering a flat surface perfect for dancing! With this location, you can host up to 70 seated guests.
The Cavetop Terrace is nestled near the bluffs with some seriously spectacular views. This area is accessible through a few staircases, and the ground is paved. It can accommodate up to 90 guests.
If you want a covered space for a microwedding, you can use either the Cuvee Cave or La Cav. Both of these wonderfully intimate spaces give you stone ceilings and stone walls. They are ideal for candlelit dinner parties with your closest family and friends.
Photography Opportunities
For your wedding pictures, you are going to have endless options at Sunstone Winery! The get-ready rooms in the Villa are positively picturesque, with elegant stone walls to serve as your backdrop. I am also a huge fan of using the stone steps for romantic, candlelit pictures showing off your gown. The terraces around the Villa will be perfect for snapping first-look portraits as well as wedding party pictures.
For your couple portraits, you will want to use the vineyards. While these are beautiful any time of day, they become particularly transcendent as the sun sets. Additionally, you can use the lavender fields for these pictures. Finally, the Grand Lawn is the ideal spot to get pictures with your friends and family. The flat lawn makes it accessible for everyone, while the surrounding nature ties in plenty of rustic charm.
Wedding Details
Sunstone Winery is going to provide you with all that you need for your perfect wedding day! You will be able to rent out the Villa overnight, allowing you to transform your wedding day into a wedding weekend. They have rentals for up to 4 days, and they have enough space to sleep up to 10 guests. You will choose your catering from a preferred list. While you will be able to use their in-house wine, they also let you bring in your own. They can arrange parking and will work with you to figure out valet parking or a shuttle service. Because the weather in the area stays warm year-round, they offer weddings throughout every season!
Beauty And Elegance Come Standard At A Sunstone Winery Wedding
If you are looking for an outdoor space for your sunny California wedding, I think you are about to fall madly in love with Sunstone Winery wedding venue. This venue is ready to make sure you have your storybook wedding!
Once you have your venue, it’s time to start thinking about your photographer. That’s why I am here! I am a documentary wedding photographer who travels across the country, helping couples document the meaningful moments that make their celebrations so special. If you have been looking for a photographer who will capture the connections throughout your day, let’s chat. Send me a message today if you’d like to learn more!
+ Comments