Photography Credit: Michelle Walker Photography
We love the opportunity to partner with one of our favorite Napa Valley wedding venues. Only 65 miles north of San Francisco, Auberge du Soleil is a quintessential Napa Valley wedding venue. Auberge du Soleil, has THAT VIEW! Today, we are going to share (almost everything!) we love about Auberge du Soleil weddings after over a decade as Napa Valley wedding planners. If you are looking for a team to guide you through the process of planning (while keeping it real 100% of the time), we want to collaborate with you. You can learn more about Cole Drake Events here.
Photography Credit: Sylvie Gil Photography
What you Need to Know Before Choosing Auberge du Soleil Wedding Venue
Before we jump into the pretty (we know that’s likely what drew you to Auberge do Soleil in the first place!), let’s talk about the logistics. We typically recommend booking with a good amount of time for the planning, particularly now with demand being the highest it has been for a few decades. With that in mind, if you are flexible, we can often plan with a shorter runway. BUT flexibility is key. We are in the middle of what is aptly being described as a “wedding boom,” which means that if you are looking for a 2022 wedding venue, you are going to want to book even further in advance if at all possible (or consider 2023). Auberge du Soleil only hosts one wedding per day. The upside is that you get all of the attention and privacy you deserve.
Photography Credit: Sylvie Gil Photography
Weddings at Auberge du Soleil
As you can tell by the photos, we love the incredible ceremony views on the terrace. Auberge du Soleil weddings perfectly blend the feeling of the mediterranean with the iconic Napa Valley backdrop. From the indoor reception space, floor to ceiling french doors open up to the most incredible private terrace with panoramic Napa Valley views.
Photography Credit: Michelle Walker Photography
Photography Credit: Danny Dong
Napa Valley is known for their incredible culinary experiences, which makes it even harder for wedding venues to stand out. Originally founded by a French restaurateur in 1981, Auberge du Soleil was the first true fine dining establishment in Napa Valley and it remains one of the top places to dine 40 years later. Offerings are locally sourced so not only is the food incredibly fresh, the flavor profiles are a uniquely Auberge experience.
Photography Credit: Janine Licare Photography
Wedding Guest Accommodation
With 50 well-appointed guest rooms, this Napa Valley hotel is ideal for a buyout if you are looking for a truly luxurious experience for both you and your guests. If you don’t choose to do a buyout, there are a range of hotel rooms available depending on the level of comfort and luxury your guests desire. All of their guest rooms provide a combination of indoor and outdoor space and whether you opt for a hillside view or a panoramic view of Napa Valley, you’ll find plenty of excuses to gaze out from your terrace to soak up the serenity!
Destination Wedding Weekend in Napa Valley
When couples choose Napa Valley for their wedding destination, it’s not uncommon for many (if not all) of their guests to fly in for the occasion. The majority of the couples we work with are not local. We love to provide a truly immersive experience for you and your guests. Below, we are sharing a few of our favorite destination wedding weekend activities for you and your guests while you are in town!
Photography Credit: Milou and Olin
Art Walk
Auberge du Soleil is not only an incredible hotel and wedding venue, it’s also home to one of the largest outdoor sculpture gardens in California. You can walk through their incredible sculpture garden and view over 100 pieces (created by over 60 local artists). Not staying on property but still want to soak up some art? Napa Art Walk always has something new to experience!
Wine tasting
You didn’t come to Napa Valley to only enjoy local craft beer, did you? Auberge du Soleil sits right on Silverado Trail, which means you have over 450 wineries just minutes from the hotel. Auberge du Soleil can help your guests arrange for a customized wine tasting tour – complete with private transportation – so they’ll feel completely attended to every step of the way.
Enjoy the Auberge du Soleil Spa
Napa Valley is home to some of the most incredible spas. We take relaxation seriously around here as we know so many people come to get away from the hustle of their bustling work lives to achieve some balance. The design of the spa was inspired by a zen master with the intent of guests being enveloped in complete tranquility from the moment you step inside, no matter what service you choose.
Hiking
If you want a more active way to engage in the incredible scenery,, consider one of the many hiking trails we have available (they stretch across the entire region). There is something for everyone – regardless of your fitness level or desired distance. If you are looking for a more casual way to stroll in nature, there is a short .7 mile nature path right on the hotel property between the Sculpture garden and olive grove (aptly named the Soleil trail). For longer more arduous hikes, there are a few options within a 15 minute drive from the property.
Hot air balloon
While the views are unmatched on the hillside of Auberge du Soleil, you MUST experience it from the vantage of an early morning, a hot air balloon ride. We believe this mode of viewing is one of the best ways to soak up all the views wine country has to offer.
Sip and cycle tours
We drink responsibly here in Napa Valley and what better way to enjoy the views, the wine, and the outdoors than a Sip and Cycle tour. Trust us, these tours are so much fun both on your own or with a large group.
Photography Credit: Alexander Rubin Photography
Auberge du Soleil Weddings
You likely have a better sense of why we adore this property so much. We would love to learn more about your wedding day vision and help you decide if Auberge du Soleil is the right Napa Valley wedding venue for you.
