Unforgettable celebrations start with the perfect setting and these private venues have it all, whether you’re seeking a tucked-away vineyard, lakeside villa or historic hotel, writes Emma Reynolds
Durango, Colorado | Legacy Properties West Sotheby’s International Realty
When planning a wedding, choosing a venue is often the first and most defining decision to be made. More than just a backdrop, it anchors the aesthetic, informs the atmosphere and reflects how a couple hopes their day will live on in memory.
Summer ceremonies call for spectacular settings, from country estates and historic hotels to romantic châteaux and scenic vineyards. For couples seeking something bespoke, personal and picturesque, a private residence can be an appealing choice. Luxury homes are customizable, can accommodate overnight guests in comfort, and allow creative flexibility. Not to mention, many of them already have the necessary permits to host.
Calistoga, California | Sotheby’s International Realty – St. Helena Brokerage
Wine country is one of the most sought-after wedding regions in the U.S. Jeff Warren of Sotheby’s International Realty – St. Helena Brokerage represents the 120-acre Hans Fahden winery in Calistoga, California. The working winery specializes in Cabernet Sauvignon and has a cottage with two bedrooms, a choice of sites for the wedding ceremony, and a series of Monet-style ponds.
“The venue’s highlights are its extraordinary gardens and a wine cave to dine in,” says Warren. “There are several places on the property to hold the ceremony, but one of the most special aspects is the lookout at the top with immaculate views of the valleys that stretch to the ocean.”
Los Alamos, California | Sotheby’s International Realty – Beverly Hills Brokerage
A few hours south in Los Alamos, California, the 1880 Union Hotel has a different type of charm. Built as a stagecoach stop and later transformed into a hotel and saloon in 1915, the 14-bedroom, 13-bathroom property is now a fully private wedding venue. The restaurant and bar has hosted countless celebrations, as well as music video shoots for the likes of Paul McCartney, Michael Jackson and Jon Bon Jovi. This layered history and all-under-one-roof convenience makes it an ideal space for weekend-long events.
For lovers of the countryside, few wedding locations are as special as a luxury mountain retreat. Ute Junction Ranch in Durango, Colorado spans 197 rolling acres. The French châteaux-inspired estate overlooks the La Plata Mountains and has 16,000 square feet of interior space, and rolling acres of gardens, ponds and oak brush, making it an ideal indoor-outdoor venue for a larger wedding.
Austin, Texas | Kuper Sotheby’s International Realty
Waterside views, whether beach or lakeside, will never fail to impress guests. In Austin, Texas, the stunning Villa Corazon sits on a promontory above Lake Travis, with access to 650 feet of shoreline. The custom estate spans 18,000 square feet, complete with an impressive 40-foot rotunda, sweeping granite staircase for a grand entrance and multiple entertainment areas for a party.
Meanwhile, in the Florida Keys, Kids Cay in Islamorada offers 17 acres of tropical seclusion with towering palm trees, a resort-level pool and more than a quarter mile of white-sand beach, perfect for photoshoots and post-nuptial swims.
Islamorada, Florida | Ocean Sotheby’s International Realty
What makes private venues so compelling is that no two weddings will ever look the same in them. There’s room for originality and personality through flowers, table settings and personal touches, and local wedding planners hold the keys to making it all happen efficiently.
“When we’re approached by a client, the first step is understanding whether they want something grand or intimate,” says Kelly Clark Leonard, founder of Santa Barbara-based wedding design firm, Event of the Season. “With private estates, in particular, many come with a higher site fee and you will pay to bring in tables, chairs, maybe a chef, and your own florals and design elements. But if you have the budget, you really can create any space or atmosphere that you want.”
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