Wine Country Elopements — Small, Heartfelt, Perfect

There’s something deeply romantic and beautifully intentional about choosing to elope in wine country. Imagine: just the two of you, surrounded by sun-drenched vineyards, ancient oak trees, and the golden light of a Sonoma or Napa sunset, making promises that only your hearts (and your officiant!) can hear.

As a Sonoma and Napa officiant, I've seen firsthand how small ceremonies can be just as powerful—often more so—than a large, complex wedding. Eloping allows you to focus 100% on the commitment you are making to each other. Here’s how to make your wine country elopement intimate, easy, and absolutely full of meaning.

Stevi Hanson wedding ceremony Napa

1. Pick a Place That Speaks to Your Story

Forget the stress of booking large venues. Wine Country offers endless hidden gems that are perfect for two (plus a few). Think less about "grand" and more about "us."

  • Boutique Inns and Gardens: Many small, luxurious inns and B&Bs, particularly around Healdsburg or St. Helena, have stunning private gardens or patios ideal for a quiet ceremony.

  • Winery Tasting Rooms or Patios: Look for wineries that offer dedicated, semi-private spaces for small events. Exchanging vows with rows of vines as your backdrop is the quintessential experience.

  • Regional Parks and Scenic Vistas: For the adventurous couple, a licensed ceremony at a public scenic overlook or a secluded spot in a regional park can offer unparalleled, breathtaking views.

2. Keep Your Guest List Simple (And Define Your Intentions)

The beauty of an elopement is the intimacy it provides. The smaller the group, the more relaxed, fluid, and emotionally focused the ceremony tends to feel.

  • Just the Essentials: Sometimes it's just the two of you (and your officiant and photographer), or maybe a handful of your closest loved ones. Remember, in California, you only need two witnesses.

  • The Emotional Advantage: When the focus is just on your partner, the vows flow more easily, and the emotions feel more present. There's no pressure to perform, only the freedom to be truly vulnerable.

3. Make the Ceremony Personal (Even if it's Short)

An elopement ceremony doesn't have to be long to be meaningful. You are cutting the guests, not the significance.

  • Private Vows are Key: Even if you use a five-minute legal script, writing a few private, personal lines to exchange with each other will be the most unforgettable part of the day.

  • Shared Rituals: Add a visual, tangible element like a unity wine pour (blending two varietals from the winery you're at), a handfasting (literally tying the knot), or a symbolic ring warming shared with your small group.

  • Incorporate Your Story: Even in a short script, your officiant can weave in a brief, poignant detail about how you met or why you chose this specific location.

4. Handle the Logistics with Ease

Eloping dramatically cuts down on logistical stress, allowing you to relax and enjoy the process.

  • The Marriage License: Plan to get your license from any County Clerk's office in California within 90 days of your ceremony. You can get it in your home county and use it in Sonoma or Napa.

  • The Vendors: You only need a stellar officiant and a great photographer—two key people who understand the rhythm of an intimate ceremony and can make the brief moments count.

5. Celebrate Afterward — Your Way

The best part of an elopement is that the celebration is entirely on your terms.

  • Post-Ceremony Toast: Pop a special, commemorative bottle from the winery right where you said "I do."

  • Gourmet Dinner: Book a coveted, sunset dinner reservation in downtown Sonoma, St. Helena, or Yountville. You can focus on savoring the moment and the incredible food without worrying about seating charts.

  • Romantic Picnic: Arrange for a catered picnic basket to enjoy among the vines or at a quiet spot on the coast afterward.

Wine country is the perfect setting for a quiet, heartfelt start to your marriage, allowing your love story to be the star. If you’re ready to plan your perfect, stress-free elopement, let’s connect—I’d love to help you craft a ceremony that is beautifully and uniquely yours.

Stevi Hanson