Sonoma County Weddings: What You Need To Know

are weddings allowed in sonoma county

Sonoma County is a popular destination for weddings, with its vineyards, redwoods, charming towns, and acclaimed food and wine. The county offers a variety of wedding venues, from rustic barns to elegant inns and lush vineyards. Couples can choose between indoor and outdoor ceremonies, with natural backdrops or blank slates to bring their own vision to life. Sonoma County also provides convenient services for marriage licenses and civil ceremonies, performed by the County Clerk or Deputy Marriage Commissioners. The county's website offers resources for couples to plan their dream wedding, surrounded by the beauty and charm of Wine Country.

Characteristics Values
Ceremonies Performed By Deputy Marriage Commissioners
Appointment Required Yes
Fee $60.00
Witnesses Couples with a regular/public marriage license must bring at least one witness. Couples with a confidential license do not need a witness.
Outside Decorations Not allowed (e.g., rice, flower petals, confetti)
Food and Beverage Not allowed
Wedding Garden (Outside) Small area, limit of 18 guests (including the couple) weather permitting; pets allowed; public area
Wedding Room (Inside) Limit of 17 guests (couple + up to 17 guests); no pets allowed
Marriage License Complete the Online Application for Marriage License and follow the instructions at Checkout
Contact Email: [email protected] or [email protected]
Venues Kenwood Inn and Spa, The Inn at the Tides, The Barn at Harrow Cellars, Dawn Ranch Lodge, DeLoach Vineyards, MacArthur Place, Ru's Farm, Seven Branches Venue and Inn, Oakmont

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Sonoma County wedding venues

Sonoma County is a breathtaking location for your wedding celebration, with its vineyards, redwoods, charming towns, and acclaimed food and wine scene. Barn venues are a popular choice for couples getting married in Wine Country, including Sonoma County.

There are a variety of wedding venues in Sonoma County, including inns overlooking vineyards, extravagant hotels, and yacht clubs, as well as romantic and rustic ranches. If you're looking for a small, intimate wedding venue, you might consider a place like Hawkwood Hill Farm, a working farm and equestrian centre with a scenic countryside setting and a natural altar under the trees. For a wine country wedding, DeLoach Vineyards in the heart of the Russian River Valley combines award-winning wines, stunning grounds, and an elegant atmosphere. The Chateau at Kenwood Inn and Spa is another award-winning wine country destination, with a spacious grand lawn overlooking the vineyards.

If you're looking for a venue with a commercial kitchen, there is a banquet room near Steamer Landing Park in Petaluma that can accommodate dining and dancing and has a spacious parking lot. Ru's Farm combines the best of Sonoma's wine country and farmland, and the Seven Branches Venue and Inn, located just blocks from Sonoma's historic town square, reflects Sonoma's Spanish heritage with elegance and charm.

For those seeking a more natural setting, the ocean, vineyards, and redwoods provide a breathtaking, romantic backdrop. The Barn at Harrow Cellars offers a versatile indoor-outdoor experience with a stunning view of Carneros' rolling hills, and the Inn at the Tides has spectacular views of the Sonoma Coast.

Sonoma County also offers a range of outdoor wedding venues, from wineries and ranches to private estates and a riverside resort. Distinct Locations can help you find exclusive destination wedding venues in Sonoma Wine Country, including estates, ranches, and wineries with incredible vineyard views.

Whatever your style or preference, Sonoma County has a wedding venue to offer a luxurious and laid-back celebration surrounded by natural beauty.

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Sonoma County wedding licenses

Sonoma County is a popular destination for weddings, with its stunning natural scenery, charming towns, vineyards, and delicious food and wine. If you're planning to get married in Sonoma County, there are a few things you need to know about obtaining your marriage license and planning your ceremony.

Obtaining a Marriage License in Sonoma County

To obtain a marriage license in Sonoma County, you must schedule an appointment with the County Clerk. You can complete the Online Application for a Marriage License and follow the instructions provided. The fee for the marriage license and civil ceremony performed by the County Clerk is $60. It is important to note that the staff of the Clerk-Recorder-Assessor's Office cannot provide legal advice or guidance on the forms you need to complete.

Marriage Certificates in Sonoma County

After your wedding ceremony, you may need a certified copy of your marriage license as proof of marriage for legal purposes. This copy is not provided automatically and must be requested and paid for separately. Sonoma County maintains marriage records for events occurring in the county from September 23, 1846, to the present.

Wedding Ceremonies in Sonoma County

Wedding ceremonies in Sonoma County are performed by Deputy Marriage Commissioners, who are employees of the County Clerk-Recorder Office. The ceremonies are by appointment only and take place in either the Wedding Garden or the Wedding Room. The Wedding Garden is an outdoor area with a limit of 17 wedding guests, plus the couple, and pets are allowed. The Wedding Room is an indoor space with a similar guest limit, but pets are not permitted. No food or beverages are allowed at either location, and outside decorations or items like rice, flower petals, or confetti are prohibited.

Sonoma County offers a range of venues for wedding celebrations, from elegant gatherings in charming towns to romantic elopements amid the natural beauty of the vineyards and coast. Whether you're planning an intimate ceremony or a grand celebration, Sonoma County provides a picturesque backdrop for your special day.

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Sonoma County wedding guest limits

Sonoma County is a popular wedding destination, with its vineyards, redwoods, charming towns, and acclaimed food and wine. The county offers a range of venues, from intimate celebrations to large gatherings, and is known for its natural beauty and rustic charm.

When it comes to wedding guest limits in Sonoma County, there are some restrictions in place. For ceremonies performed by the County Clerk-Recorder Office, there is a limit on the number of guests allowed. The Wedding Garden/Outside area is small and can accommodate the couple plus up to 17 guests, for a total of 19 attendees, including the couple. This area is weather permitting and allows pets, but no outside decorations, confetti, or food and beverages are permitted.

The Wedding Room/Inside has a similar limit of 17 guests plus the couple, for a total of 19 attendees. This indoor space offers benches and standing areas but does not allow pets. It is important to note that these limits are specifically for weddings performed by the County Clerk-Recorder Office and may not apply to other venues in Sonoma County.

While Sonoma County promotes itself as a wedding destination, it is essential to research and adhere to any local restrictions and guidelines that may be in place at the time of your wedding. The COVID-19 pandemic, for example, has resulted in changing restrictions on gatherings, so it is advisable to check with local authorities or your specific venue for the most up-to-date information.

Overall, Sonoma County offers a range of options for weddings, from small, intimate gatherings to larger celebrations, and the guest limits may vary depending on the chosen venue and the local guidelines in place at the time. It is always recommended to plan ahead and be flexible when creating your guest list to ensure compliance with any applicable restrictions.

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Sonoma County wedding food and drink

Sonoma County is a perfect wedding destination, with its vineyards, coast, redwoods, mountains, and charming towns. The county is also known for its acclaimed food and wine, with Michelin-starred restaurants and award-winning wines.

When it comes to wedding venues, Sonoma County offers a range of options, from elegant barns and rustic wineries to intimate garden settings and grand historic mansions. Many venues provide catering services that showcase the region's culinary delights.

For example, the Ramekin's Culinary School offers delicious organic and locally sourced food for weddings and rehearsal dinners at their Victorian-era venue, surrounded by green gardens. The Barn at Harrow Cellars, with its elegant barn and lush lawn and pond, is another venue that provides a memorable setting for your special day.

If you're seeking a unique Wine Country setting, Barndiva Gallery + Bar offers a one-of-a-kind experience. Their rehearsal dinner options include elaborate cocktail and hors d'oeuvres receptions, followed by plated dinner service and dancing. Their menus feature seasonal ingredients sourced from local farmers and artisans, reflecting the passion of the region's producers.

For a more intimate wedding or rehearsal dinner, the Jack London Lodge offers the picturesque destination of the scenic hills and forests of the "Valley of the Moon." DeLoach Vineyards combines award-winning wines, stunning grounds, and an elegant atmosphere for an intimate wine country wedding.

It's important to note that ceremonies performed by the County Clerk do not allow food or beverages to be served on the premises. However, Sonoma County offers a plethora of options for couples to incorporate local cuisine and wine into their celebrations, creating a memorable and delightful experience for their guests.

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Sonoma County wedding photographers

Sonoma County is a beautiful location for a wedding, with its vineyards, redwoods, charming towns, and stunning Pacific Coast. It is also home to a variety of talented wedding photographers who can help you capture the special moments of your big day.

One such photographer is Holly B Rose, who is based in Santa Rosa, Napa Valley, Petaluma, Sonoma, Sea Ranch, and Mendocino Coast. Holly describes herself as a "family photographer" and a "phenomenal" wedding photographer who brings each person's personality to life in her photos. She focuses on staying grounded, always learning and growing, and building deeper connections with her clients.

Another option is Stephanie Hopkins, a wedding and proposal photographer serving Sonoma and Healdsburg. Hopkins loves the pace of wine country and the way it brings her clients who are ready to live in the moment and enjoy their special day. She describes her role as a privilege and is committed to telling the story of her clients and their love.

There are also several other wedding photographers in Sonoma County who are worth considering. These include Sweetbay Photography, an award-winning vendor located in Sonoma and Napa Counties, and Kate Kennedy Photography, Lori Paladino Photography, and Willow and Ben, who have all received rave reviews from Sonoma-area couples. Sydney Jai Photography is another option, with owner Sydney aspiring to capture raw expressions of love through friendly and laughter-filled wedding photoshoots.

Frequently asked questions

Yes, weddings are allowed in Sonoma County and it is a popular place for weddings. The county is known for its vineyards, redwoods, charming towns, and ocean views.

Some popular wedding venues in Sonoma County include the Kenwood Inn and Spa, the Inn at the Tides, the Barn at Harrow Cellars, and the Bubble Lounge.

Ceremonies are performed by Deputy Marriage Commissioners, who are employees of the County Clerk-Recorder Office. Couples must schedule an appointment for a marriage license and civil ceremony, and the fee is $60. Couples with a regular/public marriage license must bring at least one witness, while those with a confidential license do not need a witness. Outside decorations and food and beverages are not allowed, and there is a limit of 17 wedding guests for indoor and outdoor ceremonies.

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