Choosing between Santa Ynez wedding venues, especially with the many vineyard options available, can be overwhelming. Let’s clarify your options with a deep-dive into the best Santa Ynez wedding locations and what they offer. From lush polo fields to taverns and wineries, each setting offers a distinct feel and unique set of values.

Keep reading, and enjoy examples of floral designs by Glenna Joy Flowers.

Mattei’s Tavern

Previously a stagecoach stop and now a defining presence in the Santa Ynez Valley, Mattei’s Tavern is full of history and is an easy setting to unwind in. Here, you’ll get married with the intimacy of a backyard wedding, but the relaxed luxury we all love California for. Mattei’s Tavern offers a lush lawn, sparkling pool, indoor-outdoor bar, and, of course, the olive trees Los Olivos is named after. This is also an Auberge property, a luxury resort company, so you and your guests can stay on-site for a true wedding weekend getaway. (See the wedding flowers we designed at Mattei’s Tavern.)

• Hosts up to 200 guests
• 52 guest rooms with 4 cottages and 6 suites
• Use of their rentals: tables, chairs, glassware
• Executive chef

Sunstone Winery

An organic vineyard and villa in Santa Ynez, Sunstone Winery brings Provençal French charm straight to California. Taste their legacy wines as the stones glisten in the sun (their namesake), all surrounded by lavender and rosemary-filled courtyards. The space offers a fluid transition from moment to moment. Imagine a welcome party under the stars, a ceremony in the garden, and an alfresco farewell brunch among the stone walls. We’ve designed and installed wedding flowers here with a soft pop of color and low-to-the-ground arrangements to complement the stunning aesthetic. See more specific spaces at their venue, like “La Cav” or the Cavetop Terrace.

• Accommodates up to 200 guests 
• 5 primary suites with an en-suite bath
• European-inspired, clean design
• Featuring wooden beams reclaimed from a lavender factory

Happy Canyon Vineyard

Or more specifically, Piocho Ranch. We adore this charming vineyard venue. It’s family-owned and brings a unique set of features: they grow grapes, but they also ride horses, and play polo with a meticulously maintained polo field. All is nestled between two dry creek river beds. Your wedding can take place on the lawn under an expansive tent with the mountains in the distance, or closer to the cottage under the iconic oak tree. The vine-covered barn is another dreamy backdrop. The setting itself is quite neutral, letting you bring in a personal touch through design, flowers, and the layout of your choice. (See an example of our floral design at this vineyard, planned by Sonia Hopkins Events and photographed by Micah Cook Photography.) We’re honestly just waiting for Hallmark to record their next movie here.

• Vineyard and polo fields with a cottage and barn
• Stay on site with their cottages and/or vineyard house
• Family-owned
• Known for award-winning Bordeaux varietal wines

Grimm’s Bluff Winery

Another family-owned organic vineyard (oh, Santa Ynez, you spoil us), Grimm’s Bluff is also in Happy Canyon. This makes it easy to tour Piocho Ranch before coming here. Interestingly enough, the owners first moved from Europe and tried to plant oat hay, but were luckily inspired to establish a vineyard instead. Their first harvest was in 2014, and they rely on sustainable farming. For your wedding, they have the unique advantage of water features and vineyard landscapes with a lake on site. There’s also a cabana on the water’s edge, which offers a unique setting for cocktail hour. We’ve seen tented receptions, draped rehearsal dinners, waterside vows, and so much more. With the blue of the water and the greenery of the vineyards, we could easily add a pop of color through your floral design.

• Panoramic views of the vineyards, river and lakes
• Stay on site in the guest house
• Requires use of one of their planners

Santa Ynez Ranch Events

A newer luxury wedding venue in Santa Ynez, we are personally jealous of their organic vegetable garden and the pond next to the redwoods. Imagine a farm-to-table dinner in the garden for a relaxing rehearsal dinner, drinks in the wine lounge, and a wedding day breakfast in the courtyard. The lawn is, of course, an easy location for a scenic wedding ceremony, and the Grand Barn offers a respite from warm evening temperatures. The overall aesthetic here is warmer and more inviting with Spanish charm. See the white facade and terracotta shingles? They pair beautifully with the soft colors and texture of fresh wedding flowers.

• Accommodates up to 220 people
• 105-acre organic vineyard
• Deluxe casita and country cottage
• Vegetable garden with sweet peas, arugula

Brave and Maiden Estate

This is a charming Santa Ynez wedding venue for intimate weddings. Natural materials, deep wooden tones, sun-filled courtyards — everything here greets you with luxury and belonging. Normally, folks come to Brave and Maiden to get a taste of their wines with a feeling of home. For weddings, the private tasting rooms, barrel rooms, and outdoor courtyards become the setting for rehearsal dinners and vows. The floor-to-ceiling doors slide open to blend indoor and out, with olive-tree-lined courtyards and wisteria adding a delicate aroma all around. Here’s an example of our floral design at Brave and Maiden Estate.

• Accommodates up to 80 guests
• Modern barn design
• Cozy, intimate settings
• Vineyard views
• On-site catering

For more Santa Ynez wedding inspiration

Stay in touch. Connect with us here on Instagram. We’re often designing flowers for weddings in Santa Ynez and throughout the Central Coast.