Napa Valley, California is famous for its rolling hills of lush grape vines, legacy vineyards, and, of course, some phenomenal wedding venues. Stanly Ranch, an Auberge Resort, is no exception to that list.

Nestled just to the east of the Napa River, this beautiful resort is home to a variety of modern farmhouse-inspired suites and bungalows, intermixed through the grape vines. Guests enjoy the privacy of their own lodgings with the ease of a weekend together, making this spot an ideal home base for a weekend of festivities. Accessible from three airports, Oakland, San Francisco, and Sacramento, Stanly Ranch is ideal for relaxed destination weddings.

Lavender, ruscus, echinacea, and rosemary dot the property, bringing with the a scented breeze and pops of color. The landscape is truly a breath of fresh air, but that is to be expected from a property that is, essentially, brand new.

Come with me on a tour of this venue as we see it through the lens of H+J’s wedding, shot for Dani Toscano.

Getting Ready in Shadows

I’m utterly obsessed with finding the story in shadows, like in the cast of rosemary needles on the image above, or of the pergola as the noon-day sun beat down. I love the element of edge or moodiness it creates and how it forces your eye to observe an image more fully. Shadows say look, what is it you can’t see? Every corner of Stanley is dripping with them.

The Setting

The property is a mix of warm wood tones, natural features, handcrafted ceramics, and other touches that make you feel at home and at ease. Large, open floor plans and the abundance of windows lend the suites an added element of class and escape. The Palomino House, in particular, is a perfect space for both portraits and getting ready as there are multiple beds, patios, and one of the largest living quarters of any suite on the Stanley grounds.

Other villas contrast against the natural hues of the land in soft, deep grays, thoroughly placing Stanly in a modern space, where its amenities and sprawling acreage truly place it in the deserved class. Some guests, who can’t get quite enough of this modern Napa Valley, even purchase residences amongst the resort, giving themselves the ability to enjoy the farm-forward everything offered here at this Auberge Resort.

Wedding Considerations

Our suggestion, as always, is a full property buy out. It truly transforms a location into the ideal setting of only those you love and cherish. This is an option at Stanly Ranch, with 135 guest suites and cottages. Additionally, if you’re considering Stanly, you might be wondering where to host which component of your day. This will entirely depend on your guest count, but our philosophy is to enjoy all of them.

Here we held a ceremony in the cutting garden, where the sun pours from behind the couple, keeping you both relatively shaded as you say your vows. It’s also next to the glasshouse terrace and barn, which are perfect spaces for your cocktail hour and reception, should you choose to go indoors.

It’s also worth considering the Grange, though not captured here, if you’d like a more intimate reception or cocktail experience. It’s also the perfect space for your welcome dinner, if you’d like to host that property.

Regardless of where you go, the keys to any good wedding include ease, a phenomenal planner, and a space that allows you to relax into your time with guests and family. Making yourself feel present on your day can be difficult, especially for any of you who are planners at heart, but it truly makes the most impact.

Hire a photographer who emphasizes those candid moments and encourages you to be yourself. You’ll remember your day so much more, and that’s really what matters.

These images were second shot for the lovely Dani Toscano.