In the world of California wedding venues, there are many that take your breath and offer a luxurious space to enjoy your day. Sunstone is one of the most iconic. Noted for it’s old-world charm and homey interior, this space feels less like you’re getting married at an estate and more like you’re getting married at home. Your very, very beautiful, Tuscan-inspired home.

A while ago, we toured the charming Belmond El Encanto and the modern Stanly Ranch. Come with me today on a tour of this stunning Central Coast estate and imagine what your California destination wedding might look like at Sunstone Villa.

THE ROOMS

The villa’s guest rooms are spacious, which vaulted ceilings, exposed beams, and abundant light. The old-world charm of the architecture extends into the details like chaise lounges, clawfoot tubs, and flagstone terraces.

Accommodating up to 10 guests with double occupancy rooms, the Santa Ynez retreat is perfect for housing your families or your wedding parties. There is an additional guest house under construction for additional lodging, though the estate is not a place to host your entire wedding overnight. For room block options, consider The Inn at Mattei’s Tavern (an Auberge Resorts Collection, like Stanly Ranch), Fess Parker Wine Country Inn, or a private estate rental. Santa Ynez is in Central Coast California, so there are also a variety of ocean-side gems should you not mind a drive to Sunstone.

Other changes happening at The Villa include the bell tower, pictured below. There is construction currently ongoing to develop the space as an estate lookout, spa massage base, or the perfect hidden nook for a surprise proposal.

THE RECEPTION

Flanked by an impressive view of the estate to the northwest and rolling hills of vineyards to the south, the reception lawn is another space where ceremonies are hosted. The large, even ground is perfect, however, for an al fresco affair. Ample space for the golden glow of sunset (for which Sunstone is famous) and a glimpse at the vineyard’s winery below, center your dance floor in the courtyard and enjoy an evening tucked into the safety of the villa. The winds do pick up in Santa Ynez in the evening, so the the villa design intentionally keeps that at bay, sheltering guests with its sun-warmed stone.

With views and details like the following images, any space on the property will have a gorgeous spot. Do be cautioned, however, many styled shoots and editorials are placed around the property in unideal locations. They’re chosen because they are unique (like the side courtyard, for example). The side courtyard, while beautiful (and intentionally not pictured here), has terrible acoustics, but great kitchen access. Translation: not good for guests, but great for catering.

This is a detail you don’t have to worry about. Your planner will cover those details for you. If you’re still searching for an amazing planner, there are some amazing choices. On this site visit, I was able to share tour with these talented, destination wedding planners:

Reagan Kerr – Reagan Events
Sarah Brehant – Sarah Brehant Events
Shelby Peaden – Shelby Peaden Events
Krystin Gill – K. Bella Events
Rebecca Foster – Indigo Event Design

Beyond the sheltered walls of the courtyard, there are additional spaces for your design team to transform, though, with views like these, there isn’t much that needs transforming. From a guest room terrace, you can see the vineyard sweeping below with some oak trees, gnarled and bent send some shade to nearby grapes. Guests travel along those rows toward the trees for a ceremony tucked into the sanctuary of the vines.

THE CEREMONY

This shady vignette is one of the favorite ceremony locations at the property. Offering respite from the California sun, the gnarled oak trees frame the sunset and keep you and your guests at ease. Imagine this space in a number of ways, with a deconstructed floral arch, a grounded arch, lanterns hanging from the gnarled branches of the trees, or even flowers trailing up the trunks and anchoring the space.

THE COCKTAIL HOUR

After you’ve said ‘I do,’ travel back through the grounds (it is a short walk), and host your cocktail hour in a few locations. For an intimate crowd, the kitchen courtyard is quiet and calm, but I’d recommend these pictured locations instead. It allows you to enjoy the nature of the vineyard and the architecture of this old-world estate.

Imagine your wedding’s cocktail hour nestled in the olive trees or tucked in front of the entrance of the villa. Lights line the way as dusk begins to settle and you weddings ushers in the quiet chaos of the evening as it settles into the main lawn, seen earlier in this post.

And that, my loves, is a tour of the Villa at Sunstone Winery & Vineyards.

While we enjoyed this tour midday, I think it’s important that you’re able to see the venue outside of the famed golden hour, as it’s displayed everywhere. While the way it wraps around the stones and vines is truly extraordinary, it’s beautiful here, too, in the beating sun you and your guests will most experience day-of.

Enjoy the most lush vines in the summer months, beginning in May and following into October, as the grapes yield once again to winter. Don’t forget to bring me with you!

For booking information, ask your planner to reach out to Sunstone Villa in Santa Ynez, California.