Weddings in Palm Springs, California

Palm Springs weddings are hugely popular due to this area's natural beauty, luxurious resorts, and range of things to do. Certainly, Las Vegas sees a larger number of ceremonies due to the relative ease it is to get hitched (and, incidentally, unhitched) in Nevada, but the spectacular landscapes provided by the surrounding deserts and mountains and the numerous gorgeous upscale venues that are available means that Palm Springs wedding packages are top among the special events that occur here throughout the year.

Several hundred couples get married in Palm Springs each year, and the business this generates is increased many fold by the number of visitors who come to participate in the grand event and enjoy further vacations while they’re here. Even more couples who don’t get married here enjoy Palm Springs honeymoons afterward. There are grand resorts and intimate boutique hotels in idyllic natural settings that have facilities suitable to host ceremonies. There is hardly a commercial property anywhere in the Coachella Valley that doesn’t have a suitable venue to suit any couple’s budget and tastes.

Even golf courses get into the act, and many Palm Springs weddings are held in club houses overlooking lush green fairways with sparkling fountains and water features. Palm Springs wedding packages are offered by golf courses from those in Desert Hot Springs nestled up against Joshua Tree National Park to the La Quinta Golf Club near the Salton Sea—and everywhere in between.

Bachelorette parties as well as weddings and Palm Springs honeymoons take advantage of the numerous full-service spas. The history of the region is intricately involved with its geology, which features numerous thermal mineral springs bubbling up to the surface. The Native Americans of the Coachella Valley have known the healing qualities of these springs for centuries. The springs account for many of the place names here, and pioneers and settlers began building bathhouses, sanatoriums, and spas as early as 1897.

There is a glitzy cachet to Palm Springs weddings added to by the Hollywood movie stars who began coming here in the 1930s. Scores of celebrity couples have tied the knot here, and some Palm Springs wedding packages are so exclusive that you need to “be somebody” for the planners to even consider you. But don’t despair, hundreds of wedding planners are ready to help you plan an unforgettable event in a spectacular setting that makes you feel you are somebody. Go to the boutique hotels of Desert Hot Springs for an intimate affair or to the exclusive Parker Palm Springs for one of the best five star experiences available.

This is also a huge gay travel destination, and there are a number of properties and planners specializing in gay and lesbian weddings. Probably more Palm Springs honeymoons and second honeymoons occur than weddings. Many hotels and resorts have developed around a romance theme, and many businesses cater to the kind of intimate atmosphere that encourages romance. Luxury hotels are apt to have romantic suites with private plunge pools and similar amenities. Vacation rentals can be had complete with the kind of butler and housekeeping service that means couples never need to leave. This is now an even more popular gay destination since the 2010 court ruling removing the ban on gay marriages.

You can obtain your license in any California county, and both parties must appear in person to do so. The license (no blood tests required) is valid for 90 days after it was issued. If you are coming from another state or out of the country, you will need to arrive somewhere in California with enough time to apply for the license before the ceremony. Many hotels can assist with the process, but you still must appear in person at a County Recorder's Office with two forms of identification per person to obtain the license.

Weddings in Napa Valley, California

It's no wonder that so many couples choose to have a wedding in Napa. The beautiful, idyllic setting of the Napa Valley creates a stunning backdrop for a special event. Moreover, Napa weather is mild, and there is hardly ever rain from the late spring through early fall. There are many things to consider when planning a wedding in Napa, and many choices to make, from location to accommodation.

There are a wide variety of location possibilities for Napa Valley weddings. You can have a wedding outside or inside, and at a winery, small inn, or large resort. And whether you have 30 guests or 1,000, there are venues that can accommodate your party. Among the Napa hotels that frequently host Napa Valley weddings are the White House Inn, the Churchill Inn, the Carneros Inn, and the Vintage Inn. For resort weddings in Napa, the Silverado Resort in Calistoga is one great choice, as is the Auberge du Soleil. Such Napa hotels, inns, and bed and breakfasts are also ideal for wedding receptions. Of course, Napa Valley is known for its excellent dining options, in Yountville especially, so you may consider booking a restaurant for the event.

Hotels and resorts are by no means the only location options for a wedding in Napa. The beautiful outdoor setting of a winery can be a wonderfully romantic place to tie the knot, and many couples choose to have Napa winery weddings. There are several places that offer Napa winery weddings, and each is special in its own way, offering unique views and natural scenery. One option for Napa winery weddings is Meadowood, where the relaxed and classic ambience of the 250-acre property is an ideal wedding or honeymoon retreat for many couples.

Many hotels will also offer special romance packages for couples about to get married or for those on their honeymoon. For example, the Silverado Resort's romance packages include a one-bedroom fireplace suite with jacuzzi tub, complimentary champagne and strawberries on arrival, an in-room continental breakfast, turndown service, and a Silverado keepsake gift.

Because Napa hotels are not always the most affordable, and because they can get booked up in busy seasons, be sure to advise your guests to book their rooms in advance. Of course, you may be able to negotiate a special rate or package for a large group of guests. Your guests will love exploring all the amazing attractions of Napa Valley, from the spas and golf courses to restaurants and vineyards.

Choosing a wedding location is always a big decision, but Napa Valley is certainly a great location to consider. There are beautiful wineries and resorts to choose from, and wedding and honeymoon packages to make your special event that much more special. The gorgeous natural beauty, excellent wine, mild weather, and fine dining options together make Napa Valley weddings a great choice.