Exploring Wedding Estate Venues in Northern California: Filoli Estate and Beyond

capturing heartfelt love stories

When you picture wedding estate venues in Northern California, you probably think of places where lush gardens meet timeless architecture, where every turn feels like it could be the backdrop for a magazine cover. That is exactly why these venues are so special for couples who want a celebration that feels both elegant and personal. As a destination wedding photographer, I love how these spaces let couples create an experience that feels unique to them.

A wedding ceremony with guests holding parasols, gathered in a lush garden surrounded by greenery at one of the most picturesque wedding estate venues.

Estate venues aren’t just about beautiful settings; they offer something you can’t always find elsewhere: versatility. Whether you’re hosting an intimate ceremony surrounded by blooming gardens or an elaborate reception under the stars, estates are designed to give each part of your wedding day its own perfect space.

A stylish wedding party posing on the grand entrance steps of one of the most timeless and elegant wedding estate venues.

A beautifully set outdoor reception table with white linens and yellow floral arrangements in front of a historic brick estate building.

For S + D’s wedding at Filoli Estate, that balance of history and nature came to life in every part of the day. And because their gallery tells such a full story, you’ll see both digital and film photography woven throughout. This wedding had so many beautiful film moments that it felt right to integrate them alongside the digital images, giving you the full experience as you scroll.

In this guide, I’ll share what makes Filoli such an unforgettable choice, along with tips for choosing your estate venue in Northern California and a few other locations worth considering.

A smiling bride and groom walking down the outdoor aisle as guests cheer during their intimate ceremony.

A joyful bride twirling in a flowing veil and gown inside a sunlit room at one of the most romantic wedding estate venues.

Why Wedding Estate Venues in Northern California Are So Special

There’s something truly unique about hosting your wedding at an estate. These venues combine historic architecture and manicured grounds that make you feel like you’ve been transported somewhere completely different, and yet they’re close enough to major California cities for your guests to get there with ease.

A garden pond reflecting a clock tower and vibrant spring flowers at a historic estate venue.

A bride and groom standing close together along a tree-lined path, radiating elegance in their wedding attire.

Northern California has so many beautiful spots to get married, especially if you’re looking for something that feels peaceful and a little more private. A lot of the venues are surrounded by rolling hills or quiet gardens, so it feels super intentional without being over the top. It’s the kind of setting where you can have space to breathe, celebrate with your people, and still make it feel like you.

If you’re dreaming of a wedding where you can walk through blooming gardens, say your vows with historic architecture behind you, an estate venue might be the perfect fit.

A pair of elegant white bridal heels and a bouquet on a chair draped with a veil surrounded by vibrant yellow tulips in the garden.

The bride and groom exchanging rings during their heartfelt outdoor ceremony at one of the most charming wedding estate venues.

A Wedding at Filoli Estate: S + D’s Celebration

When S + D chose Filoli Estate for their wedding, they wanted a venue that felt timeless and would offer different experiences throughout the day. Filoli delivered all that and more. As their destination wedding photographer, it was incredible to see how every part of the estate added to their story.

A Fashion-Forward Start

One of my favorite parts of their day was the getting-ready moments, they were just so them. The bride wore this fashion-forward getting-ready dress (I was obsessed, by the way) that felt chic without trying too hard. It totally matched the vibe of the whole day, elevated and effortless. Everyone was relaxed, sipping coffee and enjoying their time together. It was such a sweet way to start the morning in one of the estate’s beautiful, light-filled spaces.

Meanwhile, over with the guys, it was a completely different scene in the best way. So much goofing off, teasing, and genuine laughter. Their energy was super laid-back and fun, and those are the moments that make the best kind of candid photos. It felt like them, and that’s always my favorite thing to document.

Bride in a soft, flowy tulle gown smiling while getting ready inside a bright, floral-decorated room.

Groom laughing with his groomsmen, all in black tuxedos, standing together outdoors with a mountain backdrop.

An Intimate Ceremony with a View

The ceremony itself was everything you’d want from a garden wedding. Surrounded by lush greenery and framed by the incredible architecture of Filoli, S + D exchanged vows in front of their loved ones in a moment that felt truly intimate. The florals were stunning, adding color and life to the already beautiful estate backdrop.

I especially loved that the ceremony felt so connected to the space; you could see the history of the estate all around, but the softness of the gardens and flowers balanced it.

An intimate outdoor wedding ceremony with guests holding parasols at one of the most romantic wedding estate venues.

Guests chatting and laughing before the ceremony, dressed in colorful and elegant wedding attire.

The bride and groom waving to guests after their ceremony, capturing a candid joyful moment.

A Dinner to Remember

The reception tablescape was absolutely insane (in the best way). Long tables were draped in elegant linens and lined with thoughtfully designed floral arrangements. Every seat had a view of the gardens and architecture, making the dinner feel like something out of a European countryside celebration.

Even better than the design was the energy. The evening was filled with joyful conversation as guests laughed, toasted, and shared stories late into the night. These are the moments I love most: the unposed, in-between pieces of the day that hold so much meaning. My approach as a destination wedding photographer is all about capturing connection over perfection, presence over performance, and creating images that feel as heartfelt as the memories themselves. This is what it’s all about!

A close-up of a vintage-inspired reception table setting with fine china, crystal glassware, and soft pastel florals.

Guests raising their glasses in a celebratory toast at a beautifully set reception table at one of the most elegant wedding estate venues.

Tips for Choosing the Perfect Wedding Estate Venue

S + D’s wedding at Filoli highlighted one of the most important things to consider when choosing an estate venue: diversity of space. Here’s what I would tell couples when they start searching:

Look for Venues with Multiple Spaces

I love that Filoli offers different areas for every part of the day, from the ceremony and cocktail hour to portraits and dinner. This kept the wedding day flowing seamlessly while giving each moment its own unique backdrop.

Think About Guest Experience

Estate venues are often sprawling properties, which means guests can explore between events. Whether it’s strolling through gardens or relaxing during cocktail hour, these little experiences make the day feel memorable for everyone.

A bride and groom sharing a drink at an outdoor bar, enjoying a quiet moment surrounded by fresh citrus and floral arrangements.

Guests seated along the outdoor ceremony aisle beside bright yellow wildflower arrangements and a brick estate backdrop.

Don’t Be Afraid to Get Creative

Estates are designed for flexibility. Want an outdoor ceremony but an indoor dinner? Or a cocktail hour that feels like a garden party? These venues make it possible to create a day that reflects exactly what you want.

Bride and groom chatting at a white outdoor bar surrounded by fresh citrus fruits and yellow floral arrangements.

A close-up of a crafted cocktail being served on a white outdoor bar decorated with yellow flowers and fresh fruit.

Other Wedding Estate Venues in Northern California

While Filoli is one of my favorites, Northern California has plenty of other stunning estate venues to consider. Here are a few more worth exploring:

Holman Ranch – Set in the hills of Carmel Valley, Holman Ranch has vineyards, gardens, and that dreamy Spanish-style charm. It’s perfect for couples who want a romantic, tucked-away spot with a relaxed, wine-country feel.
Nestldown – This redwood-filled estate in Los Gatos feels like something out of a storybook. It’s ideal for couples who love nature, whimsy, and a garden atmosphere that feels magical without being over-the-top.
Olympia’s Valley Estate – A quiet, farm-style estate in Petaluma with rolling hills, a peaceful lake, and so much natural beauty. It’s perfect for couples who want a laid-back, earthy wedding that still feels beautifully curated.
The Gardens at Heather Farm – This Walnut Creek venue has vibrant gardens and an elegant estate vibe. It’s a great fit for couples who love color, floral-forward design, and want their day to feel like a joyful, upscale garden party.
Villa Montalvo – With Italian-style gardens, sweeping lawns, and classic architecture, this Saratoga estate is perfect for couples who want a wedding that feels timeless and a little more formal—without losing that natural charm.

Each of these properties shares that same versatility and elegance that make estates so special, with their own unique take on Northern California charm. If you’re working with a destination wedding photographer, these venues also give you the flexibility for extended portrait sessions or multi-day celebrations.

Bride and groom sharing a toast with espresso martinis beside their modern white wedding cake under the golden evening light, smiling together.

A tall, modern white tiered wedding cake with sculptural detailing set on a wooden table under large oak trees during golden hour.

Planning Your Wedding at an Estate Venue

If you’re starting to plan your wedding at an estate venue, here are a few next steps:

Tour at least two or three venues to get a feel for the property flow.
Ask about rain plans (especially if you’re planning outdoor events).
Look at real wedding galleries to see how other couples used the spaces (like this one)
Think about guest accommodations and transportation since many estates are more rural.

White parasols and wooden chairs surrounded by soft yellow floral arrangements at an outdoor ceremony.

Elegant wedding invitation flatlay with delicate paper, wax seals, and soft yellow blooms styled on a white table.

What Makes Estate Venues Perfect for Your Wedding

Estate venues like Filoli are designed to make your wedding day feel seamless. Instead of spending the day moving between locations, you can host every part of your celebration in one place, from getting ready and your ceremony to cocktail hour, dinner, and dancing.

The best part? Each part of your day gets its own unique setting. Imagine exchanging vows in a blooming garden, enjoying cocktails on a shaded terrace, and sitting down for dinner surrounded by historic architecture and twinkling lights. These spaces make it easy to create a flow that feels natural while giving your guests a full experience.

A chic wedding party portrait with the couple and guests posing with parasols in front of a grand stone estate entrance.

Bride kissing groom during their wedding dinner celebration surrounded by guests and lush floral arrangements.

Ready to Plan Your Wedding at a Northern California Estate Venue?

If you’re dreaming of a celebration at one of the many wedding estate venues in Northern California, I’d love to help you capture it all; the garden details, the architecture, cocktail hour, and the moments you’ll want to relive forever!

You can check out more of my work here, or you can fill out an inquiry form to see if your wedding date is open! And if you love film photos, I always offer film as well! You can check out more of my film work on my Instagram!

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