Choosing the best spot for destination weddings in the US feels a bit like dating. There are plenty of beautiful options (we see you, Aspen and Maui), but finding ‘the one’ that ticks all your boxes? That usually takes a lot of swiping left. 😅 You want luxury without pretension, views without tourist photobombs, and weather that won’t play you on your big day.
Enter Cool, California – and yes, that’s actually its name. Home to Black Oak Mountain Vineyards, this Northern California paradise is where vineyard views meet mountain majesty and where “exclusive” isn’t just a buzzword. Why settle for one stunning backdrop when you can have them all? 💋✨
Let’s Break Down the Top Spots for Destination Wedding Locations in the US
- Aspen, Colorado – Mountain views? Check. Luxury vibes? Check. But honey, those winter weather delays and peak-season crowds? It’s not exactly the drama you want on your big day.
- Charleston, South Carolina – Southern charm for days, but that humidity is nobody’s friend. Plus, trying to find a private moment during tourist season? As Chappel Roan would say: Good luck, babe.
- Maui, Hawaii – Paradise comes with a price – namely, long flights, unpredictable weather, and guests who may not be able to make the trek.
- The Hamptons, New York -Chic? Absolutely. Accessible? Not so much. And don’t get us started on those summer traffic jams.
- Napa Valley, California -Wine country dreams, but you’ll be sharing your photos with tour buses and bachelorette parties. Next!
- Key West, Florida -Tropical vibes, but hurricane season is real, and the party atmosphere isn’t for everyone.
- Jackson Hole, Wyoming -Stunning scenery, but limited accessibility and extreme weather can throw a wrench in your plans.
- Santa Fe, New Mexico -Rich culture and amazing food, but the altitude adjustment isn’t everyone’s cup of tea.
- Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts -Classic New England charm, but sky-high costs and basic venues can be deal-breakers.
Now, let us introduce you to the destination that’s about to change everything…
@blackoakmountainvenue From ‘cute boy in the white jacket’ to dapper groom in a getaway car 💍 Your love story deserves a fabulous chapter at Black Oak. ✨ Who’s ready to celebrate?! 🥂 Photography @kristinhealyphotography Planner @tlcweddingcoordinator Caterer @pickles_and_olives_catering Hair @anastasiiabridal Makeup @PrettyWellthy #fyp #romanticwedding #modernromance #weddingvenue #californiawedding #weddingvenue ♬ original sound – BlackOakMountainVineyards
Cool, California | Home to Black Oak Mountain Vineyards
Imagine combining the best elements of every destination above, minus all the headaches. That’s what you’ll find at Black Oak Mountain Vineyards in Cool, CA.
Why Black Oak Tops Them All
Features |
Black Oak |
Other Destinations |
Privacy |
150 private acres |
Shared spaces, tourist crowds |
Weather |
Year-round perfect climate |
Extreme seasons, unpredictable conditions |
Accessibility |
Major airports nearby |
Limited access, challenging travel |
Accommodations |
Luxury on-site lodging |
Scattered hotels, coordination hassles |
Atmosphere |
Exclusive, luxe intimate |
Tourist-heavy, basic public spaces |
The Black Oak Advantage
Central NorCal Location
- 45 minutes from Sacramento International Airport
- 2 hours from San Francisco
- Easy access to Napa, Tahoe, and the coast
Year-Round Charm
- Spring: Blooming vineyards and mild temperatures
- Summer: Sun-drenched days with cool evenings
- Fall: Harvest season magic
- Winter: Cozy sophistication without extreme weather
“We chose a July wedding and it was perfect – warm, sunny days and cool evenings. Our East Coast guests couldn’t believe how perfect the weather was!” – Sarah & Michael, Boston
Picture this: You’re sipping wine on your private terrace, overlooking rolling vineyards with the Sierra Nevada mountains as your backdrop. Your guests are lounging by the infinity pool, fresh from their spa treatments, while others explore the property’s hiking trails. This isn’t just a wedding venue – it’s your own private resort for the weekend.
Pinterest-Worthy Venue Spaces
- The 360° Edge of the World Site: Panoramic views that’ll have your guests gasping (in a good way)
- The Vineyard Club: Industrial-chic meets wine country elegance
- The Mountain Modern Villa: Luxury accommodations for you and your VIP crew
- The Infinity Terrace: Sunset cocktails? Yes, please!
Why Choose Northern California for Your Destination Wedding?
Unlike other destinations that force you to choose between amenities, Cool gives you a little bit of everything…
- Wine country sophistication (without the Napa crowds)
- Mountain views (without the Aspen weather drama)
- Resort luxury (without the Hawaiian price tag)
- Easy accessibility (without the Hampton snobs)
- Year-round mild weather (sorry, Florida)
Guest Experiences | Beyond the Big Day
At Black Oak, your wedding isn’t just a day – it’s a full weekend experience:
Day 1 Welcome & Rehearsal
- Arrival at our luxury accommodations
- Property tours and wine tasting
- Intimate rehearsal dinner under the stars
Day 2 The Main Event
- Getting ready in our spacious suites
- Ceremony at your chosen scenic location
- Reception that flows seamlessly into the night
- Late-night silent disco option
Day 3 The Afterglow
- Farewell brunch on the terrace
- Optional spa treatments or hiking
- Memories that’ll last a lifetime
Making It Easy for Your Guests
Unlike other destinations that require complex travel arrangements, Black Oak offers…
- Direct flights from nearby airports
- Easy ground transportation
- On-site accommodations
- Local attractions for extended stays
- Group activity options
Planning Your Destination Wedding
Speaking of planning, have you checked out our comprehensive destination wedding checklist? It’s your ultimate guide to ensuring no detail is overlooked for your Black Oak celebration!
Your Venue Investment | Value Beyond Compare
While other destinations nickel-and-dime you, Black Oak offers transparent pricing and incredible value. Think:
- No hidden fees
- No tourist markup
- No weather backup fees
- No corkage fees
- No surprises
“Having the whole property to ourselves made such a difference. Our guests still talk about feeling like they were at a private resort rather than a wedding venue.” – Alexandra & Thomas, Chicago
FAQs | Best Places to Get Married in the US
How many guests can Black Oak accommodate?
- Up to 150 guests comfortably, with space to spread out across our 150 acres.
What’s the best time of year to marry at Black Oak?
- That’s the beauty – every season offers its own magic. However, for insider info, winter weekdays and July offer exceptional value.
How far in advance should we book destination wedding venues in the US?
- Popular dates book 12-18 months out, but we occasionally have dream dates available sooner. Click below to download our pricing brochure and connect with our team.
Can we bring in our own vendors?
- Absolutely! Though our recommended vendor list includes the best in the business if you’d like to take a peek.
How do guests typically handle travel to Black Oak?
- Most fly into Sacramento International (45 minutes away) or San Francisco International (2.5 hours). Many couples turn their wedding weekend into a California road trip – starting in SF, stopping in Napa, celebrating at Black Oak, then heading to Tahoe.
What sets Black Oak apart from other top vineyards or resort wedding venues?
- Privacy and quiet luxury. Unlike Napa’s tourist-packed wedding venues, our 150 acres are exclusively yours. No wine tour buses, no random photobombers, just your chosen guests living the rich vineyard life.
Do you have experience with couples planning from out of state?
- Absolutely! Our planning team handles all the details, from virtual tours to vendor coordination. We’ve hosted couples from NYC to Seattle and even some out of the country. Who needs to go all the way to Tuscany when you have Black Oak?!
Are there any other popular destination wedding locations?
- Yes, North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountains and the city of Asheville, Maryland’s coastline, Las Vegas, and Nashville are spots growing in popularity.
California Minimoon Magic | Your Post-Wedding Paradise
Why limit yourself to one destination when Black Oak puts all of California’s hottest minimoon spots within reach? Here’s a list of road-trip-ready spots where your post-wedding adventure could unfold…
Destinations |
Distance from Black Oak |
Perfect For |
Sacramento |
45 miles |
Farm-to-fork dining, urban sophistication, cultural scene |
Lake Tahoe |
85 miles |
Alpine luxury, skiing, lakeside romance, casinos & spas |
Napa Valley |
100 miles |
World-class wineries, Michelin dining, hot air balloons |
Sonoma |
120 miles |
Boutique wineries, charming towns, laid-back luxury |
San Francisco |
140 miles |
City excitement, iconic views, shopping, foodie paradise |
Why choose one destination in Northern California when you can see them all? ✨
“We spent our wedding weekend at Black Oak, then hit Tahoe, Napa, and San Francisco. Best decision ever – it was like four honeymoons in one!” – Rachel & David, Miami
New Destination Wedding Trends
The destination wedding rulebook just got a major upgrade. Forget everything you thought you knew – here’s how the modern jet-setters say, “I do.”
“Unplugged” Doesn’t Mean Off-Grid -Yes, we want your guests present in the moment, but that doesn’t mean hiding all tech. Think designated photo moments, personal content creators, and digital guest books that blend tradition with technology. At Black Oak, we’ll help you find that sweet spot between Instagram-worthy and actually living in the moment.
Sustainability is the New Black -Luxury and eco-consciousness aren’t mutually exclusive anymore. We’re talking:
- Farm-to-table menus featuring local produce
- Digital invitations that look couture
- Local, seasonal or dried florals that wow
- Zero-waste welcome bags guests actually keep
- Thoughtful favors that don’t end up in landfills
Group Activities Are Optional (Really) -Gone are the days of mandatory fun. Give your guests options and freedom:
- Self-guided vineyard tours
- Optional yoga sessions
- Mix-and-match activity menus
- Flexible dining arrangements
- Quiet spaces for introverts
The Gift Game Has Changed -Your guests are spending serious cash to attend. Make it easy on them with:
- Experiences over objects
- Group gifting options
- Honeymoon fund contributions
- Local artwork or wines
- Charitable donations in lieu of gifts
Digital Detox Done Right -Instead of banning phones, create moments worth putting them down for:
- Sunset wine tastings
- Stargazing sessions
- Interactive food stations
- Live music sessions
- Memory-making photo ops
“We were worried about asking guests to travel, but Black Oak made everyone feel like they were getting a luxury vacation with a wedding as a bonus. The property’s natural beauty made people want to stay present – no phone rules needed!” – Lauren & Alex, Seattle
Next Steps
Ready to make Cool, CA your destination wedding dream come true? Here’s how to get started:
- Download our pricing brochure Vineyard Vogue by clicking the button below
- Schedule a private tour
- Review our packages and decide on your dream date
- Start planning your luxury wedding weekend
While other destinations offer pieces of the perfect wedding puzzle, Black Oak Mountain Vineyards gives you the complete picture.
@blackoakmountainvenue We know the Olympics are over… but these two have won gold in the effortlessly cool category. 🥇 Catch us trying to channel this energy all week long. Congrats Bijan & Laura! Planner @terracoastevents DJ @djnickrusso Catering @the_bees_cafe_catering @lucianos.scoops Florals @flowersbyjordanmarie Photography @emilyrosephotomemories #weddinginspo #estatewedding #digitalcamera #oldmoneyaesthetic #weddingphotography #WeddingPlanning #2025bride #destinationwedding ♬ original sound – BlackOakMountainVineyards
It’s where luxury meets location, where sophistication meets simplicity, and where your destination wedding dreams become reality.
At the end of the day, your wedding shouldn’t just be a destination – it should be an experience. And that’s exactly what you’ll find at Black Oak.🍷💍✨