Our Complete Guide to Weekend Wedding Retreats
You’ve seen the Pinterest boards. The welcome dinners. The recovery brunches. But a weekend wedding retreat isn’t about tacking on a few extra events to your Saturday ceremony—it’s about completely reimagining how weddings feel.
This isn’t a 6-hour timeline dressed up with a cocktail hour and a sparkler exit. It’s three (or more) days of intentional, immersive, design-forward experiences. Where connection isn’t rushed, and celebration isn’t crammed into a single evening. Where your guests become a part of your story, not just spectators to it.
At Black Oak Mountain Vineyards, we’ve helped couples throw weekends that feel like curated festivals, California getaways, and deeply personal lovefests all in one.
Whether you’re newly engaged or coming up for air after a Pinterest-spiral, this guide has everything you need to know about creating a truly unforgettable weekend wedding retreat—from trends to timelines to venues that actually deliver. Here’s how to plan a wedding weekend that really feels like a vacation—because let’s be real, you didn’t sign up for basic.
Table of Contents
What is a Wedding Weekend Retreat?
It’s a luxury destination wedding—but slower, deeper, and a whole lot more intentional. Think of it as your wedding + a mini vacation + a bonding experience in a styled shoot-worthy atmosphere. All in one.
- Three Days, Minimum: Welcome party, rehearsal dinner, ceremony day, and farewell brunch—plus room for extras
- One Location: No bouncing between hotels, venues, and family homes
- Private Buyouts Only: No tourists in robes photobombing your first look
- Wellness-Infused Moments: Yoga, hikes, sound baths, cold plunges, or an extra drink during board game night if that’s your vibe. Wellness is personal!
- Guest Experience-First: We don’t mean it’s all about the guest; we mean fewer people, more time, and better memories for all.
Couples are choosing this format because it feels elevated and unhurried. It’s the antidote to chaotic, schedule-packed weddings where the couple barely eats—we see you, mom and dad. A retreat is your opportunity to really soak it in.
“They want their nearest and dearest to have an incredible time celebrating over their wedding weekend. This allows for extra touches like specialty music, food and beverage upgrades, thoughtful welcome bags, or takeaway favors. Couples are really thinking about how to create a welcoming and fun atmosphere for all.”
– Tzo Ai Ang, Founder of Ang Weddings and Events, via Brides
🧩 How It’s Different from a Destination Wedding
Sure, both involve travel and celebration—but a weekend wedding retreat is about immersion, not just location. A destination wedding might last one night in a far-off place.
A retreat turns the entire weekend into an experience.
You’re not just booking a venue—you’re building a world. With multiple events, deeper guest connection, and a more relaxed pace, a retreat weekend is about quality over quantity. It’s also about exclusivity.
No strangers. No shared lobbies. Just your people and your vision.
Click here for the best destination wedding venues in the U.S. 🇺🇸
💡 Why Couples Are Choosing Retreats in 2025
Wedding weekends aren’t just a trend—they’re a reaction to how fast and performative weddings have become. Couples are choosing retreats because:
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They want time to connect with guests (and each other).
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They’re tired of spending $60k on a day that goes by in a blur.
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They want to curate a full experience, not just a ceremony.
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They’re investing in privacy and intention, not just pretty photos.
A retreat gives couples the space to breathe, celebrate, and actually enjoy themselves. It’s not about adding fluff—it’s about building meaning into every part of the weekend.
🛠 What a Wedding Retreat Needs to Work
Not every venue can actually support a full wedding weekend—and that’s where things fall apart. If you’re cramming multiple events into a single space without accommodations, amenities, or flow? That’s not a retreat. That’s logistical chaos.
Here’s what makes a true retreat possible:
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On-site lodging for your VIPs
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Multiple distinct spaces so each event has its own vibe
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Private property access (aka: no other weddings, no tourists, no awkward overlap)
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Time flexibility so you’re not stuck with 10 a.m. brunch and a 9 p.m. noise ordinance
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A team that gets how a weekend unfolds—and doesn’t treat it like a long Saturday
Basically, you need a venue that can handle the layers of a retreat—physically, logistically, and creatively.
Top Weekend Retreat Venues In The U.S.
There are venues that say “retreat” and then there are venues that actually deliver it. Here’s how some of the most popular stack up:
| Venue | Location | Why It’s Talked About | What to Know |
| Black Oak Mountain Vineyards | Northern California | Private estate with vineyard, villa, pool, and views for days | Full buyout, luxe lodging, 160 acres—no guests left behind |
| Dunton Hot Springs | Colorado | Cabins + hot springs + mountain backdrops | Stunning, but remote—good luck finding cell service |
| Twin Farms | Vermont | All-inclusive food-forward retreat | Intimate, but $$$ and highly seasonal |
| Blackberry Mountain | Tennessee | Wellness meets Appalachian lodge life | Gorgeous, but you’ll need to play by resort rules |
| Calamigos Guest Ranch | Malibu, CA | Rustic-glam vibes close to LA | Beautiful but busy—you won’t have the whole place to yourself |
Each of these wedding venues brings their own unique aesthetic to the mix, but none of them have all the perks of Black Oak’s private estate.
💰 A Quick Budget Comparison by Region
Because yes—money matters. Here’s what you might expect to spend depending on where you’re planning:
| Region/State | Average Cost |
| California (Traditional Venue) | $45,000–$70,000 |
| New York (NYC Metro) | $55,000–$100,000+ |
| Colorado | $40,000–$75,000 |
| Tennessee | $30,000–$60,000 |
| Florida | $35,000–$70,000 |
| Texas | $35,000–65,000 |
| Midwest Average | $25,000–$50,000 |
| New England | $45,000–$80,000 |
The difference? At Black Oak, your retreat is exactly that—yours. Not shared with another couple. Not interrupted by room service trays or strangers at the bar. It’s your own private world for the weekend.
The drive up and views are my favorite thing about working at Black Oak! The golden hills that work as a backdrop for beautiful dinners, the infinity pool overlooking the hills at the villa for cocktail hours… They are insanely beautiful and make for amazing pictures!
Click here for more Northern California venues with lodging. ☀️
How Black Oak Does it Differently
Some venues say they can host a wedding weekend. We actually designed our entire property around it. Our 160-acre private estate isn’t just scenic—it’s smart.
- Onsite Lodging for 22 of your inner circle
- Multiple Ceremony + Celebration Sites so every part of the weekend feels fresh
- A Saltwater Pool, Mountain Views, and Vineyard Vibes—all without stepping off property
- Vendor Flexibility + Local Legends who know our space inside and out
- Full Privacy: When you book Black Oak, it’s all yours. No tourists. No double bookings. No compromises.
We’re not in the business of churning out events. We’re here to create space for the kind of celebration you actually want—and to give you a setting that lives up to the memories you’ll make.
WHERE ARE WE, ANYWAY? 🗺️
When we say Black Oak is the best of ALL worlds, we’re not kidding. We’re nestled in the Sierra Nevada foothills, perched above wine country, and close enough to some of California’s most iconic destinations that you can turn your wedding weekend into a proper NorCal tour.
Here’s how close we are to some major spots:
| Location | Distance from Black Oak | Why It’s Worth the Drive |
| Apple Hill | ~20 minutes | Local wineries, apple orchards, cider tastings, and fall-perfect photo ops |
| Sacramento, CA | ~45 minutes | Nearest major airport + killer food and culture scene |
| Napa Valley | ~1.5 hours | Wine-soaked day trip, no passport needed |
| Lake Tahoe | ~1.5 hours | Mountain air, adventure options, and blue water views |
| San Francisco | ~2.5 hours | Iconic photo ops, city vibes, and great pre-wedding shopping |
| Stinson Beach | ~3 hours | Coastal chill, golden sand, and the perfect day-after escape |
| California Redwoods | ~3.5–4 hours | Extend your honeymoon or hit for a pre-wedding detox |
Our vibe is mountaintop privacy with easy access. You don’t have to choose between nature and luxury—you get both. Whether your guests are flying in, road tripping, or making a week of it, Black Oak is the perfect hub for a wine-soaked, design-forward, full-sensory wedding weekend.
Travel Guides to Northern California
Browse our expert guides on some of NorCal’s hotspots to maximize your weekend retreat experience.
Stay Longer, Play Harder
Weekend Wedding Retreat Trends
What’s Hot in 2025🔥
Weddings in 2025 are embracing the slow burn. Less about performance, more about presence. The weekend retreat format lets couples build an actual atmosphere—and this year, that atmosphere is getting bolder, better, and way more intentional.
🫶 Smaller Guest Counts = Deeper Connection
Couples are scaling back—not just for the budget, but to protect the vibe. When you’ve got 40–75 of your closest people staying on-site or nearby, you can actually connect. Think wedding weekends that feel like adult summer camp—except with estate-grown wine and hot stone massages.
At Black Oak, we’ve seen couples design entire weekends around family connection, cultural storytelling, or reconnecting old college crews. One recent bride set up a rotating wine tasting with her college besties while the groom hosted an acoustic jam session by the firepit.
🎨 The Weekend-as-a-Vibe Approach
2025 couples are thinking big-picture: welcome party aesthetic, ceremony concept, recovery brunch energy. Instead of a one-day mood board, it’s a three-day design arc. From Friday’s modern garden party to Saturday’s dramatic dinner under the stars to Sunday’s minimalist-chic brunch—the weekend evolves like a perfectly curated capsule wardrobe.
Pro tip: build a theme that unfolds slowly. One of our couples designed each day of their Black Oak weekend around a different element—earth for arrival, air for ceremony, fire for the reception, and water for Sunday’s poolside goodbyes. Yes, it worked. Yes, the photos were chef’s kiss.
🍷 Food That Functions as Entertainment
Forget rubber chicken. 2025 is about dining as a story. Couples are choosing:
- Chef-led tastings with locally sourced pairings
- Wine and mezcal flights for the welcome party
- Espresso martinis passed on vintage trays
- A late-night wood-fired pizza cart tucked under the oak trees
Our kitchen partners at Black Oak work closely with couples to create multi-day food journeys—Friday’s farm-to-table grazing board, Saturday’s plated elegance, Sunday’s hangover cure bar (with cold brew on tap).
“When it comes to menu selections, we’re also noticing many couples are choosing regional and seasonal ingredients to create menus that reflect the local area and reduce environmental impact.”
– Melissa Williams of B Astonished Events via Brides
🧘♀️ Wellness-Infused Moments
Retreat weekends blend high-energy celebration with slow, grounding rituals. At Black Oak, we’ve hosted sunrise yoga sessions, forest meditations, and cold plunge wake-ups. It’s not about turning your wedding into a wellness retreat—it’s about balance.
One of our favorite real moments? A couple invited a yoga instructor to lead a group circle on the lawn the morning of the ceremony. Everyone was so zen and ready to enjoy the day.
💌 Branded Itineraries + Personalized Touches
Gone are the days of “see you at 5!” Weekend retreat couples are handing guests a full itinerary—and making it look damn good. We’ve seen:
- Custom booklets with travel recs, Spotify codes, and local lingo
- Monogrammed pool towels and branded fans at the ceremony
- Day-specific dress codes with illustrated lookbooks
When everything ties together, guests feel invited into the experience, not just dropped into it.
💃 Multiple Outfit Changes (Obviously)
Let’s be real—you’re not showing up to three events in the same outfit. 2025 couples are planning wardrobe changes for every part of the weekend. We’re talking:
- Bold rehearsal dinner fashion (yes to sequins and suit sets)
- Ceremony looks that reflect personal style, not tradition
- Reception dresses made for dancing and drama
- Brunch fits that say “I’m relaxed, but I still slay”
At Black Oak, we’ve seen couples build entire weekend wardrobes that feel like fashion editorials—from barefoot forest gowns to slick suits and designer kaftans.
Trending Styles and Experiences
Get inspired by real weddings and styled shoots at our weekend wedding location.
Planning Tips for Retreat Weddings
Even the most organized couples forget some of the weird logistical stuff that comes with planning a weekend wedding. But don’t worry—we’re spilling the tea so you don’t have to learn the hard way.
- Book early. Weekend weddings at private estates go fast (especially ones this good).
- Give guests details early. Think welcome email, travel recs, and dress codes 3–4 months out.
- Build your vendor team smart. Work with people who’ve done multi-day events. It’s a different skill set.
- Don’t overschedule. Leave breathing room for spontaneity—those are often the best parts.
📦 Shipping + Receiving
Planning on monogrammed drink stirrers or three dozen battery-operated lanterns? You’ll need somewhere to ship them to. Not every venue can accept early deliveries or store your decor for days in advance. (We can. Just saying.)
💼 Vendor Travel + Accommodations
Bringing in your dream photographer from NYC or your cousin’s chef-husband from Napa? You’re probably covering flights and rooms. A pro tip: work with vendors who specialize in destination or weekend events. Or ask us for recs—we’ve got a stacked local network.
📝 Marriage License Mayhem
You’d be surprised how often this part gets back-burnered. And yet… kinda essential. Every state (and country) has its own process. California’s is easy-ish, but if you’re combining cultures, eloping abroad, or doing multiple ceremonies, do your legal homework early.
✈️ Avoid Guest Confusion
Don’t assume people will figure it out. Your weekend FAQ should include nearby airports, how long the drive is, what time they should arrive, and whether they need four different outfits. Wedding websites are great—just make sure guests actually read them.
Your Weekend Retreat Itinerary
Let’s break it down. A true weekend retreat isn’t just a ceremony and some filler events. It’s a progression. A vibe evolution. A memory machine that builds with every hour.
Thursday | VIP Arrival + Setting the Tone
Let your core people check in early—this is your inner circle, your ride-or-dies, your chosen family. Host a low-key dinner at the villa, do some light decorating or walkthroughs if needed, and kick things off with a champagne toast under the stars. No pressure, just presence.
Friday | Exploration + Intimacy + Intentional Fun
Start the day slow: yoga on the lawn, a guided hike, or a casual brunch. Let your guests settle in and get to know each other. This is the day for the welcome event—think chef-led wine tasting, wood-fired pizza night, or a dinner that leans into your culture or roots. No place cards, no timelines, just laughter and local bites.
Saturday | The Main Event
Start with quiet rituals: coffee in robes, a group meditation, or one-on-one time with your partner. Then glam up and get married—your way. Golden-hour ceremony, cocktails that match your mood board, a dinner that makes your guests say, “This is the best meal I’ve ever had at a wedding,” and an afterparty that hits every vibe from cozy firepits to late-night dance floor energy.
Sunday | Slow Sendoff + Full-Circle Moments
Don’t ghost your guests after the last song. Sunday matters. Host a farewell brunch, roll out hangover kits, pass around Polaroids from the weekend, or do something small and symbolic—a barefoot toast, a short walk, a round of thank-yous. This is where the memories settle in.
Frequently Asked Questions
A Week to Remember
One-day weddings can be great. But if you’re craving more than a whirlwind, more than just five hours of hugging people and missing dinner, a weekend retreat is where the real memories happen.
At Black Oak, we don’t do rinse-and-repeat weddings. We host curated, high-impact, wildly personal weekends that are built around what you value. Privacy. Great wine. Quiet mornings. Loud dance floors. Space to breathe, celebrate, and connect.
You’ve already decided this isn’t going to be a cookie-cutter wedding. So why settle for a cookie-cutter venue? Let’s build a weekend where the only thing you regret… is that it had to end.
If you’re dreaming of a celebration that lasts more than a few hours and means more than a few Instagram stories, this is where it starts.
More Wedding Weekend Retreat Info
Delve deeper into our curated collection of guides and real celebrations to further inform your wedding weekend.
