Sunstone Villa: A Dream California Wedding Venue

Imagine exchanging vows amidst the elegance of a European-inspired estate, surrounded by sprawling vineyards and picturesque landscapes. Sunstone Villa, a hidden gem in Santa Ynez, California, offers an unparalleled setting for luxury weddings, making it a top choice for brides seeking a truly magical experience.

Here are a few reasons why Sunstone Villa stands out as the ultimate California wedding venue.

A Timeless European Ambiance

Sunstone Villa exudes Old World charm, with its architecture featuring imported limestone from France and reclaimed pine beams from a lavender factory in Paris. This commitment to authenticity creates a timeless, romantic atmosphere that transports you and your guests to the heart of Europe. The villa’s interiors are equally enchanting, with each room adorned in true European style, boasting beautiful decor, and most with private balconies offering breathtaking views.

Exclusivity and Intimacy

One of the standout features of Sunstone Villas is its exclusivity. The villa is separated from the winery, ensuring that your event remains private and intimate. With only 10 guests allowed to stay overnight in its five luxurious bedrooms, you can enjoy a secluded wedding weekend with your closest family and friends. The venue’s peaceful location, away from the main road, further enhances the sense of privacy and tranquility.

Stunning Outdoor Spaces

Sunstone Villa’s expansive property offers numerous outdoor spaces perfect for wedding ceremonies, receptions, and photo opportunities. The beautifully manicured grounds, lined with olive trees and vineyards, provide a scenic backdrop for your special day. The venue’s sunset views are particularly mesmerizing, adding a magical touch to your wedding photos and celebrations.

Practical Considerations for a Flawless Event

As a preferred full-service planner for Sunstone Villa, we have extensive experience managing the unique aspects of the venue. From securing necessary rentals to coordinating transportation and ensuring that every detail is meticulously planned and executed, we know the ins and outs of Sunstone Villa, allowing us to provide invaluable insights and personalized service to make your wedding day truly unforgettable. 

While Sunstone Villa’s beauty is undeniable, planning an event here requires attention to certain practical details to ensure a seamless experience:

1. Weather Preparations: Even in summer, temperatures drop significantly after sunset. To keep guests comfortable, consider providing heaters or blankets. During the warmer months, we recommend having umbrellas for cocktail hour and bars to keep guests comfortable. Additionally, the property can be quite windy, so secure any lightweight decor items.
2. Footwear Advice: The venue’s grounds are primarily covered in California pebbles and gravel, making block heels or flat shoes a wise choice for both guests and vendors.
3. Lighting and Ambiance: Adequate lighting is crucial. For both functionality and ambiance, we recommend string lighting over dining areas and wash lights at food stations, bars, restrooms, and transportation drop-off.
4. Catering and Rentals: Sunstone Villa does not provide catering services, and there is no on-site kitchen. You’ll need to bring in all food, beverages, and rental items, including a catering tent and all necessary equipment. You should also be prepared to rent serving dishes, utensils, tables, linens, and more, as most local caterers do not supply these items.
5. Potted Plants: Potted plants may not be brought onto the property unless inspected during delivery by an official of the agricultural commissioner’s office. A clearance certificate must be issued before they are allowed on the property.
6. Venue Requirements: You must use Sunstone wine and sparkling wine for your event, with a minimum purchase of one bottle per guest. These can be used at your bar or as a gift to your guests. Additionally, certain restrictions apply, such as no sparklers or open flames and mandatory shuttle transportation for events with more than 50 guests.

Sunstone Villa is more than just a wedding venue; it’s a destination that offers an enchanting blend of elegance, privacy, and breathtaking views. With our expert guidance, your wedding at Sunstone Villa will be a seamless, luxurious, and unforgettable experience. Contact us today to start planning your dream Santa Ynez wedding.

Photos: Mike Larson