An Italy-inspired Monserate Winery Wedding

Oct 29

Monserate Winery seriously feels like a slice of Italy tucked right into Southern California. Between the rolling vineyards, golden hills, and stone architecture that glows at sunset, it’s giving Tuscany without the jet lag. And Sandy & Christian? They turned this already stunning spot into something straight out of a dream. Their Monserate Winery wedding was one of those days that just felt joyful. From the emotional first look to golden hour portraits that had everyone swooning, every single moment was overflowing with love (and the best energy). It was classy, romantic, and just so them!

A bride and groom stand outdoors; the bride holds her veil in the sunlight while the groom stands beside her in a black tuxedo.

The Venue: Monserate Winery

Monserate Winery is honestly one of my favorite venues in California because it has it all. Lush vineyards, Tuscan-inspired architecture, and sunset views that turn the sky into warm shades of rose and gold. It gives major “European destination wedding” energy, but without the “stress” of international travel. As someone who loves to travel, I get it. Sometimes, you want that dreamy, far-away vibe without hopping on a plane. That’s what I love about this venue: it has the elegance, romance, and views of a destination wedding, but it’s totally easy for couples and their guests to enjoy every single moment.

As a destination wedding photographer, I love how beautifully this venue photographs all day long. The stone walls catch the light perfectly, the vineyard rows glow during golden hour, and the open courtyards give so much creative room for portraits.

Pro tip: if you’re planning your Monserate Winery wedding, try to schedule your couple portraits around golden hour. It’s soft, romantic, and glowy, everything you could want in your photos!

A beige stucco house with a balcony, wooden beams, and tall cypress trees in front under a clear blue sky.

Outdoor wedding ceremony with guests seated on either side of an aisle, a couple standing at the altar, and trees in the background under a clear sky at monserate winery

Sandy & Christian’s Monserate Winery Wedding

Sandy & Christian were the sweetest, most genuinely in-love couple, seriously. The morning kicked off with happy tears, giggles, and that jittery “oh my gosh, today is happening” energy that makes getting-ready moments my absolute favorite. When Sandy stepped into her gown with her bridesmaids squealing and clapping around her, the room practically buzzed. And their first look? We all cried. The way Christian looked at her? I had to blink a few times because I thought, wow, this is the real deal. Moments like that are exactly why I love this job.

The ceremony took place in the vineyard courtyard, and honestly, it felt like a little bubble of happiness in the middle of California sunshine. Guests held tiny white umbrellas that somehow made the whole scene feel whimsical and romantic, like a real-life movie moment. And the reception? Nonstop energy. From the heartfelt toasts to the dance floor packed thanks to DJ Pros, everyone laughed, danced, and soaked in the warm evening air. Twinkle lights overhead, stars out, everyone just living in the moment, it was exactly the kind of night you never want to end.

Weddings like this remind me why I do what I do: to freeze the messy, joyful, emotional, and hilarious moments that make each couple’s story totally unique.

A bride in a white gown and a groom in a black suit stand holding hands on a garden pathway, surrounded by greenery and flowers.

Rows of white chairs and floral arrangements are set up on a green lawn facing a floral arch, with trees and a pond in the background on a clear day at monserate winery

Guests seated outdoors hold white parasols for shade, with a large house and garden visible in the background on a sunny day.

A bride and groom kiss as the groom dips the bride on a grassy outdoor aisle, surrounded by guests seated and standing with white umbrellas.

Why You’ll Love a Monserate Winery Wedding

There’s a reason Monserate Winery is one of my all-time favorite California wedding venues. It's timeless, elegant, and insanely photogenic. It’s got that dreamy blend of European charm and laid-back California vibes that just feels right.

Here’s what I (and my couples!) love most:

European Vibes, Local Convenience

It really does feel like Tuscany. Between the vineyards, olive trees, and stone architecture, it’s giving major “Italy without the passport” energy. Every time I shoot here, I catch myself saying, “Okay, we could literally be in Italy right now.” And your guests will totally feel it too!

Perfect for Golden Hour

The light at Monserate Winery hits different. The kind of light photographers dream about. I always steal my couples away for just a few minutes before sunset, and it’s hands-down my favorite part of the day.

Endless Photo Backdrops

Every corner of this venue is a photo waiting to happen. You’ve got vineyard views, rustic courtyards, olive groves, and that signature stone architecture. You can go from romantic vineyard portraits to editorial-style shots within seconds! It's seriously a photographer’s playground.

Spacious Yet Cozy

Whether you’re planning an intimate 50-person gathering or a 200-guest celebration, Monserate just flows. Guests can mingle, sip wine, and enjoy the views without ever feeling crowded. It’s cozy, charming, and full of life! The kind of space that feels warm and welcoming from start to finish.

Five women, including a bride in a white dress and four bridesmaids in lavender gowns, stand outdoors holding white parasols and bouquets under sunny skies.

A bride and groom kiss outdoors while their wedding party, dressed in black suits and lilac dresses, celebrates around them on a sunny day.

Tips for Planning a Monserate Winery Wedding

Plan your ceremony around the light. The vineyards look their absolute best in the afternoon, especially if you’re dreaming of that golden hour glow.
Use the architecture! Those stone arches and textured walls photograph beautifully, perfect for bridal portraits or a romantic first look.
Lean into the Italian feel. Think olive branches in your florals, a prosecco welcome bar, or a pasta-inspired dinner menu. It ties the whole vibe together effortlessly.
Add live music. A string quartet or guitarist in the courtyard sets the most romantic atmosphere. Caprice Strings played for Sandy & Christian’s day, and it was unforgettable.
Work with experienced vendors. This venue shines brightest when your vendor team knows how to work with its flow and light. Trust me! It makes all the difference.

Outdoor dining tables with white tablecloths and wooden chairs are arranged in front of a Mediterranean-style building with a balcony and greenery at Monserate Winery

A pyramid of empty coupe glasses is arranged on a white tablecloth outdoors, with white flowers in small vases nearby.

FAQs About Planning a Monserate Winery Wedding

How much does a Monserate Winery wedding cost?
Most couples spend between $30,000–$70,000, depending on guest count, design, and catering. You get that upscale, Italian-inspired experience, but without the cost of flying everyone to Europe. Total win!
When is the best time of year to get married at Monserate Winery?
Spring and fall are perfect, with mild weather, golden sunsets, and gorgeous vineyard colors. Summer weddings are beautiful too; just plan your ceremony later in the day to soak up the light without the heat.
Is Monserate Winery good for large weddings?
Yes! It’s flexible enough for intimate 50-guest celebrations or larger 250-person events. The open courtyards and vineyards make it feel spacious but still cozy and connected.
Can I have both my ceremony and reception there?
Absolutely. Most couples exchange vows in the vineyard courtyard and flow right into cocktail hour and dinner nearby. No driving, no stress, just good wine and good vibes.
Can we take golden hour portraits in the vineyard?
Yes, and please do! The sunset light here is unreal. Sneak away for 10–15 minutes during golden hour for the dreamiest portraits.
Do I need a planner for a Monserate Winery wedding?
I highly recommend one! A planner will help you time everything perfectly, from ceremony lighting to vendor setup, so you can fully relax and enjoy your day.

A bride and groom stand together, smiling as they cut a tiered white wedding cake on a table decorated with flowers.

A bride and groom kiss while holding champagne glasses next to a table with a champagne tower and a bottle, outdoors at night.

Planning a Monserate Winery Wedding? Let’s Make It Happen!

Sandy & Christian’s Monserate Winery wedding was everything I love about photographing in California. Romantic, joyful, and so full of heart. This venue gives you that Italian villa aesthetic with all the convenience of being right here in Southern California, making it perfect for couples who want luxury without the stress. If you’re planning your own Monserate Winery wedding, I’d love to capture it for you! Whether you’re dreaming of an intimate ceremony among the vines or a big celebration under the stars, we’ll make sure every moment feels effortless, emotional, and so you. See more of my work on Pinterest and contact me here to start planning your dream day!

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VENDORS

Venue: Monserate Winery
Planner: Everly and Co
Florist: Daydream Florals
Videography: Sancho Films
DJ: DJ Pros
Live Musician: Caprice Strings
Dessert: Lemon Bar Bakery
Beauty Team: Stephanie Gardner Styles
MUA: Itsada
Stationery: Jenni B Creative

Carmela Joy