Extending the Celebration: How to Host an Elegant Three-Day Winter Wedding Weekend at Stonepine
When it comes to beating the winter blues, California has most other states, well, beat. Around here, and especially at our venue, good weather is a point of pride. Nestled in the cradle of Carmel Valley, Stonepine Estate is perfectly positioned to make the most of those temperate climes. The air is crisp enough to coax out the coziness of the season, but you still get enough splashes of warm sun to enjoy spending time outdoors. And although the temps are known to take a sharp dip in the evenings, it’s nothing a few outdoor heaters and glasses of mulled wine or spiked hot cocoa can’t fix.
Which is all to say: couples dreaming of a winter wedding — sans chances of heavy snowfall, travel delays, or other weather-related curveballs — really can have their (wedding) cake and eat it, too. We’d go as far as to say it makes a pretty convincing case for an extended escape, especially when you consider Stonepine’s on-site accommodation options and all the joyous holiday happenings in the area. So, if you’re planning on tying the knot during the winter months and are thinking about tacking on an extra day or two, we’ve crafted a curated winter wedding itinerary you can tailor to your celebration at Stonepine Estate.
Friday – Get Your Wellness On and Welcome Your Guests
Afternoon: If you (or your guests) are arriving from out of town, there’s a good chance you’ll want a little time to settle into your home away from home for the weekend. But once you’re unpacked, it pays to have a plan. Start your stay by tapping into one of the area’s standout wellness experiences: Refuge. Just a 20-minute drive away, this hydro-thermal sanctuary is designed for a deep, restorative experience. Begin by warming up in the Himalayan salt sauna or the eucalyptus-infused steam room, then dive into an invigorating cold plunge. Close it out by sinking into a zero-gravity recliner or gathering with your wedding party around the firepit. Alternatively, treat your friends and family to an hour or two of wellness right here on our grounds with sound bath, yoga, and meditation sessions.
Evening: To set your big day up for success, gather your closest circle for a low-pressure run-through of your wedding dinner. At Stonepine, we can stage an exquisitely curated multi-course meal in front of a crackling fireplace inside Chateau Noel, our century-old Renaissance-style villa, which strikes that perfect cozy feel with its warm-wood paneling and sumptuous palettes. Prefer a different vibe? With all-wood interiors and equestrian details like saddles and stirrups, our newly renovated Carriage House offers a rustic-elegant setting for up to 80 guests. After dinner, invite everyone for a drop-in welcome party, complete with passed trays — and if your wedding edges closer to the holidays, live piano and caroling, too.
Saturday — Get Ready, Exchange Your “I dos,” and Party it Up
Morning: Whether you’re staying at Chateau Noel or one of the multi-bedroom homes on site, your morning will likely kick off with a light-and-balanced breakfast to fuel the day ahead. Then it’s straight into hair and makeup. For the bride (and a wedding party of three to five people), plan to start getting ready four to five hours before the ceremony — that way, you can give yourself the luxury of time. Better yet, turn this part of the day into a mini celebration of its own. Pour bubbly-forward cocktails for your wedding party, with wintry twists on the classics. Think: sparkling juleps, cranberry spritzes, or pomegranate fizz cocktails garnished with candy canes or sugar-coated rosemary sprigs. And don’t forget a spread of bites to keep everyone energized through glam time and beyond.
Afternoon: During the wintertime, Carmel Valley sunsets arrive a little early — typically between 4:50 p.m. and 5:15 p.m., depending on the exact time of year. To catch the prettiest light, plan your ceremony to begin 45 to 60 minutes before sundown (a late-afternoon start would hit that sweet spot). Then comes the moment you’ve been waiting for: your walk down the aisle! Our estate offers countless stunning locations for your vows, chief among them the ceremonial overlook. When it comes to creating that wintry feel, florals provide all the fun. Whether you’re drawn to an elegant, snow-dusted white palette or want to lean into the warmth of holiday jewel tones, our verdant grounds can easily adapt to any winter wedding vision.
Evening: Once you’ve officially exchanged your vows — and sealed them with a kiss — it’s time to let loose. (But first: photos. While your guests sip their holiday concoctions during cocktail hour, you can slip away to the many picturesque corners of our grounds for a wintry wedding shoot you’ll treasure forever.) Your reception can unfold inside an outdoor tent, which can be turned into a winter wonderland with whimsical florals and string lights. (If your group leans on the smaller side, you can even host an intimate dinner indoors.) If you’re not ready to call it a night, keep the celebration going inside our Blacksmith Bar, a Western-themed hideaway outfitted with equestrian touches like saddles, stirrups, and more.
Sunday: Explore the Monterey Peninsula
Afternoon: Some of your guests may head out after breakfast in town, but others will linger to soak up what this corner of the Golden State has to offer. For those with a Monday morning check-out, curate a lineup of winter activities and take a scenic drive through the Monterey Peninsula, which transforms into a coastal wonderland this time of year. The quaint town of Carmel-by-the-Sea, for example, already feels like something plucked out of the pages of a storybook, but once winter rolls around, it becomes that much more magical. Its fairytale cottages and boutiques are dressed up in festive lights and decor, with many local mom-and-pop shops offering holiday tastings, live carolers, and seasonal surprises everywhere you turn.
Evening: No holiday trip to the Monterey Peninsula is complete without a visit to Pacific Grove’s famed “Candy Cane Lane” — a beloved stretch of homes decked out in over-the-top lights and spectacular setups worthy of a double take. Wander through the neighborhood after sunset to soak in the full glow of the season. Then, head back to your home base for one last cozy night at Chateau Noel. Unwind, stretch your legs, and settle in by the fire with a round of s’mores to close out an unforgettable winter wedding weekend in Carmel Valley.
Looking to extend your winter wedding celebrations at Stonepine Estate? Contact us to start planning an unforgettable multi-day gathering.