How to Wed Under a 175-Year-Old Walnut Tree in Calistoga
Can someone in my life pleaseeee have a destination wedding in Napa Valley? Because I already have too many places picked for my 10 and 20-year vow renewal (I thought 5 years - which we’re celebrating next year - was a little too soon for a big one), and I desperately want to attend some ‘I Dos’ at the Triple S Ranch in Calistoga. This place is soooo off the radar, but that’s what is so special about it. We talked to the SSS team about what makes this boutique resort the perfect setting for a wedding, and we could probably stop at the 175-year-old black walnut tree to wed under, but we’ll go on….
They just have a way with words
The restaurant is an original 1860′s dairy barn. The barn was built on the side of a hill so hay could be stored upstairs while the cows were milked downstairs. In the 1920’s, the structure was changed into a winery as the ranch moved from raising cattle to growing grapes and apricots. The building was reconfigured to process/crush the grapes on the main floor and store the wine in barrels in the basement. In the 1950’s, the use of the building was changed again into a vibrant restaurant/road house. The Vintner barn was recently renovated using antique salvage from around the world. The barn is situated next to a creek and sits under massive redwood trees. There is a large deck off the barn that overlooks the property as well as large back patios with views into the creek canyon. The back patios have massive redwood slab tables, a pizza oven and an Argentine BBQ.
The restaurant can seat up to 200 without a dance floor and 150 people with a dancing area. The back patios can also seat up to 200 people outside for dinner. There is a 30’ antique bar upstairs and a 20’ antique barn downstairs, plus a full commercial kitchen with three refrigerators, one ice box, two commercial ranges, three sinks, lots of prep-areas, and toilets. And an original jukebox downstairs, in the lower bar area.
Snaps of the space are so original
Other than the iconic and infinitely idyllic walnut tree, which has literally inspired some stationers to create prints in its likeness, there isn’t anything cookie-cutter about Triple S. One couple who gets married there will have an entirely different vibe than the next couple. The venue is just so gorgeous, photogenic and usable on its own, so the soon-to-be-weds only need to worry about bringing in their ‘so-us’ personal touches to really put a stamp on their day. Whether that’s wherever they consider having their photos taken (there are so many scenes to scope out on the 20-acre private estate, the organic garden, the meadow+field, the vineyard) or however they choose to decorate - from shabby chic to simply elegant, playfully boho to nature-inspired, they’ll be able to work their wine country wedding any way they want it!
Weddings are a weekend-long affair
The best part about Triple S, though, beyond the picturesque property, is that booking a wedding here means all-access to the venue’s varied vignettes. For three days and two nights, you get exclusive use of the Vintners barn and restaurant, the recently-revamped Grand Victorian main house (exactly where you’ll want to stage those getting ready photos - the antiques are SO on point), and a cache of charming cottages that sleeps up to 50 people. You’ll have your closest crew altogether for the whole weekend, which helps streamline so much. And spreading the celebrations out over several days just makes it seem like adult summer camp #withmuchbetterfoodandfun. Add the blissfully-blue pool and infinity hot tub - which can hold up to 25 people - and you’ve just solidified all of your guests’ plans for a weekend getaway.
Even the vendors think it's great
"As a wedding photographer, I treasure venues like Triple S Ranch! The property is absolutely stunning and the owner Derek Webb has put so much in to the details at this venue - vintage and artifact finds from all over the world adorn the barn where you can hold your reception. There is a beautiful white house where the couple can stay, and bungalows for guests. Couples can get married under a huge old oak tree, with views of the mountains surrounding the place. This venue had wide open spaces, nature, trees, and so many perfect areas for photography. The scenery here makes it possible to create stunning images for my clients, and has the best golden hour! It's a photographer's dream, and couples will LOVE getting married here." ~ Christy M.
Go ahead and book your wedding now, and do a little snooping on their Insta feed to get even more excited. The photos just speak for themselves 🙌🙌🙌.
We partnered with Triple S Ranch to let Cali couples and beyond know about this triple threat (gorgeous views, fabulous on-site amenities, the perfect place for weddings). As always, thank you for supporting our sponsors!