Located in the heart of St. Helena, Charles Krug Winery blends historic charm with expansive outdoor spaces, giving you the rare ability to host your entire wedding day on one estate. As one of only five Napa wineries permitted to do so, the flow from the Guest House to the Great Lawn and into the Carriage House feels seamless and intentional from start to finish.
Ceremonies on the Great Lawn unfold beneath a canopy of arching trees, with vineyard rows and soft rolling hills creating a naturally elegant backdrop. Some couples choose the shaded center of the lawn for an intimate feel, while others prefer the open clearing lined with cypress trees for a brighter, more airy setting. Either way, the space adapts beautifully to your vision.
As the sun dips behind the surrounding hills, the vineyards take on a warm, golden glow that makes evening portraits feel effortless. Inside the Carriage House, stone walls, exposed beams, and candlelit tables create an elevated atmosphere for dinner and dancing. Guests wander between the balconies and the dance floor, enjoying the evening breeze as the celebration unfolds.
And as you leave the estate at the end of the night, hand in hand, you’ll feel the quiet beauty of the day settle in… knowing this place held every moment with a kind of ease and warmth that stays with you long after the lights fade.
It’s the day of your wedding, and a warm morning breeze drifts through the trees as sunlight spills across the vineyards. You drive down the gravel path toward Charles Krug’s historic estate, where the Carriage House stands warm and inviting. The entire property seems to wrap around you like a promise...
today is going to be unforgettable.
THE PERFECT VENUE
Explore a few of My favorite wedding images from Charles Krug
featured WORK
The Great Lawn
The great lawn features a vineyard view under a canopy of trees and can easily seat 800 guests for large outdoor events, or create a separate space for guests to enjoy an outdoor cocktail hour.
Carriage House
The Carriage House features the indoor partial kitchen, seating for up to 400 guests upstairs, or 200 on the first level.
onsite guest house
The onsite guest house can be added on for usage from 8am -10pm and is so worth it to be able to get ready without having to travel between hotels and a venue.
The Vineyards
The vineyards are lush during the summer, colorful during the fall, and iconic year-round. You can't get married in wine country and NOT have portraits amongst the vineyards.
The exterior of the carriage house has also been used as a ceremony backdrop, and as an added bonus... it makes for an excellent portrait location.
Carriage House exterior
The vast variety of locations is one of the greatest things about having a Charles Krug Winery wedding. Explore some of the spaces below.
Inspiration
charles krug winery wedding
How Much Does a Wedding at Charles Krug Cost?
A photography note: The guest house is available from 8am to 10pm. If you want photos from getting ready through your exit, look at full day coverage so you don't run out of time before the evening ends.
Charles Krug can seat up to 800 guests on the Great Lawn, under the heritage oaks with vineyards around it. Inside, the Carriage House ballroom seats about 300, and the downstairs dining room seats about 150. Many couples hold the ceremony on the lawn and move inside the Carriage House for dinner, which works well for a mid-size guest count or as a backup if the weather turns. Wedding packages have been listed for up to 600 guests, so check with the events team if your list is on the larger side.
How Many Guests Can Charles Krug hold?
on the great lawn
the carriage house
A FEW OF MY MOST FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT SHOOTING WEDDINGS AT Charles Krug winery
FAQ
The Guest House can be added for $1,500 and offers a bright, welcoming space for one side of the wedding party to get ready. Depending on group size, it may be possible for everyone to get ready on-site, but I typically recommend that the second partner’s wedding party prepare off-site and return for portraits in the Barrel Room. The space has rich textures and a naturally moodier atmosphere that photographs beautifully.
The great thing about Charles Krug is that there are several places for this. You can do them in front of the carriage house, the great lawn, or under the trees. If it's raining, there's plenty of space to move the family formals indoors to the barrel room.
Charles Krug provides the essentials you’ll need for the day, including tables and chairs, outdoor lighting for the Great Lawn, a built-in dance floor and stage area inside the Carriage House, full kitchen facilities for your caterer, and a large on-site parking lot. Any décor, styling elements, or upgraded rentals would be brought in through your planner.
Charles Krug Winery does not permit sparkler exits, but there are plenty of fun and creative alternatives! Consider a send-off with bubbles or LED glow sticks to create a festive and photo-worthy exit. Your planner can help you choose an option that fits your vision and keeps your celebration safe and venue-compliant.
For couples without a first look, I recommend planning about 60 minutes for portraits. If you choose to see each other beforehand, 90 minutes provides a comfortable amount of time. By spreading portraits between the first look, newlywed moments, and sunset, we can fully utilize the grounds at Charles Krug and create a varied, relaxed set of images.
Yes, Charles Krug requires you to work with a wedding planner. This ensures your wedding runs smoothly and that all vendors remain compliant with the venue’s guidelines. If you’re still searching for one, I’ve shared some of the best wedding planners in Napa Valley here.
You’re weighing your options, gathering ideas, and looking for a venue that not only photographs beautifully but feels like the place where you can genuinely picture yourselves saying “I do.”.
And while you’re excited, you’re also hoping to find someone who can make this whole process feel a little easier. Someone who understands how Napa venues work, how the light shifts in the valley, how timelines flow on properties like Charles Krug, and how to help you feel calm and confident every step of the way.
That’s where I come in. I’m here to guide you with clarity, gentle direction, and a photography approach rooted in ease and preparation… so you can stop carrying every decision alone and start imagining a wedding day that feels beautifully intentional from beginning to end.
YOUR CHARLES KRUG WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER
meet KRISTEN
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Whether you’re getting married at Charles Krug or somewhere else in Wine Country, I would love to be considered for your day.
If you’re interested in working with me, the best way to reach me is by filling out the form below with your wedding date and location. If you’ve filled out the form and haven’t heard from me, email me directly at: info@kristencampbellphoto.com