Destination Weddings and Honeymoons

Gay Marriage

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We want to send a big hug out to San Francisco’s Federal District Court for the recent decision supporting the right of same-sex couples to legally wed in our most populated state. With that in mind, here are some of my favorite wedding-worthy hotels in the Golden State, whoever you wish to marry.

Ace Hotel & Swim Club Palm Springs At the CA outpost of this hotel line, a 1960’s Howard Johnson has been turned into a hipster playground, with 180 rooms with extras like pop culture-art work, vinyl record players, bath amenities from Rudy’s Barbershop. The pool, King’s Highway restaurant and the Amigo Room bar provide the scene, or book the Commune, a private event space with walls that open to a circular pool and mountain views. Bonus: Some of the guest rooms and even the event space are dog-friendly!

Calistoga Ranch, Napa Valley Hidden on a forested hillside on the northern end of Napa Valley, this luxe resort stole my heart with sumptuous standalone “lodges” with big outdoor living spaces, an intimate spa with organic treatments, a romantic restaurant specializing in local fare and a serene, unstuffy vibe that matches the surrounding. Yes, it’s pricey (this is Auberge) but in my mind totally worth the splurge.

Beverly Hills Hotel and Bungalows, Beverly Hills Ok, another super-pricey one, but a girl can dream, yes? I have a total hotel crush on this legendary Tinseltown gathering spot. If you want a wedding that feels like Oscar night, break out the platinum card and prepare to be swept away with white glove service, exquisite attention to detail and multiple celebrity sightings. (Last time we were there we saw Sasha Baron Cohen, Ricky Gervais, The Thorn Birds’ Richard Chamberlain and a very friendly Russell Crowe.)

Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn and Spa, Sonoma Valley Want an elaborate bash with a cast of hundreds? The onsite event team at this 1920’s landmark can make it happen, at an onsite event space like the Sonoma Valley Room or one of eight nearby wineries where Fairmont is the preferred caterer. Get your stress out at the amazing spa; considered one of Wine Country’s best the Bride spa package can accommodate groups of up to 25 at a time.

Hotel Vitale, San Francisco and Hotel Erwin, Venice Beach The CA-based hotel company Joie de Vivre specializes in funky style, a hip local scene and affordability — three things we love! Both have cool rooftop terraces with amazing views: Hotel Vitale, across from the Ferry Building in the waterfront Embarcadero district, overlooks San Francisco Bay and the Bay Bridge, while Hotel Irwin’s hopping rooftop High Lounge overlooks the beach and Pacific Ocean.

La Quinta Resort & Spa, La Quinta This Mexican Colonial-style enclave in the Coachella Valley offers everything you could want for a relaxing desert escape. Its big enough for any group — 796 rooms, 40 pools, 5 golf courses—but wisely designed with multiple swimming pools, private courtyards and restaurants, so even when its fully booked, it never feels crowded. Hold your party at La Casa, which was Greta Garbo’s vacation home back in the 1920s.

Ojai Valley Inn & Spa, Ojai This Central Coast resort offers enough mind, body, spirit options (not to mention onsite planners) to keep you stress free. Visit the Artist’s Studio to blend custom aromatherapy sachets for your wedding party. Tie the knot in lavender-scented air in the three-acre Herb Garden, or go rustic at the Big Red Barn at nearby Rancho Dos Rios. Executive Chef Jamie West specializes in seasonally-influenced cuisine that is both healthful and delicious.