17

Feb

2026

Ask The Experts: 10 Best California Wedding Getaway Rentals for a Destination Wedding

California is one of the most sought-after destinations for weddings and for good reasons. With its sun-soaked coastline, dramatic mountain landscapes, laid-back desert retreats, and world-renowned wine regions, the Golden State offers endless possibilities for couples planning a destination wedding that feels both meaningful and unforgettable.

Whether you’re exchanging vows barefoot by the sea or celebrating among towering redwoods, California sets the stage for a truly magical experience. The right wedding getaway rental can transform this celebration into a multi-day experience filled with connection, relaxation, and adventure.

To help you plan a seamless celebration, we’ve curated the best California wedding getaway rentals ideal for destination weddings. These platforms offer a mix of style, flexibility, and location perfect for couples traveling from afar and guests turning your big day into a once-in-a-lifetime trip.

1 Hotala – Luxury & Boutique Wedding Getaways Across California

When it comes to stylish, upscale stays that feel just as special as your big day, Hotala shines. This curated platform specializes in luxury vacation rentals across California’s most desirable regions, from the rolling vineyards of Napa Valley to the sun-drenched beaches of Southern California and the serene forests of Big Sur. Each property on Hotala has been handpicked for its exceptional design, amenities, and unforgettable atmosphere, making it a perfect choice for couples, wedding parties, and guests seeking an elevated retreat.

Imagine waking up in a chic Spanish-style villa just minutes from your ceremony venue, hosting a rehearsal dinner on a terrace with panoramic ocean views, or spending your first morning as newlyweds in a spa-like suite with vineyard vistas. Hotala’s collection includes architecturally stunning homes, private estates with resort-style luxuries, and elegant spaces that feel tailor-made for celebratory weekends.

Perfect for:

  • Couples seeking a romantic honeymoon base
  • Wedding parties needing spacious, guest-ready homes
  • Families and friends wanting a boutique stay near California’s top wedding locales

Explore Hotala and start your California wedding getaway in style.

2. Rent By Owner – Spacious Rentals for Wedding Guests & Families

When you’re planning a wedding in California, accommodating friends and family, especially those traveling from out of town, can be just as important as booking the venue itself. Rent By Owner is a trusted platform that connects you with vacation homes and rentals that are perfect for large groups, extended stays, and multi-family celebrations. With listings from cozy beach houses to sprawling countryside estates, this service helps you find the space that suits everyone’s needs.

What makes Rent By Owner especially appealing for weddings is the variety and flexibility it offers. Many properties feature multiple bedrooms, large living areas, outdoor decks, and full kitchens ideal for family brunches, post-wedding brunches, or casual gatherings before the big day. Plus, because properties are privately owned, you often have more flexibility when it comes to check-in times, special requests, and unique touches that make the stay feel personal.

Perfect for:

  • Extended families who want a shared living space
  • Groups of guests seeking one convenient rental
  • Wedding weekends that feel like a mini vacation

With Rent By Owner, your guests won’t just have a place to stay, they’ll have a welcoming home away from home.

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17

Feb

2026

Sarah and Jon’s Oceanside Celebration in Costa Rica by Kuba Okon Weddings

Yesterday on the blog we were talking about what to take into consideration when planning a weekend wedding or a wedding that spans several days. Well today I have the most gorgeous weekend wedding to share with you. Sarah and Jonathan  were married on 22nd May 2025 in Costa Rica, and as they had over 100 guests flying over into Costa Rica they made sure the celebrations lasted longer than just the one day. The day itself was super laid back, fuss free and full of emotion. With blue glasses that matched the colour of the ocean, coupled with fresh white flowers, the tables looked natural and sophisticated, mixed with some laid back beach vibes. Big thanks to Event Planner Mil Besos Costa Rica and the photographer Kuba Okon Weddings.

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16

Feb

2026

Ask The Experts: Tips for Hosting a Wedding That Spans Multiple Days

Weddings have come a long way from a single-day affair. In recent years, more couples have been opting for celebrations that span an entire weekend (or longer!), turning their wedding into a shared experience rather than a one-day event. From welcome drinks the night before to relaxed brunches the morning after, multi-day weddings give couples the chance to spend meaningful time with their favourite people without feeling rushed.

Of course, with extra time comes extra planning. Hosting a wedding that spans multiple days can be incredibly rewarding, but it also brings a new layer of logistics, budgeting, and guest experience to consider. If you’re dreaming of a wedding weekend that feels intentional and totally you, here’s what it takes to pull it off smoothly.

Tips for Hosting a Wedding That Spans Multiple Days

photo by Helene Havard – full wedding here 

Be intentional with your communication

When your wedding spans multiple days, clear communication becomes one of the most important (and underrated) parts of planning. Guests should never feel confused about where they need to be, what’s optional, or how formal each event is meant to feel.

Colton Simmons, Owner & Photographer at Colton Simmons Photography, notes, “Clear communication is super important, and you can do this by keeping the information in one location. Don’t send some details via printed documents and then others on a wedding website. As the event may consistently evolve, putting the info on a wedding website as well as e-mail list updates can really help keep them informed on how things flux.”

It’s also worth remembering that not every guest will attend every event, and that’s okay. Being thoughtful with your wording makes it clear that people can join in as much or as little as they like.

photo by Ludovica & Valerio.– full wedding here

Make transportation easy

The more events you’re hosting, the more movement there usually is, and that can get tricky if transport isn’t well thought out. If your venue is spread across different locations, organising shared transport can make things far easier for guests.

“During the events, transportation can be a big hurdle for some guests, so make it easy for them to get where you want them by hiring a private coach,” recommends McKenzi Taylor, Founder/Owner of Gather After. “Or avoid lots of travel and keep all your events contained to one property.”

Even if you’re not providing transport for every event, offering clear guidance is key. The easier it is for people to get where they need to go, the more relaxed they’ll feel once they arrive.

photo by Aubrey Oothout – full wedding here

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13

Feb

2026

Catharine and Vincent’s Heartfelt Valentines Day Elopement by Apollo Fotografie

Happy Friday everyone! I hope you have all had a wonderful week so far and that you are looking forward to valentines day tomorrow? Have you got anything romantic planned? It has become a bit of a tradition in our household to celebrate a family Valentines, so Nik, Dexter and I are off for an afternoon of fun tomorrow. We are doing an escape room followed by a Sushi restaurant and then a film at home. What about you? To celebrate valentines day in style here on the blog, I have this fantastic Valentines day elopement for you. Catharine and Vincent were married on 14th February 2025 at San Francisco City Hall. They chose a super stylish day with Catherine in the most amazing red dress and red shoes, while Vincent wears a pale pink suit. They kept the day simple and fuss free, focusing on the emotion of the day and also honouring their late son’s memory. The whole day is heartfelt, touching and full of amazing fashion. Big thanks to Apollo Fotografie for the beautiful photos.

Our wedding was deeply personal and intentionally unconventional. The inspiration behind our day came from two things: honoring our late son and fully embracing Valentine’s Day in a way that felt true to us. Rather than following traditional wedding norms, we focused on what mattered most—our love, our memories, and the experience itself.

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12

Feb

2026

The Rise of the Weddingmoon: How to Plan a Post-I-Do Escape for the Whole Family

The weddingmoon is replacing the traditional honeymoon for couples who want to celebrate without leaving family behind. Rather than disappearing straight after the ceremony, couples plan a short, thoughtful escape that includes children, parents, or close friends. It’s less about romance in isolation and more about easing into married life together. 

Timing matters, as does choosing somewhere that feels special without being complicated. The right destination allows private moments, shared meals, and flexible days. Across the UK, several regions suit this approach perfectly, offering space, scenery, and accommodation that work for mixed ages while still feeling like a proper occasion.

The Rise of the Weddingmoon: How to Plan a Post-I-Do Escape for the Whole Family

photo by lleerogers

Rugged Cliffs and Boutique Luxury in Cornwall

Cornwall works well for weddingmoons that balance scenery with comfort. Coastal paths around St Ives, Padstow, and the Lizard peninsula feel dramatic without demanding serious hiking, which keeps older relatives involved. Beaches vary from wide family-friendly stretches like Gyllyngvase to quieter coves reached by short walks. Accommodation tends to be self-contained, making it easy to share breakfasts or split off when needed. To truly enjoy luxury Cornwall holidays, couples often choose to stay at smaller coastal hotels or well-located rentals that offer privacy without isolation.

What makes Cornwall practical is the spread of good food and ease of logistics. Fish restaurants in Porthleven, bakeries in Rock, and casual pubs inland keep plans relaxed. Days can stretch or shrink depending on the weather, and evenings often revolve around long dinners rather than strict schedules. Local rail connections and short driving distances help keep arrivals straightforward, even at busier times.

photo by Wirestock

Wild Beauty and Secluded Romance in the Scottish Highlands

The Scottish Highlands suit couples who want distance without fuss. Long glens, lochs, and open roads slow the pace naturally, allowing everyone to settle quickly. Areas around Glencoe and Loch Torridon feel remote, yet accommodation often comes with solid heating, good food, and staff used to multigenerational stays. Simple wildlife encounters, gentle forest walks, and the option of boat trips in good weather help fill time without overloading plans.

Privacy is easy to find here. A rented lodge or small hotel allows couples to step away while the family enjoys fireside afternoons or village cafés. Travel times are longer, but once arrived, days tend to unfold simply. The pace is relaxed, with early mealtimes and peaceful mornings, letting the natural surroundings dictate the flow of the day without the need for constant, structured activities. This works well for weddingmoons, where togetherness matters, but no one expects packed itineraries or late nights. Transport hubs like Inverness keep logistics manageable for visitors arriving from cities south.

 photo by Phillip Horiba-Maguire

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