Sara and Matt’s Inn at Mattei’s Tavern wedding was the kind of celebration that felt both elevated and deeply personal. Their style was classic and elegant, and the celebration was truly a family affair. The couple’s children made up the wedding party, and Sara and Matt opted for a sand ceremony before their vows to represent the blending of their families.

Sara and Matt’s bliss is infectious. They make each other laugh constantly and bring each other such joy. It was such a privilege to witness their love!

Here are just a handful of my very favorite photos from Sara and Matt’s celebration at The Inn at Mattei’s Tavern.

Design and details

Jess from Onyx and Redwood brought the couple’s vision to life with a layered, textural palette that played perfectly off the rustic charm of of the venue. The look was refined but relaxed: Mattei’s natural wood tables, Ella and Louie’s florals, and thoughtful details that felt both curated and completely unforced. One of Sara’s favorite elements was the lighting installation, with its mismatched Bella Vista Designs pendants casting a warm, intimate glow over the dance floor and highlighting the tavern’s timeless character.

The Inn at Mattei’s Tavern wedding venue

Originally opened in the late 1800s as a stagecoach stop in the Santa Ynez Valley, the Inn at Mattei’s Tavern carries a sense of history that feels both storied and inviting. It’s a place where generations have gathered, rested, and celebrated. When the Auberge resort group took over the property in 2022, they leaned into this historical charm and kept a ton of the original elements that made Mattei’s Tavern special: the bar and tavern building, Hartley House, and the iconic water tower.

The addition of beautifully-appointed luxury rooms and suites (and restoration of the historic cottages) has made the Inn at Mattei’s Tavern a must-stop destination for anyone traveling through Los Olivos in the Santa Ynez Valley. (I’m a little partial to the spa facilities, myself!)

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I also recommend Bree and Blake’s Sunstone Villa wedding if you’re enjoying the historical vibes of the Santa Ynez Valley!

Planning + design: Onyx + Redwood
Venue: The Inn at Mattei’s Tavern
Florals: Ella + Louie
Hair + makeup: Samara Beauty
Music: Vox DJs + Pink Mozart
Transportation: Jump on the School Bus
Rentals: Theoni Collection, Amigo Event Rentals, BBJ La Tavola
Lighting: Bella Vista Designs
Event branding: Aerialist Press
Cake: Room for Cake
Photo booth: Traveling Photo Bus