Hey there, lovebirds! If you’re reading this, you’re probably on the hunt for a Eugene-area winery wedding venue. Take it from us, Sweet Cheeks Winery is an absolute gem. As a wedding videography team, we’ve had the pleasure of capturing some truly magical moments at this stunning location, and we’re here to give you the lowdown on why Sweet Cheeks Winery should be at the top of your list.
The Venue
Location and Scenery
Here’s a cheeky fact: the winery gets its name from the hillside’s distinct and well… voluptuous shape. Nestled in the rolling hills of Eugene, Oregon, Sweet Cheeks Winery is surrounded by lush vineyards and offers panoramic views that are nothing short of breathtaking. The winery's beautifully landscaped grounds, vibrant flowers, mature trees, and rows of grapevines are a serene setting. There is also an ample amount of indoor space, which is an ideal fallback plan for weddings in the rainy Willamette Valley!
Capacity and Spaces
One of the great things about Sweet Cheeks Winery is its versatility. Whether you’re planning an intimate gathering or a grand celebration, this venue has got you covered. The indoor Vista Room can comfortably host up to 65 guests, making it ideal for cozy ceremonies or receptions. The large windows let in tons of natural light, enhancing the ambiance and providing beautiful lighting for photos and videos.
For those looking to host a larger event, the outdoor patio area can accommodate up to 200 guests. This space is ideal for an outdoor ceremony, cocktail hour, dinner, and dance floor. There is also a large parking lot, which saves you from having to shuttle guests in and out of the venue.
Amenities and Services
Sweet Cheeks Winery offers a comprehensive range of amenities and services to ensure your day goes off without a hitch. You can find an exhaustive list on Wedding Spot. Here are the key things to know:
- Wedding Arbor: There is a prebuilt arbor that is situated in the patio area. Couples can adorn it with florals and custom decor. We’ve seen a lot of imaginative configurations of this space.
- Ceremony Chairs and Reception Tables: The venue provides rentals for up to 150 guests, including folding white resin chairs.
- Private Loft Dressing Suite: There is a cozy little ready room upstairs where your bridal party can do hair and makeup. Beware, the lighting in this space is very dim and not ideal for photography or for video. If both wedding parties need to get dressed on site, there is also a barrel room available.
- Dance Area with Bistro Lighting: An outdoor dance floor illuminated by charming bistro lights, setting the stage for a night of celebration. We usually see DJs set up a booth in this area with speakers and lights.
- Prep Kitchen: The venue does come with a full prep kitchen for your caterers to utilize on site. The venue does allow approved outside catering vendors (check out The Sassy Cupcake), but all alcohol must be provided by the venue, and it is beer and wine only.
- A/V Infrastructure: The venue has outlets spread around the reception area, as well as wifi. The accessibility for DJs is great, and they allow amplified music until 11:00PM.
- Onsite Venue Coordinator: Sweet Cheeks provides a coordinator your wedding day to help execute on your design layout, timeline, and event flow.
An Ideal Backdrop for Videography
As a videography team, we’re always on the lookout for venues that offer unique and stunning backdrops, and Sweet Cheeks Winery does not disappoint. Here are some of our favorite spots around the venue:
The Vineyards
Rows of grapevines provide a timeless and elegant backdrop for both photography and videography. The lush greenery and symmetry of the vineyards are perfect for capturing romantic moments between you and your sweetheart. During golden hour, the light filters through the vines, creating a soft, dreamy effect that looks beautiful on film. There is also a grove with old growth trees which are a beautiful first look spot. Fair warning: it’s a bit of a hike.
The Vista Room
The Vista Room’s large windows and natural lighting make it an excellent spot for capturing candid moments and detail shots. Depending on weather conditions, couples can also move their ceremony and reception indoors to this space. It’s an ideal plan B for rain.
The Outdoor Patio
This is where your guests will spend a majority of their time at your wedding. The open-air setting, combined with the bistro lighting, creates a warm and inviting ambiance. This area is particularly stunning during sunset when the sky is painted with hues of orange and pink. The outdoor patio is ideal for dinners, cocktail hours, and there is ample room for a dance floor.
The Ceremony Area
The ceremony area is situated in the southeastern corner of the outdoor patio. The arbor itself is a permanent structure, which couples can decorate with florals. There is a slightly elevated stage area where you’ll stand across from your sweetheart, along with an officiant. Wedding parties generally stand off to either side.
The Scenic Overlooks
Several spots around the winery offer panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. These overlooks are perfect for capturing wide-angle shots and establishing shots that set the scene for the wedding film. They also provide stunning backdrops for couple portraits and group shots.
Real Weddings at Sweet Cheeks Winery
To give you a better idea of what a wedding at Sweet Cheeks Winery looks like, let’s take a closer look at some real weddings that have taken place at this beautiful venue.
Karissa and Jim’s wedding
Karissa and Jim’s wedding really highlights what August in the Willamette Valley can feel like. As the sun got low in the sky, the vineyard was a warm glow-y background for video and photos. Guests were comfortable late into the evening in the warm outdoor patio area. Consider mid to late Summer for this venue, you won’t be disappointed.
Photography note: Karissa and Jim worked with Ann Nunn for photography. She was awesome to work alongside for this wedding!
Real Couples' Experiences
Couples who have chosen Sweet Cheeks Winery for their wedding consistently praise the venue for its stunning scenery. As a wine producer, the vineyard is also a local favorite. Known for their red blends and pinot gris. Guests love the atmosphere, and the proximity to town is ideal. Whereas most Willamette Valley wineries require an hour plus drive out to McMinnville, Sweet Cheeks is a quick trip for Eugene locals and for families staying in town.
Tips for Couples Considering Sweet Cheeks Winery
If you’re considering Sweet Cheeks Winery for your wedding, here are some tips to help you make the most of this beautiful venue:
Plan for the Weather
While Oregon weather can be unpredictable, Sweet Cheeks Winery offers both indoor and outdoor spaces to accommodate any conditions. Be prepared with a backup plan for rain and discuss these options with the venue coordinator.
Take Advantage of the Natural Light
The winery’s natural lighting is one of its biggest assets. Schedule your ceremony and key photo sessions to take advantage of the golden hour, when the light is soft and flattering. This will ensure that your photos and videos have a warm, natural glow.
Explore the Grounds
Take the time to explore the winery’s grounds and identify the best spots for photos and videos. The vineyards, scenic overlooks, and intimate corners all offer unique backdrops that will make your wedding album truly special.
Work with our favorite local planner
There are dozens of wedding planning companies around the State of Oregon, and our top choice for Eugene area weddings is Becky Hart of Event Crush. Becky has planned countless weddings out at Sweet Cheeks. Her event designs and timelines are some of the best our videography team has seen, and we love working alongside her.
Work with the Venue Coordinator
Norah is the dedicated venue coordinator at Sweet Cheeks Winery, known for her meticulous attention to detail and unwavering enthusiasm. Noah is a University of Oregon grad, who has a background in event planning for the YMCA and 5th Street Public Market. Her commitment to bringing couples' visions to life has made her an invaluable part of the Sweet Cheeks Winery team.
For more about Norah, visit Sweet Cheeks Winery.
Conclusion
Sweet Cheeks Winery is a fabulous destination for weddings in Eugene. From the breathtaking scenery to the exceptional amenities and services, this venue offers everything you need for a magical wedding day. As a videography team, we’ve seen firsthand how the beauty and charm of Sweet Cheeks Winery enhance every moment, creating a truly unforgettable experience for couples and their guests. If you’re looking for a venue that combines rustic elegance with natural beauty, Sweet Cheeks Winery is an ideal choice. You can visit their website here, or contact the venue at (541) 349-9463.