By: Kristen Castillo
Looking for a wedding venue that’s natural, beautiful and not standard in any way?
Consider a ranch wedding where the venues have lots of open space, a chill vibe and photo opportunities you won’t believe!
Still not all ranches are the same. From old and new farms to wineries and large outdoorsy spaces, you have a lot of rustic and romantic ranches to consider.
You can design a dream event at these venues, which are blank spaces to be dressed by your imagination. From décor and catering to fun and games, your guests will be raving about your ranch “I Do’s!”
Two Sisters Farms
Sisters Jenny Leddy and Alisa Roberts opened Two Sisters Farms in Temecula in 2013.
At the 2.5 acre Two Sisters Farms, you can have a breathtaking ranch wedding complete with use of the farm area and barn stalls, as well as rustic amenities including wagon wheels, hay bales, a 1940’s red tractor and pallet tables. For added fun, feed the goats through the fence and play games like horseshoes, badminton and bocce ball. The venue’s capacity is 150 guests.
“Our couples love the number of options and the flexibility, so they can make their wedding day truly unique,” says Leddy. “We also have heard that our farm is tranquil, relaxing and the perfect location for a laid back casual affair.”
Love the farm feel and want to preview your ranch wedding? Book Two Sisters Farms for a two to three hour photo engagement session!
Melrose Ranch
Couples looking for an old California ranch feel will find a match at Melrose Ranch. The Valley Center ranch has pristine landscaping and gardens, as well as oak trees and Longhorn cattle.
“The dairy barn itself is very unique with its refurbished indoor bar, stalls and great room,” says Julie Stroh of Melrose Ranch.
“This 118-acre ranch also has vineyards throughout the ranch which add a fabulous touch.”
There are indoor and outdoor options at Melrose Ranch for events large and small. The quiet, private venue exudes ranch chic and romance.
Campbell Creek Ranch/Estate
The 48-acre historic Campbell Creek Ranch/Estate in Alpine is situated in rolling hills and is shaded by over 500 trees.
“Nature’s backdrop is the ideal blank canvas to showcase a truly romantic wedding in a rustic setting,” says Colin and Janice Campbell of Campbell Creek Ranch/Estate.
The ranch only books one event per weekend and has capacity for 300 guests for a wedding lasting up to six hours.
“Imagine rustic tables with antique lace and burlap, framed by countless, majestic oaks, pines and pepper trees,” say the Campbells. “As the sun sets, the sparkle of twinkle lit trees and market lights begins the magical night transformation.”
Among the venue’s highlights: a grass-covered terrace with a gorgeous ceremony gazebo, a rustic Bride’s Cottage, a historic groom’s cantina, an outdoor kitchen/bar/BBQ and an outdoor dining reception area with a permanently constructed 20×20 foot wood dance floor. Don’t miss the venue’s “Selfie Booth” too!
Bernardo Winery
With a rich 126 year history, Bernardo Winery, which was one of San Diego’s first working ranches, exudes old world charm and intimacy. The ranch has three wedding options: the redwood Barrel Room for up to 50 guests; Uncle Vito’s Park, which is surrounded by vineyards and hitching posts; and Rosario’s Pavilion, which features a covered cocktail area, ceremony site, dance floor and DJ station, as well as a reception site glowing with café lights and trees.
“The beauty of Bernardo Winery grounds is that it seems to absorb a brides vision and mold to her personal style whether it be vintage chic, boho, traditional or contemporary,” says Terry Lowrey, Wedding Manager at Bernardo Winery, who explains photo opps are all over the ranch.
“The backdrop and colors of the flowers and vines as well as the wagons, fountains, windmills, barrel room and crush pads lend to a beautiful rustic backdrop for the day,” she says.
Broken Rock Ranch
The feel at this 34-acre ranch is “Southwest casual,” says Kami Voertman of Broken Rock Ranch, noting guests often wear cowboy boots and comfortable clothing.
Located in Valley Center, the ranch has three wedding areas for their country weddings: tractor and hay bales under the grandfather pepper tree or under a flat top arch; an amphitheater with permanent seating and a willow branches arch; and a round paver area leading to the reception area.
“We only book one wedding reception per weekend at a time,” says Voertman, explaining couples can even rent the ranch for a weekend wedding package, giving them the venue for three days. “We can accommodate 78 overnight guests, in our bunk house and dorms bunk beds, included.”
Daley Ranch House
A 3058-acre conservation area in Escondido, Daley Ranch House is a serene setting for a wedding.
“The beauty and historic charm of the Daley Ranch House and surrounding property make it an ideal wedding venue,” says Teresa Collins of Daley Ranch, explaining how ranch weddings combine “nature and rustic charm.”
“The sights and sounds of the outdoor venue bring a unique intimacy to your wedding,” she says. “It is very easy to forget where you are and the setting stands apart from the ‘everyday’ elements we see in our daily lives.”
Daley Ranch House can accommodate up to 150 guests and Escondido residents can get a discount on the rental. The property has three rooms on-site, which can be used for getting ready. Rental fees include the use of the ranch’s tables, chairs and portable dance floor.
Since the renovated venue is still in its first year of being a rental space for events, “your wedding will be one of the first to happen on this historic ranch,” says Collins.
