Calamigos Ranch Wedding Venue Review

Looking for the perfect wedding venue can be stressful, causing couples to overlook key details or settle for unsatisfactory wedding packages. Based on our previous experiences photographing events at this enchanting venue, here's our comprehensive Calamigos Ranch wedding review to help you decide if this is the right spot for your dream wedding.

29 July 2024 / Caius Symboll®

Calamigos Ranch Wedding Review: A Dreamy Santa Monica Mountains Venue

Located in Malibu, Calamigos Ranch offers a perfect setting for weddings. The ranch features abundant greenery, majestic oak trees, and serene water features, which double up as ideal backdrops for wedding photos. With multiple designated areas for celebrations, each space provides its own unique charm for your most-awaited day.

We love the uniqueness of each venue at Calamigos Ranch, offering diverse and beautiful locations for photos. Most importantly, we appreciate how accommodating the staff and facilities are. This location prioritizes aesthetics, intimacy, and privacy, making it a top choice for your big day with your loved ones.

We’ve shot over 10 weddings here, and can confidently say that Calamigos Ranch delivers an exceptional experience. No matter how many weddings we shoot here, we always look forward to returning to it and highly recommend it to anyone planning their special day.

Overview of Calamigos Ranch

Established in 1937 by J. Grant Gerson, Calamigos Ranch began as a boys camp and nature retreat. Set in a peaceful, mountainous area, the family-run venue enjoys a mild, pleasant climate year-round.

Surrounded by lush greenery, oak trees, and water features, it offers a serene and beautiful setting. The place combines historic charm with modern amenities, making it an ideal location for memorable occasions.

Located in the Santa Monica Mountains near Malibu, California, this ranch is easily accessible from Highway 101. This makes it a really convenient wedding venue, with easy access from the greater Los Angeles area. Calamigos Ranch’s venues operate at full capacity year-round.

1. The Birchwood Room

With space for up to 120 guests, the Birchwood Room is perfect for couples seeking a more intimate celebration without sacrificing the luxury and amenities of a larger place. We love photographing ceremonies at Birchwood due to these aspects:

– Private, multi-level deck surrounded by streams and trees.
– Intimate grass meadow, creating a magical and secluded atmosphere for a couple’s special day.
– The natural stone waterfall provides a picturesque backdrop for stunning wedding photography and a romantic ambiance.

2. The Redwood Room

Accommodating up to 250 guests, The Redwood Room allows you to share your special day with a larger group of loved ones while maintaining the intimate feel of a woodland space. We love photographing heartwarming moments at The Redwood Room for these reasons:

– Indoor space with a stone fireplace and large windows overlooking the water features provide an elegant and welcoming setting.
– With a deep history and countless weddings to its name, the majestic 100-year-old oaks, lush vines, and eucalyptus trees surrounding the space add a rustic charm to The Redwood Room and a stunning backdrop to your wedding photos.
– Trickling waterfalls create a gentle soundtrack and the stunning visual beauty of the surroundings enhances every moment of your special day.

3. The Oak Room

With a capacity for up to 160 guests, this indoor space creates a beautiful atmosphere that will transport you and your guests to a world of wonder and celebration. The couples we’ve photographed in The Oak Room fell in love with it for these features:

– Exposed beams, cascading twinkle lights, and rustic iron chandeliers.
– Glass walls and wooden accents that combine natural beauty with a warm ambiance.
– Sunset ceremonies on the sweeping deck, complete with natural stone waterfalls and a symbolic bridge for a grand entrance.

4. The Pavilion

If your guest list is anywhere around 500, then The Pavilion is perfect for you. The open flat meadow surrounded by trees offers ample space for tables and dancing without feeling crowded, letting you customize your celebration layout to perfection. We often see this as a top choice for couples who like:

– An expansive lawn and an elegant white tent with draped fabric and lights.
– Acres of open green meadows and towering redwoods that provide a stunning natural backdrop for unforgettable wedding photos.
– A modern farmhouse pavilion that perfectly blends rustic charm and contemporary elegance.

5. The Vineyard

With a capacity of up to 250 guests, The Vineyard offers a more intimate setting, perfect for couples seeking a sophisticated and personal experience. We capture unforgettable moments at The Vineyard, with these details adding depth and story to your wedding images:

– Spacious outdoor dining area under the open sky, surrounded by the serene beauty of nature.
– The picturesque setting of the vines.
– Lush greenery, flowing water, and panoramic vineyard views.

Ambiance and Aesthetics

Greenery, oak trees, and water features create a natural setting, complemented by twinkling lights and landscaped gardens. With a mild, pleasant climate year-round, Calamigos Ranch offers a serene atmosphere ideal for celebrations.

Although just a short drive from Los Angeles, the ranch feels like a complete escape from the city because of these details:

– Natural beauty: You’ll be surrounded by the calming sounds of trickling waterfalls and the beauty of lush greenery as the sun sets over Calamigos Ranch. This creates a serene, romantic atmosphere, perfect for a bride and groom’s special day.
– Enchanting lighting: Flowing branches adorned with fairy lights transform the place into a magical wonderland as night falls. These provide a dreamy backdrop for the dance floor and evening celebrations.
– Rustic charm: With earthy tones and wooden accents, the ranch offers a unique blend of rustic elegance and natural splendor. This lets guests feel immersed in nature while enjoying luxurious amenities.

Calamigos Ranch Wedding Cost

Wedding packages for 2024 start at $275 per person, whereas prices for 2025 will increase to $290. For events starting in 2026, Calamigos Ranch recommends contacting them directly. These are the other important things to consider in their packages:

Details	Cost
Saturday evenings and holiday Sundays	Additional $30 per person
Non-refundable deposit	$1,500
Service charge	22% of the final rate
Sustainability fee and current sales tax	4%

Wedding Package Inclusions

When planning your big day at Calamigos Ranch, it’s important to thoroughly review the price package inclusions for your chosen venue.

With many venues and ceremony areas available, understanding exactly what’s included in terms of food service, decor, and amenities can help you avoid unexpected costs and ensure you are getting the best value for your budget.

Wedding Ceremony and Reception Services

Calamigos Ranch offers a comprehensive wedding package that includes site rental and setup, along with the necessary tables, chairs, tableware, and linens.

The package also provides a white aisle runner and dressing areas for each partner, available two hours before the ceremony. This inclusive approach makes sure that couples have everything they need for a seamless wedding day experience.

Meal Service

Calamigos Ranch offers various meal service options for ceremonies:

– Formal sit-down dinner option with salad, entree, and bread service
– Elegant buffet option with multiple stations offering diverse selections
– Vegetarian dishes
– Desserts and hors d’oeuvres at extra cost
– Option to bring in outside catering services for an additional fee

Personal Service

Your wedding day at Calamigos Ranch will be expertly managed by a dedicated event specialist and a staff who will make sure every aspect of your special day runs smoothly. Additionally, the package includes complimentary valet parking for all guests, adding an extra layer of convenience.

We’ve photographed many occasions here and had a great experience with the place, staff, and amenities.

Bar Service and Cocktail Hour

The Calamigos Ranch wedding package includes a generous three-hour unlimited beverage service, featuring beer, wine, champagne, and soft drinks, as well as a variety of non-alcoholic options such as iced tea and coffee.

To enhance the cocktail hour experience, the package offers a delicious cheese display for guests to enjoy. These beverage and hors d’oeuvres offerings ensure that your celebration is well-catered, with options for upgrades available to further customize your event.

Add-Ons

Calamigos Ranch also offers upgrades for a special event. For a truly magical experience, the site provides the option to rent a ferris wheel or merry-go-round for your wedding day.

Package Exclusions

You need to arrange your own coordinator, wedding cake, flowers, entertainment, photographer, and officiant. Catering is provided. However, if you prefer an outside service, a buyout fee may apply.

Our Experience at Calamigos Ranch

Since the venue’s wedding package doesn’t include photography and videography services, you’ll need to find and book your own photography team. This is where we come in! Over the years of shooting at Calamigos Ranch, we’ve found that each area has unique features that make it special.

For this part, we’re going to share our experience and how Calamigos Ranch can make the most important day for a bride and groom extra special.

Wedding Flow

The celebration kicks off with a private outdoor ceremony, surrounded by greenery and natural beauty. After the vows, guests move to a garden or patio for cocktails, mingling in a setting that feels miles away from city life.

Everything unfolds in a beautiful space — be it indoors or under the open sky — where dining, dancing, and celebrating take center stage. With elegant bridal suites, comfortable rooms for the groom, and on-site accommodations, the ranch guarantees every moment of the day flows seamlessly, creating memories that last a lifetime.

Getting Ready

Bridal suites and comfortable rooms are provided for the wedding party to get ready. These spaces are designed for convenience and relaxation. They feature ample seating, large mirrors, and plenty of natural light to make sure everyone looks their best.

- Brides, their bridesmaids, and their attendants can enjoy a serene environment with amenities like private bathrooms, makeup stations, and refreshment areas.
- Grooms and their groomsmen have designated rooms equipped with comfortable seating and entertainment options, maintaining privacy and comfort.
- With on-site accommodations, the couple and their entourage can enjoy a stress-free day at the ranch.

First Look Spots

First look spots at Calamigos Ranch aren’t just photo ops; they’re where stories start. There are hidden gems here too — perfect for those unique, off-the-beaten-path Calamigos Ranch wedding photos. Every corner offers a private moment, setting the stage for unforgettable memories.

Guests Arriving

Upon arrival, guests receive valet parking and are directed to the ceremony area. They gather, take their seats, and the ceremony begins as planned. The venue offers a smooth and comfortable experience for all attendees.

From Ceremony to Reception

After the ceremony, guests move to the designated cocktail hour areas, such as garden patios or decks, to enjoy drinks and appetizers. This is also the perfect time for couples to take some fun and romantic ‘just married’ photos with the photographer.

Once the cocktail hour concludes, guests are guided to the reception area, where they can find their seats and prepare for the grand entrance of the newlyweds. The close proximity of each venue’s ceremony and reception areas creates an easy and smooth transition for everyone involved.

Cocktail Hour

Guests transition to the designated cocktail hour areas, enjoying drinks and appetizers in scenic locations like garden patios, spacious lawns, or multi-level decks. Popular spots include:

- The Redwood Room’s patio
- The Birchwood Room’s deck under an ancient oak tree
- The Oak Room’s adjoining deck
- The Pavilion’s expansive lawn

Creative Photo Locations

These spots aren’t just pretty backgrounds; they’re perfect settings that bring out the best in your wedding day moments.

- The Redwood Room has a bridge and waterfall that feel like stepping into another world, perfect for those candid, intimate shots.
- The Birchwood Room offers a cascading waterfall and enough greenery to make you feel like you’re in a lush forest.
- The Oak Room brings a stone waterfall and serious natural vibes — no fake backdrops here.
- The Pavilion has expansive lawns with a ferris wheel that adds a touch of whimsy.

These settings are characters in your wedding story, making sure every moment is unique and memorable.

Benefits and Drawbacks of Choosing Calamigos Ranch

Carefully weigh the pros and cons to make sure the ranch aligns with your vision and needs. Reading multiple Calamigos Ranch wedding reviews can provide valuable insights into other couples’ experiences. They can also help you anticipate how the venue might meet your expectations and those of your guests.

Pros	Cons
Inclusive packages with many amenities for you and your guests	Need to hire a separate wedding planner
Scenic photo opportunities throughout the property	Popular venue, may get booked quickly
Various space options for different wedding sizes	Additional costs for weekend gatherings
Experienced in-house catering and bar services	Potential weather-related issues for the outdoor venues

Do I Need to Get a Calamigos Ranch Membership for a Wedding?

You do not need a Calamigos Ranch membership to host your wedding in this beautiful area. The ranch operates as a wedding venue and event space, offering wedding packages to couples without requiring any form of membership.

Are There Accommodations at Calamigos Ranch?

Yes, Calamigos Ranch offers on-site accommodations for couples and their guests, which can be particularly convenient for your wedding. These include luxury guest rooms and suites. They provide a seamless experience for those who wish to stay on the property before or after the wedding celebration.

How Can I Plan a Wedding at Calamigos Ranch?

To plan a wedding at Calamigos Ranch, couples can start by contacting their in-house event specialists who will guide them through the process and available options. Our photography services at Symboll can be an excellent addition to your special event, capturing the beauty of the ranch and your wedding day memories.

Conclusion

By thoroughly understanding what Calamigos Ranch offers, you can make an informed decision and confidently move forward with planning your dream wedding at this lovely venue. You and your guests can enjoy the world-class amenities of Calamigos Ranch while we can be right by your side documenting your wedding day story in beautiful photos and videos.