Kevin H.
Yelp
We got married at the Ranch and it was spectacular. All our guests raved about the venue, which was beyond beautiful. It was definitely a dream wedding for us, and especially for my wife.
The pros:
1) Three different wedding venues, depending on size of party and preference. We would have loved the Chateau setting, high atop a mountain peak, but it could only hold 100 guests. So we chose the Main House setting, which was not as majestic, but just as beautiful.
2) Each wedding venue is completely private with separate entrances, so that you feel like you have the whole place to yourself
3) The Ranch is unbelievable, set with picturesque hills, grapevines, horses, zebras, camels, etc. The animals were definitely a big hit. Also, there are so many areas to make for beautiful pictures. We got married in June, and at that time, the grass was green, the vines were green, and the trees were full. You have to see this place to believe it. Celebrities get married here!
4) You rent the space for 24 hrs, so you can party as long as you want. The downside is that you have to pay for security and valet, up until the last guests leave and until all the vendors are out. This was the limiting factor for us.
The cons:
1) It is very, very, very pricey to have a wedding here. You are basically renting a blank slate. To rent the space alone was about 10K. On top of that, you have to hire your own caterer and your own supplier (for the tables, lights, etc). Plus, you have to pay for security and a valet service. A bit of headache coordinating everything yourself, but worth it in the end, because you can basically make it whatever you want it to be.
2) You are very isolated, and in a gated estate. Don't even think about getting a taxi to pick up guests.
3) The roads can be confusing, as this estate is Huge. It's not a straight path to get to the wedding area. Fortunately, there were plenty of signs to guide the way on the day of the wedding, but still it would hard for elderly people to drive, especially at night.
4) The office people can be very, very rude. Kim, the wedding site manager was nice and helpful, but the other people in that office are plain nasty. I was late for my own rehearsal, because some lady would not let me through the gate, even after pleading with her, and after telling her that I was the Groom and that the wedding party was already inside! I was so upset. I mean, come on, I paid 10 grand for this??? Other guests had a similar problem with the office staff. If you get lost, you are on your own. They will not help you.