If you are reading this, then you may have some interest in rustic elegance or woodland-themed weddings. You are the type of bride who loves nature and all the gorgeous backdrops it provides and feel that there is little to add, except perhaps a few glamorous touches like a crystal chandelier hanging from an ancient oak tree or other simply elegant touches that just enhance nature with your own personal touches.
Located in the heart of Santa Barbara’s own wine country is the legendary and historic Alisal Guest Ranch. Clark Gable married Lady Sylvia in the library and this is only the beginning of the romantic factor at Alisal Guest Ranch. Throughout the years, celebrities have vacationed here, held their weddings, and families have built their annual vacations around this venue’s rich traditions for generations. When a wedding is booked at the ranch, it is truly an “experience” for the bride, groom, their families and all their guests.
Consider this: when a wedding is held at Alisal Guest Ranch, the entire ranch is taken over (don’t have the budget for a buy-out? Not to worry- read on below). There are ceremony options ranging from lush grassy areas under majestic trees to a private lake where your guests can be transported to via hay truck and then party under the wine country stars lake side or back at the main ranch in one of their beautiful “lodge-esque” cozy event spaces. During the wedding weekend, guests can enjoy a full meal plan, relax pool-side, go horseback riding, be pampered in the spa, golf, play tennis, bike ride and so much more. It is a complete wedding experience for the bride, groom, their families and guests. And with Executive Chef Pascal Gode overseeing the decadent yumminess of the entire ranch, everyone is sure to have some of the best cuisine and dining experiences in the world.
In order to ensure their legendary service, Alisal Guest Ranch generally requires a ranch buy-out for weddings. This ensures that the bride/groom and their guests have the exclusive use , privacy and attention required for producing landmark lifetime events such as weddings. But did you further know that depending on your guest size, availability and season, Alisal Guest Ranch Event Managers may be able to offer you a partial buy-out, if buying out the entire ranch is not in your spending plan?
Finally, for those who want the legendary service and quality associated with the ranch but do not wish to do any buy-out, the ranch’s Alisal River Terrace (also known as Alisal River Grill Restaurant) offers stunning views of the valley, a gorgeous indoor stone fireplace (indoors can sit up to about 60 guests) and outdoor terrace (which can be tented) can seat up to 200 guests. There is room for a lovely ceremony down below on the lawn. The rental fee for the Alisal River Terrace makes it a charming and affordable option for a wine country ranch wedding . The possibilities for a memorable event here are endless. My personal favorite is a stunning ceremony on the lawn with cocktails and dinner up on the terrace and afterwards, having guests adjourn indoors to a warm,intimate lounge feel with a dance floor and roaring fire in the fireplace where cocktails, wedding cake and late night snacks are enjoyed for the rest of the evening in what feels like a cozy and private club with a few earthy touches of the essence of the ranch.
For more details about planning your wedding or private special celebration at Alisal Guest Ranch or Alisal River Terrace, please contact Christina Oliver at: coliver@alisal.com | 805.686.7619
All photos on this page by Keith Dunlop, Frame 37 Photography
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