Say ‘I Do’ at Alisal Ranch
Those looking to exchange wedding bands among historic Sycamore and Oak trees will appreciate the relaxed natural atmosphere at Alisal Ranch in Santa Ynez.
Adriana Griego, Senior Event Manager at Alisal Ranch shared how the Central California ranch hosts weddings throughout the year. “Spring and autumn are the most requested seasons for weddings,’ said Griego. She and her team work with your wedding coordinator to provide an array of services for a trouble-free magical day.
Alisal Ranch. Photo Jill Weinlein
Guests enter into the sycamore tree-lined driveway as horses graze in verdant pastures. The Chumash who once resided in this area, used the word Alisal to mean ‘Grove of Sycamores.’ This working cattle ranch opened to the public in the mid 1940s. There are various picturesque areas throughout the 10,500 acres of rolling hills dotted with groves of towering trees.
The Chumash also called this land ‘Nojoqui’ which means ‘Honeymoon Place.’ Near the ranch is a short hiking trail Nojoqui Falls. For over 80 years, Alisal Ranch has been a premier vacation, wedding and honeymoon destination for celebrities and guests seeking a luxury Western ranch atmosphere.
On the Alisal Ranch website it states that Clark Gable married Lady Silvia Ashley (his fourth wife) in the charming old library at the ranch. Those looking for privacy appreciate how the ranch offers a low-key, paparazzi-free lifestyle.
Proposal Point. Photo Jill Weinlein
Alisal Ranch and the surrounding area was a favorite of actor turned California Governor, and later President of the United States, Ronald Reagan. He enjoyed the beauty of Santa Barbara County with its running creek, mountain views, meadows and private lake. In the 1970s, he purchased a neighboring ranch right next to Alisal Ranch.
Today, guests can still see the helipad where President Reagan and his wife Nancy would land to enjoy time at their Rancho del Cielo. It became the frequent White House of the West for the President and guests.
During fall, the Santa Ynez mountains turn golden, among the groves of Oak and Sycamore trees surrounding the pristine lake. One of the guests’ favorite viewing spots of the lake is Proposal Point. It can also be set for a romantic wedding ceremony site. Benches or chairs are set overlooking the sparkling blue water, as hawks soar above and waterfowl swim below. At sunset, this spot is spectacular on a clear day.
‘Guests take a 15-minute horse-led cart to Proposal Point and the Lakeside venue.’ said Griego. ‘A Sprinter and red shuttle bus will take those who prefer not to travel in the open air on the paved and dirt road.’
Griego assists with scheduling a timeline for couples, as well as works as a liaison with outside vendors. Included in the wedding package is a food and beverage tasting before the big day. ‘An overnight stay is provided to couples during the culinary tasting or can be applied after the wedding,’ said Griego.
Lakeside Wedding Venue. Photo Jill Weinlein
Wedding ceremonies and receptions can also take place near the edge of the lake. The wedding party and guests have this ‘Old West’ beauty all to themselves.
‘The ranch provides a number of amenities in wedding packages,’ said Griego. ‘Before the ceremony a beverage station with water, lemonade and ice tea is set up at the site. The round-trip hay wagon transportation for up to 150 guests, plus a custom bar is set for after the ceremony for cocktail hour. The dining reception can be set with black or white table coverings, flatware, glasses and plates.
‘Certain locations serve plated dinners,’ said Griego. ‘Outdoor venues such as Lake Deck and the historic Adobe serve buffet-style or platters.’
Sycamore Grove. Photo by Alisal Ranch
Those who choose to have their wedding ceremony in Sycamore Grove will stand between two towering shade trees while guests take in the beauty of this natural outdoor venue.
After the ceremony, guests walk over to the historic Adobe building for cocktail hour, while the bride and groom pose for photos with family and friends.
This Adobe venue offers a crafted timber mantle and fireplace in 750-square feet of indoor space. ‘This is a favorite spot for the bridal party to wait comfortably before the ceremony,’ said Griego. It’s also an ideal spot for the bride to comfortably change into her celebration dress after the ceremony.
Outside tables are set as Alisal chefs are on hand grilling proteins and vegetables for a wedding buffet or share platter meals.
Wedding Reception. Photo by Alisal Ranch.
Those seeking an indoor backup venue, just in case of inclement weather, will appreciate the Sycamore Room. It’s next to the ranch’s historic restaurant and has large viewing windows to allow natural light to filter inside. What makes this spacious room different than a traditional resort ballroom is the massive stone heath, large fireplace and high vaulted ceiling. There are views of the ranch’s grand lawn during dining, music and dancing.
Cocktail hour can be held inside or outside of this room along the creek on the outdoor terrace and grassy lawn. Festive white party lights provide a celebratory atmosphere under towering trees.
For couples seeking a fantasy wedding that is closer to the main grounds of the ranch, the lawn area can accommodate a canopy tent or elegant teepee structures for guests to dine, listen to music and step away from to dance under the stars. This outdoor area is not as private as the more remote venues on the ranch, unless the ranch is a complete buyout.
Guest rooms at Alisal Ranch. Photo by Jill Weinlein
There are 73 renovated houses, studio cottages and suites at Alsial Ranch for the wedding party and guests. The Jackson House sleeps 12 people and is 2060 square feet. Each guest quarters provides an elegant Western-inspired vibe, along with high-beamed ceilings, stone hearths, hardwood floors, horseshoe door knockers, and outdoor porch with chairs and a table.
The luxury beds are dressed with high-thread count sheets and comfortable pillows. Guests receive reusable water bottles to fill up throughout their stay. Inside guest rooms is also a welcome bottle of local wine, luxury skin and hair care products, and a lantern to use in the evening.
Alisal Ranch. Photo Jill Weinlein
Throughout the year, pre-wedding and post-wedding activities include horseback riding, fishing, e-biking in the hills, archery and poolside fun. There are conversation areas and fire pits lit at sunset through the late evening for guests and wedding parties to gather. On a clear night, the stars are spectacular, because this area has no light pollution.
Alisal Ranch swimming pool. Photo Jill Weinlein
Before of after the wedding event, the ranch’s large pool area invites guests to relax and soak in the warm California sunshine. There are plenty of comfortable lounge chairs, shaded umbrellas and a hot whirlpool.
Also at the ranch is a luxury onsite spa available for the bridal party for last-minute pre-wedding primping. The groom and his party often get ready in the comfortable and private stand alone ranch library with restrooms.
Alisal Ranch Grand Lawn. Photo Jill Weinlein
Alisal Ranch offers a wide range of services for a luxurious weekend getaway or wedding celebration. To learn more about the various wedding site venues and price packages, reach out to Adriana and her team at Alisal Ranch.
