About Calamigos Ranch Wedding
Overall Recommendations: ★★★★★
Photo Style: Nature, Ferris Wheel, Lake, Marry-go-around, Old Car, Barns, Night Photos
Getting Ready: ★★★★★
Ceremony: ★★★★★
Couple Photos: ★★★★★
Reception: ★★★★★
The Calamigos Ranch occupies 5,500 acres of natural beauty, a short distance from the Santa Monica Mountains in Malibu. This ranch is hidden away from the city, and lends for a perfect retreat-like stay. Between 4 different rooms, you have many options between the different backdrops and guest size allowance. The Birchwood Room is the most intimate setting, and is nestled between a majestic waterfall and 100 year old weeping willows. The Redwood Room is the most historic site on Calamigos Ranch, and has a rustic lodge feel between the vines and weeping willows. The Oak Room is known for its natural stone waterfall backdrop, where the ceremony takes place on a large bridge. Both whimsical and elegant, the Pavilions at North Point are loved for its mix of nature and event space feel, not to mention the cute pictures that occur at the ferris wheel. At night, this whole venue is shining with twinkle lights and filled with love and cheer.
Tip 1: Make sure that you book for the larger rooms at the ranch for more spacious getting ready session!
Tip 2: Don’t miss the marry-go-around besides the metal cart
Getting Ready at Calamigos Ranch
Calamigos Ranch Malibu affords wedding parties the use of a bridal suite for two hours prior to the wedding. You and your bridesmaids can relax, prepare for the day, and make memories together. It’s also the perfect time for some bridal party photography among the natural wonders of the ranch.
We are honored when you trust Lin and Jirsa Wedding Photography to capture all of the moments of your monumental day, big and small. Click here to learn why it’s beneficial to choose one company like Lin and Jirsa to meet all of your photography and videography needs.
Couple’s Session at Calamigos Ranch
There are many spots for whimsical photos that capture the uniqueness of your relationship, from the bridges to the waterfalls to the canopies of trees. But there isn’t a more iconic spot than at the ranch’s colorful ferris wheel, a feature you won’t find at any other outdoor wedding venue in the Los Angeles area.
Wedding Ceremony at Calamigos Ranch
Calamigos Ranch offers four ethereal venues for your wedding ceremony and celebration. The Garden Patio, pictured below, is a lovely spot where you can wed under a rustic arch, with up to 280 of your loved ones looking on. If you choose the Ranch House for your reception, you can have your ceremony in the a beautiful meadow. Or near the Cottage Pavillion, you can have your ceremony under a grand, old California oak tree. Or at the Oaks, you can say your vows on a deck with a semicircular waterfall in the background.
Wedding Reception at Calamigos Ranch
You can also hold your reception in a number of locations: the rustic Dining Room, the Ranch House, or outdoors on the Pavillion or next to the pond. Each unique site celebrates the natural beauty to be found at Calamigos Ranch.
Sample Timeline
11:00-2:00pm Hair & Makeup
2:30pm Photographer arrives
2:30pm - 2:45pm BTS photos with Bride - photographer #1 & BTS photos with Groom - Photographer #2
2:45pm - 3:00pm Bride Detail Photos (Bridesmaids get dressed) - Photographer #1 & Groom Detail Photos - Photographer #2
3:00 - 3:15pm Bride gets dressed - Photographer #1 & Groom gets dressed: organically happens - Photographer #2
3:15pm - 3:30pm Bridal Beauty Portraits - Photographer #1 & Groom Solo Shots - Photographer #2
3:30pm - 4:00pm First Look/Sweetheart Photos
4:00pm - 4:30pm Wedding Party Photos
4:30pm - 5:15pm Family Photos
5:30pm Invitation Time
5:45pm - 6:15pm Ceremony
6:15pm-7:00pm Cocktail Hour
7:00pm Guests start to find their seats
7:15pm Grand Entrance
7:20pm B&G Welcome Speech
7:25pm Family Speeches
7:30pm Salads served
8:00pm Dinner Served
8:30pm - 9:00pm B&G go table to table
9:25pm Toasts
9:30pm First Dance
9:35pm Father/Daughter Dance
9:40pm Mother/Son Dance
9:45pm Cake Cutting
9:50pm Bouquet Toss
9:55pm Garter Toss
10:00pm Formalities Over/ Open Dancing
11:00pm Wedding Over
11:30pm Hard Out
FAQ
Q-How many guests can I invite to my Calamigos Ranch wedding?
A-The largest venue on site is the Cottage Pavillion, which allows for up to 500 seated guests at a reception.
Q-Can I choose my own caterer?
A-Calamigos Ranch asks you to choose their superb on-site caterer, who will plan a menu that includes farm-fresh ingredients grown on the property and other locally sourced foods.
Q-Can we stay the night at the venue?
A-Yes! The venue has a couple of intimate accommodations that you can rent for your wedding night and never have to leave the property on your wedding day.
Houdini Estate is located at 327 Latigo Canyon Rd Malibu, CA 90265