Malibu, California
Cielo Farms Wedding Photographer
A hilltop vineyard and winery estate in Malibu wine country, with a stone barn, open-air terraces, and panoramic Santa Monica Mountain views.
About Cielo Farms
Cielo Farms is a Tuscan-inspired vineyard estate set high in the Malibu hills, spanning roughly thirty acres of rolling vines, olive trees, and mountain vistas. The property blends rustic charm with polished sophistication, centering on a stone barn, open-air terraces, and vine-lined lawns lit with market lighting.
Offered as an exclusive full-day buyout for up to 200 guests, the estate keeps ceremony, cocktails, and reception all on-site, from the panoramic Outlook ceremony lawn to the terrace and barn. Wine country scenery, golden-hour light over the Santa Monica Mountains, and a private hilltop setting make it a sought-after Malibu destination venue.
Location · 31424 Mulholland Highway, Malibu, CA 90265
Style · Hilltop Tuscan-inspired vineyard and winery estate
Capacity · Up to 200 guests
Ceremony · Outdoor at The Outlook with panoramic vineyard and mountain views
Best season · April through October, with peak demand in summer
Compiled from the Cielo Farms (Woodstock Malibu) weddings page and published venue guides. Pricing and policies are approximate and set by the venue; confirm current rates and rules directly.
The complete Cielo Farms planning guide
Capacity & spaces
Seated dinner · Up to 200 across the terraces, lawns, and barn
Standing/cocktail · Up to 200
Ceremony · Up to 200 at The Outlook
Rentable spaces
- The Outlook — separate ceremony lawn with panoramic vineyard and Santa Monica Mountain views
- Stone Barn — rustic-elegant reception space with high ceilings (artwork removable for a fee)
- Open-air Terraces — cocktail and dining areas with expansive vineyard vistas
- Vine-lined Lawns — vineyard and olive-grove settings for gatherings and portraits
- Bridal Suite — getting-ready space in the barn with long windows for natural light
Pricing
Peak Saturday · About $13,500-$16,500 for a peak-season Saturday buyout
Off-peak · Friday and off-peak dates starting around $12,500
What's included · Exclusive estate access, bridal suite, table settings and chairs, basic lighting, in-house sound system, and parking; catering, bar, rentals, and coordination are additional
Catering & bar
Catering is selected from the venue's exclusive preferred list rather than fully open. All alcohol is provided through that program, with a minimum of three cases of Cielo Farms wine required and a $50-per-bottle corkage fee for outside wine. Custom tenting and rentals run through the venue's preferred rental partner.
Rules & restrictions
- Amplified-music curfew at 10 p.m., with a silent-disco option from 10-11 p.m.
- An in-house sound engineer is mandatory to monitor decibel compliance
- Rentals and transportation are exclusive to the venue's preferred partners
- A minimum three-case purchase of Cielo Farms wine is required; $50 corkage on outside wine
- A licensed professional coordinator is required on a minimum three-month contract
- Parking requires attendants or full valet; fire pits must stay on the deck
Getting ready, parking & access
Getting ready space · Bridal suite in the barn; hair and makeup can start at 10 a.m.
Parking · Two on-site parking lots; attendants or full valet service required
Load-in · Earliest vendor setup at 10 a.m., with a Cielo representative on site one hour prior
How to book
Booking is handled directly with Cielo Farms (Woodstock Malibu). Reach out through the venue's website to check availability and request a quote, as pricing is not publicly listed and varies by day and season. Peak summer Saturdays are the most in-demand, so inquire early; expect an exclusive-buyout fee plus a required licensed coordinator on at least a three-month contract.
Photographing Cielo Farms
Cielo Farms is built for dramatic imagery: The Outlook frames couples against rows of vines and the Santa Monica Mountains, while the terraces open to sweeping valley vistas ideal for wide establishing shots. The stone barn's high ceilings and warm textures give a rustic-elegant interior look, and the pond and stone arch add intimate garden settings.
Golden hour is the signature moment here, with low sun raking across the vineyards, olive trees, and open fields for glowing portraits. The bridal suite's long windows provide soft, directional light for getting-ready photos earlier in the day.
Engagement sessions at Cielo Farms
Engagement sessions take full advantage of the hilltop vineyard, with rows of vines, olive groves, and mountain horizons as backdrops.
Best time · Golden hour for warm light across the vines and mountains
Permit/fee · Arranged directly with the estate as a private property; no public permit
Standout spots · The Outlook ceremony lawn, terrace vistas, pond and stone arch, open vineyard rows
Schedule a session window with the venue and target the hour before sunset for the strongest wine-country light.
What couples love
- Panoramic Santa Monica Mountain and vineyard views from a private hilltop
- An exclusive full-day estate buyout with everything on-site
- The rustic stone barn paired with open-air terraces
- Malibu wine country setting with olive groves and rolling vines
- Spectacular golden-hour light for photos
Good to know
- A 10 p.m. amplified-music curfew, with only a silent-disco option after
- Several exclusive vendors are required: rentals, transportation, sound engineer, and coordinator
- Alcohol runs through the venue program with a three-case Cielo wine minimum and outside-wine corkage
- Parking requires attendants or valet on the hillside property
- Pricing is quote-based and among the higher-end Malibu vineyard venues
A typical wedding day at Cielo Farms
10:00 a.m. — Vendor setup begins; hair and makeup start in the barn suite
4:30 p.m. — Guests arrive and are shuttled or valet-parked
5:00 p.m. — Ceremony at The Outlook
6:00 p.m. — Cocktails on the terrace, then dinner in the barn
10:00 p.m. — Amplified music ends; optional silent disco to 11 p.m.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Cielo Farms?
At 31424 Mulholland Highway in the Malibu hills, in the heart of Malibu wine country about a 20-30 minute drive from the coast.
How many guests can it host?
Up to 200 guests, with flexible ceremony, cocktail, and reception layouts all on-site and no minimum count.
What does a wedding cost?
Roughly $13,500-$16,500 for a peak-season Saturday buyout and from about $12,500 for Friday or off-peak dates, plus catering, bar, and rentals.
What is included in the rental?
Exclusive estate access, the bridal suite, table settings and chairs, basic lighting, in-house sound system, and on-site parking.
Can we choose our own caterer?
Catering is selected from the venue's exclusive preferred list, and all alcohol runs through the venue's beverage program.
Is there a music curfew?
Yes. Amplified music must end by 10 p.m., with a silent-disco option available from 10 to 11 p.m.
Do we need a wedding coordinator?
Yes. A licensed professional coordinator is required on a minimum three-month contract.
What are the alcohol rules?
Alcohol is provided through the venue's program, a minimum of three cases of Cielo Farms wine is required, and outside wine carries a $50-per-bottle corkage fee.
Where do people park?
There are two on-site lots, but parking requires attendants or full valet service on the hillside property.
Is there a getting-ready space?
Yes, a bridal suite in the barn with large windows; hair and makeup can begin at 10 a.m.
What is the rain plan?
Custom tents are available through the venue's exclusive rental partner as a backup.
When is the best season?
April through October, with summer the most popular for mild weather and long golden-hour light.
Getting there & logistics
Address · 31424 Mulholland Highway, Malibu, CA 90265
Nearest airport · Los Angeles International (LAX), about 35 miles southeast
Drive time · Roughly 45-60 minutes from LAX depending on traffic
Nearby getting-ready hotels
- Calamigos Guest Ranch and Beach Club
- The Surfrider Malibu
- Malibu Beach Inn
- Kanan Hotel (Agoura Hills)
The history behind Cielo Farms
- A boutique Malibu hillside vineyard and winery estate spanning roughly thirty acres of vines and olive trees in the Santa Monica Mountains.
- Recognized with multiple 'Best Of' honors from California Wedding Day.
Similar venues we love
More venues we photograph: Adamson House · Malibu Hindu Temple · Hummingbird Nest Ranch · Sherwood Country Club · United Theater.
Planning a wedding at Cielo Farms? Reach out to check your date →
