Well, its official, summer is HERE in the Palm Springs area! Only about 118 degrees today. As you might expect, we get some downtime over the summer months which is a great time to catch up on all sorts of business stuff. Updating websites, catching up on blogging, tidying up offices etc. I’m working on all of those things of course, but I decided I would brave the heat and GET OUTSIDE and re-introduce myself to some new (to me) wedding venues as well as some beloved favorites. Relationships are everything in this business and its important to, at least TRY to keep up with not only all the cool fun, new places, but to touch base with tried and true hotels and venues as well.
So, this introvert put on her big girl hat and sent out some emails and made some dates to say hello to some lovely people!
I started out with a spot I had never heard of and its right on my back yard! Penny Lane Ranch… and yes, I totally forgot to take any photos while I was there. Ugh! So I’ve linked to their website instead. Like I mentioned, it’s a thousand and one degrees right now, but Sara over at Penny Lane Ranch was more than happy to brave the heat and show me around the property. You guys, it’s absolutely magical! The views are spectacular, the barn is the stinkin’ cutest thing ever AND bonus, its an AirBnB, so you can stay right on property! Be sure to put it on your list of must-see venues if you are on the hunt for your wedding. Tell Sara I said hello! pennylaneranch.com
Next up was the Lazy C Ranch, another one that I never knew existed and it’s 5 minutes outside of Palm Springs! So perfect for that rustic, outdoor fun wedding. Nidya was so gracious, she gave me the grand tour and I was WOWED! It’s such a great spot for the right couple/wedding.
The pool area at the Lazy C Ranch is bananas! The pool is built around this amazing rock formation!. There is a wonderful enclosed area for lounging. Its also the perfect spot for cocktail hour or maybe even your welcome party the night before the wedding? All nestled against the stunning backdrop of the San Jacinto Mountain, just minutes from Palm Springs.
The ceremony site is absolutely spectacular. There is a set of steps and platform right at the base of the mountain, you can add your own decor to the area, or just let mother nature do all the work!
The open side “barn” area, for a coveraged area for dinner.
This little covered wagon has been turned into the cutest AirBnB sleeping space!
Next up we have The Ruin Venue. This spot is located outside of Pioneertown, Ca. It’s secluded, surrounded by the awe inspiring desert scenery, a true hidden gem. I highly recommend sending Jon a message and taking a tour, its well worth the drive! Plus, Jon is the most delightful man to chat with and very knowledgeable about the property and surrounding areas. There is also a cute AirBnB cabin you can rent if you want to stay close by!
Bring all of your creative ideas to this rustic blank canvas! The desert will do most of the work for you, its a stunning location!
“The Ruin” refers to this once forgotten homestead house which as been repurposed as possibly the coolest wedding venue for miles around!
Imagine saying your vows surrounded by all of your friends and family against THIS backdrop? It’s magical!
The coziest AirBnB, renovated and decorated by Jon. Told you, he’s so cool!
Ace Hotel is another favorite of mine. This hotel is just fun and funky and laid back and very hip! I hadn’t been in a while, so I messaged Serene Hersh to ask if I could come by and reacquaint myself with the property as well as meet her and say hello. She’s so darling and knowledgeable about the property. Here a few photos from a delightful wedding I photographed a few years ago. Nick and Leo were the sweetest gentlemen!
That iconic entrance to Ace, love those giant metal letters!
The ceremony location at Ace is gorgeous, it’s private and has the stunning San Jacinto mountain range in the background
And last but not least, another of my absolute favorites, La Quinta Resort Hotel. This hotel has my whole heart. Those white bungalows with the blue doors and trim get my heart all aflutter! This hotel is huge and yet you always feel like its a private intimate place. So many choices for your wedding and reception, whether you want to get married under the giant tree by the waterfall and have your reception nearby on the lawn or inside a ballroom, or a more intimate gathering in a private courtyard, La Quinta Hotel can hook you up! Like I said, this property is huge, with so many little hidden areas for your wedding celebration, so you truly have to call up Jasmina and check out your options!
I’m going to keep checking out all the cool, funky, fun and weird venues in my area and I’ll report back once I have. But for now I’m going to have an iced tea and cool down!