Rancho Valencia: A SoCal Sanctuary of Tranquility
As I drove through the gates of Rancho Valencia, I felt as if I had entered a true sanctuary—a world away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life—with air smelling of hibiscus and orange groves. I was quickly greeted by the staff, who welcomed me with authentic smiles, easing me into what true Southern California living and hospitality can offer.
Rancho Valencia is a hidden gem tucked away in the rolling hills of Rancho Santa Fa, California, near San Diego, and the chic beaches of La Jolla and Del Mar. This exclusive hideaway sits on 44 acres of lush grounds. The wild beauty of this land has been seamlessly curated, with manicured lawns and gardens surrounding each of the 49 hacienda-style suites they call ‘Casitas.’ Each suite boasts stunning craftsmanship, including hand-painted tiles and custom furnishings, which add to the sense of tranquility and elegance.
Additionally, accommodation options for couples and their family and friends include a 5,000-square-foot Hacienda. This Hacienda features three bedrooms with wood-burning fireplaces and private baths, a full kitchen, and a large backyard garden and pool area with an enclosed cabana, outdoor grill, and historic wooden table for eight.
There are also two residential-style villas, The Spa House and the Casa Valencia, that offer wedding guests the utmost privacy and seclusion. Boasting multiple bedrooms and a custom design, they are equipped with complete gourmet kitchens stocked according to the couple’s preferences. These options are excellent alternatives for smaller, intimate weddings or as a perfect hub for family and friends during wedding weekend events.
If you are local or planning a destination wedding, Rancho Valencia weddings feel tailor-made for any couple’s needs. Every aspect of this resort has been perfectly planned, creating a unique setting for your bespoke wedding.
Rancho Valencia resort also remains the only Relais & Chateaux property in Southern California, meaning the establishment is part of an exclusive international association of luxury hotels and restaurants, known for offering luxurious experiences and exceptional levels of service, cuisine, and overall ambiance.
One of the resort's hallmark features is its exceptional staff with a commitment to providing unparalleled personalized service. With the staff being dedicated to ensuring that every couple's wedding vision is realized to perfection, there’s truly no request that is too extravagant. Their mantra is simple: “No request is too great.”
The wedding team here prides itself on its flexibility and creative problem-solving, bringing each couple's dream wedding to fruition. This is illustrated beautifully by the executive pastry Chef Stephanie Tensnow, who invents one-of-a-kind wedding cakes for her couples to perfectly reflect their tastes and imatinations on their wedding day.
Finding the Perfect Ceremony Setting
I loved the versatility in ceremony locations at Rancho Valencia, including:
The Sunset Patio – The Sunset Patio is one of the most stunning locations for a wedding. It offers a luxurious yet intimate setting, with sweeping views of the surrounding hills, gardens, and spectacular sunsets. This outdoor space is ideal for couples looking for a scenic and romantic atmosphere for their ceremony, reception, or any part of their wedding celebration. With garden surroundings, it seats up to 150 guests at the ceremony. The patio is elevated, giving guests sweeping views of the surrounding gardens, hills, and the sky as the sun begins to set. This makes for a picture-perfect ceremony, with the golden hues of the setting sun adding to the magical atmosphere. After the ceremony, the space can be used for a sophisticated cocktail hour. It can be decorated with high-top tables, lounge seating, and subtle lighting to create a relaxed yet refined atmosphere.
The Croquet Lawn – The croquet lawn is set against the backdrop of the resort's lush, Mediterranean-inspired gardens, offering a beautiful outdoor venue with manicured greenery, vibrant flowers, and stunning views of the surrounding hills. This 9,000-square-foot space can be custom-tented or designed to accommodate larger-scale weddings and events for up to 400 guests.
The croquet lawn itself can be transformed into a magical space for the ceremony, often adorned with floral arrangements, drapery, and other decor that suits the couple’s style.
After the ceremony, the croquet lawn can easily be transformed for a chic cocktail hour or reception. Guests can enjoy signature drinks and appetizers while playing croquet or socializing on the grass. It's a great way to engage guests and offer a fun, interactive activity during the event. Comfortable seating arrangements, such as lounge furniture or high-top tables, can be arranged for guests to relax and enjoy the outdoor ambiance. For a more casual or semi-formal reception, tables can be set up for dining, surrounded by greenery and flowers. String lights or chandeliers can be hung for evening events, adding a layer of magic and sophistication.
The Upper Lawn – The Upper Lawn is set in one of Rancho Valencia’s most beautiful gardens. It can provide an exquisite setting for couples to exchange vows in front of their closest friends and family, with the stunning landscape as their backdrop. The elevated lawn offers sweeping views of Rancho Valencia’s grounds, creating a breathtaking backdrop as the couple exchanges vows. The Upper Lawn is flexible and accommodates intimate weddings and more significant celebrations. Whether you’re planning a small, private affair or a grand event with hundreds of guests, this versatile venue can be set up to suit your needs.
The Terrance Room – The Terrace Ballroom offers sweeping views of the resort's gardens and the beautiful California landscape. This scenic backdrop makes it a particularly desirable setting for events that want to capture the essence of Southern California’s beauty.
The ballroom features sophisticated and contemporary décor, combining neutral tones with high-end finishes. The design allows for flexibility in arranging the space to suit different types of events, from intimate gatherings to larger celebrations.
Outdoor and Indoor Space – Rancho Valencia seamlessly blends both indoor and outdoor spaces, with large glass doors opening up to a private terrace. This makes the ballroom ideal for events that require both indoor comforts and an alfresco experience.
The Garden at Rancho Valencia – The on-site farm at Rancho Valencia is a beautifully cultivated space filled with various herbs, vegetables, fruits, and flowers. It's an extension of the resort's commitment to sustainability and fresh, farm-to-table dining. The garden provides a serene setting, blending seamlessly with the surrounding Mediterranean-inspired architecture and landscape.
The resort’s chefs incorporate ingredients and fresh eggs from the garden into their dishes, ensuring guests can experience fresh, seasonal, and locally grown produce. This farm-to-table approach elevates the resort’s dining experience, offering an authentic taste of the land. The garden can also serve as a unique location for intimate gatherings or private events. Imagine a small, garden-inspired wedding or a cocktail reception surrounded by vibrant flowers and the scent of fresh herbs.
Beyond the Wedding: A Weekend to Remember
Rancho Valencia's commitment to ‘never saying no’ to a couple’s request sets them apart in the realm of luxury wedding destinations. This is not just about one perfect day; it’s about curating an unforgettable experience for you, your family, and your guests. The resort offers various activities to incorporate into your wedding weekend, from pre-wedding spa treatments to golf outings and group dinners. Rancho Valencia’s peaceful atmosphere provides the perfect setting for guests to relax and bond, creating memories long after the wedding day ends.
Whether hosting an intimate gathering or a grand affair, Rancho Valencia makes every couple feel like they are the center of attention, ensuring that your wedding day—and the entire weekend—feels as luxurious and memorable as you’ve dreamed, all in the Southern California sunshine.
Visit ranchovalencia.com for more information.
>Written By: Kellie Walsh
Photography By: Kellie Walsh
Additional Photography provided by Rancho Valencia