Wedding Site Off the Beaten Path

Wedding Sites Off The Beaten Path…

How to make your wedding stand out – really WOW them! from all the rest.

Why not start out with a unique venue away from the maddening crowd?

Choose a place that’s a bit out of way, a place perhaps you’ve only been to once before – when you found that perfect site for your wedding. Perhaps a location that none of your guests have been to before.

Here are a few out-of-way places in California…

We’ll start with a B & B near the charming town of Mendocino in northern California. This is the Shambhala Ranch. Its unusual name comes from a “legendary Himalayan kingdome where an enlightened society lived by a set of Tibetan Buddhist teachings.” The ranch does vegetable farming, has fruit tree orchards, beautiful gardens, timber and farm animals. Here your guests will enjoy a natural and relaxing environment. You can also rent out all of the guest rooms for your party but please book early as they fill up way in advance. Extra guests can find a variety of lodging options in Mendocino or at Orr Hot Springs.

Jeans or tuxedos will be at home at the Shambhala Ranch. Wed in an intimate garden, a beautiful meadow, or the lush lawn overlooking the spring-fed pond. Your reception can be held up on the West Deck surrounded by wonderful views. Have drinks on the deck, then move indoors for dining and dancing. Their competent and friendly staff will provide you with a list of caterers, florists and other vendors to help in planning your special day. (For details see shambhalaranch.com)


The next choice is a pretty popular venue for weddings and special events so perhaps it’s not really off the beaten path. But, it’s too irresistible to ignore. The Peach Tree Island at Lake Hughes between Antelope Village and Santa Clarita. This is a working ranch with, of course, orchards of peach trees, and other fruits. The vast ranch has a private island in the middle of a small lake surrounded by weeping willow trees. Their event season runs from mid April to mid November.

There is a bridal cottage for dressing along with a groom’s cottage for the groom and his entourage. There are wonderful opportunities for spectacular photos both before and after the ceremony. Imagine walking over their wooden footbridge, watching the ducks floating beneath, and, onto the island for your ceremony. Or, have it in the Rose Garden with a gazebo facing the lake, surrounded by colorful and fragrant rosebushes. You’ll be delighted to dance under the stars following a superb dinner. There are heaters available to take the chill off of evening receptions. The staff will provide you with the names of vendors they like to work with. (Visit peachtreeisland.com for additional information.)


Next, we’ll travel into the Sierra Nevada Mountains for my personal favorite. Now, it’s a very, very popular place but if you’re from northern or southern parts of the state, it’s very possible your guests have never been there. It’s Bass Lake, located an hour from Fresno, in the Central Valley, and about 30 minutes from Yosemite National Park. This is like a miniature Lake Tahoe and you can get married overlooking the water. Ducey’s Lodge/The Pines Resort has several wedding packages for you to choose from. You’ll need a minimum of 50 persons for any of their packages.

Their restaurant will handle the catering and they have vendors who will come in and take care of the wedding cake, flowers, etc. There is ample room for dancing and your ceremony and/or reception can take place indoors or out. There is also an adorable little white church just across the parking lot – perfect for an intimate ceremony. There are many guest rooms at the hotel, many of them overlooking the lake itself. There are also several chalets which can be rented by larger groups. In addition, to those accommodations, there are many lovely motels and B & B’s in Oakhurst about five minutes away, plus individual and unique cabins you can rent in the area. I’ve spent many weekends staying in some of those very cabins. (Contact basslake.com for more information.)

Next is Rancho Camulos between Ventura County and the Santa Clarita Valley, a working ranch of 1800 acres. These beautifully landscaped grounds and quaint adobe buildings depict both history and a rural paradise. This is a preserved National Landmark that showcases our rich Early California history. Have your ceremony in a meadow surrounded by orange groves and sagebrush or next to a fishpond with a waterfall. or the chapel porch. This is a museum and they have several annual events so contact them to see when their venues might be available. (Visit them at ranchocamulos.org for detais.

There are many other great wedding sites that are “off the beaten path.” So, go and explore and find someplace wonderful for your very special day.