Rancho Valencia Wedding: a garden wedding dream comes true

Nov 13, 20244 min read

Our recent Rancho Valencia wedding inspiration shoot was nothing short of magical. Set against the backdrop of San Diego's lush landscapes, from the breathtaking Rose Garden to the elegant terrace and ballroom, every inch of this luxury resort is the perfect spot for an unforgettable wedding.

As Southern California's only Relais & Châteaux resort, it's a coveted location for couples seeking a combination of luxury and intimacy. Weddings here feel less like an event and more like an exclusive retreat, and we simply can’t get enough of this extraordinary venue!

The Venue: A Hidden Gem in Rancho Santa Fe

If you’ve ever visited Rancho Valencia, you know that its charm lies not only in its world-class service but also in its ability to create an immersive environment. The resort’s grounds are rich with blooming flowers, lush greenery, and Mediterranean-inspired architecture, white being just 15 minutes from the ocean.

Coming from a background in the hospitality industry myself (you can read about my story here!), I hold a deep appreciation for venues that excel in delivering quality service, attention to detail, and a seamless experience. Rancho Valencia consistently exceeds expectations in all of these areas, ensuring that each couple feels like their special day is uniquely crafted and tailored to them.

Now, let’s dive into some of the standout features of our Rancho Valencia wedding day by taking a closer look at the wedding locations and how they contributed to the overall experience.

wedding suite for rancho valencia resort

Stationery & Personal Touches: Crafting Elegance

One of the important elements in every wedding is the stationery: the invites are the first impression that your guests will have of your wedding day, they set the tone, mood and style of the event. Sweet Paper Weddings delivered a suite that was nothing short of exquisite. The invitations for our Rancho Valencia wedding featured a delicate sketch of the resort on vellum paper, adding a touch of whimsy and elegance. Greenery drawings ornated the invite, detail card and RSVP. This small yet significant detail set the tone for the entire wedding, hinting at the romantic, garden-like atmosphere that awaited the guests.

bride getting ready for her wedding at rancho valencia

The Ceremony: A Floral Wonderland

The day begins with the bride and groom getting ready in the spacious casitas. Each casita boasts a large terrace and private sundeck, giving each couple and their closest friends a luxurious space to relax before the big moment. The bride gown from ALouise Bridal’s Julie Vino collection, was wimsy and had delicate greenery fabric embroidery on from top to bottom while the groom epitomized timeless sophistication in a classic black tuxedo.

For the ceremony, the color palette was a delicate blend of whites, ivory, pale pink, and soft yellow, perfectly reflecting the blossoming season. The floral arch created by Mai Floral Design was a true masterpiece, overflowing with fresh blooms and setting the stage for a romantic ceremony.The seating arrangement was equally well thought out for our Rancho Valencia wedding ceremony. Cane light-wood chairs from Adore Folklore harmonized beautifully with the venue’s warm-hued surroundings, creating an inviting and cohesive aesthetic. Every detail was intentional, from the vibrant florals to the refined yet rustic décor, ensuring that the ceremony felt both intimate and grand.

san diego wedding ceremony at rancho valencia

The Reception: A Celebration in Style

The transformation of the ballroom was stunning. We used serpentined tables, complemented by an exquisitely adorned sweetheart table. The florals and textiles brought a touch of spring into the room. On top of it, the florals not only added a sense of renewal but also softened the ballroom's rich wooden beams and dark walls, creating a harmonious blend of natural elements and refined elegance.

rancho valencia wedding planner sets up a tablescape

European hints & shared love for tennis: The Clay Tennis Courts for your Rancho Valencia wedding

Our bride and groom enjoyed a moment of playfulness with a stylish photo session on Rancho Valencia’s clay tennis courts, a nod to their shared love of tennis. We sourced two vintage wooden tennis rackets that added a delightful nostalgic touch to the photos. The juxtaposition of the elegant wedding attire against the casual charm of the tennis courts made for a unique, memorable photo op.

clay tennis court at a rancho valencia wedding

Dessert & Culinary Delights: A Feast for the Eyes and Palate

No wedding is complete without the perfect cake, and Rancho Valencia wedding pastry chef outdid themselves. The wedding cake was a true work of art, displayed on an acrylic stand adorned with individual floral stems that echoed the springtime garden theme. Not only was it visually stunning, but the flavors were equally divine.

In addition to the cake, guests were treated to an array of mini desserts, including fruit tarts, brownies, and cupcakes, each carefully embellished with gold foil for an added touch of luxury. The dessert table was an absolute hit, providing a sweet ending to an already extraordinary day.

Photography & Romance: Capturing Timeless Moments

The beautiful grounds of Rancho Valencia offer endless opportunities for photos, and Mirelle Carmichael and Natalie Weldon did an exceptional job capturing the essence of it. One of the most memorable locations for romantic photos was the Olive Grove. The ancient trees, lavender, and tranquil surroundings gave the couple a moment of solitude amidst the excitement of the day. It felt as if time slowed down in this peaceful corner of the resort, allowing for a few precious, intimate moments. The Olive Grove’s secluded charm makes it hard to believe you’re just a short drive from the hustle and bustle of downtown La Jolla and Del Mar.

rancho valencia wedding planner and designer

A wedding at Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa is not just an event—it’s an experience. The combination of luxury, natural beauty, and exceptional service makes it one of the best wedding venues in Southern California. Whether you’re drawn to the blooming Rose Garden, the charming terrace, the ballroom or the lawn (suitable for larger celebrations) the venue offers something for every couple looking to create lasting memories.

For those dreaming of a wedding that seamlessly blends elegance with a touch of California charm, Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa is a venue that can turn that vision into reality. We can't recommend it enough!

If you are considering a Rancho Valencia wedding and searching for a San Diego destination wedding planner, you can book a consultation by filling out our questionnaire at this link!