About Ranch Style Locations
There’s something quite incredible about ranch style venues. Most of these locations have very distinct vibes and energy. For example, in Southern California, it is possible to have a lakefront ranch with grassy fields and a pretty river that gives off amazing, stunning views for wedding venues. A ranch style venue has a rustic charm that is a feature of a gorgeous property with mountains and greenery.
Think of places like the San Luis Obispo, San Diego, or Greengate Ranch for a ranch wedding as a perfect backdrop, and you will understand how incredible it is to host a private event at such a venue. When choosing a ranch venue, ensure you have enough room for the guests, the ranch wedding, and the reception. Guests should be made to feel at home in the venue.
You can celebrate your special day surrounded by loved ones and family while you are rock climbing, horseback riding, or practicing archery. Just think of all the wonderful photos you will have together at your event. Since many ranch venues are nestled in Texas and California, you can also introduce your guests to some incredible cuisine and local culture.
Southern California and Texas are situated in prime geographical locations known for their incredible celebrations, and photos. If you are planning to host your ceremony, wedding, and reception at a ranch venue located at either of these places, you will not be disappointed. Since many of these venues have a great room, you can have an indoor ceremony and outdoor celebration.
Vineyards suit large gatherings and are ideal for hosting everything from corporate functions to family reunions. A wedding venue located at a farmhouse is sure to leave a lasting impression. Southern California barns also provide picturesque venues for retreats, conventions, and summer camps.
Ranch locations offer an idyllic setting, whether the chosen event venue is at California’s central coast, San Diego, Santa Fe, Edna Valley Wine Country, or by the mountains. A ranch house captures the beauty of nature while providing all the amenities needed to make any gathering remarkable, whether the backdrop has sun-filled valleys or snow-covered peaks.
The Best Events for Ranch Style Locations
- Food Festivals
Ranch locations are ideal backdrops for food festivals that bring together local chefs and vendors to showcase the best flavors of the region's cuisine. These occasions allow guests to sample some rare delicacies and more traditional options. It also provides an opportunity to learn about different cooking techniques skilled chefs use.
- Weddings
Create lasting memories against the backdrop of a picturesque ranch wedding full of rustic charm. Ranch locations double as dream wedding settings, allowing couples to enjoy romantic sunsets and idyllic settings. You can take ranch wedding photos with horses or even opt for a horse-drawn carriage to make your grand entrance. Round out the festivities with an outdoor ceremony by the lake or on a hillside overlooking the countryside, before retiring for a night of delicious food and dancing with your wedding party.
- Corporate Functions
Hosting a corporate event at a gorgeous property with lush greenery is a thoughtful way to reward employees and show appreciation for their hard work. A setting like the Greengate Ranch is befitting, allowing hosts to schedule team-building exercises, competitive activities, or even field days with obstacle courses. A sprawling property with hiking trails also suits such an occasion, accommodating various activities like eating, dancing, and setting up props/fixtures.
- Musical Events
The natural beauty of the ranch-style setting also provides limitless possibilities for outdoor entertainment away from the city’s hustle and bustle. A sprawling private estate or a barn with enchanting woodlands doubles as an ideal location for concerts and music festivals. The expansive grounds provide plenty of space for gathering crowds while comfortably accommodating sound systems, stages, and other equipment needed to put on a show.
- Wine Tastings
A vineyard nested in San Luis Obispo is the best setting to host a wine tasting. Envision hosting cocktail hour as the sun sets, taking commemorative photos by a large pond, or converting the indoor area into a wedding venue and embracing the rustic outdoors for the reception. The possibilities are endless, and a vineyard is also the perfect location for intimate gatherings such as proposals or milestone birthdays.
What to Look for in Ranch Style Locations
Besides serving as a much sought-after wedding venue, a ranch can host any special event. The Southern California options are highly recommended, but you can host a ranch wedding at a barn located anywhere across the nation, even in Texas! These rustic settings vary by nature, meaning they also have different features.
- Natural Beauty
When selecting a celebration space for a ranch wedding, consider the surrounding natural beauty. Look for a spacious location with scenic views, rolling hills, and diverse wildlife to enhance the thrill. If possible, book lakeside lodging, for overnight stays, so that guests can enjoy activities like fishing or kayaking. It's also advantageous to select a wedding venue with pastures and meadows, allowing the wedding party to include outdoor activities like horseback riding or bird watching.
- Space
A drive through Southern California or Texas showcases expansive barn locations. You want enough room to accommodate the expected guests and scheduled activities. Wedding venues with outdoor spaces provide room for large guest lists, tents, and seating areas without being overly crowded. Likewise, a barn wedding venue should have an indoor reception area to accommodate your guest list, adequate lighting, and ventilation systems.
- Accessibility
Barn wedding venues should be easily accessible. Consider potential travel routes from major airports, hotels, and other nearby attractions so your guests won't have difficulty getting there and back during their stay. If some will travel by car, look for a site located near good roads with plenty of on-site parking spaces or within proximity to the ranch.
- Amenities
Each ranch location offers varying rental packages, with many options featuring amenities that can benefit overall success and enhance guest satisfaction. Quaint family-owned venues typically have a rich history and offer personalized services. Ask about WiFi access, audio/visual equipment such as projectors or microphones, and kitchen facilities. Wedding venues typically offer a bridal suite and pre-set rustic decor.
How to Make Ranch Style Events Better
- Research
Before selecting and booking a venue, research the offered services and amenities. Most ranch locations bundle catering, canopies, tables, chairs, decorations, and entertainment into the rental contract. It helps to contact potential venues to discuss your wedding day expectations and how the property features can enhance your vision.
- Plan
When planning a ranch-style event it’s best to plan and think about every aspect of your event from start to finish. It includes planning how to get guests from the city to the venue, assessing parking availability, and security specifics if needed.
- Use Space Efficiently
Ranch and barn locations are typically spacious, which suits grand weddings or corporate parties. Rustic wedding venues typically provide different areas to host portions of the big day, but setting up the area requires efficient space use. Again, contact the management to ask what transformations you can make for the special day.
- Create a Befitting Ambience
Set the event's overall tone or mood by incorporating details that align with the location such as rustic décor or wildflower centerpieces. These touches bring out the ranch's natural beauty and amplify what is available. Additionally, consider scheduling activities like lawn games or horseback ride excursions.
- Consider Weather Conditions
It always helps to consider weather conditions when planning any outdoor activity but especially crucial when hosting an event on a ranch, due to its size and the open nature of being outdoors. Have backup plans such as rain tents or other outdoor shelters should inclement weather arise.
