If you’re getting ready to plan your dream wedding, there’s no better place to start your journey than Carmel Valley Ranch! Our 500-acre playground includes a variety of picture-perfect outdoor wedding venues, from expansive lawns to shaded terraces, with views of the valley, hills, and even vineyards.
When you combine this incredible setting with our fun group activities, dining and catering options, and all-suite accommodations, it’s no wonder The Ranch is one of the most popular California wedding venues.
The perfect wedding is about more than the perfect location, though—so here are a few of the top 2023 wedding trends that can help make your big day the best celebration ever.
Saying ‘I do’ during the day
A wedding can make for a really long day and night—even a ceremony starting at 5 p.m. can make for a 12-hour event when you factor in getting ready, photos, and other pre-wedding duties. That’s why some couples are opting for a ceremony earlier in the day, followed by a break for everyone to rest up before the party that night. Who knows, with a nap in the afternoon, maybe even grandpa will be on the dance floor at midnight!
Fewer guests—and more activities
A destination wedding means finding ways to entertain guests for a few days, not just on the wedding day. With a large crowd, that can be tough—and hosting a lot of people means they get less face time with the wedding couple, too. Having a smaller guest list can create a bigger sense of community, with activities and events such as game nights, group tours, and more.
Bringing back the big cake
Bigger cakes are, well, big again—we’re talking grand, show-stopping centerpiece-style cakes, with multiple tiers rising high. Customized with unique toppers and decorations, yours can be a fun statement piece that also reflects your personality. Your wedding is a big deal for everyone there, of course, but going over the top with your cake can help make it feel like a capital-E Event.
Going green
Many people are more mindful of their environmental impact these days, and sustainability has become a wedding trend as well—limiting plastic or single-use items at the reception, choosing catering menus that feature locally sourced ingredients, and using electronic invitations instead of paper ones. Even choosing an outdoor wedding venue is eco-friendly, because it reduces electricity usage!
Whatever your dream wedding looks like—day or night, big cake or small, large guest list or an intimate group of family and friends, we’ll help you achieve it at The Ranch!