As the Location Scout for Here Comes The Guide, I’m always on the lookout for really intriguing or unusual places where brides or meeting planners can hold their weddings or events. Going to the free concerts at Rancho La Patera & Stow House seems like a wonderful way to check out an event site. If you make it to any of these concerts at the Ranch or have visited this property, let us know what you think of the place. Should we include them in our next book or on our website?
Are there other amazing places we need to know about that you can personally recommend to us? Let us know.
Thanks to a recent California court ruling, same-sex couples are now flocking to local venues to formalize their commitments.
As a close friend of several gay couples who’ve been struggling for this opportunity for years, I was particularly touched to hear from a few locations who are clamoring to perform these special ceremonies: namely, the MacArthur Place Hotel in Wine Country and the Wildwood Retreat Center in the secluded Russian River area. Down the California coast, the Unitarian Society in Santa Barbara was flooded with inquiries last month when the Supreme Court presented its decision. Same-sex couples might also want to check out the Wyndham in Orange County. After personally speaking with members of the staff at each of these places, I am confident they would create a warm, welcoming atmosphere for all couples—not to mention a truly memorable event.
For a romantic “just the two of us” wedding, I particularly like the elopement package at MacArthur Place Hotel. It includes two nights in a deluxe suite, a complete wedding, bouquets and/or boutonnières, a small wedding cake, a bottle of sparkling wine with chocolate-dipped strawberries, and a blissful couples massage at their garden spa.
I’d really love to hear from our readers in both No Cal and So Cal about other locations specifically welcoming same-sex celebrants. Please add your comments to let me know.
Being an adventure junkie who loves all things untraditional, this is my idea of a really exciting rehearsal dinner on the town! Where do I sign up? Wait, 8 hours without a restroom. Hmmm. Probably not for me!