Alisal Guest Ranch and Resort has had their decadent weddings featured in many national publications and highly-regarded wedding blogs. It has also been the chosen destination wedding spot of many a celebrity over the years. While there are many locations in Santa Barbara’s wine country that offer gorgeous backdrops for exchanging nuptials, Alisal Guest Ranch and Resort offers something unique: a variety of location types, exclusivity (more on this in a moment) and the legendary service of a major resort and culinary skills of a world-renowned Executive Chef. In some cases, Alisal Guest Ranch also offers guests the opportunity to stay at the same location – just steps from the wedding taking place. Convenience can be such a necessary comfort.
We are often asked about the difference between our two most popularly -featured wedding options: Alisal Guest Ranch and Alisal River Terrace.
The main differences are as follows:
Alisal Guest Ranch and Resort offers an incredible variety of epic locations that encourage many different event layout plans: from a Creekside ceremony to Cocktail Hour on the Grand Lawn, dinner and dancing in the Sycamore Room, which overlooks Creekside, to a ceremony or reception at our private lake to one of the most private, memorable and distinct wedding reception experiences: The Historic Old Adobe, where guests are brought in true ranch style via hay truck for an incredible night under the stars in a delightfully charming historic setting. With incredibly sumptuous menus designed by Alisal Executive Chef Pascal Godé and a staff well-versed in the challenging logistics of the entire ranch, a wedding at the main ranch is something that will be remembered for a lifetime by the bride and groom, as well as their families and guests. To host a wedding at the main ranch, however, requires a buy-out (sometimes partial buy-outs can be arranged- make sure you ask your Alisal Events Representative). The reason for the buy-out is simple: Alisal is not a hotel and includes many experiences in the nightly rate, such as a morning breakfast trail ride, incredible ranch dinner, and other activities. The buy-out ensures all guests are receiving the Alisal experience and it also ensures that the wedding – which often requires special set up and activities related to it- won’t disturb other guests who are not attending.
Alisal River Terrace is just up the road from the ranch. Also known as Alisal River Grill Restaurant, ART (as it is affectionately called by locals) is a delightful wedding location that offers all of the amenities , menus, and service of the main ranch, but a) without a ranch buy-out, or requiring guests to stay at the ranch and b) at exceptional value. With a charming lake just below the terrace for ceremonies and cocktails and dinner and dancing above on the terrace, the views of the surrounding wine country hillside are gorgeous. There is ample complimentary self-parking for guests, many event layout options, including the option of dancing indoors in front of the fireplace later on in the evening, if desired. Because ART is closer to the city of Solvang, if guests do not stay at the ranch, they can opt for one of the many downtown inns and hotels that are technically within walking distance of Alisal River Terrace.
To inquire on your Alisal Guest Ranch & Resort or Alisal River Terrace wedding or private event, contact our Private Event Specialists at: Catering@Alisal.com
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