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Carmel Valley Ranch Resort

Why We Like This Place

As we drive through the gate of the Carmel Valley Ranch, a large black-tailed deer nonchalantly saunters in front of our car. It’s a perfect welcome to this exclusive country hideaway, whose nearly 500 acres of rolling foothills are a breathtaking embodiment of the valley’s timeless allure. Neon-colored wildflowers pop from green meadows, rare California condors glide overhead, and countless oak trees play host to warbling sparrows and Steller’s jays. Just beyond, the tawny Santa Lucia Mountains take on a rosy-mauve glow as the sun dips below the horizon. So careful were the designers to maintain ecological harmony that the resort buildings seem almost sculpted into the pastoral surroundings by Mother Nature herself. The golf course is accredited by the Audubon Society, and native wildlife wanders undisturbed throughout the grounds.

Recently, the Ranch embarked on a spare-no-expense revitalization with a fresh design that puts a playful spin on Carmel’s signature style. The new décor is a warm expression of natural textures and earth tones, punctuated by the occasional rich, fruit-inspired hue or contemporary pattern. An extra layer of luxe has been added to this already impressive venue, making it keenly desirable for any celebration.

The Ranch’s hub is the Lodge, where open lobby and reception areas flow into the view-filled lounge and restaurant: Walls of picture windows look out to a turquoise pool and deck, framed by landscaped hillsides and a stand of oaks dripping with Spanish moss. The attractive locale, enhanced by fire pits and an Infinity hot tub, is perfect for a poolside soirée or rehearsal dinner. Another twist for your rehearsal dinner is to invite your guests into the Ranch’s Adventure Kitchen for a live cooking demo. The Lodge also houses two sophisticated ballrooms, which adjoin a partially covered wraparound terrace facing the oak canopy. A tall stacked-stone fountain splashes water into a rectangular pool, making the terrace a refreshing place for cocktail mixers. Social hours can also convene beneath an adjacent pavilion.

The Ranch’s most popular ceremony site is the River Lawn, a sweep of grass crowned by a froth of seashell-pink climbing roses. Lavender-spiked hedgerows along the perimeter cast a delicate perfume on the air, and a backdrop of forested hills completes the pretty tableau. And since we’re in the heart of Carmel Valley Wine Country, why not wed on the resort’s new Vineyard Lawn, surrounded by over four acres of Pinot Noir grapevines?

For a reception with an indoor-outdoor flow, reserve the Golf Clubhouse. It boasts its own terrace next to the Valley Lawn (another ceremony site with lush mountain and canyon views). Wherever you celebrate on the property, you’ll appreciate the staff’s personalized, unobtrusive service and expertise in organizing your destination event weekend.

After the festivities, savor some alone time in your spacious luxury suite; actually, ALL the accommodations are suites with cathedral ceilings, cozy fireplaces and balconies for soaking up the valley vista. Though the rooms convey a soothing understated elegance, they include up-to-the-minute amenities embodying the latest technological advances.

If this isn’t enough pampering, the resort’s Spa Aiyana, a new 10,000-square-foot facility, offers an exhilarating menu of services and includes a salon, fireplace suites and treetop fitness center. Ahhh, what a sublime way to round out your extraordinary Carmel Valley Ranch experience!

Capacity

Ceremony	Reception/Special Events	Meetings
Max. Seated Indoors: 250 Max. Seated Outdoors: 400	Max. Seated Indoors: 220 Max. Seated Outdoors: 300 Max. Standing Indoors: 300 Max. Standing Outdoors: 400	Max. Seated: 250
CEREMONY CAPACITY: The resort accommodates up to 250 seated guests indoors and 400 outdoors. EVENT/RECEPTION CAPACITY: The resort holds 220 seated indoors and 300 outdoors; 300 standing indoors and 400 outdoors. MEETING CAPACITY: The resort accommodates 250 seated guests.

Fees & Deposits

A deposit equal to the site fee plus 10% of the estimated food and beverage cost is required to reserve your date. The balance is due according to your customized deposit schedule as agreed upon in your contract. Site fees start at $5,000, depending on venue selection. Dinners start at $80/person. Tax, alcohol and a 21% service charge are additional.

Availability

Year-round, daily, 6am-11pm.

Catering Provided Alcohol Provided Location Uses Ceremonies Wedding Receptions Special Events, Parties Business Functions/Meetings Rehearsal Dinners On-Site Accommodations Services/Amenities Catering: provided Kitchen Facilities: yes Tables & Chairs: provided Linens, Silver, etc.: provided Restrooms: wheelchair accessible Dance Floor: provided, portable CBA Bride’s & Groom’s Dressing Area: CBA Meeting Equipment: provided Parking: large lot, self-parking, valet parking Accommodations: 139 guest suites Telephone: house and office phones Outdoor Night Lighting: CBA Outdoor Cooking Facilities: BBQ CBA Cleanup: provided View: landscaped grounds, garden, forest, mountains, golf course, vineyards Other: spa services, AV equipment

Amplified Music Indoors Outdoors w/ Restrictions Wheelchair Access Wheelchair Accessible Site Views Forest/Wooded Area Garden Garden Patio/Courtyard Golf Course Fairways Hills Landscaped Grounds Mountains Panoramic Valley Vineyards Venue Type Banquet Hall/Events Facility Hotel Resort/Spa Restrictions Alcohol: provided Smoking: outside only Music: amplified OK with restrictions Wheelchair Access: yes Insurance: not required

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