Rancho Las Lomas 19191 Lawrence Canyon • Silverado • California 92676

Nestled among the rolling hills of South Orange County, the 32-acre Rancho Las Lomas is a testimony to the charms of early California. Surrounded by orange groves and flowering shrubs, the hacienda-style buildings of the ranch sit under the cooling shade of towering oak and sycamore trees, and are connected by terracotta walkways and bridges. Guests can take enchanted strolls through the grounds—redolent of orange blossoms and lush with botanical garden-quality flora.

On a plateau at the top of a gentle slope is the Grand Salon, a spacious light-filled room with a big stone fireplace as its stunning centerpiece. The combination of white stucco walls, beamed ceiling, terracotta floor and wood-framed windows makes the Salon ideal for all types of gatherings. And with the adjoining patio, adorned with a sparkling blue-tile reflecting pool, you can easily have an indoor/outdoor reception.

Smaller affairs are often held in Rick's Cafe, a four-level Casablanca-style villa built into the hillside just beyond the Grand Salon patio. An oak bar, a rough-hewn beamed ceiling, stone fireplace, and an eclectic mix of Victorian antiques in its many inviting conversation nooks, create an intimate atmosphere for parties.

The venue's newest space is La Terraza, an open-air cobblestone terrace bordered by California Oaks and native cactus. Large enough for hosting weddings, concerts, gala fundraisers, and corporate retreats, it's the perfect place for dining under the stars. It's also a charming spot for saying "I do": Here, the bride begins her grand entrance at the top of a hill, descending a wide, rustic wood staircase until she reaches her guests seated below. When glowing candles are placed on the stairs, the scene is positively romantic.

Wedding ceremonies also take place in the Teatro, an open-air theater with a marble stage, stone patio and bubbling fountains. The cozy Casa Bonita next door, which has full-length mirrors plus a makeup area and parlor with fireplace, is one of the loveliest bride's dressing rooms we've seen.

Everything at Rancho Las Lomas has been carefully conceived and realized, from its blossoming foliage to the abundance of hand-painted tile. If you're looking for a simply sensational setting, this is it.