Morgan Run Club and Resort 5690 Cancha de Golf • Rancho Santa Fe • California 92056

Hidden in the desirable community of Rancho Santa Fe, with the air of Hollywood's historic glamour all around, you will find your intimate wedding venue at Morgan Run Club & Resort.

Located just three miles from the Pacific Ocean and a half hour from Downtown San Diego, this private country club and resort is, fortuitously, available to the public for special events. As you drive up, you catch sight of the 27-hole golf course on your right and, straight ahead, the gray-and-white clubhouse with its cupola, clock tower and flags—all a bit reminiscent of the great horse ranches back East (not surprising considering the area’s love of horses and the resort’s proximity to the beautiful Del Mar race track).

Behind the clubhouse, a vast sea of green spreads before you, encompassing acres of manicured fairways. The Morgan Lawn, a large grassy swath near the putting green, is a premier ceremony site with panoramic views that include stands of oak, palm and pepper trees. In fact, two tall, slender palms, their trunks nearly touching as they rise to the sky, form a distinctive backdrop to the altar as you exchange vows.

The adjacent, raised Morgan Patio is the scene for congratulatory toasts. Family and friends can mingle over cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, while you and your photographer hop into a golf cart to take pictures out on the golf course. Then, as night falls, tiki torches are lit along with the fire pit, and the twinkle lights wrapped around nearby trees begin to sparkle.

Dinner and dancing follow in the large ballroom, which overlooks the patio on one side and the club’s front entry on the other. Elegant, milk-glass chandeliers hang from the vaulted ceiling, and decorative white molding adds a nice contrast to the muted earth tones of the carpet. There are several alcoves off the main room that can be set up for beverage service or dessert tables, creating nice little conversation areas. And, once your party begins to wind down, if you just don’t want the evening to end you’re welcome to head on over to the Members Bar for an after-hours nightcap.

If you’re in the mood for a more pastoral affair, consider holding your ceremony and/or reception outdoors on the Glenbriar Lawn, which is often used as a VIP area during major golf tournaments. Nestled between the guest buildings, this pretty site has borders of colorful flowers and wide-open views of the 18th hole and distant hills.

The resort can also arrange a casual rehearsal dinner or bridal shower at the outdoor pool, adding a touch of fun by serving finger food. And while the bride is spending some quality time at the spa, the groom can enjoy a little down time with his buddies by hosting his own outing. Out-of-town guests who choose to stay overnight in one of the 68 rooms or suites will no doubt appreciate their member-for-a-day privileges, which allow access to the full spa and fitness center (complete with a Pilates studio), turning your celebration into an indulgent getaway.