…Is just as gorgeous as everyone says. Happy Monday!

Photo by Michael Costa.

Location: Gainey Winery

Located just off the 154 in the Santa Ynez Valley, St Francis ranch is now available for weddings and private events. The ranch is over 800 acres and features stunning views of the Santa Ynez Valley and Lake Cachuma.

This ranch is the home to zebras and long horn cattle. How cool would it be to do your bridal portraits with the zebras?

There is a lower and upper areas that can be used for the reception site (above is the road that leads into the ranch). The upper one is one top of a hill and has stunning views. Guests would need to be shuttled to this location and everything would need to be brought in for infrastructure (power/water/lighting/rentals/bathrooms/etc). There is a high knoll that could be used for ceremonies and has a view of Lake Cachuma. Given its odd size, I would recommend a standing only ceremony up here. Just down the knoll is the area for cocktail/reception. There is also a historic home from the 1880s with a cactus garden adjacent to the reception area.

The lower location features a large lake and tons of privacy. If you’re looking for a historic California feel, this ranch has that in spades.

Some notes:

• On-site ranch parking for guests is available upon arrival.
• Shuttles to the various sites on the property are required.
• Kitchen, rentals, power, lighting & bathrooms would all need to be brought in.
• A slight grade in the upper reception may necessitate building a flat platform for dining.
• Heels for the ladies are not recommended (it is a ranch after all).

If you’re interested in the property, contact me to setup a location scout at kelly@kellyoshirodesign.com.

Hey everyone, go check out my guest post on top 7 Santa Barbara Wedding Locations over on Para Ti Novia.

A few weeks ago I had the pleasure of touring a quaint new estate location in the Santa Ynez Valley called Goodgame Ranch. The home is the oldest dutch house in the area and was recently renovated. It is now open for weddings and over night accommodations (sleeps six).

The front yard features rose bushes, two trees and would be lovely for an intimate ceremony.

In the backyard there is a pool which would be a perfect area for cocktails.

There is a large grassy area that would work for dinner. There is also a barn on the property that makes a lovely rustic backdrop for photos. I think putting the dance floor down below and creating a lounge area would be fun for after dinner festivities.

Some notes:

• Maximum guest count is 100.
• All guests must be shuttled to the property.
• No more than 6 vendor cars can be parked on site.
• Amplified music is allowed but must be off at 10pm.
• For a guest count over 50, additional bathrooms would need to be brought in.
• Tenting and staking is allowed.
• Candles are allowed in glass.
• There is power & water on site.
• Two night minimums are required, & the site fee ranges from $3,500 – $5,000 for the 2010 season.
• A kitchen is on site; additional kitchen rentals may be needed depending on guest count & menu.
• Tables/chairs/linens/glassware/china would all need to be brought it.
• You may bring in your own alcohol.

For more information for pricing and availability please email me at: kelly@kellyoshiroevents.com.