I recently toured a stunning new location, Coquelicot Estate Vineyard, in Solvang. Located about 1/4 mile from downtown Solvang, its close to town, yet it feels like you’re having your event at a private, secluded vineyard.

The view from the barn has stunning mountain and vineyard views. The barn itself is 90 years old and features concrete floors and can seat about 120 guests inside.

There’s also a large lawn with vineyards on all sides that can be used for ceremony or receptions.

Some notes:

• Max guest count is 300.
• There is no kitchen on site.
• There are no bathrooms on site and would need to be rented.
• Tables/chairs/linen/china need to be rented.
• There is some lighting and power in the barn.
• Amplified music is allowed until 10pm.
• There is some guest parking nearby, but transportation is recommended.
• You may tent the law in case of inclement weather.
• Rentals can be delivered Friday and struck Monday.
• There is no getting ready area for the bride.

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).

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

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

About a month ago I toured a new estate, Rancho del Sol, which is available for weddings and overnight accommodations (sleeps 10 to 12 guests) in the Santa Ynez Valley. Its located on 220 acres in a private and gorgeous valley of rolling hills dotted with oak trees.

Above is the view that would be the backdrop for wedding ceremonies.

This is the area where ceremony/receptions would take place (cocktails would take place in the front of the house while the backyard is setup for the reception). This area could accommodate about 75 guests or less for dinner.

However, down the hill, next to the guest house, is a large field that could be used for events. In which case you could easily accommodate 200+.

If you opted for this option, I would recommend building a pathway to the reception site and building a sub-floor under the dining area. But as you can see the oak trees and rustic atmosphere is truly magical and very, very, private.

Some notes:

• For a small reception at the house, chairs/tables/china/linens etc. would need to be brought in.
• Bathrooms and power are available.
• Additional lighting would need to be brought in.
• Guests would need to be shuttled to the property.
• A generic kitchen is available for catering to use, but an additional kitchen may need to be brought in depending on your catering needs.
• For a reception at the field below, power/lights/bathrooms/flooring/rentals etc. would need to be brought in.
• There is no music curfew.

For more information please visit Santa Ynez Vacation Rentals.