When Eric and Danielle said their "I Do's at the Holman Ranch , it was a fairy tale wedding in the most charming, rustic setting. The romance commenced with a sweet pre-ceremony encounter—no peeking! The beautiful bride, enchanting in frothy layers of tulle and lace, exchanged wedding day notes with her handsome groom, so dashing in his uniform.
The couple's sunny outdoor ceremony took place against the incredible backdrop of the Santa Lucia Mountains. It was a sentimental celebration of love and family, from the adorable flower girls to the touching photo remembrances. The group enjoyed a family-style reception and a few twirls around the dance floor before Eric and Danielle made their grand exit, driving off in style.
The Holman Ranch is a restored 1928 hacienda located atop the grassy hills of Carmel Valley. The historic 400-acre private estate was once a favorite retreat of Hollywood celebrities. The ranch was lovingly renovated in 2006, adding modern amenities but retaining its Old World rustic elegance.
The variety of event spaces can accommodate guest lists of all sizes.
Say your vows on the veranda of the Ceremony Lawn against a breathtaking mountain backdrop. The ceremony area, overlooking the vineyard and surrounded by California poppies, crepe myrtle, lavender and roses, comfortably seats 350 guests.
• Enjoy your cocktail hour on the Stone Terrace, just steps away from the Ceremony Lawn. Sip estate grown wine and perhaps appetizers featuring olive oil from Holman Ranch's own olive groves.
• The open air Rose Patio, with its rose-lined walls and potted citrus plants, can accommodate up to 200 wedding guests. The space can be tented in the event of inclement weather.
• The spacious Main Plaza connects the various event spaces but is also the perfect location for large, seated events. Your guests can enjoy a game of cornhole, giant Jenga or other fun lawn games in the nearby pavers area.
• Dance the night away under the twinkling rafters of the barn-style Carriage House.
What's included? Tables and chairs, rustic wine barrel cocktail tables, market umbrellas, heaters and fire pits. You'll have the services of a security staff, parking attendants and shuttles, a facility manager and event captain. The property provides on-site restrooms and changing areas, and electricity. There are no cake cutting fees and no corkage fees with a minimum wine purchase.
What do you provide? Your own wedding planner or coordinator, caterer, vendors (photographers, florist), music and entertainment, alcohol and bartender, flatware, glasses and linens.
A variety of wedding packages is available, including the Carpe Diem, a one-day, nine hour event. For more intimate gatherings of 2 to 50 guests, the Micro Wedding package offers a 1 to 2 hour site rental for ceremony only, or a 3-4 hour ceremony and reception .
Why stop with one day? The Holman Ranch is the perfect location for a fun wedding weekend. The property includes 10 newly-renovated guest rooms, offered exclusively for you when you book an event, including a 2 bedroom, 2 bath private house with kitchen. Your friends and family can enjoy a full range of optional activities, from skeet shooting to wine tastings and a game room complete with pool table, jukebox and wood burning fireplace. Enjoy a barbeque or pool party, nature walks and campfires. Check out the Wedding Retreat Package for a multi-day event for 50 to 500 guests, including a private wine tasting and wedding day lunch for 40 and a four-hour photo booth. The package can be customized with options such as welcome baskets, vineyard tour and picnic, spa treatments, and bachelor and bachelorette parties.
The Holman Ranch is handicapped accessible and pet-friendly.
