The Ranch at Laguna Beach Wedding
Venue Overview & Unique Highlights
Nestled between canyon and sea in Aliso Canyon, The Ranch at Laguna Beach is a reimagined luxury resort set amidst 87 acres of stunning natural landscape. It offers:
Diverse settings – ideal ceremony spots include the Harvest Lawn with lush canyon-golf course vistas, and “The Grove,” shaded by 50-year‑old stone pines like pictured above.
Elegant indoor and outdoor spaces – such as the Sage Ballroom, Canyon View Lawn, Harvest Lawn, and more, accommodating weddings up to ~200 guests. There is also an option to have a full buy out of the venue as well if you would like to.
Signature features – a half-acre biodynamic farm, sunset fire‑pit beach access, a year‑round saline pool with palapa bar, farm‑to‑table dining venues (Harvest, The Porch, Lost Pier Café), Sycamore Spa, 9-hole GEO-certified golf, and nightly live music
Sustainability – eco-conscious operations including on-property composting, glass recycling into golf bunkers, reclaimed water use, and support for local ecosystems.
Venue & Catering Cost Estimates for 2026
Exact pricing is dependent on what each couple chooses, but here are the general estimates:
Minimum food & beverage is: $45,000
Venue fee: $12,000
Catering per guest: Buffet $125- $150 per person
Plated $145-$172 per person
**Hors D’oeuvres & Desserts are an additional cost
Bar packages charged on consumption per drink: $7-$22
All food, beverage, and special arrangements are subject to a 26% service charge and 7.75% sales tax. There’s also a cake-cutting fee at $4 per person. Also their is an additional cost for staff, bartenders, and cooks required to be onsite for your wedding.
Overall for a wedding at the Ranch with ~100 guests, expect total costs likely in the $70K–$85K range.This includes venue, catering, bar, staff, and standard rentals The Ranch provides.
FAQ’s About Weddings at The Ranch at Laguna Beach
1. How many guests can The Ranch at Laguna Beach accommodate for a wedding?
The Ranch can comfortably host weddings ranging from intimate elopements to full-scale celebrations of up to 200 guests, depending on your chosen event space.
2. What ceremony and reception locations are available on the property?
The Ranch offers several stunning indoor and outdoor event spaces, including:
Harvest Lawn – Popular for ceremonies with canyon views and rustic charm
The Grove – Shaded pine grove for whimsical outdoor weddings
Sage Ballroom & Patio – Elegant indoor option with floor-to-ceiling windows and adjacent outdoor space
Canyon View Lawn – Scenic and secluded for ceremonies or cocktail hour
3. What is the venue rental cost for a wedding?
Venue rental fee is $12,000 plus 26% surcharge and 7.75% sales tax.
4. Is there a food and beverage minimum?
Yes. The Ranch has food and beverage minimum and that is $45,000.
Catering averages $125–$200 per guest
Bar packages average $25–$100 per guest
Note: A 26% service charge and 7.75% sales tax apply to all F&B costs.
5. Can we bring in our own caterer or alcohol?
No. All food and beverages must be provided by The Ranch’s culinary team, known for their farm-to-table menus and local wine/beer selections. Outside catering and alcohol are not permitted.
6. Are outside wedding vendors allowed?
Yes. Outside vendors are welcome, but they must provide proof of insurance and sign a vendor agreement. The Ranch also provides a list of preferred and trusted vendors who are familiar with the property.
7. Does The Ranch offer accommodations for wedding guests?
Yes! The Ranch has 97 guest rooms and suites, including studios and cottages nestled in the canyon. Room blocks may be arranged for wedding parties, and early booking is highly recommended.
8. Is there a bridal suite or getting-ready area?
Yes. The Ranch offers a private space for the bride to get ready in. I do highly recommend you reserve a room the night before the wedding for the groom to get ready in the day of the wedding.
9. Can we have a beach ceremony?
While The Ranch itself is tucked in a canyon, it’s just a short golf cart ride to Aliso Beach, where some couples opt to take some pictures. I highly recommend all beach pictures get taken before the ceremony begins so you are not away from your wedding too long while your guests are there.
10. Is parking available for guests?
Yes. Valet parking is available for guests at the resort. Event packages may include a parking allowance or discounted rates.
11. Is The Ranch at Laguna Beach pet-friendly for weddings?
Yes, The Ranch is pet-friendly! Couples have even included their dogs in the ceremony. Be sure to discuss pet accommodations and restrictions with your planner.
12. What time must the event end?
All amplified music and events must conclude by 10:00 PM, per Laguna Beach noise ordinances. After-parties can continue in the Sage ballroom or off-site or in a designated quiet setting like a hotel suite.
13. Do you need a wedding planner to book The Ranch?
While not required, having a professional planner or day-of coordinator is highly recommended and often expected for smooth execution. I personally offer day of coordination services for this venue as well as full planning and design. But The Ranch's events team can offer other recommendations for trusted local planners as well.
14. How far in advance should we book?
Popular dates book 12–18 months in advance, especially during peak wedding season (spring through early fall). Early planning ensures availability and time to personalize your celebration.
Local Charm: Things to Do & Explore
Attractions & Natural Beauty
Festival of Arts & Pageant of the Masters — a summer-long art festival featuring live recreations of master artwork.
Laguna Art Museum — California art spanning 19th century to modern, perched on a scenic cliff.
Aliso & Wood Canyons Wilderness Park — 4,500-acre park with hiking, biking, wild canyons, and diverse wildlife.
Nearby Hotel Picks for Wedding Guests
Montage Laguna Beach – luxurious ocean-view resort just minutes away.
Ritz‑Carlton Laguna Niguel – upscale bluff-top resort with serene ambiance, ~10-minute drive.
Casa Loma Hotel – newly styled boutique with stunning cliffside ocean views and artistic heritage.
Hotel Joaquin – a small, design-forward retreat with vintage-meets-modern charm, breakfast & yoga included, near Shaw’s Cove.
Dining & Café Favorites Around Town
On-property dining at The Ranch:
Harvest – seasonal, farm-to-table California cuisine with canyon views.
The Porch – open-air with fire pits, live music, light fare and drinks.
Lost Pier Café – casual beachfront café steps from the sand.
Off-property favorites:
The Deck on Laguna – oceanfront with fresh oysters & shareables.
Carmelita's Kitchen de Mexico – elevated Mexican dishes and a lively margarita menu.
Broadway by Amar Santana – modern American tasting menus with chef’s table experience.
Driftwood Kitchen – breakfast and dinner with waterfront views.
Starfish – top-tier Asian fusion, sushi, and creative cocktails.
Zinc Café – casual breakfast/lunch spot with bánh mì and matcha lattes.
Lumberyard – brunch staple with decadent French toast and scrambles.
Wedding Vendors to Consider
Planner & Designer: My Beloved Events
Photo/Video: Alex & Valeriia
Florists: The Flower Street
Rentals: Lopez Events Rentals & Theoni
Signage: Studio Restore
Hair & Makeup: RU Makeup