The popularity of destination weddings has hit an all-time high with more couples than ever before opting to exchange their vows in picturesque locations away from home. A destination wedding offers the perfect opportunity to celebrate with close family and friends in a unique setting, creating unforgettable memories. When it comes to planning a wedding outside of your hometown, you want your guests to experience a once-in-a-lifetime vacation with stunning scenery, exceptional service and delectable cuisine. One location that encompasses all of these traits is Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa, in Southern California, in the heart of Rancho Santa Fe. Read on for the top five reasons why Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa is the perfect location for the destination wedding you’ve been dreaming of.

1. Stunning Wedding Venues & Accommodations

Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa is situated on 45 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds, featuring olive groves, Valencia orange trees and lush gardens. The resort boasts 49 authentic hacienda-style suites, each offering beautiful views of the surrounding landscape. The resort’s most popular venue – The Croquet Lawn (accommodates up to 500 guests) is an ideal place to take in the setting sun for a large ceremony or to dine alfresco under a canopy of stars. For smaller groups of up to 50, The Rose Garden is a favorite. No matter the size, Rancho Valencia has ballrooms and open-air spaces fit for any style. 

If you’re interested in a buy-out, you’re in luck. The property offers three different private homes (The Spa House, The Hacienda and Casa Valencia) as well as The Villas, a twelve-room mini-resort in the heart of Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa for the ultimate “home away from home.”  

2. Exquisite Cuisine

At Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa, dining is a culinary experience that you won’t forget. The resort is renowned for its exceptional cuisine, emphasizing fresh, locally sourced and organic ingredients. The resort’s signature restaurant, The Pony Room, offers a sustainable menu of Coastal Ranch cuisine paired with thoughtfully created cocktails and wines. 

For couples planning a destination wedding, the resort’s culinary team can work to create a custom menu to meet any preference or dietary need, from intimate dinners to grand receptions, ensuring that every meal is a special occasion.

3. World-Class Spa

For many, a destination wedding is an opportunity to relax and unwind. The Spa at Rancho Valencia offers a range of treatments and services designed to rejuvenate and refresh. The spa’s serene “casita” environment provides the perfect setting to enjoy a facial, massage, body wrap or even an outdoor yoga session.

The Spa at Rancho Valencia is centered around wellness, and its yoga pavilion, Pilates studio and fitness center, ensure guests have access to a variety of activities to keep them energized and healthy during their stay.

4. Activities for Everyone

Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa provides a range of activities for guests of all ages. Whether it’s a round of golf on the resort’s championship course, a game of tennis on one of the resort’s eight courts, or a guided hike through the scenic hills, there’s something for everyone.

Soak up the California sunshine and rent a cabana for your group at one of two heated swimming pools providing guests with the perfect place to relax. The resort’s location also provides easy access to nearby attractions such as the beaches of Del Mar and the world-famous San Diego Zoo, making it an ideal destination for guests who want to explore the area during their stay.

5. Personalized Service

At Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa, personalized service is at the heart of everything they do. The experienced wedding planning team will work with you to create a customized wedding weekend (or week if you’re smart) that meets your individual needs and exceeds your expectations.

From selecting the perfect ceremony location to designing a personalized menu and arranging accommodations for guests, the team at Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa ensures that every detail of your destination wedding is taken care of.