Best Lake Oak Meadows Wedding Guide for 2024!

Table of Contents

31 May, 2023

Are you thinking of having a wedding at Lake Oak Meadows? Or perhaps you've already committed to having your wedding there? This Lake Oak Meadows guide is going to give you all the details on how to have a seamless wedding there! I'm a wedding photographer who has photographed a few weddings there and I'm sharing all my inside knowledge! Let's begin!

The Best Timeline for Your Lake Oak Meadows Wedding

Having shot over 250+ weddings at this point, I can confidently say this is one of the absolute best timeline options for one's wedding day. Why?

Because it adds breaks and buffer time for the couple to just BE & relax. This is usually disregarded at a lot of weddings and I don't understand why. One's wedding day should give the couple the time and space to really take it all in, have fun with their family & friends, and be PRESENT.

Below is my recommended wedding day timeline for a wedding specifically at Lake Oak Meadows. Let’s say your ceremony start time is at 5:00 pm. Below is my recommended timeline for that.

9:00 – 12:30 – Hair/Makeup at Lake Oak Meadows (This start time will vary depending on how many people will be getting their hair/makeup done; typically, the bride is last)

12:00 – Photographer(s) Arrive at Lake Oak Meadows

12:00 – 12:30 – Details (Dress, shoes, rings, etc.)

12:30 – 1:30 – Getting Ready Photos (One photographer is with Partner A & second photographer is with Partner B)

*Note: If you don’t have a second photographer, more time is needed here as the solo photographer will have to take extra time to document Partner A & Partner B.

1:30 – 1:45 – Time for the couple to just relax/hangout

1:45 - 2:30 - First Look + Couple Portraits

2:30 – 3:00 – Wedding Party Portraits (More time is needed here is there is no second photographer)

3:00 – 3:30 – Family Portraits

3:30 – 4:40 – Buffer Time - Relaxing Time for Couple (Super important to always leave buffer time within the schedule should things run a bit behind schedule. It also allows the couple to just relax more…the day won’t feel rushed.) If the timeline goes exactly to plan, the couple can use this time to relax or take extra photos. ;)

4:40 – Couple Preps for Ceremony / Photographer Documents Ceremony Details

5:00 – 5:30 – Ceremony

5:30 – 6:30 – Cocktail Hour + Couple Portraits

*The cocktail hour typically takes place during the golden hour (best time for photos because of the light), so usually about 30 minutes of couple portraits are taken during this time.)

6:45 – Grand Entrance

6:45 – 10:00 – Reception (First Dance, Parent Dances, Speeches, Open Dancing, Etc.)

Advice From Couples Who Got Married at Lake Oak Meadows

1. Go with Lake Oak Meadow's Buffet Option Vs the Plated Dinner for Variety

"Lake Oak Meadows offers way more variety when it comes to their buffet option over their plated dinner. It was so nice giving our guests a lot of options to choose from instead of the typical chicken or fish with potatoes option offered at mostly all weddings."

-Layla & Anthony

2. Request the Venue's Space Heaters in Advance

"It rained on our wedding day. Luckily, it was just a light drizzle, but it was still pretty stressful considering Lake Oak Meadows doesn't offer a contingency plan should it rain. Everything is outside. To help avoid this, I'd recommend opting for early Fall, like September - mid November, or May - August. The venue also offers space heaters per request, but these need to be requested in advance."

-Sophia & Mark

3. Make it a Weekend Event

"The best thing we did for our wedding was make it a weekend affair since we had a lot of out of town guests. The wedding day passed by so fast. Everyone told us this would be the case and yep, they were right! We had guests come in two days before the wedding and planned some fun activities with them -- wine tasting and hot air balloons. This created so many more amazing memories and gave us all a chance to bond and relax!"

-Layla & Anthony

Grandson Playing with His Grandfather, the Father of the Bride | Captured on Polaroid

My Personal Tips for Planning A Stress Free Wedding at Lake Oak Meadows

1. Note the Pros & Cons of Lake Oak Meadow's Two Ceremony Options Before Choosing One

Lake Oak Meadows is a large venue and has a lot to work with. There are two different options for the ceremony site. These include:

In front of the Lake

Pro: Gorgeous view for your guests. your guests will be looking towards the water during the ceremony.

Con: This area doesn't get any shade, meaning that there may be really harsh shadows on the couple depending on what time of the day the ceremony is held.

In front of the Oak Tree

Pro: Offers shade, providing more flexibility for being able to have the ceremony at any time during the day.

Con: The tree view isn't as distinctive as the lake view, but in my opinion, it's just as beautiful. It's just a matter of preference.

2. If You're Having a Wedding December - April, Consider Renting a Tent

Since Lake Oak Meadows is a completely all outdoor venue, I would recommend looking into tent rentals if you're planning on having a wedding during rainy months. While it rarely rains in SoCal, the possibility of rain does increase during December - April.

3. Keep Decor Simple Since This Venue Has So Much Natural Beauty

A Major pro of having your wedding at this venue is that it is surrounded by natural beauty, meaning you don't have to dress it up. I mean you can, but it really isn't necessary since it's already so beautiful. This means you get to avoid the unnecessary stress of things like extra decor, rentals, etc.

4. Make Sure You Request Heat Lamps

Temecula's weather can be quite variable, with warm days and cooler evenings, especially outside of summer months. Ensure your guests' comfort by providing amenities such as hand fans for the daytime heat and offering blankets or heaters for the evening chill. Lake Oak Meadows offers heat lamps, but you need to request them.

5. Incorporate Local Wine into Your Celebration

Being in the heart of Temecula's wine country, take the opportunity to feature local wines at your wedding. Lake Oak Meadows is surrounded by vineyards, making it fitting to incorporate a wine tasting segment into your reception or to select local wines to be served with dinner.

6. Consider a Weekday Wedding

For more privacy and potentially better rates, consider scheduling your wedding on a weekday. Obviously this isn't possible for everyone, but if you can manage it, a weekday wedding gives you and your guests the chance to extend the celebration and enjoy what the Temecula Valley has to offer over a long weekend.

7. Provide Transportation for Your Guests

If many of your guests are staying in accommodations away from Lake Oak Meadows, consider arranging transportation for them. This not only adds a layer of convenience and safety (especially after enjoying the local wines) but also ensures that everyone can relax and enjoy the celebration without worrying about navigating back to their hotels.

The Best Spots for Your Lake Oak Meadows Wedding and Events Photos

Your photographer will know the best spots for photos. However, here are some ones that come to mind that get amazing light (so important for photography!).

Outside of the Getting Ready Rooms

I would recommend taking any getting ready photos outside of the getting ready rooms as they are on the smaller side and don't get the best light. The space directly outside the getting rooms gets gorgeous light and is really pretty!

By the Lake

The lake is one of the prettiest parts of this venue and definitely worth using as a backdrop! Keep in mind there is no shade here, so I recommend photos here to be documented around the golden hour or earlier in the day to avoid harsh shadows.

The Cobblestone Path

Lake Oak Meadows Temecula has a spacious cobblestone path adjacent to the ceremony site. It's surrounded by greenery and looks out to the vineyards. The path reflects beautiful light back onto a subject's face for photos, which makes it a flattering location for portraits!

Lake Oak Meadows Ceremony Site

The wedding ceremony takes place on the main site of the Lake Oak Meadows, which consists of a green lawn that is overseeing a lake. It's a gorgeous area for some portraits!

The Vineyards

This is one of the prettiest aspects of the venue and should definitely be used for some couple portraits, particularly during the golden hour!

Tips to Get the Best Lake Oak Meadows Wedding Photos!

Have Your Photographer Use Natural Reflectors

When it comes to photography, I always recommend using natural reflectors. Natural reflectors include: light colored floor, stone, or gravel, light colored walls, etc. They are natural reflectors because they act as soft boxes in that they reflect soft light back onto a subject. This is really flattering and creates a beautiful glow within photographs.

Ideal Location for This: The cobblestone path at the venue!

Avoid Taking Photos on the Grass

Lake Oak Meadows has a lot of grass. Although it's well maintained and super pretty, I never recommend shooting portraits on grass. This is because grass reflects green onto a subjects face, particularly when the sun is directly overhead.

Time Your Ceremony to Avoid Harsh Light

Although the venue's ceremony site is absolutely gorgeous, there is absolutely no shade there. During summer months, this can cause guests and the wedding party be a bit uncomfortable when the sun is directly overhead. For this reason, I recommend having your ceremony closer to the golden hour (the hour before the sun sets), so that it won't be as hot for you and your guests. It will also help create better photos as harsh shadows will be avoided!

Are you in need a of a wedding photographer for your Temecula wedding? You can reach me here!

Or fill out the form below!

Lake Oak Meadows Wedding & Events FAQS

1. What's included in the Lake Oak Meadows wedding package?

Each wedding package at Lake Oak Meadows is designed to provide an all-inclusive, worry-free experience. Packages typically include use of the ceremony site, reception area, bridal suite, and groom's room. In addition, the venue provides tables, chairs, linens, and event staff. Optional extras, like lighting and décor services, are also available to personalize your wedding.

2. Can we have our rehearsal dinner at Lake Oak Meadows?

Yes, Lake Oak Meadows offers the option to host your rehearsal dinner on-site.

3. Can we bring our own vendors?

Yes, Lake Oak Meadows allows you to bring your preferred vendors to help bring your wedding vision to life.

4. How many guests can Lake Oak Meadows accommodate?

Lake Oak Meadows can comfortably accommodate a large number of guests, making it a great choice for both intimate weddings and grander celebrations. Exact capacities may vary depending on the layout and format of your wedding, so it's best to discuss your specific requirements with the venue's event planning team.

5. Is parking available at Lake Oak Meadows?

Yes, Lake Oak Meadows provides ample parking for your guests on-site.

6. What if it rains on my wedding day?

While outdoor weddings at Lake Oak Meadows are absolutely stunning, the team understands that weather can be unpredictable. They offer alternative plans in the case of poor weather to ensure that your day remains special and memorable, no matter what Mother Nature has in store.

7. Is Lake Oak Meadows wheelchair accessible?

The venue is wheelchair accessible, and the staff is more than willing to assist with any additional accessibility needs you or your guests may have.

Lake Oak Meadows Wedding Cost

A wedding at Lake Oak Meadows will range between $25,000 - $35,000 for 100 guests. The starting price for a ceremony is $2,495 and the starting price for a reception is $3,495.

Lake Oak Meadows offers meal services beginning at $100/per person. This includes the following:

Dinner services
Cash bar
Champagne toast
Coordination & MC services
Table linens
Centerpieces

Parking at this Venue

Accessible parking before and after a wedding makes all the difference for the comfort of you and your guests. Great news - this venue offers PLENTY of parking! You won't need to shuttle your guests for location to location, making everything really easy!

Flower Girls at the Ceremony, Captured on Polaroid

Hotels Near Lake Oak Meadows Temecula

Perhaps your guests are traveling to attend your wedding! In this case, here are my recommended hotels near the venue!

10 Fun Activities For Wedding Guests Near Lake Oak Meadows

1. Wine Tasting in Temecula Valley

Being located in one of California's premier wine regions, a visit to some of the local wineries is a must-do activity for wedding guests visiting Lake Oak Meadows. With over 40 wineries to choose from, each offering their unique varietals, tours, and tastings, guests can easily spend a day (or more) exploring the vineyard-filled landscapes and sampling the region's excellent wines.

2. Hot Air Balloon Ride

For an unforgettable experience, guests can take a hot air balloon ride over Temecula Valley. Balloon rides typically take place at sunrise, providing an incredible, serene start to the day.

3. Visit to Old Town Temecula

Old Town Temecula offers a delightful mix of the old west and the modern era. It's a perfect place for guests to explore, offering a wealth of unique shopping experiences, top-notch restaurants, and historical sites. Old Town also frequently hosts various festivals and events, adding to its vibrant, welcoming atmosphere.

4. Hiking in Santa Rosa Plateau Ecological Reserve

Nature-loving guests might enjoy a day trip to the Santa Rosa Plateau Ecological Reserve. The reserve boasts a diverse range of flora and fauna, along with several hiking trails suited to various fitness levels. It's a beautiful location for bird watching, wildlife spotting, and photography.

5. Golfing

Temecula Valley is home to several stunning golf courses that offer challenging play along with impressive views. From the championship course at Temecula Creek Inn to the sophistication of the Journey at Pechanga, golf enthusiasts will find plenty to love in this area.

6. Pechanga Casino and Resort

For guests who enjoy gaming, the Pechanga Resort Casino is a great entertainment option. As the largest casino in the state of California, it offers a vast range of slot machines, table games, poker, and more. Besides gaming, guests can enjoy fine dining, a top-notch spa, and live shows.

7. Spa Day at Grapeseed Spa

For relaxation and rejuvenation before or after the wedding, a visit to the Grapeseed Spa is a fantastic choice. Guests can indulge in a variety of treatments, including those that incorporate the local vineyards' products, like a rejuvenating grape seed facial or a relaxing wine-based massage.

8. Horseback Riding

Experiencing the Temecula countryside on horseback is a wonderful activity for animal-loving guests. Several local ranches offer guided trail rides, allowing guests to explore the stunning landscapes in a unique, leisurely manner.

9. Skydiving

For thrill-seeking guests, Temecula offers one of the best skydiving experiences in Southern California. Whether it's their first jump or they're an experienced skydiver, they can enjoy breathtaking views of the wine country and Pacific Ocean during their descent.

10. Visit to Temecula Valley Museum

For those interested in history, a visit to the Temecula Valley Museum can provide a fascinating look into the region's past. The museum's exhibits cover local history, culture, and art, making it an enriching experience for visitors of all ages.

Lake Oak Meadows Wedding Review 1

"If you're a bride looking to get married at Lake Oak Meadows we 100% say go for it. Not only does the venue have beautiful, well manicured grounds, but it's incredibly functional and convenient for everyone involved with your wedding.

What really helps is when a wedding venue is all inclusive, and Lake Oak Meadows delivers. The venue's getting ready rooms are right next to each other, making the process simple and convenient! Their ceremony peninsula is surrounded by sweeping trees and a gorgeous lake which makes for one of the most unique ceremony locations we've ever photographed! This venue showcases beautiful sunsets, an abundance of picturesque backdrops to take family and newlywed photos, and a convenient and beautiful reception space.

As a cherry on top, the venue coordinator, Angela was an absolute joy to work with and made the entire day run so smoothly. Having a kind but prompt coordinator makes a huge difference at weddings. Lastly, the food is really fresh and delicious!"

-Ariana

Lake Oak Meadows Wedding Review 2

"Everything was perfect, and I mean PERFECT. We have literally zero complaints or suggestions for the venue. We booked the Thursday All-Inclusive Package and when they say all-inclusive, it means you basically need to buy a dress, find an officiant, and get some flowers - because all the other big details, are taken care of by them.

From the moment you step onto the property, there is this "wow" moment, and it stays with you the entire time you are at the venue. Every single one of our guests (not kidding, every single one of them) told us how beautiful our wedding was. We honestly didn't do much in terms of extra decorations, etc. because you don't need to with the location and grounds being so perfect and breathtaking.

ALL of the staff at LOM were so great to work with. Everyone was there to make sure that your day was turning out just how you wanted it. They were clear about what was included in the package, gave suggestions on what other brides had done, and the whole "planning" process was extremely smooth. My day-of Coordinator, Hayley, was such a blessing to us.

She helped us with all of our questions, took care of everything on the day-of, so that we could sit back and revel in the best day of our lives. The bridal suite was perfect for hair and makeup for the ladies (and some awesome dressing photos for me in the dress), and the Grooms Suite had a pool table, huge TV and big leather couches to hang out on. In short, I will always suggest this venue to anyone, and I have nothing but positive things to say about the location, venue, staff, and the entire process.

All of our guests were in awe and told us at some point during the evening how amazing the venue was. If they are available for your date - BOOK THEM."

-Rebecca