Planning a Leo Carrillo Ranch Wedding? In this guide, I'm going to cover everything you need to know about planning your day there! I am a wedding photographer located in Southern California and this is one of my favorite wedding venues. You'll soon see why!
Best Timeline for Your Leo Carrillo Ranch Wedding
Below is my recommended wedding day timeline for a wedding specifically at the Leo Carrillo Ranch. Let’s say your ceremony start time is at 5:00 pm. Here’s my recommended timeline for that.
9:00 – 12:30 – Hair/Makeup (This start time will vary depending on how many people will be getting their hair/makeup done; typically, the bride is last. This can also be done at the Leo Carrillo Ranch since they provide a getting ready space)
12:00 – Photographer(s) Arrive at Leo Carrillo Ranch
12:00 – 12:40 – Details (Dress, shoes, rings, etc.)
12:45 – 1:45 – 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.
1:45 – 2:45 – First Look + Couple Portraits
2:45 – 3:15 – Wedding Party Portraits (More time is needed here is there is no second photographer)
3:15 – 3:45 – Family Portraits
3:45 – 4:40 – Buffer Time (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.)
Crucial Things to Know About this Leo Carrillo Ranch
Catering Must Be Done Through Leo Carrillo Ranch
All Catering Services must be booked through Leo Carrillo Ranch. They are happy to accommodate Special Diets and Children’s Meals. Special meal requests such as Gluten Free, Vegan, Vegetarian and Child meals can be accommodated.
Is a Meal Tasting Provided?
Absolutely! Your tasting will be approximately 60-90 days out from your event.
Wedding Cake & Dessert Must Be Booked Through the Venue
While all cakes and desserts must be booked through the venue, they are happy to accommodate specific requests.
Are Children Allowed?
Yes!
Are Pets Allowed?
Unfortunately, no animals are allowed at the venue, with the exception of certified service animals.
Details on Your Wedding & Reception Timing
When you have a Leo Carrillo wedding, you will be provided with the following time slots:
- 1 hour rehearsal
- up to 2 hours of pre-ceremony use of the getting ready rooms
- 5 hours of property use for the ceremony and reception
- 2 hours for setup
- 1 hour for cleanup
Leo Carrillo Ranch Wedding End Times
Weddings at the Hacienda must be finished by 10 pm on Fridays and Saturdays. They must be completed by 8 pm on Monday - Thursdays.
Weddings at the Stable must be finished by 8 pm on Fridays and Saturdays. They must be completed by 8 pm on Monday - Thursdays.
Couples Can Provide Their Beer & Wine
Couples can opt to bring in their own beer and wine. However, all alcoholic drinks must be provided by the staff. Please keep in mind wine and other alcoholic beverages CANNOT be placed on the reception dining tables. However, table wine service is available with an additional fee.
Renting Restrooms
Please keep in mind that any weddings held in the Hacienda at Leo Carrillo Ranch Historic Park that have more than 130 guests must rent portable restrooms. This can be done through the venue.
Who Is Responsible for Cleaning Up at Leo Carrillo Ranch?
The ranch staff provides setup and cleanup for your wedding, with the exception of florals. Your florist will be responsible for setting up and cleaning up all florals.
Can We Leave Items Over Night at the Venue?
No, everything must be taken after the wedding during clean up time.
What Makes a Leo Carrillo Ranch Wedding So Special?
Leo Carrillo Ranch is located in San Diego, California. It's a historical park that has much to offer, including: natural beauty, unique architecture, peacocks, cacti, bougainvillea, and more. The property is incredibly spacious (27 acres to be exact) and offers a tranquil & serene atmosphere.
Best Photo Spots for Your Leo Carrillo Ranch Wedding
- In front of the Ranch House
- In front of the pool.
- In front of the arch with the bougainvillea. This is amazing for some colorful shots!
- In front of the large cactus
- On the walking paths
Interested in photography for your wedding?
Tips for the Best Leo Carrillo Ranch Wedding
Get Variety in Terms of Photography
- This can be done by scheduling enough time for photos as this property is huge and truly has so many spectacular areas for Leo Carrillo Ranch Historic Park photos.
Place Your Cake Near the Dance Floor
- Place your cake near the dance floor (not up at the ranch house). As a result, your guests won't have to leave the dance floor for the cake cutting.
Offer a Late Night Snack
- Consider offering a late night snack. Leo Carrillo offers some pretty fun & unique custom late night snack options!
Consider Having a Spring Leo Carrillo Ranch Wedding
- If you LOVE vibrant, colorful photos, I'd highly recommend scheduling your Leo Carrillo Ranch wedding date for Spring. The pink bougainvilleas will be in full bloom, as well as everything else on the property!
Include Lawn Games During the Cocktail Hour
- Since Leo Carrillo has so much space, why not make the most of it and offer Lawn Games? It's a fun way to have guests mingle during the cocktail hour.
Consider Renting Heaters
- It gets chillier here during Fall and Winter months. Because of this, consider renting heaters for the reception, especially during Fall & Winter months.
Is a Wedding at this Venue all Inclusive?
Yes, it is! Consequently, this makes the planning process much easier and saves SO MUCH time. They seriously take care of EVERYTHING. Read everything they include below.
Leo Carrillo Ranch Wedding Cost?
A wedding at Leo Carrillo Ranch ranges between $35,000 - $50,000 with the difference in price depending on several factors, such as guest count, decor, etc.
This is what is included within their pricing --- definitely leans towards being all inclusive:
- Getting Ready Areas
- Ceremony Space
- Cocktail Hour Space
- Reception Space
- Day of Venue Coordinator
- Catering Staff
- Rentals
- Appetizers + Full Buffet
- Linens, Napkins, Flatware, Glassware, Plates, Etc.
- Complimentary Guest Parking
- Rehearsal
- 7 Hours of Property Use (Not Including Cleanup)
- Use of Grounds for Engagement Photos
- Support Throughout the Entire Planning Process
- Timeline Creation
- Bar Service
- Beverage Station
- Complimentary Cake Cutting
- All Setup, Service, and Cleanup
- Chairs & Tables for Ceremony & Reception
- Table Numbers
Leo Carrillo Ranch Venue Capacity
- Hacienda Courtyard & Patio: 240 Guests Seated / 300 Guests for a Reception
- Stable and Corral: 135 Guests Seated / 200 for a Reception
What’s Something Unique Leo Carrillo Ranch Offers?
If you prefer that the venue host the bar themselves, they provide that option. However, Leo Carrillo also allows one to bring their own beer and wine for the staff to serve. Most wedding venues in California do not allow this!
Parking is also included on site, a great perk which often isn't the case at most California wedding venues!
Hotels Near Leo Carrillo Ranch
Perhaps you're having guests travel to attend your wedding. In this case, here are some local hotels I recommend!
Leo Carrillo Ranch Wedding Review
"Everything about this venue is AMAZING!! From the friendly and attentive staff to the venue itself we could not have asked for a better experience! The staff added all of our details exactly how we wanted them and we did not have to take part in any of the set-up, they did everything! Everyone talked about how our food was so good and the drinks were great too! Samantha Contrereas and Sam Lopez were over the top perfection! They were both so professional and lovely to work with! Thanks again ladies and to the wonderful staff who made our wedding the best ever!"
GET IN TOUCH!
I’m Elyana, a Los Angeles wedding photographer whose intention is to capture relationships in a manner that is artistic and heartfelt.
My goal on your wedding day is to make sure you feel beautiful, celebrated, and seen.
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