Are you planning a Malibu Rocky Oaks Wedding? I'm including a complete guide on everything you need to know in order to plan a wedding at this Malibu wedding venue.
Who Is a Malibu Rocky Oaks Wedding Perfect For?
Malibu Rocky Oaks is a great wedding venue for those looking for the following:
Couples Who A Venue with a Spectacular View
This property consists of a 37 acre plot of private vineyards with 360 degree views. Your Malibu Rocky Oaks wedding will have views of the following:
- Santa Monica Mountains
- Ocean
- Valleys
- Vineyards
Couples Who Want Everything to Take Place at One Location
Rocky Oaks Malibu offers simplicity and convenience in the sense that everything will take place at one location. This includes getting ready, the ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception. You and your guests don't have to drive around to multiple locations, meaning you'll have more time to just relax and have fun!
Couples Who Are Looking for a Destination Wedding Feeling
This Malibu wedding venue has a sophisticated Tuscan architecture. It will transport you and your guests to Italy without having to plan all the logistics of having everyone fly out there!
Couples Who Want a Backup Plan In the Case of Rain
Although Malibu Rocky Oaks Estate Vineyards offers gorgeous outdoor spaces, it also offers indoor areas. Keep in mind that this space can also be utilized for other parts of your day should it rain. This is always such a nice option to have for peace of mind!
Couples Who Want a Pet Friendly Venue
Looking to include your pet as a part of your day. That would be possible with your Malibu Rocky Oaks wedding!
Couples Who Want a Venue that Doesn't Need Much Decor
This views and ambiance that this venue offers is already so ridiculously beautiful, you really don't need to bring in much else in terms of decor to celebrate your wedding day!
Malibu Rocky Oaks Wedding Cost
As far as the Malibu Rocky Oaks wedding cost, pricing ranges from $15,000 - 50,000, depending on the number of guests.
Extras:
- Refundable Security Deposit: $4000
- Cleaning Fee: $500
- Site Rep & Security Guard: $325
- Minimum wine purchase: $250
Crucial Information for Your Malibu Rocky Oaks Wedding
- There is a 12 am curfew
- Music is only allowed indoors
- Couples can use their own vendors for this venue. In other words, the venue doesn't provide you with a list with specific vendors you have to work with to have a wedding there.
- For the best weather, this venues is best booked from April - November
- This venue is pet friendly
Parking at Malibu Rocky Oaks
Malibu Rocky Oaks estate has a parking lot located on a lower level than the main building. There are 45-60 spaces on site and these are included in the price. Additionally, there is a shuttle provided for guests, which will take them to their cars. This is such a perk since parking in Los Angeles can really be a challenge!
Best Spots for Your Malibu Rocky Oaks Estate Photos
The Getting Ready Space
The getting ready area at this venue is GORGEOUS! The bride suite is huge and gets the prettiest light.
The Balconies
There are two balconies at this venue that are an absolute must for some photos. Personally, I'd photograph the balcony from a distance to get some wide shots including the entire property + views.
Outside by the Infinity Pool
The pool area at Malibu Rocky Oaks Vineyards offers gorgeous views of the Santa Monica Mountains. I also love the pop of aqua and blue this adds to the image. It complements the earth tones of the venue beautifully.
On the Rocks
There a few larger rocks on the property that the couple can carefully stand on for some epic wide photos including the views! When you google "Malibu Rocky Oaks Estate Vineyards Wedding," photos featuring couples on the rocks is what most likely is going to show up. This space is where those epic photos are taking including the views.
Malibu Rocky Oaks Estate Vineyards
Since there are vineyards on the property, it's definitely worth taking some photos here!
The Stairway
There's a GORGEOUS spiral stairway inside the house that is a must for some photos.
With the Venue's Architecture
Since Malibu Rocky Oaks Estate Vineyards includes Tuscan inspired architecture, the building itself is really lovely and should definitely be showcased in some images.
On the Helipad at Malibu Rocky Oaks Estate
This area also offers beautiful views. There really is so much variety when it comes to Malibu Rocky Oaks Estate Photos.
The Vine Covered Doors
I'm aware this sounds bizarre, but these doors are technically the properties garage doors. And yet, they're super beautiful! They're surrounded by gorgeous stone in the style of a tuscan villa. They also have vines weaved throughout!
The Views at the Ceremony Site
This arguably one of the best spaces for photos in ALL of Malibu. It's a round space, so you'll get 360 degrees of everything!
Best Timeline for Your Malibu Rocky Oaks Wedding
Below is my recommended wedding day timeline for a wedding specifically at Malibu Rocky Oaks. 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)
12:00 – Photographer(s) Arrive
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.)
Unique Features of a Malibu Rocky Oaks Wedding
1. Destination Wedding Without Travel
If you're local to the California area and want to have a wedding that feels like a destination wedding, while making it easier for your guests to get to, a Malibu Rocky Oaks wedding is a great option.
It has a tuscan style vibe that truly transports you to the hillsides of Italy.
2. The Views at Malibu Rocky Oaks
The views at this Malibu wedding venue are unparalleled. You'll have a view of the mountain and the ocean. It's all breathtaking.
3. Infinity Pool
It has a gorgeous infinity pool overlooking the dramatic views.
*If you'd like to take a look at Malibu Rocky Oaks instagram, click HERE.
Tips for Your Ceremony Site
Since Malibu Rocky Oaks offers such a unique, circular ceremony site, you can get creative with the way you design your ceremony seating layout. Below are a few options:
Circular
- A circular setup where all the guests are seated in a spiral, circle around the couple. This works great for both intimate and larger guest counts.
- Since the ceremony site offers gorgeous 360 degree views, this option works beautifully in the sense that all your guests to enjoy a different view of the property
C Shape
- This is when the seating is placed in a "C" shape to face the views of the mountains and sunset.
- While all the views are gorgeous, if you'd like your guests to focus on the mountains and sunset, this seating configuration works best.
Fun Fact About this Venue
The Malibu Rocky Oaks was featured in The Hangover 3
Crucial Tips for Your Malibu Rocky Oaks Wedding
Change Into Flats for Photos on the Rocks
While these photos are epic, they are also somewhat dangerous. If you'd like to take photos where you both are standing on the rock, PLEASE change into flats or tennis shoes first. I cannot stress this enough! Your shoes will be hidden by your dress, so they won't show. It's not worth risking it in heels.
Take Most of the Photos Earlier in the Day or During the Golden Hour
Since Malibu Rocky Oaks wedding will be located on top of a mountain, it can get incredibly hot on the property during those warmer months. For this reason I highly recommend option for photos during the time when the sun isn't directly overhead. This will prevent unflattering shadows in photos and will help to make your wedding party and family members more comfortable during portraits.
Malibu Rocky Oaks Wedding Review
"Ok, this venue is insane. It’s crazy gorgeous. I don’t even think you’d have to do much more than put some candles and MINIMAL flowers on the tables. Anything else would totally take away from this amazing setting. You can also bring in your own vendors (from a pre-approved list), so you’re also going to have flexibility when it comes to your catering."
Perks of a Wedding in Malibu
The question should be, why not Malibu?
I love photographing weddings in Malibu for countless reasons, but the main ones are:
- Malibu is visually beautiful. It has sweeping sights of the sea pretty much everywhere. It’s many access points to the sea would make a great option for a Malibu elopement.
- Malibu includes a lot of canyons for hiking. I like how the mountains can be juxtaposed with the sea. It makes for really interesting photos.
- Malibu has an amazing wine culture. It has quite a few wineries, all with amazing views.
- Malibu has a wide variety of delicious and reasonably priced seafood. If you are thinking o having a Malibu elopement, you can always have your ceremony by the sea, followed by a romantic dinner at one these restaurants.
- Malibu is rich in history. It includes a lot of venues with interesting historical background.
To view my wedding photography portfolio or get in touch, click HERE!
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