Finding a venue can be one of the most stressful parts of wedding planning. The venue is the answer to so many questions in the wedding planning process. What type of food will you have? Buffet or plated? What is the theme? Will kids be there? What type of food will be served? Next to dress shopping, I would say venue shopping is right up there!
In Southern California I am lucky to have millions of options at my fingertips. We could have a beach wedding, a vineyard wedding, a wedding at an estate or even a wedding in the mountains & not have to go too far. We tossed around a few options. Chris and I both love the central coast so we thought a wedding in Solvang might be perfect. But after a little bit of deliberation (and a few stress tears on my end) we decided that central coast probably wouldn’t be the best bet for a wedding where half of the guests are coming from out of state.
We discussed keeping it local to us & having it here in Orange County. (Who wouldn’t want to get married in Laguna Beach or Newport?) But after being canceled on three times by a venue for just an appointment, we decided we weren’t going to put our trust in them to make our day magical.
This weekend we headed down to another one of our favorite spots to check out an array of vineyards & even a farm to see if any fit the bill. Temecula is awesome because besides being an amazing spot for up & coming wineries, it has a ton of local restaurants, breweries, & tons of hotels for all of our guests.
Thinking of accommodations for all of our guests was super important for me (& my mom since she mentions it to me just about once a week.) I wanted to make sure that there was a hotel for every budget, especially since so many people will be flying to California for the wedding. Temecula has a little bit of everything, from boutique hotels at vineyards to budget minded hotels in their downtown area, close to restaurants & bars. Here are some of the locations we visited & what we thought of them. We definitely aren’t ready yet to reveal if we chose one of these, you will just have to wait for that.
Wilson Creek Winery
Will it fit our estimated 150-170 guests? yes
Do they have a separate kids menu? Yes, free for kids 0-5 and about $30 for kids 6-12
Are there accommodations on site? The manor across the street holds up to 26 guests.
How much time do we have to celebrate? Is there a fee if we go over? 10 pm curfew for any amplified noise for the entire city of Temecula. Inside weddings can go until 11, or if you choose to stay later a hourly fee is accrued.
Is there outdoor space? Yes, outdoor space for the ceremony, and cocktail hour
Can we bring our own beer, wine, or alcohol? No outside alcohol allowed on the premises.
Is there a day-of coordinator? Yes, there are three coordinators and there can be up to two weddings in a day.
Ponte Winery
Will it fit our estimated 150-170 guests? Yes, over 150 guests fit in their Vineyard Pavilion.
Do they have a separate kids menu? Yes, a separate kids menu is about $30 per person and is for kids 3-12.
Are there accommodations on site? A 4 diamond boutique inn is on property but they are not able to block off rooms for guests of the hotel.
How much time do we have to celebrate? Is there a fee if we go over? You cannot go later than 10 pm.
Is there outdoor space? Ceremony space is held outside as well as cocktail hour for weddings over 150 guests.
Can we bring our own beer, wine, or alcohol? No
Is there a day-of coordinator? Yes
Owl Creek Farm
Will it fit our estimated 150-170 guests? Yes, fits up to 300 guests.
Do they have a separate kids menu? Catering is not included in site rental.
Are there accommodations on site? There is a 6,000 square foot house on site for the bridal party and immediate family of the bride and groom.
How much time do we have to celebrate? Is there a fee if we go over? a strict 10pm curfew is in place because of the noise ordinance.
Is there outdoor space? Currently, 100% outdoor except for the house on property. They are in the process of building a barn which will hold 200 guests.
Can we bring our own beer, wine, or alcohol? All food and beverages need to be provided by a vendor or the bride and groom.
Is there a day-of coordinator? Yes
Fazeli Cellars Winery
Will it fit our estimated 150-170 guests? Yes
Do they have a separate kids menu? Yes for a discounted price.
Are there accommodations on site? No accommodations on site.
How much time do we have to celebrate? Is there a fee if we go over? Because it is an indoor facility there is no curfew.
Is there outdoor space? The giant doors can be opened to allow guests to go in and outside but the reception area is primarily indoors. The ceremony space is outside.
Can we bring our own beer, wine, or alcohol? Cannot bring your own alcohol but they can make a signature cocktail for wedding guests.
Is there a day-of coordinator? Yes, currently there is one coordinator on site.
The Cave at Oak Mountain Winery
Will it fit our estimated 150-170 guests? 150 guest cap.
Do they have a separate kids menu? Yes a $40 per child kid’s menu can be made.
Are there accommodations on site? No
How much time do we have to celebrate? Is there a fee if we go over? The package generally goes until 10 but you can stay until midnight for an extra fee.
Is there outdoor space? Cocktail hour can be outside of the caves but the reception will be inside the caves.
Can we bring our own beer, wine, or alcohol? No all alcohol will be through the winery.
Is there a day-of coordinator? Yes, with 30 years of Temecula wedding experience.
restlessretreat.com 