Calamigos Ranch

Doesn't Recommend

Daniela C.

Joined 6 months ago

Horrible noise issues during our ceremony! They have a million things going on at once (4 weddings per day, a bar, a restaurant, TV shows filming...), and they could have cared less that extremely loud generators, which had never been running before when we visiting (certainly not during our rehearsal the day before the wedding) drowned out our entire ceremony! Their supposed wedding coordinator (Callie) just stood by and did nothing while my several of my guests got up themselves and tried to quiet down the noise. Totally horrible, way over priced. You an bet that your wedding will not be their priority. Go somewhere else!

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Dorsa

Joined 2 years ago

Do not give them anything for ceremony!!. We just had our wedding this past weekend on Oct. 29th. 2011. The ambience was beautiful and the surrounding makes all the guests asking:"where did you find this place?" My complaint was that the ceremony coordinator Cindy Liang was disappearing the whole time after the entire wedding party walked out. Our programs were dumped somewhere and only found after the ceremony was over. We quickly handed to some guests who may want a souvenir. But I am upset because I spent a lot of time handmaking them. I am so glad I didn't leave the escort cards with them.

The reception captain redeemed the company. The flow of the entree was great. We even ate some of the appetizers. My prime rib was a bit overdone and it was cold after all the table toasting. But I could tell that the guests were enjoying their food. The last hour after cake cutting was a little bit chaotic. The crews were ready to kick us out for the next party.

If I didn't appoint a point of contact on the day, I don't think it will run as smoothly. It's lucky that I did!! My advise is to find some friends or family handling all the paper materials or favors. Or have your florist do it. Do NOT leave it to the venue as there are too many hands dealt.

Doesn't Recommend

RREC

Joined 4 years ago

Horrible Venue (It's a 1960's equestrian campground). Attended a wedding here. Website made it look like a fabulous place. It is not. Run down, old facilities, poor service from an uncaring staff. People actually got sick eating the food here. AVOID AT ALL COST. Speaking of costs, it's really overpriced.

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tracy88

Joined 6 years ago

Great wedding with only a few hiccups. We just had our wedding at Calamigos Ranch, at the Oaks on August 29. It was truly a beautiful magical place. This was definitely in part due to our hard work. We brought in our own cutlery and plate chargers, and linens, as Calamigos offers terrible cafeteria style cutlery, linens. The place was transformed. We had an 8 piece band, Entourage by De Bois Entertainment, that played fantastic music. We still are receiving compliments and raves about the band and how beautiful the venue was. The setting is beautiful and lush and well taken care of. However, it requires a lot of "fixing" to get it up to speed. The process along the way was fairly smooth. Because there are several people in the weddings "department," I never knew who to exactly contact. So, I would contact a few of them and wait to see who responded first. Once, I received two different answers for the same question. However, this was remedied quickly withe the correct answer. At first their communication was slow, or nonexistent, in response to my emails and telephone calls. However, this improved quickly, after by accident I CC'd Calamigos on an email to a vendor, complaining that they never respond via email or telephone. The on-site coordinator is really just someone to make sure all the staff is operating correctly and that the tables are set appropriately. You definitely need a coordinator or point person the day of. I have to mention how fantastic the wait staff and head captain were for the evening. In perfect times did the head captain always ask if we needed anything, if he could help with telling the band anything, keeping me on schedule, etc. He was gentle, helpful, and amazing. The food was very good. Prime rib was delectable. We were supposed to have the pecan crusted chicken. However, two days before, Calamigos emailed me asking for the final numbers of "artichoke chicken." I responded saying I wanted X number of pecan crusted chicken and asked what she meant by artichoke chicken. I heard no response. I followed up after the wedding informing them that it would have been nice to know that our chicken was being prepared differently than expected, since we had the menus printed, and guest had chosen their meals. Still no response. We selected the chicken because it was very moist because it was pecan crusted. The artichoke chicken was moderate, nothing special, and a bit dry. A few of my closest friends told me the same.

Lastly, seems like an odd operation, but after the first few required deposits, the final payments were required in cash or cashier's check.

Overall, I would definitely recommend this venue because of it's natural beauty and landscape. It did require a bit of patience on my part to deal with the staff, but it was a good practice.

Doesn't Recommend

emilyweston

Joined 4 years ago

Horrible Venue. We had our wedding here and it was an absolute disaster. The sales people were unhelpful, the food was terrible, not to mention the price is ridiculous. Go somewhere else and save your money. Yes its pretty but that is all it has going for it.

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Zoeyriffic

Joined 5 years ago

Fabulous Wedding. We had our wedding at Calamigos. The location is gorgeous - we got lots of compliments. There were very few issues (there are always issues with weddings but ours were minimal.) We were all in all very happy. The staff is pretty accommodating. We took advantage of the overnight rentals and were comfortable and relaxed. They made our day special and beautiful.

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lauracmay

Joined 4 years ago

Greatest Wedding Venue. My fiance and I are getting married at the Ranch House in Calamigos ranch next weekend and I have to say that they've made this whole process very simple! They respond to all of my emails within the day and are very helpful when it comes to handling all the vendors, food, and guests for the wedding day. I would recommend this beautiful site for anyone who is looking to get married!! Ask for the coordinator Maria...she is wonderful!

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Browneyedbaby61

Joined 5 years ago

Perfect ambiance for an upscale lush garden wedding. I went to a wedding at the Cal Amigos Ranch today. Not knowing what to expect, I looked up where the event would be held on the web last night. I was surprised to see only one review and to be honest with you after reading THAT review, I was looking forward to being there as it was my nieces wedding and I knew that everything would be beautiful. I looked forward to seeing their waterfall and lovely, lush grounds (which by the way it is ALL true...it is beautiful there).but, ...I thought about the only food review they have had and I was less than excited to eat lunch there. When we arrived they had valet parking...nice touch. I was greeted immediately with the warm smell of a indoor fireplace (perfect for the outdoor setting). Indoors there was fresh coffee or refreshments before the wedding (and for anyone who cares..I LOVE coffee and the coffee was great.) When we were gathered for the wedding it looked spectacular.Truly lush surroundings with lights in the trees, arches of beautiful fresh flowers and comfortable chairs( and a hidden microphone for each as we heard everything. How often does that happen?) The wedding was FANTASTIC. Afterwards the staff immediately served champagne with fresh strawberries to toast the happy couple. The indoor reception was just a few feet away from the outdoor wedding. Inside there was a warm fire in the fireplace (it was a cold morning) and the atmosphere was perfect. We all mingled and waited for lunch while enjoying our family and friends ...and I must admit...I did remember AGAIN ...gray meat? Lunch was served timely and I truly don't know where they ate because there was not one thing I thought was undercooked/ overcooked or tasteless on my plate..it was actually very good. The chicken was tender and flavorful and same with all the side dishes. I would strongly encourage anyone who wants an elegant outdoor wedding to consider having it here. We had a lovely time and an honest thumbs up on the food.

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Contributor

Joined 10 years ago

Editorial Review by Citysearch Editors. Hold a wedding, conference or company picnic amid forest settings and waterfalls at this 130-acre Malibu ranch.