Condor’s Nest Ranch Part 2
November 1st, 2009 § 6 Comments
This weekend was tremendously productive for the wedding.
First, let me start by saying we went to Condor’s Nest and discovered that it was not our venue.
The drive to the ranch was interesting, it is right past the casino in Pala and in a neighborhood that is very rustic. I will tell you that the ranch itself is lovely. The ranch is owned by a very nice couple who live in Orange County and split their time between their home and the ranch. Condor’s Nest Ranch is home to a number of adorable fuzzy animals including llamas, horses, pigs, chickens and a handful of dogs. From talking to the couple, their affinity for antiques and adopting animals that have nowhere to go, is clear. Both things I have much admiration and respect for.
Condor’s Nest Ranch is a very rustic feeling wedding venue. If you want the run of the ranch, a large venue space, full accommodations, space for 15 of your family and friends to lodge in and don’t mind antiques and a western feel….well then this is your perfect venue!
They use the arena in the beginning of the ranch for parking. The arena can accomodate about 300 cars or so if I remember correctly.
There is a re barn on the site which has about 8 horses stalls and also keeps a large pig who recently had the most adorable baby piglets.
There is a tub right next to the bar which would be a great place to fill with ice and store all your drinks for your guests.
A great feature of the ranch is its rooms and accommodations for 15 people, which could actually translate to more people than that since it is so expansive. The rooms are all western themed and antique feeling. There is a John Wanye room and a cowboy room in the mix. Some of the houses have full kitchens and bathrooms so it would make for a very comfy space for your family or wedding party.
This is the newest addition to the ranch and will be the new greenhouse where the owners are toying with the idea of growing centerpieces on site for weddings.
This room is an old slaughterhouse converted to a house dedicated for the dogs on the ranch. I couldn’t stay in this room for long because I have a very vivid imagination and was getting much to into the “slaughterhouse idea.”
Here is the great tree that you could get married under. It looks out unto an amazing view of the valley.
This is the main house where your guests will enter and then proceed outside. The main house has many rooms, bathrooms and a full kitchen. It also has a large flat screen television and wireless internet.
While the Condor’s Nest didn’t have the rustic romantic feel I was looking for it is a very unique venue. If you want a ranch feel this is your place. A lovely couple, an expansive canvas and accommodations make this a great pick.
Pricing Information:
Package 1 – The Perfect Day Package $12,500 (includes tax and everything listed!)
Wedding Ceremony Site for up to 100 guests - no time limit.
Reception Site for up to 100 guests – no time limit!
Lodging in the main house (6,000 square feet) - 1 Night (sleeps 10)
Tables for Reception – 60″ round tables OR 8 ft. Long Tables (your choice)
Gold Chiavari “Bamboo” chairs
White Hotel Linens – full length tablecloths and napkins
Wedding Coordinator for Day Of! 8 hours on your big day, plus 2 hours ahead of time coordination (email/phone/meeting)!
Heirloom Silver Flatware - Beautifully mismatched!
Heirloom Dinner Plates – Beautifully mismatched China!
Large Glass Vases (if needed) for each table (fill them with your favorite flowers)
White Wooden Folding Chairs with pad for the Wedding Ceremony
15 x 15 Dance Floor
Catered Food – Santa Maria Style Barbecued Tri-Tip and Chicken, garden-fresh salad, garlic (or plain) mashed potatoes, pinquito beans, garlic bread, barbecue sauce! (other menu’s offered, please inquire -some require an additional fee)
Set up and take down and clean up
Bartender for 5 hours (does not include drinks or alcohol, you purchase he or she will serve) *additional hours can be added for an additional fee
DJ, sound system and microphone for 5 hours -reception! *additional hours can be added for an additional fee including Wedding Music for ceremony for an additional fee!
Outside lighting – string lights!
Outdoor Commercial Heaters Available if needed (3)
40 cup coffee maker
Cleaning Fee included
Event Insurance included
All taxes AND gratuities included, no extra fees! no cake cutting or corking or whatever!!!
EXTRA LODGING MAY BE ADDED FOR $350 PER NIGHT FOR COTTAGE (SLEEPS 5) AND $1,000 PER ADDITIONAL NIGHT FOR RANCH HOUSE (SLEEPS 10 IN 6,000 SQUARE FEET AND INCLUDES COMMERCIAL KITCHEN)
Package 2 – The Grand Champion Reserve Package $18,750 (Includes tax and everything listed below!)
Wedding Ceremony Site for up to 150 guests - no time limit
Reception Site for up to 150 guests – no time limit
Lodging in Cottage – 1 night (sleeps 5)
Lodging in the Main Ranch House 6,000 square feet - 1 night (sleeps 10)
Tables for Reception - 8′ Long Tables
Gold Chiavari “Bamboo” chairs
White folding chairs for Wedding Ceremony – set up and take down
White Hotel Linens – full length tablecloths and folded napkins
Wedding Coordinator for Day Of! 8 hours on your big day, plus 2 hours ahead of time coordination (email/phone/meeting)!
Glass round large vases (if needed) for each table -You can fill them with your favorite flowers!
Heirloom Dinner Plates – Beautifully mismatched China!
Heirloom Silver Flatware – Beautifully mismatched!
15 x 15 Dance Floor (including set up and take-down)
Catered Food – Cooked Fresh On-Site Santa Maria Style Barbecued Tri-Tip and Chicken, garden-fresh salad, garlic (or plain) mashed potatoes, pinquito beans, garlic bread, barbecue sauce! (other menu’s offered –see menu’s page, please inquire -some require an additional fee)
Set up of chairs and tables and take down and clean up
1 Bartender for 6 hours (does not include drinks or alcohol, you purchase he or she will serve)
DJ, Speakers and Microphone (6 hours) –includes consultation prior to the wedding! Note: he can play wedding music for the ceremony as well for an additional fee*
Outside lighting – string lights
Outside Heaters and Propane included if needed (available =3)
40 cup coffeemaker
Cleaning Fee included
Event Insurance (property damages, alcohol liability, above the security deposit, for your protection and ours, is included.
All taxes and gratuities are included. No extra fees.
EXTRA LODGING CAN BE ADDED FOR $350 A NIGHT FOR COTTAGE (SLEEPS 5) AND $1,000 PER NIGHT FOR RANCH HOUSE (SLEEPS 10 IN 6,000 SQUARE FEET).
ALL WEDDINGS REQUIRE A $5,000 SECURITY DEPOSIT DUE AT THE TIME OF BOOKING. IT IS FULLY REFUNDABLE AFTER DEPARTURE IF THERE ARE NO DAMAGES.
Package 3 - The Great Dane Package $25,000 (Includes tax and everything listed below!)
Wedding Ceremony Site for up to 200 guests
Reception Site for up to 200 guests – no time limit! You’ve got two nights!
Lodging in Cottage – 2 nights (sleeps 5)
Lodging in the Main Ranch House 6,000 square feet - 2 nights (sleeps 10)
Tables for Reception - 8 foot long tables
Gold Chiavari “Bamboo” chairs
White folding chairs for Wedding Ceremony – set up and take down
White Hotel Linens – full length tablecloths and napkins
Wedding Coordinator for Day Of! 8 hours on your big day, plus 2 hours ahead of time coordination (email/phone/meeting)!
Clear Glass Round Large Vases (if needed) for each table to fill with your favorite flowers!
Heirloom Dinner Plates – Beautifully mismatched China!
Heirloom Silver Flatware – Beautifully mismatched!
15 x 15 Dancefloor
Catered Food – cooked fresh On-Site! Santa Maria Style Barbequed Tri-tip and Chicken, garden fresh salad, garlic (or plain) mashed potatoes, pinquinto beans, garlic bread, barbecue sauce! (other menu’s offered – see menu’s page! Inquire, as some require an additional fee!)
DJ – Master of Ceremonies, sound system, Microphone for 6 hours – for ceremony AND wedding reception! Includes consultation prior to your event!
Outside lighting – string lighting
Outside Heaters and Propane included if needed(available =3)
40 cup coffeemaker
Cleaning Fee included
Event Insurance (property damages, alcohol liability, above the security deposit, for your protection and ours, is included.
All taxes and gratuities are included. No extra fees.
EXTRA LODGING CAN BE ADDED FOR $350 EACH ADDITIONAL NIGHT FOR COTTAGE (SLEEPS 5) AND $1,000 PER ADDITIONAL NIGHT FOR RANCH HOUSE (SLEEPS 10 IN 6,000 SQUARE FEET).
Package 4 -The Quarter Horse Package $31,500 (Includes Tax and Everything Listed below):
Wedding Ceremony Site for up to 250 guests – All Day – no time limit!
Reception Site for up to 250 guests – no time limits!
Lodging in Cottage – 2 nights (sleeps 5)
Lodging in the Main Ranch House 6,000 square feet - 2 nights (sleeps 10)
Tables and Chairs for Reception - 8 foot long Tables
Gold Chiavari “Bamboo” chairs
White folding chairs for Wedding Ceremony – set up and take down
White Hotel Linens – full length tablecloths and napkins
Wedding Coordinator for Day Of! 8 hours on your big day, plus 2 hours ahead of time coordination (email/phone/meeting)!
Clear Glass Large Round Vases (if needed) for each table if you’d like to fill them with your favorite flowers!
15 x 15 Dance Floor (including set up and take-down)
Catered Food – cooked fresh on-site Santa Maria Style Barbequed Tri-tip and Chicken, garden fresh salad, garlic (or plain) mashed potatoes, pinquito beans, garlic bread, barbecue sauce! (other options available, see menu’s page! -some require an additional fee!)
2 Bartenders for 6 hours (does not include drinks or alcohol, you purchase they will serve)
DJ / Master of Ceremonies, Sound System, Microphone – 6 hours – Including Ceremony and Reception! Includes Consultation prior to your Event!
Outside lighting – String Lighting!
Outside Heaters and Propane included if needed (available =3)
40 cup coffeemaker
Cleaning Fee included
Event Insurance (property damages, alcohol liability, above the security deposit, for your protection and ours, is included.
All taxes and gratuities are included. No extra fees.
EXTRA LODGING CAN BE ADDED FOR $350 EACH ADDITIONAL NIGHT FOR COTTAGE (SLEEPS 5) AND $1,000 PER ADDITIONAL NIGHT FOR RANCH HOUSE (SLEEPS 10 IN 6,000 SQUARE FEET).
Package 6 -The Condor’s Nest Package $37,500 (Includes Tax and Everything listed below!):
Wedding Ceremony Site for up to 300 guests – All Day – no time limit
Reception Site for up to 300 guests – no time limit or noise restrictions!
Lodging in Cottage – 3 nights (sleeps 5)
Lodging in the Main Ranch House 6,000 square feet - 3 nights (sleeps 10)
Tables and Chairs for Reception – 8 foot long tables
Gold Chiavari ”Bamboo” chairs
White wood folding chairs for Wedding Ceremony – set up and take down
White Hotel Linens – full length tablecloths and folded napkins
Wedding Coordinator for Day Of! 8 hours on your big day, plus 2 hours ahead of time coordination (email/phone/meeting)!
Clear Glass Large Round Vases (if needed) for each table, for you to fill with your favorite flowers!
15 x 15 Dance Floor (including set up and take-down)
Catered Food! Cooked Fresh On-site Santa Maria Style barbecued Tri-tip and Chicken, garden fresh salad, garlic (or plain) mashed potatoes, pinquito beans, garlic bread, barbecue sauce!
Heirloom Silver Flatware – beautifully mismatched!
Set up of chairs and tables and take down and clean up
2 Bartenders for 6 hours (does not include drinks or alcohol, you purchase they will serve)
DJ & Master of Ceremonies - microphone – ceremony and reception – 6 hours (including consultation prior to your event!)
Outside lighting
Outside Heaters and Propane included (available =3)
40 cup coffeemaker
Cleaning Fee included
Event Insurance (property damages, alcohol liability, above the security deposit, for your protection and ours, is included.
All taxes and gratuities are included. No extra fees.
Extra Lodging can be purchased!
I just came across your blog, and I have to say be VERY happy you passed on this ranch. I had my wedding there a month ago, it was lovely and I couldn’t have asked for a more perfect day, location, or experience. Staying on the property was such a huge bonus because it allowed us a ‘wedding weekend’.
However, Bob and Lisa became a nightmare to deal with. They are so ‘easy going’ until you want your $5000 deposit back. And, they literally changed the rules of the ranch and added on more fees on a weekly basis as the wedding came closer. They told us we had to shut down the music at 10, were going to charge us to use the property Friday night for a rehersal dinner, tried to charges for some friends who camped on the property which they stated was free, did charge us for linens they stated we ruined (normal wear and tear). The caterer for the wedding and the rehearsal dinner ran out of food (!!!), and the bartender literally did not know how to make a martini. So, the location is beautiful but not worth the headache of the owners and some of the staff they hire.
Let me say first off Thank You Fluffmellow! You are very sweet to put us on a blog such as this and I thank you for your consideration for your wedding! – and I think you are extremely fair and honest! It truly is rustic! and very Ranch – ey! We have updated our fees since however, since we have added many things and improvements — I haven’t finished reading your blog about the site you did select — but I will! and I wish you the very best. I had to respond to “Shannon” — she is writing things wherever she possibly can because she was upset that we, like everyone else now have to follow the 10 pm noise restrictions. In the past we’ve been very lucky but as we become more popular the neighbors which are not real close, but sound does carry… they want quiet at a certain hour, which we are doing are best to comply with so we can continue to do this– which is for the most part what we really and truly enjoy. We do require a large deposit since we leave you and your party our ranch — we leave – entirely. This has it’s own way of policing the people that have money on the line. It helps make sure they invite people, etc. who won’t damage items, etc. so they can get their deposit back. Occasionally things happen – broken chairs, etc. We do let a lot of it slide, but when most every single linen used is ruined we do charge for a portion of it. Unfortunately I had no idea about the caterer – until now. I got wonderful comments from this bride in the house guest book that they had the time of their lives and a Thank You. I’m not sure how my husband and I upset her so much and I’m not sure why exactly she thinks we were unprofessional, when I inquired directly – she said she is tired of talking about it and doesn’t want to discuss it any more. Fortunately this isn’t the norm for us, we typically enjoy all of our brides and receive very nice and generous compliments.
Congrats for your wedding. May this day be unforgettable. I have 2 wonderful kids now! I wish you the same!
Hi again, Stacy —
Just wanted to say thanks for the information! I’m going to be visiting Santa Margarita Ranch soon — it was on my list. Would love to hear about your visit. Have you thought about Figueroa Farmhouse in Los Olivos? I’m hoping that we like it in person because it looks amazing in photos.
Okay, take care…
-Kim
Hi there!
I was so happy to discover your blog as I, too, am in search of a wedding venue. I added Condor’s Nest to my list, in hopes of visiting it soon. Might you be able to flesh out your reasons for passing on it? I have a feeling we’re on the same page — it feels maybe a bit too barren / dusty / RUSTIC then we’re looking for. But, I’d love to hear more!
Also, my idea place is a farm setting, potentially with barn, to hold a vintage wedding that makes use of the land. I’ll continue to check back to see how your progress is coming…
Best,
Kim
Of course I would be happy to elaborate. First, congrats on your upcoming wedding! It is sure a process finding a venue isn’t it!
We decided to pass on Condor’s Nest because it is VERY ranch feeling. It is dusty and expansive and doesn’t lend for a lot of “softening” touches on the decor budget that I have set.
There are a lot of antiques around which is great BUT there are also large wooden indian carved statues in the hallways and cowboy decor with cow hides and animal heads on the walls, which I was not a fan of.
The rooms for people to stay in are decorated in a very western feel and are obviously “ranch house worker” rooms.
Hopefully that helps paint a better picture.
The couple who owns the ranch is lovely and this place is for sure on my list of potential family get together locations but is not my idea of the perfect wedding location.
I would suggest checking out Santa Margarita Ranch in SLO if you are up for a Central/No Cal wedding location. I plan to post something about them very soon, though I have not gone to check it out in person.
Hope that helps and GOOD LUCK TO YOU!
-Stacy