Holman Ranch Vineyards and Winery
Carmel Valley, CA 93924
(map) Phone: 831-659-2640
Reviews for Holman Ranch Vineyards and Winery
GUEST




There isn't enough that can be said about how BEAUTIFUL Holman Ranch is. So, I won't even reiterate what's already been said here. A few notable things about our experience in planning our 2013 Holman Wedding:
1) We planned from 3,000 miles away. Which proved challenging for my detail oriented self. Nick never hesitated to answer a one-line email, send me photos of property details (cocktail tables ... at night and during the day. I know, I know.) or answer whatever inane question came up.
2) In the same vein, they never scoffed at my ... three tours of the property ... to be sure that I understood the layout + could thus make better informed decisions for our guests.
3) Holman Ranch wines are wonderful. The vines are on property - which means that you have the opportunity to offer your guests a *taste* of Holman Ranch. You should definitely ask about what they can offer you for wine tasting as a cocktail hour activity. Our guests loved it.
I owe Nick and Hunter and the whole Holman staff my sincerest thanks. You were such a significant part of one of the best days of our lives. Thank you, a million times, thank you.
Vendor response to review
You are so sweet! You were both such a pleasure to work with on this special event. I am so glad to hear it wasn't too much of a struggle to plan this fantastic day from so far away. I wish you all so many years of happiness and hope to see you soon!
GUEST




Holman ranch was very helpful and organized in making sure my wedding day was perfect. It is a beautiful venue and I would recommend to everyone. Thank you Holman ranch!!
GUEST




We fell in love with Holman Ranch before even visiting it. My husband drove up to check it out and knew I would love it, without a doubt. Well, he was absolutely right. We could not have found a better venue. In fact, we were able to stay there for 3 nights, which was immensly helpful for wedding prep and tear down. The views are gorgeous, the rooms and buildings are impeccable, and the staff on hand was excellent. There was certainly no shortage of places to take photos! It was rather expensive, but we did have the place for 3 nights; and the rules were pretty strict, but I guess anywhere that nice probably would have been. Regardless, the place is so gorgeous, if I had to do it all over again I would still go back to Holman. Oh, and they have outstanding wine!
Vendor response to review
Thank you so much for your kind words. We enjoyed hosting your event and are so honored that you both chose to host your special day with Holman Ranch. We wish you many years of happiness and hope you come to visit us for years to come. We'll always have a taste of wine waiting for you!
GUEST




Working with Hunter Lowder at Holman Ranch was great! You can tell she is passionate about the Ranch and works hard to make sure your day is just as special as you envision it to be. We loved how you can really customize your wedding by being able to choose all your own vendors. Our wedding felt very personal and our guests are still talking about how stunning it was and how much fun they had!
GUEST




The professionals at the Holman Ranch were outstanding and the venue was incredible. Our winter wedding had a glitch because our caterer broke down on the way to the venue causing a 3-hour delay in the food service. Not only did the great folks at Holman (Peter and Hunter especially) make sure that everything else was perfect, but also drove down to pick up appitizers to feed the guests and gave us extra time at the end of the evening to ensure that all of the guests had time to dance and honor the bride and groom. I cannot say enough wonderful things about the overall experience at the ranch. Suffice to say, when my next daughter gets married, we will be back . . . and I would highly recommend the Holman Ranch to anyone interested in a spectacular wedding.
GUEST




My new husband and I were the happiest couple in the world on our wedding day and Holman Ranch played a HUGE part in that! As the first venue that we toured, we fell in love at first sight and couldn't look at any other venue the same after! Hunter, Nick, and the rest of the Holman team worked with us on every detail and were super flexible in helping us finalize details and logistics. It even rained after our ceremony, but the Holman team was there to ensure our guests were well looked after and dry and helped to make it the most magnificent event ever! We've already had guests say, "I forgot it rained because everything went so smoothly with the venue." At this end of our amazing event, it was such a pleasure to stay in the luxurious rooms they have for guests! We were so grateful for the beauty of the venue, the attention to detail of the team, and the kindness and professionalism they showed us!
I can't recommend this venue enough!
GUEST




Holman Ranch is one of the most beautiful places to have a wedding. The weather is normally amazing and the venue is so lovely that there isn't a real need to spend a lot on decorations. The staff is very professional and fabulous to work with. The only reason there is less than 5 stars is because there is a evening time limit of 10:00 PM which was fine for us but it would be nice to be able to go later than 10:00 PM. They have plenty of tables and chairs to use for your event as well as the fire pits, standing heaters and umbrellas for your guests. The overall event and venue was just amazing. So many great pictures and memories.
Vendor response to review
Thank you so much for your review! I am so glad you had an amazing day. I wish we could go past 10PM as well, it's one of our few disadvantages and completely out of our control. There are some great after party locations right down the street, however. And, with the Retreat package, you and your guests can enjoy the property until the wee hours of the morning, just your vendors and band/DJ can't continue. We hope you come back and visit us often! We wish you many years of happiness!
GUEST




Beautiful venue! The layout of the venue was perfect! The guests continually complimented the venue and how beautiful the scenery was. Having the ceremony in one spot, cocktail hour, reception and dancing in different areas but on the same location made for an easy flow and transition. The staff was awesome!
GUEST




The second I stepped foot on Holman Ranch last November, I knew that I needed to do whatever it takes to get married here. The grounds are perfection and the views are spectacular. Throughout the year, Hunter and Nick both were extremely responsive and helpful/patient with our questions. The ranch offers rooms and we stayed for the weekend along with our bridal party. Everyone had so much fun! The game room was a blast and perfect for mellow hang outs. The day of our wedding, the staff was so incredible. Everything was absolutely perfect-- better than anything I could have imagined. Thank you so much for the best experience of my life. I only wish it was more than just day!
Vendor response to review
I'm so glad you enjoyed your special day. It was truly spectacular! We loved having you and your family and hope to see you for many years to come!
GUEST




we booked late in the season and it was a great deal. we were lucky to have such nice weather that weekend. I would recommend this location to anyone who wants the magical, spectacular wedding of their dreams..
GUEST




I would get married at Holman Ranch a million more times. Hunter and Nick are the most wonderful, accommodating and helpful people. The ranch itself, is one of the most gorgeous places I've ever been to. Our guests are still raving about how awesome the wedding was and we couldn't have done it without Holman. Thank you for making our wedding the best day of our lives. I can't wait to come back and visit!
GUEST




Phil and I could not have picked a better event vendor than Holman Ranch. Their quality of service was top notch and the venue was beyond beautiful. The staff is extremely professional and a pleasure to work with. Both Hunter and Nick were super responsive and did everything they could to make our day a fairytale come true!
GUEST




My husband and I are so happy that we were married at Holman! The setting is gorgeous, the weather is fantastic, the venue is immaculately maintained, and the ranch is so close to San Francisco, Monterey and Carmel. So many of our guests commented that our wedding was the most beautiful that they had ever attended. We are so thankful to Hunter and Nick for making our day [and the preparation] so effortless. We wouldn't have changed anything about our wedding. Anything. Perfect!
GUEST




I helped my brother and now sister plan their wedding at Holman Ranch and it could not have been the more perfect venue for them. Everyone was extremely helpful. The wedding date was set a little over a year ago which allowed PLENTY of emails to go back and forth between Hunter and all of us. She was very flexible and easy to work with. I have been in the wedding industry for over 12 years now and so unfortunately I can be a bit selective at times. It truly could not have gone better. Holman Ranch is one of the most beautiful venues I have ever been to or held an event at. In great part due to this venue, my brother and sister in law's wedding most certainly will never be forgotten. If you are thinking about having your special day at Holman Ranch, don't think twice, let Hunter and her team help you plan your dream day!
GUEST




Words cannot express how wonderful our wedding day at Holman Ranch was! Hunter and Nick did an amazing job from beginning to end. They are true professionals, answering my (sometimes very random) emails quickly and always with such care. I felt like they were family! This is, by far, the most beautiful venue in all of Central California - thank you HOLMAN!
GUEST




Could not have been happier - Hunter and Nick were warm and accommodating - anything you needed, they were there for you. The ranch is GORGEOUS, too, and so conducive to a lively, romantic event. We could not have been happier with our choice of venue - it's unique layout allows you to hold each part of your wedding in a different place, which keeps people moving and happy and astounded by all the beauty. Holman lets you bring in all your own vendors, too, which is a HUGE plus, because you can truly customize your wedding to suit you.
GUEST




Holman Ranch provided an authentic and beautiful backdrop to our wedding day. The grounds are so magnificently maintained and gorgeous that no photograph will ever do it justice. It is a first class venue with an intimacy that allows you to entertain your guests as if they were in your own home. As native Californians we wanted someplace that spoke to our memories of this landscape. Holman Ranch's authenticity allowed us to have the Californian wedding we were dreaming of having.
GUEST




Could not have asked for a better place to hold our wedding and reception. Absolutely wonderful, all the way around.
GUEST




Holman Ranch was the most perfect venue for our May 12 wedding. We couldn't have imagined more beautiful and fitting for what we envision for our wedding. Thank you for providing excellent service and great accommodations for our friends, families, and guests. Everyone was extremely pleased with the entire event, and many guests told us that it was the best wedding they had ever been to.
I would definitely recommend Holman Ranch to anyone planning their wedding. We loved working with everyone and thank you again so much for such a perfect day! We'll definitely be making a trip back to Carmel in the future :)
GUEST




What a gorgeous venue! Our wedding at Holman Ranch was absolutely breathtaking! The grounds are maintained meticulously and the facillity, with it's rich history and beautiful landscape, was the most perfect location to exchange our vows. Hunter helped us plan and coordinate every detail of the event and was extremely flexible, customizing many elemnts of our event even up to the very last minute.
This is an incredible location to hold any social event, especially a wedding. I would highly recommend taking a tour of Holman Ranch before commiting to any venue along the central coast or Carmel Valley. You will certainly not be disappointed!
GUEST




When my husband and I started planning our wedding, we didn’t have a lot of requirements, but there were a lot of “nice-to-haves” on our list. Since I’m from the East Coast but we live in California, we knew a lot of our guests would be traveling a long way. So, we wanted to have the ceremony and reception at the same site so that people didn’t have to worry as much about logistics. We also wanted to make the trip out worthwhile for them—so, we were hoping for a venue that would show visitors some of what Northern California has to offer.
Holman Ranch was everything we could have asked for in a venue. Aside from being gorgeous and having a layout that made the flow from ceremony to cocktail hour to reception incredibly smooth, they took care of a lot of logistics that made our lives so much easier. The tables and chairs, plus their set-up, was included in our venue costs, and they even took care of shuttling guests from the parking lot all the way up to the actual wedding site. In addition, we had our choice of any insured vendor for everything from catering to floral design. We also loved that there was an area for food preparation so our reception meal could be served hot and fresh after being cooked on site. However, it was the little details that really made our big day amazing.
Holman arranged a tasting of wines from their vineyards for our cocktail hour to give our guests a taste of the area (literally). We also served their olive oil with bread as part of our crudité selection. Furthermore, they not only allowed fire pits—they provided them! This was perfect for my husband and I since we always felt a fall or winter wedding would be more romantic and pictured guests keeping warm around a fire. And, the service we received all day was excellent. When I arrived on site, Kim checked with me that the glasses for the wine tasting should have been delivered along with our other rentals (they hadn’t been). When I confirmed that they were supposed to have been, she took care of everything—I never heard about the problem afterward and by the time the cocktail hour rolled around, the glasses were ready!
Booking Holman Ranch was a splurge for us, but it was worth the money. Our guests couldn’t stop raving about how amazing our venue was and asking how we’d found it. One of them mentioned our wedding was “the most beautiful wedding [he’d] ever seen” (commenting on the mountain backdrop where we said our vows) and another one friend posted an album with a caption that if he ever got married, he would want to do it at Holman. When the guys take as much notice of the venue as the girls do, you know you’ve chosen a great spot!
Based on our experience, I’d recommend Holman Ranch to anyone who wants a magical wedding. Hunter and Kim are so well-organized and responsive to requests and the property is beautiful in any season. If you are considering an off-season event, you should know that we got married December 3rd and had sun, clear skies and perfect 65 degree weather! After visiting the venue yourselves, you’ll probably book it on the spot, but if not, I hope this recommendation sways you. My husband and I have nothing but love for Holman Ranch and look forward to future wine tasting visits in the years to come!
GUEST




Holman Ranch was a dream location to be married and have our reception. The grounds are so beautiful that you don't need to add much to it, our guests were also blown away by the big views and gorgeous property.
GUEST




Holman Ranch is an exquisite setting in Carmel Valley. Our daughter's wedding/reception/dinner/dancing were held there. Everything turned out beautifully. That all being said, the low marks for Holman Ranch are reflective of their management. Given the cost of renting the facility, I expected the customer service would be commensurate with the venue. I was terribly incorrect in that assumption. Never was there any communication from management asking to be of assistance in the wedding particulars. Instead, they were irrationally inflexible. Their only concern was the bottom line. Simply put, be sure to have a wedding planner who has a positive relationship with Holman management so you can focus on the more pleasant aspects of wedding arrangements
re: recommending this vendor to a friend? yes, with reservations.
GUEST




I may be biased, but I think Holman Ranch is one of the most stunning venues I've ever seen for a wedding ceremony. The number of compliments we received after the wedding were incredible. I am thrilled we chose Holman, if only for the pictures alone!
That being said, the six months leading up to the wedding once we had decided on our venue were excruciatingly painful. The staff at Holman is not only inefficient, disorganized, and plain obnoxious at times, they made us feel like we were the vendor and they the client. Juxtaposed with all the other vendors with whom we worked (particularly our wedding planner and caterer), it became increasingly apparent that customer service was not in their vocabulary.
I would recommend this venue to a friend but I would warn them WELL in advance that you need an intermediary to deal with the owner or you'll pull your hair out pre-wedding (and then the pictures won't look so...
GUEST




This was our dream wedding location. I can't describe in words how beautiful the property is--you have to see it to understand its rustic elegance. We needed very little added "decoration" to make our wedding picture-perfect. The staff were amazing; very responsive and easy to work with. We appreciate everything they did to make my family feel welcome in the guest houses. Thank you to Hunter and the rest of the team! It was a weekend we'll never forget! =)
GUEST




I was just browsing through my wedding pictures and my heart was immediately filled with joy, and remembered that I still needed to give The Holman Ranch the 5 star review that they deserve. My husband and I could not have asked for a better venue than The Holman Ranch. It was definitely over our budget, but once we visited the property there was no turning back, every other place we looked at just couldn't compare. You don't need to worry about adding a lot of fluff to your wedding when you have it at The Holman Ranch because the scenery is spectacular and you do not want anything trying to compete with its beauty. Many of our guest are calling our wedding the wedding of the year, but honestly it's impossible to not have a beautiful wedding here. It was great being able to get there on Friday and have all of our loved ones relaxing in the game room enjoying great wine and conversation before our big day. The people who work here are really sweet and totally helpful. I would definitely recommend having your big day here. I wish I could do it again!
GUEST




beautiful place for a wedding
GUEST




Holman Ranch was a superb place to have a wedding. The site is exquisite, Though all vendors need to be brought in, Hunter was very good at suggesting vendors she has worked with. A wedding coordinator is suggested to make things work smoothly so Holman is not inexpensive but the result is amazing. It is also wonderful to have family stay at Holman during the wedding weekend. The facilities are lovely but service is not provided to the rooms. Still, having your own pool, fitness center, and incredible setting is very special.
GUEST




My husband and I held both our rehearsal dinner and our wedding at Holman Ranch. Both events were everything we envisioned and more. We love how there are so many beautiful and unique spaces on site - both days felt unique and special for us and our guests. Having our wedding at Holman Ranch was the best decision we made while planning our wedding. During our wedding, nearly each guest we spoke with shared that Holman Ranch was the most beautiful venue they have ever been too... we definitely agree! We are so appreciative of the on site staff for all their efforts in making our event run smoothly. I highly recommend Holman Ranch for any special event.
GUEST




The entire Holman Ranch staff was very welcoming and excellent to work with! They made the entire process very easy and allowed multiple site visits so that I could clearly articulate my vision. The entire site was a little more than I wanted to spend, but Hunter worked with us and the venue is just so amazing and unique, how could we not say yes? The venue was clean and beautiful, with the guest bedrooms comfy and cozy. I would recommend this venue/vendor to everyone!
GUEST
GUEST




My husband and I had our wedding reception at Holman Ranch and it was truly a dream come true. Not only is it a beautiful location, but the entire staff is so helpful! Hunter was wonderful to work with. She was so quick and professional in all of our communications. I would recommend this gorgeous venue to anyone interested!
Thank you Holman Ranch for making our wedding a huge success!
GUEST




Aside from how absolutely gorgeous and well-maintained the property is (literally every single guest at the wedding RAVED about the ranch's beauty and that it was absolutely the most perfect wedding site for both a ceremony and reception), the main event coordinator Hunter was so accommodating and always responsive to questions. The entire planning of the event was so smooth because of her generosity and understanding about vendor arrivals and deliveries, as the event was on the larger side. The wedding and reception went on without a single hiccup. It was an absolute DREAM!
GUEST




Such a beautiful place and the staff could not be more helpful, friendly and kind. This place is a bit pricey but you get what you pay for. We had a large reception (350+) and Holman Ranch was the perfect fit for our celebration. My only complaint is that we had to cut off the music at 9:00. Still, this place is so beautiful, you should not pass it up.
GUEST




Holman Ranch is one of the most beautiful places to have your wedding.From the moment my husband and I saw Holman we fell in love and new right away that this was the place for us.I had the time of my life and couldn't have asked for a better venue. The staff is really helpful and nice. Our guests said it was like heaven. I would recommend this wonderful place to anyone looking for a dream wedding.
GUEST




Anytime I talk to someone that attended our wedding, they always mention how beautiful Holman Ranch is and how great the staff treated us. They were on top of everything. Simply fantastic service.
Holeman affords flexibility for the day of your event. Provides easy access to venders; the accommodations afford you a leisurely and comfortable location to prepare for the special day. No running from here to there for last minute details. It's like being home and your not.
GUEST




We absolutely loved it! Could not have asked for anything more from a venue
GUEST




Holman Ranch is an amazing place, the people are extremely friendly and very hard working. They are very flexible and work hard at making your wedding day perfect. I would recommend this for any type of event it was the perfect weekend getaway for family and friends.
GUEST




Holman Ranch is simply the most beautiful venue for a wedding ceremony and reception. In our search for a wedding location, we searched high and wide from Napa, San Francisco all the way to the South Bay and the Carmel/Monterey region to find a suitable venue and after seeing countless possibilities, stumbled upon Holman Ranch and instantly fell in love.
What is so wonderful about this venue - besides the unbelievable natural beauty, the pristine, impeccably manicured grounds and likely the most gracious, helpful and hard working staff - is the flexibility it gives to couples to create and control all the little details and elements of their event. Holman Ranch can be described as the most beautiful bare canvas; what you are given is a lot of space to accommodate anything from a small intimate gathering to a 250+ person wedding, the most naturally beautiful setting and backdrop for a special event and then the freedom to chose and bring in almost any vendors (naturally professional approved vendors) that you like. This was incredibly important to us when we were planning our wedding and I think it's one of the real qualities of Holman Ranch that one may not find with other venues.
One other huge plus (one of many - I could go on and on about their incredible grounds, amenities and services) is the fact that the layout of the property lends itself to a wedding ceremony and reception perfectly. Holman Ranch has the most beautiful wedding ceremony veranda overlooking gorgeous mountain views, they have two distinct areas on property that would be perfect for cocktails and yet other options for a beautifully elegant and intimate sit-down dinner and to finish it off, dancing in their charming and cozy carriage house. the abundance of beautiful spaces allows for a great deal of flexibility and creativity to create a beautiful flow for a wedding event from beginning to end that will leave guests continuously amazed and surprised. There can not possibly be a dull or boring moment in a wedding organized at Holman Ranch.
The property is absolutely beautiful, it is private and secluded and despite some minor drawbacks (namely the fact that music has to end at 9 pm when you will wish that your wedding could last into the night in such a gorgeous place!) it may just be very very near to being THE perfect location to host a wedding. We were lucky enough to have our wedding at Holman Ranch and we couldn't have been happier. Almost 4 months later, many of our guests and of course our family are all still talking about it and we are sure to remember the incredible memories always.
GUEST




Holman Ranch is a pituresque setting for any wedding or party. Hunter and staff are so friendly and helpful. I am so lucky I got to get married at the ranch. We had a lovely weekend and everyone was so great to work with.
GUEST




We fell in love with Holman Ranch the moment we stepped our feet on the premises and knew we wanted to get married there. We wanted our guests to have an amazing time so it meant a lot to us that our guests were blown away by the beauty of the place when they were at the wedding. The different spaces on the property created little bits of surprises for the guests, which kept things interesting throughout the day. The ceremony site with the hills of Carmel Valley as the backdrop is just breathtaking and picture perfect and so were the separate spaces for cocktail hour, dinner, and the carriage house for dancing. You just can't have a bad time at Holman Ranch and all the pictures turned out beautifully. We saved a lot of money on flowers because the grounds and structures were so beautiful that there was no need for flowers.
The service was amazing and Hunter was very responsive and tried to help in any way that she can. The personalized sign was such a surprise and am extremely thoughtful touch, thank you Hunter! The place is expensive since you are paying just for the use of the site, chairs, umbrellas, and tables (but we wound up renting round tables instead because they only had rectangular ones). But...like everyone tells you, set your main priorities and don't skimp on them. We wanted a unique and beautiful venue, didn't skimp on it, and would not have changed it for the world...we just cut back on other things.
The reason I gave a 4.5 instead of a 5.0 for value for cost is the fact that the game room where the men are to hang out as the women got ready did not have a mirror or a restroom. The groom and his groomsmen were originally in the bridal suite and had to leave when we got there, they were not done getting ready so it was frustrating for him not to have a mirror or a restroom.
As for flexibility, I gave a 4.5 because they were very strict about the music stopping at 9 p.m., no open flames were allowed so you couldn't do sparklers if you wanted to, and the gates close and open at a certain time so don't leave your car there thinking that you can come and pick it up later that night! But these rules are understandable being that it is a private residence and the area is dry and residential. Nevertheless, Hunter was flexible in other ways which bumped the score back up to 4.5 :)
We had an amazing wedding at Holman Ranch and don't believe that we would have had the intimate, classy, and exceptional wedding we wanted if it was held anywhere else. Like another reviewer said, our wedding exceeded our expectations and that is a tall order. I would recommend this place to my closest friends and family without thinking twice.
GUEST




I think very highly of both the venue and the staff, who I felt took a personal interest in our success. It's hard to mark down on my ratings other than to give legitimacy on my review... Could it have cost a little less? Yes, but that's the wedding industry.
I would recommend this venue to anyone intested in a Carmel wedding.
GUEST




Could not have picked a more beautiful location to get married. I had my fairy tail wedding and the staff at Holman Ranch are amazing! Thanks so much for everything:)
GUEST




I can't say enough good things about Holman. I've been to two weddings at Holman Ranch. I attended the first wedding by myself as a guest. Attending a wedding by yourself, when you don't know anyone but the bride, can be dreadful, but I had such a wonderful time at Holman. I was able to explore the interiors of the ranch: the stately main room, the lovely courtyard, the views from the lawns. I had a wonderful time just relaxing and soaking up the romantic environment and chatting with all the other guests doing the same. My experience as a guest there was so perfect, I knew I wanted to have my wedding there. And last year, I did.
My husband fell in love with the venue at first sight. Being from the peninsula area, we worried that our guests wouldn't dislike having to drive down to Carmel Valley, but knew they'd forget all that as soon as they arrived. It's just such a perfect setting. Both the scenery indoors and outdoors hold so much appeal, just being there is entertaining enough.
As for putting on a wedding (I had both my ceremony and reception here), it went flawlessly. Hunter, the events coordinator, was always responsive, always cheerful, always helpful when it came to answering my many questions. The service she and her staff gave on the big day couldn't have been more effective, accommodating or efficient and was always friendly. Holman Ranch, along with my caterer (Bird of Paradise, whom I highly recommend) created a day that actually exceeded my expectations (and what bride doesn't have HIGH expectations for her wedding day?)
GUEST




I can't imagine a more perfect venue to have a wedding. On my wedding day, people could wander through the old stone houses and courtyards. Or gaze out over the beauty of carmel valley, with a garden of flowers in full bloom. What once was a celebrity getaway in the early 1900's (one room is named after charlie chaplin, he was there that much!), is now the most beautiful location for a couple to exchange "i do's".
GUEST




We were the very first wedding after Holman Ranch was renovated and reopened. Everything they did to make sure it was ready for our big day was spectacular. I had attended my uncle's wedding 8 years earlier at Holman Ranch when it was under different ownership and nothing was the same. The renovations that were done were so beautiful and appropriate to the style of the property. Hunter was so proactive in helping me sort out details from 3000 miles away . I'm a professional corporate event planner in Atlanta, and I had a very specific vision for our reception. One thing I have learned over the years is to make sure you trust the venue. They know their space better than any client or event planner that walks through the door and Hunter did everything in her power to maximize the use of her space for our reception and our guests. When it comes to venues in the Carmel/ Monterey area, they are second to NONE. To make our day just a little bit more special than it already was, she created a special sign for my husband and I to remember our wedding day at Holman Ranch. Everyone still talks about the venue, the dancing in the carriage house, the reception on the lawn with the market umbrellas and the dinner in the rose patio. Thank you thank you Hunter for everything you did. I wish we could do it all over again!
Kalei and Bryce Foldy (Bride & Groom)
June 30, 2007
Vendor response to review
Dear Kalei,
Thank you so very much for your kinds words. It means so much to me that you enjoyed your wedding location. Since you were our first post-renovation wedding, it was incredibly special to us as well. I wish you both the best and will see you this year at the Fischer event. Say hi to your mom and dad for me, they're fabulous people! I'll always remember your father tearing up at the end of your event saying "Thank you, thank you, thank you!" Very special family!
GUEST




This review is a little late....but we were married here in 2002 before all the major remodels and it was still breathtaking and perfect.
People still talk about our wedding and how amazing it was.
Later down the road in 2005 & 2007 we baptized our two boys at Holman Ranch also as it was such a special & sacred place to us.
Several people got married here after us....based on how much fun our wedding was!
Hoping to do our vow renewals for a special anniversary in the future!
It is by far, the most amazing & memorable venue for any special occasion!
Also, one of our closest friends who passed away...his wife held his memorial service here and it was so perfect & heartfelt.
Not much you can say about Holman Ranch that it doesn't say for itself: just take one look at this breathtaking property and you'll see for yourself. The care and attention that was put into the update and restoration of this historic ranch was among the best we've seen. It was improved and refined, but with a respectful eye and nod to its own rich heritage. Hunter and Nick and their family are great folks and we are proud to recommend them.
Holman Ranch has everything you could event want in a wedding/event venue. First, it's gorgeous. Through and through. Rustic yet stock full of amenities and comforts. You can't beat a Carmel Valley backdrop. The staff and management are friendly, accommodating and professional. Every couple I've ever worked with who has chosen Holman has been above and beyond thrilled. Their guests raved about what a unique and enjoyable location it is. Holman Ranch makes every event unforgettable.
As a wedding vendor who sees many wonderful venues, I have a special insight into what makes a truly great one special, and Holman Ranch has it. It is a gorgeously situated, quiet, professionally staffed, immaculate, beautiful place to get married. Peter runs the tightest ship in the business, so the staff is top notch, and I've only ever seen happy, happy guests there. From the picturesque and perfectly manicured ceremony lawn to the cocktail patio; from the spacious dining courtyard to the classy outdoor lounge, it really doesn't get any better. I have no hesitation recommending Holman Ranch to anyone with the means to book it.
Holman Ranch is a spectacular setting in the Carmel Valley hills where the weather is almost always beautiful and sunny. Although the property is extensive, it has a very intimate feel for a wedding because you have exclusive use of the facilities and they even have some overnight accommodations on site. Very well maintained property and we love providing the music for weddings at this location.
For a spectacular event or wedding contact Holman Ranch. It is my concept of heaven... Chrisanne
We love everything about the Holman ranch from it's amazing views to the top notch staff... Love it!!
A beautiful and intimate venue! Surrounded by oak trees and sunshine. One of my favorite venues!
After 25 years in the catering business, and having worked at countless locations, we can truly say Holman Ranch is the most beautiful venue in California. Paradise has had the honor of catering hundreds of events at Holman and each one has been as memorable as the last. The staff is accomodating, the scenery is beautiful and the feeling you get when you walk through the gates is indescribable. It's no wonder Holman Ranch has been the subject of so many articles, features and blogs, it is hands down the most amazing wedding spot around. Uniquely California and full of old word charm, with all the modern ammenities, Holman Ranch is a must see for your big day.
I grew up in Carmel Valley, so when I see a place that helps the history and beauty of this area endure, I can't help but endorse it. This is a fantastic place to get married. It has commanding views and a genuine sense of history that most venues in Monterey County can only try and copy. I love photographing here.
Holman Ranch is simply one of the most beautiful places on the Monterey Peninsula! The ceremony platform is one that will have you catching your breath! The warmth that comes from the Rose Patio and Hacienda are like being in your own home. We have done countless events at Holman Ranch but all are unique and special to each couple because of the beautiful blank canvas. The staff at Holman Ranch is very helpful and delightful to work with. Simply put...everytime we have the chance to work at Holman Ranch we jump at it because the clients are always happy as are we!
An absolutely fabulous and unique location for any event. I have had the pleasure of directing weddings at Holman Ranch for over 10 years, even before the Lowders took over the reins on the property and made it the spectacular venue that it is. Hunter, and the rest of the Ranch staff, are a pleasure to work with and all visitors can enjoy a warm visit similar to just hanging out at a friends' house.
I look forward to all of our weddings at Holman and know anyone considering Holman for their special event will as well.
Patty Speirs, Executive Coordinator
Every Last Detail Wedding & Event Coordination
www.eldweddings.com
The Holman Ranch is an absolutely beautiful, historic property. The location and scenery are unsurpassed. If you are looking for a private venue for you event, definitely check out Holman Ranch.
Holman Ranch is a stunning event site. The property is laid out perfect for a weekend wedding. Complete with reception dinner under the pergola, ceremony on the lawn with a view of the vineyards, dinner on the rose patio and dancing in the barn, this site has it all. The attention to detail is evident everywhere you turn. I love working in Carmel Valley and this site is what it is all about. Working With Hunter, as well as the rest of the Holman Ranch staff is a pleasure. Karissa and I are honored to work with such a fabulous location.
Holman Ranch is so elegant and romantic. A slice of Carmel Valley to enchant your guests. What ever event you plan on this pristine property, it will not be forgotten soon.
Chrisitne Cater
This venue is one of a kind with some breath taking views! If you are looking for something extra special and exclusive, make sure to visit Holman Ranch; you will love it!
Holman Ranch is nothing less than paradise. From its humble beginnings as a gentleman's retreat, through its "hay day" as a destination for the rich and famous, and now, to its pinnacle as Carmel Valley's ultimate destination for weddings and events, Holman Ranch has managed to WOW everyone once again! When you think it couldnt get any better, the staff at the ranch always delivers. The rejuvenation of the main house is simply stunning, the reworked landscapes are breathtaking and the views are indescribable. (Theyve been there forever!) Now with the addition of the valley's most beautiful guestrooms, Holman is unchallenged as Monterey County's most sought after wedding and event venue.
Ive never had anything but an amazing experience at Holman Ranch. The staff, the history, the beauty and the unmistakable feeling of home make the ranch the place to be.
Have you been to Holman Ranch lately? All I can say is "Wow!" No detail has been overlooked. The vibe is warm and wonderful. Every improvement has been thoughtfully crafted and in keeping with the historic Spanish hacienda ranch style. Those of us who have been working at this property for years have grown to love Holman Ranch - and it keeps getting better!
Owner/Manager Hunter Lowder is very attentive to detail and will oversee your event masterfully. Hunter and her team are also pioneers in their painstaking selection process of the venue's preferred vendor list. I'm very proud to be included in this list and I always look forward to our next shoot at Holman Ranch! Peri Basseri, BigTime Video Services
About Holman Ranch Vineyards and Winery
Click here to see beautiful weddings celebrated at Holman Ranch
High atop the sunny hills of Carmel Valley rests Holman Ranch and Vineyard, a historic private residence available for your one-of-a-kind event. Blessed with a treasure chest of scenic jewels, the ranch has a rich legacy of hosting society’s elite. Originally built in 1928 as a gentlemen’s retreat, the secluded location was a favorite hideaway for Old Hollywood celebrities like Charlie Chaplin. When the Holmans purchased the property in 1943, their improvements helped make the ranch the center of the Carmel Valley social scene. Recently, the 392-acre spread was adopted by the Lowder family, who’ve completed a loving restoration that retains the ranch’s Old World character while adding up-to-the-minute luxuries. This 21st-century renaissance features enhanced interiors and lavish outdoor spaces that make the most of the spectacular view-filled grounds.
A private road climbs to the ranch’s pond and stables, where golf carts shuttle guests to the hilltop entrance. Arriving at the Main Plaza, visitors get a captivating first impression: a mélange of red-tile roofs, landscaped walkways, shade trees and glimpses of grapevines against a mountainous panorama. Finally eyes rest on the Hacienda itself, an architectural gem crafted of Carmel stone and oak, with tile and metal details. This easy blend of grand Spanish style and relaxed Western attitude evokes an aura of rustic elegance.
Both varied and flexible, Holman Ranch holds so many possibilities…so why not stage each phase of your event in a different spot? Ceremonies are gorgeous on the Hacienda Lawn, which sweeps to the edge of a hillside studded with pinot noir grapevines. Wedding guests have an endless view of the Carmel Valley, alive with chaparral, oak trees and hawks soaring overhead. As the sunset burnishes the Santa Lucia Mountains, the scene becomes even more postcard-perfect. Against this breathtaking backdrop, couples say their vows atop the Ceremony Veranda, a demilune stone platform that seems suspended above the valley floor.
After “I dos,” serve cocktails on the nearby Stone Terrace, which is ringed with olive trees. Everyone is free to relax in the adjoining Great Room, where a vaulted ceiling, fireplace and player piano contribute to a comfortable, homey ambiance.
Receptions bask in the warm valley twilight out on the Rose Patio, dressed with rose bushes and potted citrus trees. Family-style rehearsal dinners might prefer the Arbor, a magnificent wooden promenade at the Plaza’s center, where olive trees and young grapevines lend a Mediterranean flair. Afterwards, move the party to the barn-style Carriage House, where an explosion of twinkle lights along whitewashed rafters creates the illusion dancing beneath a star-filled sky.
And let yourself think outside the wedding: Host a casual welcome dinner or barbecue that includes bocce ball, croquet or trail rides, so the families can get acquainted before the main event. You can even throw a pool party, complete with umbrella drinks and beach balls. From refined entertainment to laid-back fun, Holman Ranch and Vineyard can arrange it all, and oh so well.
Holman Ranch is also proud to be one of Carmel Valley's premier bottlers of Estate Grown Wines and Olive Oil. Located at the northern most end of the Carmel Valley Appellation, our ranch resides approximately 12 miles inland from the Pacific Coast. Our wine varietals are unfined and unfiltered to protect the true varietal of the grape from harvest to bottle. We grow on approximately 19 acres of undulating terrain. Our "Tuscan" Olive Trees produce a savory oil, with a hint of spice which is perfect for dipping, on salads or in any of your favorite recipes. Wine and Olive Oil Tastings are available 7 days a week. Please visit www.holmanranch.com for more details.
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