Rancho Del Cielo Malibu

I wanted an outdoor venue that represented Southern California living at its best. I was also looking for a place that was unique and a space that was private so we wouldn't have to run into another wedding. Rancho del Cielo had everything I was looking for. The owners, Jill and Sparky, are so gracious and Avesta, the site coordinator has RDC weddings down pat. Echoing earlier reviews, yes, it's more expensive because you have to bring everything in. Yes, they have certain vendors and requirements for you to follow. For good reason. And it's worth it. The views are breathtaking and stop you in your tracks. It's a gorgeous, charming place by day and transforms into a magical space at night. Our guests couldn't stop talking about how beautiful the place was. Our wedding was such a special day and RDC provided a gorgeous backdrop.

My husband and I were looking for a unique venue that could help us capture the beauty of California for our guests who were all traveling from out of state for the wedding. Rancho del Cielo delivered beyond what we (and our guests) could ever have expected. While it does get pricey since you have to bring everything in, the views are so breathtaking and the property itself provides so much charm and warmth that you really don't need to spend money on too many extras.

I was a little disappointed in the lack of flexibility with some of the vendors you are required to use. They definitely have a set way of how they like to do things, but overall everything turned out beautiful and we couldn't have been happier. Our guests couldn't stop talking about how amazing the venue...

Very beautiful location, amazing views and very nice/professional staff.

Malibu Rancho Del Cielo is an AMAZING location and I can't imagine getting married anywhere else. The ocean bluff views are STUNNING, the grounds are green and the layout is perfect for weddings. The sunset view is picture perfect and there are a ton of prime photo op spots on the property. We've received so many compliments from our guests about how much they enjoyed the view, the vibe and the venue. Because this is a private residence wedding planning takes a lot more footwork than other venues and there are a number of of hidden costs (i.e., purchasing the insurance, lighting, generators, chair/table rentals, dance floor rental, shuttles, parking, site coordinator and garbage/clean-up, etc.-- which can add up to an additional $7K). But the venue really is stunning and worth the extra time and bucks.

That said, I read the cautions about Avesta (the mandatory cite coordinator--who handles items like showing you the venue, having you sign up the contract, shuttles and parking, and being present on the day of) before booking and would have to agree with the other reviewers in this regard. In showing the venue and signing up our contract, Avesta was very responsive, and on the day of, Avesta was present and plesant; however, she was difficult to get a hold of (sending a lot of follow up emails sometimes does the trick) and incredibly unorganized/scattered during the time between signing our contract (December 2009) and our actual wedding date (August 2010). For example, our shuttles booked through Avesta showed up at the wrong hotel initially and as a result some guests were 45 minutes late to the ceremony. Also, there was a whole lot of confusion regarding whether or not we would need generators in addition to those that our caterers were providing, and the confusion basically stemmed from Avesta telling our caterers one thing and Avesta telling me the complete opposite. I think Avesta means well, she just gets really busy and scattered sometimes.

Notwithstanding Avesta, if I could do it all over again, I would get married at Malibu Rancho Del Cielo over and over again. Our guests eventually got there in time for the ceremony and we had power for the lights/DJ on our big day. The weather was gorgeous, we had a star studded team of other vendors and had the "more fun than fancy" of our dreams (thanks large in part to our above and beyond wedding coordinator Amber Events). Avesta also offers her wedding coordinator services in addition to her cite coordination services and I would advise any brides to be to go with Amber Events instead. Amber is familiar with the venue, is familiar with Avesta and is truly amazing.

I simply can't imagine getting married anywhere else in the world. My now husband and I almost didn't visit Rancho because of some negative reviews, and boy were we glad we ignored them! The owner, Jill, and the site manager, Avesta, were AMAZING. They are incredibly friendly and welcoming and immediately made us feel like family. The location is STUNNING with breathtaking views. Our guests were freaking out over the venue, and even commented on how attentive Avesta was to each of our guests! If I had to do it all over again I would pick Rancho del Cielo in a heartbeat. It is a magical, gorgeous place, and it was an honor to be married there.

The site is absolutely beautiful but the site manager, Avesta is a very difficult woman to work with. Ladies, tread carefully & hire your own planner. Also, they nickel & dime you for everything, so definitely read your contract carefully!

The folks at Rancho Del Cielo made my dream wedding become a reality. No one in attendance could imagine how beautiful this location was. The photos don't do this place justice. It's absolute magic up there at night!

Having your wedding at RDC is expensive because you have to rent everything, but if you want a bespoke wedding, this is the place for you.

This venue, the owners (Jill and Sparky) and the coordinator (Avesta) went above and beyond to make everything perfect and we felt right at home everytime we were there. Our guests were speechless with from the views and execution of everything. This place is ONE of a kind!

I got married at Rancho Del Cielo in August 2006 and it was amazing. You cannot beat this venue for an outdoor wedding. The views are amazing, the owners are the sweetest people ever and Avesta helped me so much. I am so happy I chose this venue. I was able to really pick and choose how I wanted everything to look. Make sure to check it out if you are thinking of getting married in Malibu.