The Old Rancho FAQ

1. What is the maximum occupancy of guests at The Old Rancho? 
175 Guests for Ceremony & Seated Dinner. 225 Guests for a Moving Style Reception            

2. What are the allotted rental hours for the venue? Does this include set-up and break down?

  • Event: 5-Hour Event 

  • Set-up and Access to Dressing Suites: 2 hours before your event start time

  • Break Down: 1 hour  

  • Events must end by 10pm on Friday & Saturday & 8pm Sunday Thru Thursday- Bar & DJ must end 30minutes prior.

3. Do we need to make an appointment to meet visit The Old Rancho? 
Yes, you need to make an appointment for a showing with our Venue Manager since our offices are not located on-site. 

4. Is the user responsible for set-up and clean up? 
No. The Old Rancho and Personal Touch Dining staff will set-up & clean up all catering, bar, and included furniture. Your Day-of Coordinator will set-up and pack up any specialty decor items such as place cards, table number, sign, favors, photos, guest book, cake knife & server and toasting glasses. This excludes centerpieces, arches and florals. Vendors/florists will be responsible for their own set up and clean up.

 5. Can we bring in any outside food?
Catering is included in your full-service package through Personal Touch Dining. All Food, including Dessert must be booked through Personal Touch Dining. Custom menus are available and special meal requests such as Gluten Free, Vegan, Vegetarian and Child meals will be accommodated. 

6. Can we bring in our own vendors?
The Old Rancho has an Approved Vendor List which the DJ is required to be chosen from. Please contact the Venue Sales Manager for the current list.

7. Can we bring in our own beverages?
Yes, you can bring in your own beer, wine and liquor. Personal Touch Dining must serve all beverages. Note: Please note that shots and neat drinks are not permitted.

8. What is the required payment to secure a date and when is it due? Is it refundable?
To secure your date, 1/3rd deposit is due upon signing the contract. An additional 1/3rd deposit is due 90 days after your contract is signed. The final payment is due the Monday before your event. Payments are NON-refundable. 

9. Will you be able to help us with the floor plan? 
Yes, our planning and coordination team will prepare the layout for your event.

10. When is the final count due? 
The final guest count is due the Monday, the week PRIOR to your event. 

11. Is a Tasting provided?
Yes, a complimentary Group Tasting Experience is provided in your package the year of your event. The planning/production meeting takes place at least 60 days before your event to prepare the final details.

12. Can we visit before our event? 
Yes, you will need to schedule an appointment with the Venue Manager.

13. Can we have live music and how late can we play music? 
Acoustic string Music, such as a guitarist, violinist, mariachi bands, and harpist, is permitted for ceremony and cocktail hour. All music must conclude by 9:30pm Friday and Saturday and 7:30pm. Live bands are not permitted.

14. Are children allowed in the facilities?
Yes, children of all ages are welcome.  Children must always remain under adult supervision. 

15. Are pets allowed at the Rancho?
Yes, well-behaved pets are allowed in the outdoor areas of the property for photos and wedding ceremonies. The event host is responsible for cleaning up after all pets while on property and pets must be picked up by a sitter and taken off the property once the post-ceremony photos have concluded. Certified service animals that are individually trained to do work or perform tasks for a person with a disability are permitted for the duration of the event.

16. Are there any insurance requirements?
Yes, as part of the venue rental we will order a $1 million dollar day of event Liability Insurance Policy in the name of the couple. The policy protects you the client, your guests, and the property, from any damage that could occur during your event. A $200 non-refundable fee will be collected to cover this policy.

Note:
- This policy does not cover event cancellation or your vendors.
- Vendor insurance is also required.

17. Are there any rules regarding candles?
Candles are allowed if they meet CA fire regulations. When the candle is lit the flame must be 1” below the glass rim of the candleholder.    

18. What will The Old Rancho and Personal Touch Dining do for us?

  1. Venue Sales Manager - Assists you with any questions regarding the venue, event details, or catering. Oversees the operation of the venue, planning, and execution of all events. Works with you to coordinate all the little details involved with your event - finalizing the menu, event details, rentals, timeline, and any vendor insurance. 

  2. Event Sales Assistant - Available Monday-Friday for any questions regarding your event. 

  3. Day-Of-Coordinator - Is the main point of contact for you and your vendors on the day of your event. Introduced the week of your event once event is finalized. They will meet you for your rehearsal, and oversee your Big Day. Coordinating consists of: Running your rehearsal, setting up and packing up any specialty decor items, coordinating the ceremony, managing day-of vendors, overseeing the event timeline and all events during the reception. 

19.  Is there storage on-site where we can keep client items overnight?
No. There is no storage on-site to keep client items. Clients may leave a vehicle with their items on rehearsal day, and the Venue Coordinator will unpack and re-pack all items on the day of. The Coordinator can also relocate the vehicle in the parking lot so you can pick it up the following day. 

20. Is there a place at the Rancho where the couple can get dressed?
Yes. The property has two dressing areas with A/C, all hair and make-up must be done off-site.

21. How should I utilize the two hours allotted before my wedding? 
We strongly recommend that the 2 hours prior to your event start time be used for getting dressed and enjoying your friends and family, as well as to take pre-ceremony pictures. 

22. Can we help you with your hotel rooms? 
Yes! For your convenience, we will be happy to provide you with a list of local hotels.  See the brochure for more information on this partnership.

23.  Handicap Accessibility?
The Old Rancho is a historic estate situated on top of a hill with multi-level outdoor areas. While much of the property is reasonably accessible across brick walkways, there are areas of the venue with limited access for those requiring handicapped access. If you have guests with mobility limitations, we suggest scheduling a venue tour to personally, evaluate any areas of concern and discuss possible alternate layouts for your event that would not include inaccessible zones.