I Do Venues: Rancho Del Cielo Sneak Preview

Photography by Robert Paetz

About the Venue

This gorgeous private estate resides in the sunshiny bliss of Malibu. With picturesque beaches, rugged mountain backdrops and stunning gardens (not to mention acres of olive groves), Malibu is infamous for being romantic, serene and overall picture-perfect. And Rancho Del Cielo has all that! Sitting above the hills of Paradise Cove, your wedding ceremony at Rancho Del Cielo will undoubtable have an amazing ocean view! This old California ranch house is nestled amongst a colorful garden of roses, jasmine and lavender, so you will be surrounded by beautiful flowers and delightful smells. With its mountaintop location, the big blue sky is met with the vast Pacific Ocean, and at dusk the sunsets are unbelievably! Plus once or twice a month you can see the full moon rise over the horizon of the sea and experience bright stars above while you dine and dance the night away.

Ask the Expert

Robert Paetz shares what he loves about this gorgeously unique wedding at beautiful Rancho Del Cielo:

Amber & Chirag had not one, but two ceremonies overlooking the vast expanse of the Pacific Ocean, when they wed at Rancho del Cielo, a private estate in Malibu, CA run by the adorable Jill Greene. They were both resplendent in traditional Indian outfits for their Hindu ceremony, and Amber looked absolutely breath-taking in an intricately beaded sari which required multiple assistants to help her dress. It was a marathon 15-hour wedding day full of emotion, richness of culture, and lots of fun.

What I love about this venue can be summed up in two words: Jill Greene. The secluded, characterful venue is evidently beautiful, with expansive views of the Pacific Ocean, a charming cottage to get ready in, and a serene outdoor reception space aglow with soft lighting of paper lanterns. However, it is the genial and charming proprietress Jill Greene, along with her affable husband Sparky and her inquisitive little dog Hoover, that make Rancho del Cielo more than just another pretty location. They are charming, accommodating people who warmly welcome brides and grooms into their home (the 'getting ready cottage' is where Jill & Sparky live!) and take a genuine interest in the well-being of the couple. Also, day-of wedding coordinator Betty Lang of Vanda Events deserves special mention for staying cool, calm and collected throughout the 15-hour wedding day!

I Do Venues wants to recognize the talented team of wedding professionals who helped to make this bride's dream a reality: Photographer - Robert Paetz Photography; Day of Coordinator - Betty Lang of Vanda Events; Floral - Amy Guerriero; Lighting - Rancho del Cielo; Cake - Cake Box Pastries; Catering, Beverages, and Rentals - Truly Yours Catering; Invitations - Indian Wedding Card.