There are few venues that make us truly swoon, but Dawn Ranch Lodge puts the magic into each wedding every time we visit. Tucked into acres of gorgeous redwoods, the lodge is just NorthEast of Sonoma and right on the Russian River. There are endless possibilities for any type of wedding, and we’ll share the two very different weddings we’ve been a part of at this beautiful site.
The Venue
I’ll let Dawn Ranch introduce itself, then we’ll share our favorite bits of what makes this amazing venue special.
“A century-old guest ranch, Dawn Ranch Lodge was renamed in 2006 in celebration of the rare Dawn Redwood, of which there are two mature trees on the grounds. Originally believed to be extinct for over 15 million years, the Dawn Redwood was rediscovered in the 1940’s growing in remote provinces in China, and a handful of saplings were reintroduced to North America. Our 70 year old trees grew from these original saplings.
You can choose to have your ceremony in the orchard or the meadow, by the pool or in our Lodge. Each has its own unique flavors and character. The boughs of the orchard’s fruit trees encircle a ceremony and bring a magical sense of intimacy. The giant redwoods in the meadow overlook the guests and impart a grand sense of the beauty of this natural environment.
Dawn Ranch Lodge features 53 delightful cabins and chalets to accommodate your guests and we are very excited to present our absolutely charming, newly redesigned and renovated bridal cottage.
Our lodge and restaurant provides the perfect setting for your rehearsal dinner. You may also choose to gather with your guests by the pool, on the decks, or at the boathouse around the campfire.
We can accommodate up to 500 people for wedding ceremonies and up to 119 overnight guests in our cabins and chalets. We are happy to recommend nearby lodging for larger parties.”
Our Experiences
There are so many wonderful things about having your wedding here. The cottages on the properties are beyond adorable – perfect for “getting ready” shots, beautiful light for that perfect photo of your hanging wedding dress. And with their ample accommodations (as listed above) all of your wedding guests can stay on site! Talk about an after party!
Caroline’s favorite moments happen in the apple orchards, where a lot of couples choose to have an outdoor reception lit with twinkle lights. The close-knit apple trees create an intimate atmosphere, while the lights strung through and over the trees give the entire scene a soft, warm light.
With the river so close by, there are opportunities abound for the adventurous bride and groom, not to mention gorgeous groves of redwoods for a stunning backdrop to any kind of wedding.
The two wonderful couples featured here are Heather and Travis, Abby and Josh.
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