Planning a weekend-long wedding celebration surrounded by stunning views and your favorite people? Sacred Mountain Ranch might be the perfect venue for you. With its sweeping landscapes and relaxed vibe, it’s an ideal venue for couples looking to make their wedding celebration last all weekend long. Keep reading to learn more about Mari & Connor’s Sacred Mountain Ranch Wedding weekend celebration, and why this venue is a perfect fit!
Sacred Mountain Ranch Wedding: A Breathtaking Venue for Your Dream Wedding Weekend Celebration
As a wedding photographer, I’ve had the privilege of capturing weddings in a wide variety of unique locations. Each venue brings its own charm, but some locations hold a special place in my heart. Sacred Mountain Ranch in Julian, California, just a short drive from San Diego, is one of those venues.
For years, I dreamt of photographing a wedding at this stunning mountain venue. Because my photography is heavily inspired by nature, I’m drawn to its breathtaking views and peaceful atmosphere. When my long-time friend Mari reached out about her Sacred Mountain Ranch wedding, I couldn’t have been more excited.
Mari and her partner Connor chose Sacred Mountain Ranch for their wedding because they wanted a weekend long immersive experience. They wanted to celebrate their union surrounded by their closest friends and family, while spending as much time with their people as possible. Truly, Sacred Mountain Ranch couldn’t have been a better fit. This venue offers a unique blend of natural beauty and intimate charm, making it the perfect spot for a weekend-long celebration. From lush greenery to expansive mountain views, the ranch provides a scenic backdrop for any couple looking to tie the knot in the California mountains.
Mari and her partner Connor chose Sacred Mountain Ranch for their wedding so they could celebrate all weekend long. Their wedding vision included an intentional multi-day event, surrounded by their closest friends and family. Sacred Mountain Ranch offers a unique combination of natural beauty and intimate charm, as well as on-site accommodations. This venue is ideal for couples seeking a meaningful, multi-day celebration. Additionally, the lush greenery and expansive mountain views provide a stunning backdrop. Sacred Mountain Ranch offers an unforgettable setting for any couple looking to get married in the California mountains.
A little bit about Mari & Connor
A little fun fact: Mari and I had been connected for years through Instagram. We bonded over a mutual love for yoga long before my wedding photography days. So, when we happened to run into each other in Sayulita, Mexico — shortly after her engagement — it felt like a kismet moment in time. That moment sparked a conversation about her wedding photography! Which I couldn’t have been more excited to capture her big day. 🥹
When I arrived in California for their wedding, Mari and Connor, being the absolute sweetest, invited me to stay with them. They greeted me with a thoughtful card and made me feel right at home. Thoughtful acts like theirs only deepen my appreciation for the personal connections I get to build with my couples. For me, wedding photography is so much more than just a job. It’s about celebrating deep, lasting relationships that go beyond the wedding day itself. I am so grateful for the bonds I’ve formed through this work.
Mari and Connor’s journey together is nothing short of inspiring. They met on the swim team in college back in 2013, and after over 10 years together, they’ve supported each other through many life changes — from long-distance relationships to career shifts and moves to new places. Their love story is a beautiful testament to growth, patience, and commitment. I feel so lucky to have been a part of documenting this next chapter in their lives.
The Wedding Weekend with Mari & Connor
Rehearsal Dinner & Welcome Party at Sacred Mountain Ranch
Mari and Connor’s weekend-long celebration at Sacred Mountain Ranch was the perfect mix of excitement, fun, and meaningful moments. The weekend started on Friday with a rehearsal dinner at the venue, where they were joined by their friends and family. The intimate setting of Sacred Mountain Ranch made it the perfect place to gather and connect before the big day. Afterward, the group headed to Julian Beer Co. for a welcome party! The couple and their guests kicked off the weekend with drinks, laughter, and plenty of excitement for the days ahead.
The Wedding Day at Sacred Mountain Ranch
When the wedding day finally arrived, the stunning beauty of Sacred Mountain Ranch did not disappoint. Saturday began with brunch, offering the perfect opportunity for everyone to gather and get excited for the big day. Mari wore two gorgeous wedding dresses that reflected her timeless style. For the ceremony, she chose a modern gown by Sarah Seven. Later she changed into a romantic, flowy dress from The Dress Theory San Diego. Connor wore a classic suit from Suit Supply, complete with custom socks featuring their dog, Moose.
The wedding’s color palette, which included neutral tones with sage green accents, complemented the natural scenery perfectly. Mari’s bridesmaids wore shades of green that matched the surrounding landscape, while Connor’s groomsmen sported beige suits that blended harmoniously with the lush, mountainous backdrop.
One of my favorite moments of the day was slipping away with Mari and Connor for sunset portraits. Our first stop was at Sacred Mountain Ranch’s signature overlook — the sunset plateau. The sunset light was golden and dreamlike, casting the mountains of Julian, California, in the perfect glow. It was a quiet, magical moment for Mari and Connor to soak in the joy of their marriage while surrounded by breathtaking views. These intimate moments gave the couple a chance to reflect and embrace the beauty of their surroundings.
Another favorite moment was during Mari & Connor’s wedding ceremony when two hawks were circling overhead. Hawks are significant for Mari, so this sign was a good omen.
Why Sacred Mountain Ranch is the Ideal Wedding Venue
Sacred Mountain Ranch is a hidden gem in Julian, California. Julian is a mountain town known for its rustic charm and breathtaking views (and delicious pie!). Whether you’re looking for a small, intimate ceremony or a grand celebration, Sacred Mountain Ranch has something to offer.
The venue boasts expansive mountain views that serve as a stunning backdrop for your wedding photos. Whether you’re getting married under the open sky or surrounded by the venue’s lush greenery, Sacred Mountain Ranch is a breathtaking option. Every corner of this location offers natural beauty that will make your wedding day unforgettable. The rustic elegance of Sacred Mountain Ranch blends perfectly with the landscape. It provides a serene and relaxed atmosphere for you and your guests.
A Weekend-Long Wedding Celebration
What sets Sacred Mountain Ranch apart is the opportunity to host a full weekend wedding celebration. This was a key factor in Mari and Connor’s decision to choose the ranch for their wedding. Not only did the venue offer on-site accommodations, but it also created an intimate space for their closest friends and family to gather and celebrate throughout the weekend.
For couples looking to extend their celebration beyond the wedding day, Sacred Mountain Ranch is the perfect venue. Offering on-site lodging options for both you and your guests, the venue ensures that everyone stays close, allowing for a more relaxed and cohesive experience. From rehearsal dinners to post-wedding brunches, Sacred Mountain Ranch offers the flexibility to host multiple events in one beautiful location.
Mari and Connor’s weekend-long celebration at Sacred Mountain Ranch was filled with laughter, love, and meaningful moments. It was the perfect space for them to connect with their loved ones and create lasting memories. If you’re considering a wedding that spans an entire weekend, Sacred Mountain Ranch provides everything you need to make that dream a reality.
Why Consider a Weekend-Long Wedding Celebration?
If you’re looking for a wedding experience that goes beyond the traditional one-day event, a weekend-long celebration offers many benefits. Here are some reasons to consider extending your wedding festivities:
- More Time with Loved Ones: A weekend-long celebration allows for more quality time with your closest friends and family. Instead of a rushed wedding day, you can enjoy casual gatherings, dinners, and activities that help create deeper connections and lasting memories.
- Less Stress on the Big Day: With multiple events spread across the weekend, you’ll have less pressure to fit everything into one hectic day. You can take your time, enjoy each moment, and truly savor the experience.
- A Relaxed Atmosphere: Sacred Mountain Ranch’s stunning setting creates the perfect atmosphere for a laid-back, yet elegant celebration. With breathtaking views and plenty of space for guests to relax and unwind, your weekend-long wedding will be as stress-free and enjoyable as possible.
- Opportunities for Unique Experiences: A weekend celebration allows for more flexibility in terms of activities. Whether it’s a welcome dinner, a hiking excursion, or a cozy bonfire, you can create a memorable experience that extends beyond the wedding ceremony itself.
Another great venue to consider for a weekend-long wedding celebration is Wind Mountain Ranch in Washington. Check out Kenzie & Jack’s Garden Inspired Wedding Day on the blog.
Frequently Asked Questions About Getting Married at Sacred Mountain Ranch
- What makes Sacred Mountain Ranch a great choice for an elopement? Sacred Mountain Ranch offers a unique combination of breathtaking natural beauty and intimate, private spaces. The venue’s stunning mountain views and tranquil atmosphere make it an ideal choice for couples looking for a serene and picturesque location to elope.
- Is Sacred Mountain Ranch suitable for a destination wedding? Absolutely! Sacred Mountain Ranch is a fantastic destination wedding venue for couples looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life. With its peaceful mountain setting and on-site accommodations, it offers everything you need for a destination wedding experience.
- What are the advantages of hosting a weekend-long celebration at Sacred Mountain Ranch? A weekend-long celebration at Sacred Mountain Ranch allows you to create a more relaxed, intimate experience with your loved ones. With plenty of space for various events and on-site accommodations, it’s the perfect venue for couples who want to extend their wedding festivities and make the most of their time together.
Conclusion
Sacred Mountain Ranch is truly a hidden gem for couples looking to get married in Southern California’s mountains. Whether you’re planning an intimate elopement or a weekend-long celebration like Mari and Connor’s, this venue offers the perfect setting for your wedding day. With its breathtaking views, serene atmosphere, and flexible event options, Sacred Mountain Ranch is the ideal place to begin your marriage in the mountains. Looking for other venues to consider for a weekend long celebration? Check out my blog on The Best Venues for Weekend Long Wedding Celebrations.
Wedding Photography Testimonial from Mari & Connor
“Above and beyond—just so happy Kristi was able to document our day. The entire process felt like having a really good friend at our wedding, who also happens to be a phenomenal professional with an incredible eye and artistic talent! Wonderful photographer and incredible human! Love you, Kristi!”
The Wedding Vendor Team That Made It All Possible
Behind every beautiful wedding is an amazing team of vendors. For Mari and Connor’s Sacred Mountain Ranch wedding, I had the pleasure of working with a talented group of professionals who helped bring their vision to life:
DJ: Preston Foreman
Venue: Sacred Mountain Ranch
Photographer: Kristi Littman Photo
Wedding Coordinator: Holly Kalkin Weddings
Hair & Makeup: Reveal Hair & Makeup (Hair by Kylie)
Florals: Bouquet & Bloom
Videographer: Borrero’s Visuals
Kristi Littman is a luxury destination wedding photographer based in Portland, Oregon, and is currently booking 2025 & 2026 weddings and elopements, foreign and domestic.
Want to book Kristi for your wedding, elopement, engagement or couples photography session? Visit the contact page or email Kristi directly at kristilittmanphoto@gmail.com. ✨
Recently engaged and interested in learning how to prepare for your engagement session? Check out the ULTIMATE engagement session guide.
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