venues

Dawn Ranch is 22 acres of redwoods on the Russian River in Guerneville, about an hour and a half north
of San Francisco, with cabins and cottages so your whole guest list can stay. This is the venue I recommend when a couple wants a weekend that feels camp like, with a wedding at the center of it.

The Orchard is the ceremony spot surrounded by fruit trees, intimate or large. The Meadow is the open-air
one with the views, built for big celebrations. Sycamore Green and the Bandshell are where dinner and
dancing usually happen, an open lawn with a stage that lights beautifully after dark. And the Lodge is the indoor option for a smaller reception or a rainy plan.

The spaces

The ranch offers exclusive use from Friday to Sunday, and that's how I'd book it. Welcome dinner Friday,
the wedding Saturday, a slow river morning Sunday. Because everyone sleeps on site, the day has no
drive-time gaps, which means more of the day for photographs of people actually being together.

A whole weekend

Under the redwoods the light is soft all day, so a midday or early afternoon ceremony works here in a way it doesn't at most venues. Save the open green for the last hour before sunset, when the light comes in low across the grass. Evenings by the river can cool off fast even in July, so a wrap for the bride is a real
suggestion, not a fashion one.

Light and timing

What's the best ceremony spot?
Beneath the redwoods if you want that green canopy light, the Meadow if you want the open view. Morgan
and Jack chose the trees and I'd choose the same.

Is Guerneville far for guests?
About 90 minutes from San Francisco and 30 from Healdsburg. Most couples send guests up Friday and keep them for the weekend, which is the whole idea.

Do you travel to the Russian River?
Yes. I'm based in Thousand Oaks and photograph weddings across California, and Dawn Ranch is one I'd
happily drive to every summer. 

Questions couples ask about Dawn Ranch

Morgan and Jack got ready separately on the ranch.  Morgan with her best friends and mom in a cabin, while Jack and the groomsmen got ready in an another cabin closer to the river.  The light in the cabin is so beautiful.  Window lights create a moody yet soft light just enough to create images that you can feel.  The quiet anticipation of what's to come.  

Getting ready