wedding wednesday: venues

woo hoo welcome to the first Wedding Wednesday !
{don't say I'm not original!}

So first things first Matthew and I haven't set an exact date but we're thinking about getting married a year from now- so next September or October. That's a lot of time but since I know many venues book a year in advance I figured that would be the first task to tackle. Let me just say that venues are crazy to charge as much as they do for a site fee! Just to use the property, places charge upwards of $12,000! Insane, right? Matthew and I are definitely looking for places 75% less than that which has been quite the challenge. Growing up in Los Angeles, and Matthew in San Diego, {both having spent significant time in Northern California}, we've decided on a California wedding. haha I know that doesn't really narrow it done though since this is quite a big state but at least it's something!

I am totally smitten with barn and ranch style venues so that has been our main focus right now. Here are some pictures of the gorgeous Santa Margarita Ranch, photographed by Cameron Ingalls, and featured on Green Wedding Shoes.

sigh I think it's so pretty! Unfortunately the site fee is still a little high for us. We've been looking for a place like this in the Los Angeles area but we don't really have land like this! Have any of you seen {or been} to some beautiful barn weddings or have a recommendation of where to look? Any California tips would be great!
xox