"Palm Springs has its own personality,” Michelle Garibay says. Her award-winning business, Michelle Garibay Events, produces unique, elegant weddings internationally. But, clients often request her to work her magic in the Greater Palm Springs area during the Valley’s peak wedding months in early spring, October, and November. “There is everything from old Hollywood glamour to the Coachella Valley vibe to boho black-tie to MCM [mid-century modern architecture]. Most of my clients are drawn to the boutique hotels like the Avalon. They love the Sands or Villa Royale because they can buy out the entire property and not have to deal with any other hotel guests.”
Garibay says she“ noticed a trend – couples who “want a full weekend experience – Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. It’s not just about the wedding day anymore. They want the weekend to include casual get-togethers, group activities, hikes, welcome parties, rehearsal dinners on Friday, [and] the wedding and reception on Saturday, of course. But, [they also want] a full day of activities on Sunday, such as brunch or a barbecue or just lying by the pool. And because the weather in Palm Springs is so great and there are so many fun things to do and see, it’s a really wonderful destination.”
There are literally hundreds of amazing and unique wedding venues from Joshua Tree to Palm Springs to Coachella. As much as we’d like to list all of them, we’ll describe some favorites chosen by the Desert Magazine staff.
432 Hermosa/Dinah Shore House, Palm Springs
432 Hermosa
This masterpiece of mid-century modern architecture was designed by Donald Wexler for television star Dinah Shore and her then-husband, actor George Montgomery, in 1964. The six-bedroom, seven-and-a-half-bath home is located on 1.3 secluded acres in the heart of Old Las Palmas. The living spaces are divided into a main house, a guesthouse that overlooks the swimming pool, and a casita next to the tennis court. The expansive lawn can accommodate a wedding ceremony, and the six bedrooms can comfortably house your inner circle of family and friends. It currently rents for $3,750 per night; there is a two-night minimum and housekeeping charges are billed separately.
Avalon Hotel & Bungalows, Palm Springs
The first casitas on the Avalon’s four-acre location went up in 1929, when it was called the Estrella Inn. From the beginning, the hotel was popular with the Hollywood crowd. Regulars there included Joan Crawford, Clark Gable, and Errol Flynn. One of its great charms was that the accommodations offered included studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom casitas (like its contemporary, La Quinta Resort & Club). The grounds are extensive, and there are several excellent private areas where guests can stage a small or large wedding and reception. Garibay recalls that on one occasion, a couple rented the entire property to house and entertain their guests.
Frank Sinatra’s Twin Palms Estate, Palm Springs
After he earned his first million dollars after World War II, Frank Sinatra commissioned E. Stewart Williams to build this 4,500-square-foot, four-bedroom, seven-bath MCM home with a piano-shaped pool. Sinatra later sold it so he could move into his Compound in Rancho Mirage, and the Twin Palms Estate was meticulously restored to its original state since then. It’s a nostalgic private estate that’s available as a wedding venue for Sinatra and Rat Pack lovers.
La Quinta Resort & Club, La Quinta
Walter Morgan opened the La Quinta Hotel In 1926. It featured 20 guest cottages on 1,400 acres. He built a glass-covered dining room, a golf course and – later – tennis courts. It soon became a hit with the Hollywood crowd. Like the Avalon, the privacy of the individual casitas was a big draw then, as it is today. The resort is now situated on 45 acres and is like a little city of casitas, gardens, and courtyards. With 90 holes of golf, tennis courts, a spa facility, a ballroom, and excellent dining, La Quinta Resort & Club offers myriad possibilities for a destination wedding.
Sands Hotel and Spa, Indian Wells
Jennifer Emerling
This 46-room gem in Indian Wells is one of the best kept secrets in the Valley. It was designed as an exclusive boutique hotel and offers great dining at the Pink Cabana and an outstanding spa called Spa in the Olive Grove. The Moroccan-themed hotel is small enough that it can be booked by an entire wedding party for the ultimate three-day celebration.
The O’Donnell House, Palm Springs
Alex Warschauer
O'Donnell House
Though it’s now known as The O’Donnell House – after its original owner – this hillside, Spanish Revival-style, four-bedroom home was built in 1925 and named Ojo del Desierto (“Eye of the Desert”). It overlooks a private nine-hole golf course that also bears the original owner’s name. Owned at one time by the Palm Springs Art Museum, the house is once again in private hands and specializes in hosting weddings. The O’Donnell House at one time featured the highest elevation in Palm Springs, and its courtyard offers a commanding view over the Valley. So, it’s one of the most unique venues in the Valley. The guest rooms at The Willows Historic Palm Springs Inn – located next-door – can also be booked for the entire wedding party.
Villa Royale, Palm Springs
The Villa Royale, built in 1947, was one of the first small hotels in South Palm Springs. It features 38 rooms and suites. (An additional seven rooms are available at Villa Rosa – the Royale’s sister property that’s located across the street). Like the Sands, Villa Royale is a great choice of venue for those who want to book an entire property for the duration of a wedding celebration.
Merv Griffin Estate, La Quinta
Like Dinah Shore’s name, Merv Griffin’s name might be more familiar because of the estate he left behind than because of the many hats he wore in his lifetime – singer, talk show host, game show creator, entrepreneur, and resort owner. The Merv Griffin Estate is a truly remarkable wedding venue in the Valley. The Moroccan-themed house offers 13 bedrooms and 5,400 square feet of indoor space. A two-and-a-half-acre pond, outdoor dining for 28 guests, a barbecue area, a pool, a spa, and a barn are located outdoors.
The Packhouse at Aziz Farms, Thermal
Nina Riggio
The Packhouse at Aziz Farms
Six unique venues for wedding celebrations are located on this working farm, including a lakefront space, a beach dock, and a palm tree grove. Second-generation farmer and date grower Mark Tadros packs his extraordinary crop of Medjool dates at The Packhouse itself. The farm sits on over 10 acres, and spaces such as The Gathering can accommodate up to 400 guests. It is strictly an outdoor venue, and on-site bathrooms and dressing rooms with power drops are located throughout the property. The Grove is the preferred spot for dining for up to 350 guests, and The Mesa sits on an elevated 2,400 square feet of land – perfect for a wedding ceremony.
Rancho 51 Date Garden, Coachella
Rocker in Love
Rancho 51
If you regularly attend the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, you probably know Rancho 51 as one of the most desirable glamping sites in the East Valley. This boutique campground features a pool, shade from huge date trees, and a lush lawn. It’s also a hugely popular space for hosting weddings under date palm trees. Like Aziz Farms, Rancho 51 is a working date farm.
L’Horizon Resort & Spa, Palm Springs
This venue was originally built in 1952 from a design by renowned Palm Springs architect William F. Cody. L’Horizon was used by TV producer Jack Walther as a compound for entertaining his family and friends. It was voted the number-one resort in the world for several years running by Condé Nast Traveler. L’Horizon Resort & Spa can be fully booked by a wedding party. The 49 bungalows at the resort were beautiful renovated by owner and internationally recognized designer Steve Hermann.
JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa, Palm Desert
This resort and spa opened in 1987. It offered 450 developed acres, 70 acres of lakes and water features, and an 18-hole championship golf course (which now features 36 holes). The resort was such a big deal that former President Gerald Ford, Bob Hope, and Wayne Newton showed up at its opening night. Its Desert Ballroom can accommodate a 3,000-person wedding, or a more intimate gathering for 150 guests can be held outdoors at The Pointe. Five other indoor and outdoor ballrooms and spaces are available, as well.
The Lautner Compound, Desert Hot Springs
John Lautner, one of the greatest Desert Modernists, was active throughout Southern California. He is likely best known for creating the Bob Hope House, located on Southridge Drive. The Lautner Compound was formerly known as the Lautner Motel and the Beat Motel. Now, it hosts special events and weddings. “Micro-wedding” packages are offered by the compound’s events team; they can plan every detail for your celebration and accommodate up to 50 guests.
The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens, Palm Desert
Heirlume
The Living Desert
The idea of getting married at a zoo might not appeal to every couple. But, The Living Desert is not like any other zoo. It’s a habitat zoo, so many of the animals there lived in large areas. Imagine a guest list that includes rhinoceroses, giraffes, and bighorn sheep. The Living Desert can host both indoor and outdoor celebrations for large or small wedding parties.
