Ultimate Guide to Planning a Luxury Wedding at Cielo Farms Malibu

wedding planning; wedding aesthetic and design; styled by Kelly Patrice Events

Tucked among the Santa Monica foothills, Cielo Farms Malibu is the epitome of rustic luxury. It offers a wedding venue that feels like a slice of Tuscany right in the heart of Southern California. With its sprawling vineyard, panoramic Santa Monica Mountains views, and warm hospitality, it’s no wonder that couples fall in love with this venue time and time again. From a sunlit ceremony or a romantic reception under the stars, Cielo Farms provides an unforgettable setting for your wedding day.

With the combined artistry of Kelly Patrice Events, The Mad Florist, For the Table, and Premier Party Rents, this celebration was one for the books—chic, modern, and utterly romantic.

In this guide, we’ll explore the charm of Cielo Farms and provide valuable tips for planning your own special day at this beautiful vineyard venue.

About the Venue: Cielo Farms Malibu

Cielo Farms is an exclusive 30-acre estate. Set against the dramatic backdrop of the Santa Monica Mountains, it’s just a short drive from Los Angeles. The venue’s natural beauty, with its rows of grapevines, olive trees, and golden rolling hills, creates a serene, Mediterranean-inspired ambiance. This setting is perfect for couples who want an organically sophisticated wedding with the added perk of Southern California sunshine.

The venue’s fluid design allows for a seamless transition from ceremony to cocktail hour to reception, giving guests an immersive experience with plenty of opportunities to explore and savor the scenery. Exchange vows under the vine-covered pergola and dine al fresco while the sun sets over the mountains. Every inch of Cielo Farms feels cinematic.

Event Spaces at Cielo Farms

The Estate: A stunning outdoor area with dramatic views and plenty of room for ceremonies, receptions, and sunset cocktail hours.
The Stone Terrace: The heart of the venue, this open-air space boasts sweeping views of the mountains and surrounding vineyards. It’s the perfect location for a romantic ceremony or an al fresco dinner reception under twinkling string lights.
The Vineyard: Perfect for a romantic, vineyard-inspired ceremony or photo backdrop.
The Olive Grove: Perfect for intimate moments, including private vows or a cozy welcome reception. The grove’s natural beauty adds a serene, Mediterranean touch to your day.
The Barn: A warm, rustic indoor space that can be customized for smaller gatherings or as a cozy cocktail lounge.
The Panoramic Views: Every inch of Cielo Farms is bathed in natural light and surrounded by breathtaking vistas. From sunrise to sunset, the venue’s natural beauty transforms, offering a dynamic backdrop for film photography.

Except for the Barrel Room (which is perfect for a rehearsal dinner), Cielo Farms is an entirely outdoor venue. Couples and vendors can take full advantage of the natural surroundings. However, there are shaded areas and creative design options to accommodate guests during warmer days or cooler evenings. We had record-breaking 100-degree temps for this wedding, but you’d never know it. The pool, shade, and seamless transitions made it more than tolerable (as long as I kept my film in the cooler).

Designing the Perfect Wedding Day at Cielo Farms Malibu

The Dream Team: Kelly Patrice Events and Creative Partners

Allie and Jack’s wedding at Cielo Farms was a testament to the venue’s transformative charm and a talented team that understood its unique charm and potential. For this wedding, every detail was meticulously curated by some of the best in the industry. (Pssst—go check out the Beverly Hills engagement session, too!)

Kelly Patrice Events brought their vision to life with a chic, modern-yet-timeless aesthetic that complemented the rustic-luxe vibe of the venue. Her expertise and organizational prowess ensured a seamless day from start to finish. To take it up a notch, The Mad Florist added a romantic, colorful palette with pastel blooms that shifted in tone as the light changed throughout the day, creating a cinematic effect. Finally, For the Table’s curated table settings and Premier Party Rents’ furniture elevated the experience, ensuring every detail was cohesive and refined.

The day’s service and hospitality were flawless, thanks to the professionalism and attention to detail from the Cielo Farms team and the food and drinks from The Pausmith Group. Each moment—from private vows over coffee to the string-lit reception—was carefully designed to offer the highest level of luxury and personalization.

The Wedding Day: A Perfectly Styled Affair

The Color Palette

This wedding was a masterclass in color storytelling. The bridesmaids wore a spectrum of vibrant yet muted tones that harmonized with the pastel florals. During the day, the palette was fresh and bright, perfectly suited to the sun-drenched ceremony. Gradually, the colors deepened as the sun dipped behind the mountains, taking on rich, moody tones under the glow of string lights and candlelit tablescapes. This transition created a film-loving atmosphere that felt ethereal and romantic.

Details That Make the Day Unique

Allie and Jack infused personal touches throughout the day. They began their morning with a quiet moment together in PJs, sharing private vows over coffee before the whirlwind of events began. This intimate gesture set the tone for a day filled with meaning and connection.

While the bride prepared with her bridal party, the groom’s party made the most of the warm Malibu morning with a poolside hangout. These candid moments gave their photos a casual, documentary feel, perfectly complementing the venue’s relaxed yet luxurious vibe. If you’re tired of the same old groom’s party photos, consider gathering the crew for an activity for priceless memories and authentic, zero-cheese photos.

Tying it All Together

My job as a photographer is to take in all of the intentional details and capture them in a way that tells your story—big moments and fleeting bits of magic. Allie and Jack wanted minimal posing, more of a documentary feel, still leaving room for those editorial and fashion moments. We leaned into a mix of editorial and moment-based direction for both of them and their wedding party and family photos.

All in all, I did a full weekend of coverage for them, starting with the rehearsal dinner and then the wedding day, for a total of twelve hours. To pull this off and maximize our time, I had three photographers for their day so we could do a ton of film and drone coverage. If you’re looking for an epic, unforgettable wedding experience, this is the way to go!

Cheers, Allie and Jack! I wish you both a lifetime of adventure, laughter, and love.

Want wedding photos that break the mold? I’m your artist! I would love to hear more about your wedding plans and vision.

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