Six Crazy Cool Wedding Estates in Greater Palm Springs

Over-the-top feels just right at these mega-estates that put the “big” in big day

Lisa Marie Hart Weddings

Posh weddings are a given at the Old World-style Solomon Estate, where luxury feels effortless.
PHOTOGRAPH BY MICHAEL SEGAL PHOTOGRAPHY

 

For a wedding that feels larger than life, you’ll need to start with a “No. Way. This is all ours for the weekend?!?!” venue to match.

Pass over predictable ballrooms, golf courses, and hotel gardens and head right for a private estate that stretches its lavish arms wide to welcome you and your guests. When the doors close, the party inside is all yours.

 

Colony 29

photo courtesy of colony 29

Tucked right into the mountainside, Colony 29 is a historical gem for parties of any size.

 

Tiered along the mountain’s gentle hillside, this one-of-a-kind getaway of seven freestanding homes takes your celebration on a historical, botanical, and utterly scenic journey. With the charming architecture of old Palm Springs, its six acres include intimate enclaves for exploration as well as multiple outdoor venue options that could seat a royal wedding. Everyone will find a place to relax, thanks to three saltwater pools, four saltwater spas, quaint private gardens, shaded patios, outdoor dining areas, and cozy fire pits. For the daring, al fresco soaking tubs invite a midnight bubble bath. Overnight: 13 bedrooms sleep up to 26. 800-777-4606, www.colony29.com

 

Solomon Estate

photo by michael segal photography

Panoramic views, fine furnishings, and architectural extravagance meet multiple event spaces at the Solomon Estate.

 

Up to 500 guests can gather for a spectacular ceremony on the outdoor lawn of this stunning Rancho Mirage estate. Mediterranean grace meets a cool, California coastal vibe across the 18,000 square foot Old World villa—augmented in grandeur with a rose garden, lakes, waterfalls, bridges, patios, and a gazebo. Brides love glamorous photo opps on the curling staircases and tranquil terraces or in front of towering columns, Italian arches, or spraying fountains. Panoramic views, fine furnishings, and architectural extravagance meet multiple event spaces in this jaw-dropping masterpiece fit for any fairytale. Overnight: 6 bedrooms sleep up to 12. 800 525-7634, http://www.eventsdepartment.com/solomon.html

 

Desert Ridge Estate

photo by michael segal photography

Set on a 3-acre private lake, Desert Ridge Estate’s dance floor backdrop is undeniably dramatic.

 

In the case of hard-to-please crowds with a myriad of interests, this 10-acre fun factory has you covered. The celebration-sized infinity-edge pool and spa rival a luxury resort surrounded by rock waterfalls, fountains, and creeks. Amenities for competitive fun include billiards, ping pong, beer pong, shuffleboard, darts, poker, a sports field, horseshoes, corn toss, and bocce ball. In the evenings, gather around the piano or karaoke machine, or retreat to the high-tech home theater.

Not sold? An indoor fitness center and a private dirt bike and ATV course on the estate’s perimeter should seal the deal, along with the three-acre, spring-fed lake, ready for BIY jet-skiing, swimming, fishing, or splashing with family and friends. With elegant attention to detail, its secluded Indio setting promises expansive mountains views for all—complete with plenty of parking and a stately circular driveway for valet or limo drop-off. Overnight: 8 bedrooms sleep up to 30. 866-466-5988, www.desertridgeestate.com

 

The Galvan Estate

Photo courtesy of the galvan estate

Made for group fun, The Galvan Estate offers a prime getaway for active couples and their guests.

 

Game on! This estate goes beyond the requisite party-sized saltwater pool with beach entry and tanning ledge, raised Jacuzzi, and swim-up fire pit to offer a full basketball court, sand volleyball pit, foosball, ping pong, and a three-hole putting green. An outdoor BBQ center sits steps from the 14-stool outdoor bar complete with a Kegerator. Inside, the step-down bar neighbors sleek leather lounge seating in front of a 50-inch LCD TV with surround sound — to catch any important sports moments. This 3,000 square foot home on an enclosed Palm Springs lot blends classic luxury with contemporary style — a perfect match for any taste. Overnight: 4 bedrooms sleep up to 10. 760-902-7187, www.thegalvanestate.com

 

La Quinta Estate

photos courtesy of vacationpalmsprings.com

Spanish style at La Quinta Estate creates a warm ambiance that includes artisan details and kiva fireplaces.

 

Walled, gated, spacious, and definitely private, this Spanish-style estate offers an invitingly comfortable and festive ambiance. From its outdoor dining palapa, BBQ, and Pebble Tec pool and spa to a separate media room with poker table and a billiards rooms with a pool table and fireplace, parties can spread out in style. A catering-ready kitchen with professional-grade appliances adds convenience, while exposed wood beams, Saltillo tile floors, hand-carved wooden doors, hand-painted tiles, and kiva fireplaces add a warmth that feels like home. Overnight: 5 bedrooms sleep up to 12. 800-590-3110, www.vacationpalmsprings.com

 

Villa Grand

photos courtesy of vacationpalmsprings.com

One of the largest residential pools in Palm Springs makes for a refreshing after-party at Villa Grand.

 

Tennis anyone? Or are you more of a pool, spa, and sauna couple? Have it all — plus a Hawaiian Tiki bar for mixing custom cocktails — at this private Palm Springs compound. An 80-foot long pool, one of the largest in town, offers a wading area for tanning or wading, as well as enough length for laps. After tennis on the lighted sport court, relax in the cedar-lined sauna or in an indoor or outdoor Jacuzzi. This one was made for casual, carefree entertaining. Overnight: 7 bedrooms sleep up to 17. 800-590-3110, www.vacationpalmsprings.com

 

Lisa Marie Hart has been writing about weddings since serving as an editor at Bridal Guide magazine in New York City in 1999. Since 2006, she has been editor of the annual Palm Springs Life Weddings & Honeymoon Planner. Away from the laptop, she creates tiered cupcake stands for weddings and celebrations at www.highteaforalice.com

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