Ritz-Carlton Rancho Mirage: A Luxe Palm Springs Wedding Venue

Perched high above the Coachella Valley, The Ritz-Carlton Rancho Mirage offers a wedding setting that is both serene and breathtaking. With sweeping views of the desert landscape, dramatic mountain backdrops, and golden sunsets that light up the sky, this luxury resort feels like a secluded sanctuary, just minutes from the heart of Palm Springs. The property blends sleek, modern architecture with warm desert tones, creating a sophisticated yet inviting ambiance perfect for couples dreaming of a high-end celebration with natural beauty at its core.

The resort features a variety of ceremony and reception spaces to suit every style and guest count, from intimate terraces overlooking the valley to grand ballrooms with soaring ceilings and ambient lighting. One of the most coveted spaces is the stunning outdoor Vista Lawn, where couples can exchange vows framed by panoramic views. After the ceremony, guests can enjoy cocktails under the stars, followed by an elegant reception filled with culinary excellence, crafted cocktails, and exceptional service that’s become a Ritz-Carlton hallmark.

Beyond the wedding day itself, the Ritz-Carlton Rancho Mirage offers a full resort experience for you and your guests. Spacious guest rooms with private balconies, a world-class spa, and curated dining experiences allow your wedding weekend to feel like a true getaway. Whether you’re planning a modern desert-chic wedding or a timeless black-tie affair, this iconic Palm Springs venue delivers unmatched luxury, service, and scenery for a celebration you’ll never forget.

Venue Spaces at the Ritz-Carlton Rancho Mirage 

The Ritz-Carlton Rancho Mirage is home to 15 venue spaces, each with their own features and capacities. Here are some of my favorites. 

The Ritz Carlton Ballroom 

The Ritz-Carlton Ballroom is the resort’s grandest indoor space, offering timeless elegance with modern sophistication. Featuring soaring ceilings, luxurious finishes, and ample room for dinner and dancing, this ballroom can host large-scale receptions up to 800 guests while still feeling warm and intimate. It’s ideal for couples planning a black-tie celebration or a lavish multi-course dinner in true Palm Springs style.

Ballroom Terrace

Located just outside the main ballroom, the Ballroom Terrace offers a seamless indoor-outdoor flow with panoramic views of the desert valley. This versatile terrace is perfect for cocktail hour or a starlit lounge experience, allowing guests to enjoy golden hour and evening breezes before or after heading indoors.

L’Edge Lawn 

Tucked beside The Edge Steakhouse, L’Edge Lawn is a gorgeous outdoor space framed by manicured greenery and breathtaking mountain views. Its intimate scale makes it a lovely setting for ceremonies, welcome events, or cocktail receptions up to 150 guests that feel stylish yet secluded. With built-in ambiance and resort-level service nearby, it’s a perfect spot for couples hosting a personal celebration or multi-day wedding experience. The close proximity to dining and lounge areas also makes it a seamless transition for pre- or post-event mingling.

Vista Lawn

With sweeping, unobstructed views of the Coachella Valley, the Vista Lawn is one of the most iconic ceremony sites at the resort, holding up to 600 people. Surrounded by desert flora and set against a mountain backdrop, this lawn offers a picture-perfect location for exchanging vows at golden hour. The dramatic views and open sky create a cinematic setting for saying “I do,” especially during sunset. It’s also a favorite for drone photography and panoramic ceremony seating designs that make the most of the view.

Springs Lawn 

The Springs Lawn is a lush, expansive space nestled within the resort’s garden-like grounds. With its softer, green surroundings, it’s perfect for couples envisioning a romantic outdoor ceremony or reception with a more relaxed, garden-party feel while still enjoying the resort’s signature service and views. It offers flexibility for tented designs, dance floors under the stars, or lounge vignettes scattered across the lawn. This space feels intimate while still accommodating a generous guest count of up to 200 people.

Mirada Ballroom

The Mirada Ballroom offers a slightly more intimate indoor option than the main ballroom, with a warm and contemporary design. It’s ideal for medium-sized receptions up to 220 people, rehearsal dinners, or post-wedding brunches, and features convenient access to adjacent terraces and pre-function space. Subtle desert-inspired details and soft lighting give the room a cozy yet elevated atmosphere. Its size and versatility make it perfect for couples wanting the comfort of an indoor space with refined, boutique-style charm.

Concourse

The Concourse serves as a stylish transitional space that can be used for pre-event mingling, cocktail hours, or guest arrivals. With clean architectural lines and abundant natural light, it creates a welcoming and upscale first impression that sets the tone for a luxury celebration. It’s also ideal for custom welcome signage, escort card displays, or a statement floral installation to wow your guests upon arrival. The flexibility of this space allows planners to make it uniquely personal to each couple.

The Edge Steakhouse

For couples looking to host a chic rehearsal dinner or intimate reception, The Edge Steakhouse delivers an elevated dining experience with stunning cliffside views. Floor-to-ceiling windows showcase the desert valley below, while the restaurant’s sleek interiors and world-class cuisine make it a standout choice for food-focused celebrations in an unforgettable setting. With a private dining room available and patio options for smaller groups, it’s an excellent choice for hosting pre-wedding events with style. The menu, service, and scenery combine for a truly indulgent experience.

Everything You Need to Know About the Ritz-Carlton Rancho Mirage 

Parking

Valet parking is available at The Ritz-Carlton Rancho Mirage, offering guests a seamless and elevated arrival experience.

Weather Backup

The Ritz-Carlton Rancho Mirage offers several elegant indoor spaces that serve as beautiful weather backup options, ensuring your wedding day runs smoothly regardless of the weather. From grand ballrooms to intimate salons, each indoor venue maintains the same level of luxury and scenic charm, providing peace of mind without compromising style.

Catering 

The Ritz-Carlton Rancho Mirage offers in-house catering that reflects the resort’s commitment to exceptional quality and elevated service. Couples can expect thoughtfully curated menus featuring seasonal, locally sourced ingredients and chef-driven presentations that impress both in flavor and style. Whether you envision a multi-course plated dinner, an upscale buffet, or custom late-night bites, the culinary team works closely with you to create a personalized dining experience that reflects your tastes. With impeccable service and attention to detail, the food at this venue is sure to be a highlight of your celebration.

Bartending

The Ritz-Carlton Rancho Mirage provides professional in-house bartending services that elevate the guest experience with expertly crafted cocktails, premium spirits, and personalized beverage packages. Whether you’re envisioning signature drinks that reflect your story as a couple or a curated wine and champagne selection, their skilled bartenders deliver exceptional service with attention to detail. From cocktail hour to the last toast, the bar experience is seamless, stylish, and fully customizable to match the tone and sophistication of your celebration.

Getting Ready Area 

The hotel rooms and suites at The Ritz-Carlton Rancho Mirage offer the perfect setting for getting ready on your wedding day. Spacious, serene, and filled with natural light, each room is thoughtfully designed with modern luxury and comfort in mind, ideal for hair, makeup, and getting ready photos. Many suites feature private balconies with stunning desert or mountain views, creating a calm and scenic atmosphere to begin the day. With separate spaces for the bride and groom to get ready, the resort ensures both parties enjoy a relaxed, elegant start to the celebration.

Accessibility

The Ritz-Carlton Rancho Mirage is designed with accessibility in mind, ensuring that all guests feel welcome and comfortable throughout their stay. The resort features ADA-compliant guest rooms, accessible entrances and restrooms, and smooth pathways throughout the property for easy navigation. Event spaces are wheelchair accessible, and valet staff are available to assist with mobility needs upon arrival. With thoughtful design and attentive service, the venue offers an inclusive experience for every guest attending your wedding.

A Wedding Planner’s Favorite Things About the Ritz-Carlton Rancho Mirage as a Wedding Venue

• From elegant ballrooms to scenic outdoor lawns and terraces, the venue offers stunning options for every style and guest count.
• Beautiful indoor venues like the Ritz-Carlton Ballroom and Mirada Ballroom make weather plan changes feel just as luxurious.
• The elevated desert location provides the most stunning sunset light for portraits, ceremonies, and cocktail hour ambiance.
• Ample venue spaces are available for you to host all your wedding weekend events and provide a place for your guests to stay, never requiring them to leave the property. 

Why You Should Hire a Wedding Planner Before Booking Your Venue

Hiring a wedding planner before booking your venue is one of the smartest decisions you can make. A seasoned planner doesn’t just help with logistics, they act as your advocate from day one. They’ll negotiate with the venue, ensuring you don’t sign a contract that’s missing key details, includes hidden fees, or locks you into a space that won’t work for your vision. An experienced planner can save you money by identifying red flags and helping you build a realistic budget before you commit to a venue, preventing costly mistakes and future headaches (Bryce Gaston Events once saved a couple $58,000 in unanticipated fees!). Planners have insider knowledge of venue pros and cons, can help you navigate confusing fine print, and often catch red flags couples wouldn’t know to look for. Most importantly, hiring a planner early means you’re not planning blind. You have a professional on your side to guide big decisions and eliminate stress from the start.

Ready to Start Planning Your Dream Wedding? Meet Your Wedding Planner. 

Bryce Gaston Events plans luxurious Southern California weddings defined by meaningful details, story-driven design, and your best interests at heart. You deserve a wedding planning experience that is the epitome of excellence, driven by impeccable execution. With genuine care, expert knowledge, diligent communication, and exemplary support, we plan weddings that are just as luxurious as they are personal.

Our packages include full service planning, partial planning and 3-month out wedding management. We’re happy to customize any package to fit your unique needs. 

Inquire now to secure your date!