FAQ’s
How many guests can Riata Ranch accommodate?
We have several picturesque locations on the 1,200 acres of Riata Ranch. Depending on the size of your event, we will make suggestions to help guide your unique experience and fulfill all your needs!How many people can the tipi accommodate?
Our Tipi can accommodate 150-200 people for a sitdown formal dinner, depending on the types of tables used and space left for a DJ, buffet tables, and/or a dance floor inside the Tipi. If a cocktail style celebration with cocktail tables and dance floor is what you are looking to do, then 200 is easily accommodated.
When can I visit the property?
Riata Ranch is a working ranch and events venue. All visits to the property are by appointment only. Safety and accommodating the needs of our guests is our number one priority. Please visit our contact page to schedule a time to visit! We would love to have you.
What event amenities do you provide?
We are happy to provide resources and logistical support to you as you plan your event here at Riata Ranch. We will provide a Preferred Vendor List for your use. We ask that any event of 50 guests or more have a coordinator or planner involved and on site for the event. All other vendor preferences are our best recommendations to you. For private events, we do provide tables and chairs for up to 200 guests for use in our Tipi site.
Are there any vendor restrictions?
We have two main vendor requirements for your wedding or private event at Riata Ranch. Your event caterer must be a licensed, professional caterer. We would recommend that you choose from our preferred vendor list (but exceptions can be made). We require that a professional planner be hired for any event held on property with 50 or more guests.
Before signing vendor contracts, please make sure your vendors have insurance coverage, as we do require vendors to have coverage in order to work onsite. We are happy to make vendor recommendations and help get you in touch with vendors, so please feel free to reach out with any vendor questions along your planning process!
Does Riata staff set up / break down our event?
Even though we do provide tables and other event equipment for your use, Riata Ranch does not set up or break down for your wedding. Set up and break down of any of our Riata Ranch items are the responsibility of your coordinator and/or your caterer for set up. Riata Ranch items are for use in the event areas only. If you are using one of the other areas on property, rentals will be needed and can be arranged with one of our preferred rental companies.
What are your noise restrictions?
We are subject to the San Luis Obispo County noise ordinance, which requires the amplification of music to end at 10:00pm. This applies to music in any of our onsite event spaces, and the Ranch House. This pertains to any and all live music, bands, DJs, etc. It is our guest’s responsibility to inform their hired musicians of this policy. Failure to comply can result in a portion of your security deposit being retained.
Can we bring our own alcohol?
Yes, we are a bring your own alcohol venue. You may supply your own beer, wine and liquor. We do require that all alcohol be served by a licensed bartender and/or caterer. We ask that last call occur at least 30 minutes before the scheduled end of the event for safety and liability purposes.
Do you allow pets?
Pets are not allowed in the Ranch House or on the property. Please keep in mind this is a working ranch with horses, other dogs and operating machinery.
How many people does the ranch house sleep?
The Ranch House sleeps 8 but with convertible sofas it can sleep up to 12 for an additional charge of $75 per person per night.
Can I add additional nights to my wedding stay?
Absolutely! We would love for you to spend more time with us and partake of this authentic California ranch experience. If our three-night package just isn’t enough, please let us know you are interested in staying longer and a special rate will be available to you as our wedding guest.
Can my event guests leave their cars overnight?
Yes. If your guests need to leave vehicles on property overnight for safety reasons, they are required to be parked in the designated guest parking area only. All vehicles must be retrieved by 11:00am the following morning.
Are sparklers, hay bales & confetti allowed?
Candles are allowable, but they must be installed in accordance with the county fire code, which requires all flames to be enclosed in glass and 1 inch below the top surface of the glass container. All confetti and hay bales are strictly prohibited. Any labor or cost associated with clean up of decorations or accessories not authorized and approved by Riata Ranch management will be passed on to the named party on the agreement.
Sparklers are strictly prohibited on the property due to the ongoing California drought and fire danger.
What is the smoking policy?
This is a no smoking property. There is absolutely no smoking in any of the buildings on the property. If you know you have guests that smoke, we will work with you on setting up a designated, outdoor smoking area. Please ask us about the designation of an approved outdoor smoking area. The violation of this policy in any of our buildings or in a non-approved designated smoking area jeopardizes the return of your security deposit following your event. It is your responsibility to inform your guests of this policy.
When can I have access to event spaces?
For weddings, we allow your rental companies to deliver your event rentals the day before your event. You have access to the event space 24 hours before the event and have the ability to set up any decor inside the Tipi at that time. If you need to arrange for early access please ask, and we will schedule access, based on availability.
Can we host other events on the property during our wedding weekend?
We would love for you to hold other events onsite. Rehearsal dinner or brunch (late check out fees or additional event fees may apply) can be held at the ranch house. Please inform us of your full weekend itinerary prior to your stay, so we can plan accordingly to accommodate you in the best way possible. Riata Ranch does require that any event with 50 guests or more is coordinated by your wedding planner. All matters of rentals, vendor logistics and parking must be arranged and facilitated by your planner. In addition, any event outside of your wedding day that exceeds 50 guests will be subject to our Additional Event Fee.
Are there additional fees or expenses I should be aware of?
We've done our best to make expenses simple for you by including basic amenities that we know you'll need, such as tables and chairs. We do charge a cleaning fee if renting the ranch house.
Weekend liability insurance is required, naming La Bella Grand, Riata Ranch LLC as additionally insured. Often this can be obtained through your home owner's policy. Policies are also available through Cover My Events or Wed Safe. Generally, this cost is between $150 to $300 for the weekend. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask.
In addition, any event outside of your wedding day that exceeds 50 guests will be subject to our Additional Event Fee, in your wedding agreement. This goes to cover additional Riata Ranch staffing, cleaning, parking, and excessive event space use. Portable restroom requirements and security are two areas that will add some costs to your event.