From Landmarks to Luxury

Ventura County has an abundance of scenic wedding sites, historical landmarks and luxury hotels offering indoor and outdoor ceremonies.

But be careful: Outdoor weddings are at the mercy of the elements. Wind and fog and blowing sand can make a shambles of a beach ceremony.

Here are just a few of the county’s prime wedding spots:

THE BEACH

* Permits are unnecessary at state beaches, but park officials need notification of large weddings. Parties are charged $6 per carload, making the beach an affordable choice, says Ranger Richard Rojas.

“If you cram people in, you save money,” he says. “We give discounts to large groups and we charge a little more for buses, but not recreational vehicles.”

For information on McGrath, San Buenaventura and Emma Wood state beaches, call 654-4610. For Rincon or Carpinteria state beaches, 566-2494. Or call the California State Parks district office, 899-1400. City beaches in Oxnard, Port Hueneme and Ventura are free of charge and red tape.

THE CROSS AT GRANT PARK

* Brakey Road, Ventura--Originally erected by Father Junipero Serra, the cross has drawn pilgrims since 1782. The ocean views make this an ideal wedding ceremony site. Two-hour rental fees are $146 for city residents and $168 for non-residents, but receptions are not allowed. Call the Ventura Parks and Recreation Department at 652-4594.

HERITAGE SQUARE

* Completed in 1991, this village of restored Victorian homes contains a refurbished 1906 church. Garden ceremonies in the central plaza are becoming a local tradition. Indoor receptions are held in a historical two-story home. Rental starts at $200 each for the chapel and home; the plaza is $250. Located at 715 South A St., Oxnard. More information: 483-7960.

HOLIDAY INN

* With its wraparound views of Ventura and the ocean, the Top ‘o the Harbor room makes a dramatic wedding site. Rental for an evening wedding is $1,200. Dinner starts at about $23 a person. Located at 450 E. Harbor Blvd., Ventura. Contact Pat Lindsay, 648-7731.

HYATT WESTLAKE PLAZA

* Weddings are held in the hotel’s grand ballroom, as well as outdoors in a gazebo framed by waterfalls. Up to 500 people may be accommodated, and prices begin at $35 per person for ceremony and reception. To rent the gazebo only, the cost is $500. Located at 880 S. Westlake Blvd. Contact Gwen Ojalvo, 497-9991.

MANDALAY BEACH RESORT

* Indoors, a grand staircase in the lobby is a favored site. Outdoors, choose from a tropical garden courtyard or the beach. The courtyard is $650. The beach site, overlooking the Channel Islands, is $1,250. Located at 2101 Mandalay Beach Road, Oxnard. Call Toby Kay Applebay at Capistrano’s Restaurant & Catering, 984-2500, Ext. 524.

OLIVAS ADOBE

* Make history part of the theme at this 148-year-old landmark from California’s rancho era. Two-hour booking, no receptions. Cost is $196 for city residents and $228 for non-residents. Located at 4200 Olivas Park Road, Ventura. Information: 652-4594.

OJAI VALLEY INN

* Built in 1923, the inn is a natural for romance. The courtyard and terrace have views of the mountains. Courtyard rental is $350. Dinner receptions start at $40 a person. Located at 905 County Club Drive, Ojai. Call Annie Sappok at 646-5511 or (800) 422-6524.

PIERPONT INN

* A sentimental favorite, the inn has a 67-year reputation for good food and hospitality under continuous ownership. The $695 gazebo wedding package includes ceremony, champagne and complimentary room on your first anniversary. The Pierpont also has a $1,000 lawn wedding package. Located at 550 San Jon Road, Ventura. Call Jeri LeBlanc at 653-6144, Ext. 198.

RANCH HOUSE

* Weather permitting, the restaurant stages ceremonies in its herb garden. The garden area, where the editor-in-chief of Bon Appetit was married, accommodates up to 145 people. To rent the restaurant for a Saturday luncheon is $2,800 for 75 people. South Lomita Avenue, Meiners Oaks. Information: 646-2360.

RANCHO de LOS FLORES

* Commercial iris gardens and spectacular mountain scenery make the ranch a sought-after site. For $1,000 on Saturdays and $800 on Sundays, it’s yours from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Price includes gazebo, reception area and dance floor. “They set up, we clean up,” says Mary Ann Spurlock, who co-owns the ranch with her husband, James. Located at 8000 Balcom Canyon Road, Moorpark. Information: 529-6534.

SAN BUENAVENTURA MISSION

* Established in 1782, the mission makes wedding services available only to Catholics. Cost is $100 for parishioners, $300 for others. Book six months ahead. Located at 211 E. Main St., Ventura. Information: 643-4318.

WESTLAKE VILLAGE INN

* Weddings are held in the hotel’s lakeside gazebo, by its man-made waterfall or at poolside. Wedding package costs $45 per person, including ceremony and reception. Located at 32001 Agoura Road, Westlake Village. Contact Bonnie DiDomenico at 495-6451.

WHEELER HOT SPRINGS

* Be it creekside or garden setting, Wheeler’s al fresco weddings are something out of Central Casting, or might as well be, considering the abundance of celebrities who flock to the restaurant/spa. Prices start at $25 per person for ceremony and reception. Located at 16825 Maricopa Highway, Ojai. Contact Carol Williams, 646-8131, Ext. 13.

Details

* WEDDING PLANNER: Wedding Celebrations, a free 96-page directory, is available at bridal shops or by contacting Progressive Publishing at (818) 344-4538.