The hospitality industry of PALM SPRINGS-DESERT RESORTS loves weddings and collectively rolls out the red carpet to couples wanting a weekend of fun, relaxation, romance and pampering for their wedding party and guests. 

Laurie Lund, event coordinator and owner of  THE EVENTS DEPARTMENT  shares with us the magic that is available in the greater PALM SPRINGS AREA as well as the convenience and affordability of a Califonria mainland destination.  

When couples are considering a tropical, warm weather location, they often consider Hawaii, the Caribbean or the Bahamas. While these destinations are fantastic, their distance from the US mainland and the associated travel costs often preclude many guests from attending.    

Palm Springs-Desert Resorts is located in Southern California, just a few hours’ drive from Los Angeles and San Diego and a very short plane trip from all major cities in the Western United States. Palm Springs International Airport has connecting flights from all over the world with a flight schedule tailored to the leisure and resort traveler.

7 major resort hotels, countless, quaint boutique B&B’s, numerous country clubs, exquisite private estates, 130 golf courses, more spas than you can list and five star catering companies  all say “welcome” to the destination wedding. It’s no wonder PALM  SPRINGS-DESERT RESORTS is a wedding destination of great popularity.

For the wedding couple looking for the epitome of individuality and a wedding experience like no other, private estates and secluded villas dot the greater PALM SPRINGS area  from Indio to Palm Springs proper. You won’t find these exclusive venues in any destination guide as they are “by appointment only” and strictly guarded by  their property managers.

Laurie Lund, owner of THE EVENTS DEPARTMENT and seasoned wedding and event coordinator is one of the select few that represent many of the spectacular and discrete properties. She recently gave us a whirlwind tour of a few of her favorites.  Although exclusive and a bit pricey, you may be surprised at the value when you consider many estates include overnight accommodations for the Bride and Groom.

Imagine being married on the lawn of MARILYN MONROE & JOE DIMAGGIO.  SANDACRE was the alleged home of the couple for years and behind the massive wooden entry gates,  lies elegance and Hollywood mystic beyond description.  A sprawling front lawn, private tennis court, small side yard lawn and poolside all serve as beautiful ceremony  sites. Guest lists of 100-175 find this venue comfortable and gracious. Use your imagination and you just might see Marilyn herself, blowing you a kiss from her famous bedroom balcony!  

Petite and gem like, best describes THE RUSSELL HOUSE, a Mid Century Modern masterpiece in very much the Albert Frey style, perched in the hills of Palm Springs with views of the entire valley from its Infinity pool backyard. Suited for only the smallest, most intimate events, this venue is perfect for 2-5 people  and does accommodates overnight guests

Hip, Cool, best describes the retro “Rat Pack” home of FRANK SINATRA. Known as Twin Palms, this trendy Palm Springs original still has Sinatra’s, mark everywhere.  A piano shaped pool, his original LP record player and lest we forget the infamous bathroom sink, said to have been cracked during a heated quarrel between him and Ava Gardner. Rehearsal dinner, ceremony,  reception and post wedding brunch can all be accommodated within the estate with little sense of repetition.

 The drama and opulence of the SOLOMON estate is the perfect setting for the platinum wedding.

The nice thing is, per Laurie Lund, you can have a platinum wedding without the platinum price tag!  Save on flowers and décor, the natural setting is “over the top!” 10,000 Sq Ft of grand elegance, fully furnished (or not) and majestic private grounds perfectly manicured with walkways, pools, and conversation cabanas can comfortably accommodate events of 300+ guests.

Do the old world styles of Spain and Italy appeal to you?  The BOUGAINVILLIA estate in Indio will transport you without ever leaving the USA!   Fully self contained this hacienda style venue can comfortably sleep 10, has a   1 acre lake, water features, lanai and a 5000 Sq Foot lawn area.  Gorgeous pool, outdoor BBQ & Full outdoor kitchen, game room and multiple conversation areas are just a few of the amenities within this gated estate.

For the nostalgia and history of old Palm Springs, THE O’DONNELL HOUSE, high on the hill overlooking downtown Palm Springs is a spectacular venue. Rich in history, the O’Donnell House is ideal for guest lists of 100 or less. The ceremony site is a pristine, private grass area nicely tucked behind the main house. After the ceremony guests will migrate to the reception patio with views that you can hardly believe, The evening stars above and the city lights below create a magical evening of dining and dancing your guests will never forget! 

 The CREE Estate is a lavish hacienda built in the 1930s.. Sprawled over two and a half acres of lush landscaping, 2 swimming pools, multiple patios, meandering lawn areas, the Cree Estate captures the simplicity and warmth of old-fashioned Mexican architecture, The best way to appreciate all of the Cree Estate’s amenities is to book the entire compound  for a wedding weekend. With six bedrooms, three kitchens and a formal dining room, the Cree can effortlessly take you from rehearsal dinner to post-wedding brunch. Known as one of Hollywood’s most discrete celebrity accommodations, Christina Applegate in fact selected this estate above all others for her wedding. Close to Palm Springs, easy access from the airport, your wedding guests will find an assortment of additional accommodations just minutes away.   

If you are considering Palm Springs as your destination wedding location, plan a weekend to browse the area, meet with vendors and preview various venues. To make the most of every minute of your scouting weekend and to get the “inside scoop” on PALM SPRINGS-DESERT RESORTS, schedule time with Laurie Lund, an expert on Palm Springs and a professional destination event planner with 20 years experience in helping clients realize the event of their dreams. 

For more information on these venues and planning your destination wedding weekend,

contact  LAURIE LUND  800 525 7634
THE EVENTS DEPARTMENT