Orcutt Ranch

The place is really pretty & old. We were there for a family wedding & thought «hey this is really awesome» up until the wedding began… the employee working in the office pissed off the DJ & guests saying that the music was too loud & he needed to lower it or she would kick him out! Who does that?!? IT’S A DARN WEDDING!!! Not to mention that the music wasn’t even loud enough for everyone to hear it. She matched the swastikas on part of the building there if you know what I mean .
Anyway, she & the security guards were very unpleasant & a party downer!
Make sure you don’t leave ANY food stains on the floor because the nazi will make you get down & clean it up before you leave. The mother of Bride was so pissed off she just mopped the whole place up to shut that lady up! Oh… the security guards will go into your bridal rooms while you’re not in them to make sure you don’t have food or drinks in there. So don’t even think about getting a little wine buzzed before the wedding. If you do they’ll threaten to kick you out. Never again will we have an event at that place.
But if you want to go & walk around the place with no interaction with those people then by all mean go for it because it’s really pretty.
Too bad this review would’ve been 5 stars if the staff & placed match each other.

My grandfather Ernesto Cornejo was the caretaker and gardener for Orcutt Ranch. He worked there for over 50 years under the Orcutt family. He was responsible for most of the trees and landscape you see there today. The big oak tree located near the main house was dedicated to him. I remember visiting him and my grandma many times. Special memories. Today he was honored with two trees planted for Arbor Day from the West Valley Garden Club. The Cornejo family sends thanks are very honored for this ceremony.

Care to explain why you have the swastika all over your venue? I know you use the excuse of it being a former Native American symbol, but as far as I’m concerned you are no better than the racists that use the dictionary to justify using certain words for certain types of people. I am glad I bothered to research your venue before bothering to invest any money in it for my wedding.

Went grapefruit picking here — it was very pretty and the grapefruits were ripe and juicy. They rent fruit pickers, and the cost is minimal for the grapefruits themselves. A nice kid-​friendly activity.

It’s a wonderful venue. I just had my wedding there, and everyone loved it. Be prepared to do a lot of work and research (rentals, decorations, allowed bar service, etc) but it’s totally worth it. Also keep in mind that all the DIY things add up!
Since it’s a national park, you can visit as much as you want (as long as there is no private event). I went to see it one last time a week before my wedding, and I met a couple with a little girl. They were telling her «this is where mommy and daddy got married». To me that’s priceless! Just to think that one day I can have a family park day and take my kids to my wedding venue sounds amazing!!!

I had my wedding here recently and it was amazing. The place is so beautiful and absolutely perfect for my laid-​back but still elegant outdoor wedding. The ceremony space is so, so pretty (and was the main selling point for me) — it’s like walking into something out of a fairy tale. Yvonne and everyone else who work there was so pleasant and easy to work with. It is a bit more work than you might be expecting — you have to arrange your own tables, chairs, food, etc. but it was well worth it for me and it gives you the opportunity to really make the wedding your own.
I’m looking forward to coming back to do some more exploring (and maybe some fruit picking!)

«It’s wedding season!!»
Ah! One of my favorite times of the year. Located a bit off the beaten path is Orcutt Ranch in Chattsworth/​West Hills. I was pleasantly surprised to see such a cool venue that I’ve driven past dozens and dozens of times.
The wedding ceremony took place in a quaint area with plenty of foliage and shade to protect everyone from direct sun. The seating arrangement was set up well so all patrons are able to view the ceremony without much obstruction. The reception area was held right near the main buildings. This is where you’ll find the restrooms and the swastikas. Yes swastikas. Just above the door ways. There’s a few signs around the area explaining the reasons for them being there. Check out Jaime C’s photo here:
Parking can be a bit tricky as the lot on the ranch isn’t very big. Many of the attendees were forced to park just outside the gate. Fortunately the walk to the venue is short so parking outside the isn’t a big deal.
Overall this is a great venue to have a wedding. The swastikas were a bit of a shock but they make for a great talking point!

Beautiful place stumbled across it by chance. I can’t imagine how pretty a ceremony here would be.

It’s a hidden jem! My husband and I were married here last month and it was gorgeous! Working with their staff is easy, and they’re friendly and willing to answer any questions and truly go above and beyond for you. Be prepared to do a lot of work. Note that there is no AC in the grooms prep area and the guys will melt in the summer, be prepared to measure everything and have layouts and pictures for every detail. If you wan’t something that is yours (unique), that can be rustic, chic, or just a beautiful outdoor wedding, then this is the place for you.

Went here today at around 9AM to do some orange picking. They offer this once a year to the public where for less than $ 5 you can pick oranges. I ended up not getting a single orange because by the time I got there, the ones left were all the way at the top and I didn’t get a fruit picker (there was a huge line just to get 1 fruit picker). I just didn’t think they organized this event well. You had the ask other patrons where to pick oranges, what each line was for, etc. It wouldn’t kill them to put up signs!
Anyway while I left empty handed, I walked around the property which I think is opened to the public daily??? It’s a great property to just walk around for a little bit and it’s very well shaded. I definitely would wear bug spray though.
I would have given this 4 stars but dropped a star due to something I found very strange. You have to reserve a picnic table in advance. I just thought that was very strange as from what I understand, most people in the area don’t know about this place.

Oh this place is so beautiful and natural to its time. A cultural and historic monument to the ancestry of indigenous and early settlers of this land. I was here for a wedding and enjoyed the house so much!
There are orange groves and beautiful gardens everywhere!
I enjoyed the details in all the architecture. Absolutely stunning. The swastika was a worrisome symbol, it after learning more about the origination of this symbol, it was actually a historic sign for peace. Hatred has corrupted this symbol.
You’ll see more about this information when you approach the house.
I also enjoyed all the old photos of the time. Beautiful Damas and ancestors.

Beautiful place. Great for weddings. Awesome for free dates. Nice bathrooms. Been to this place a dozen times and it’s always enjoyable.

Orcutt Ranch is formally named Rancho Sombra del Roble, «ranch in the shade of the oak.» The property used to take up much of what we know today as the city of Canoga Park and West Hills and is one of the first residencies in the area.
Although part of the property was demolished for homes in the area a good portion still stands.
Today it is marked as– Los Angeles Historic Cultural Monument No. 31 and is open to the public.
At least 3 sections of Orcutt are filled with citrus and oranges groves that are stunning!
There are places picnic, like these benches under the trees
Gazebos
The old entrance have a gargoyle-​isk look with European crowned lioness
Along the natural trail there are a few short stairways that lead to more of Orcutt
Manicured area one of many gardens
Unique benches are throughout Orcutt. The bench that loops around the oak is my favorite.
Garden plots are available
$ 60/​month & $ 120/​year, $ 15 start-​up fee
Here are a few examples of what people grow: lettuce, cabbage, tomatoes, etc.
The entire ranch is beautiful and a relaxing place I’ve visited on a weekly basis for years. Some of my favorite areas of Orcutt that are unique are:
The eye opening and beautuliful 740 year old Central Live Oak
Fruit station with wash basin and bench. (Reminded me of a mini train station)
Sundial
The most iteresting archway to one of many doors on the old residence of Orcutt
There are also religious touches, like
Grotto with Our Lady
Interesting bits of Pre-​WWII history. I was shocked at the sight of swastikas all over the historical residence and throughout the ranch mainly cenmented in stone. I later read The American Indian swastika symbol was not associated with evil, it meant «good fortune»
A great photo opt is at the barn & historical exhibit
The name Orcutt Ranch couldn’t be more suiting and you’ll experience the obvious as you navigate the property under the beautiful old trees that shade your trail.
Orcutt is a great place to go for a stroll, picnic or to schedule an event. Also, twice a year you may pick
grapefruit & oranges for $ 3/​bag, $ 5/​medium box (B.Y.O. bag).
I held off on writing a review of this beauty of a place for sometime because it is a less traveled place; quite the gem!

Came here during the one weekend a year that they open up the orange and grapefruit groves to public picking. We arrived someone early (7:30am when it opens at 7am) and the place was already busy. We rented a picker ($ 1 fee, have to leave your drivers license) and were off. We picked tons of oranges and the price vary depending on the size of the bag/​container. It is pretty much eyeballed by the volunteers and either way you get a great deal.
The bags of fruits can get heavy and since it was our first time we were far from prepared. Some people brought a dolly or a wagon of some sort to lug the fruit around. We tried to carry them in some reusable shopping bags and ripped two of them since the oranges were so heavy. Also scissors, gloves, and long sleeved are necessary unless you want tons of scratches from the orange branches.
From our tons of oranges we made a ton of orange juice. The oranges were super sweet and juicy. We will be going again next year to pick again :)

I need to start off by saying that I have not had my wedding here. We are currently searching for a venue, and this is a review of my experience with Orcutt so far. It is a beautiful venue at a great price. However, my experience with their customer service was absolutely terrible.
My fiancé and I toured Orcutt in March with Danielle. We had a great time and were very excited to find such a great location for the price. We were told that reservations for dates open up the first business day of the month 1 year prior (June 2015 reservations open June 3 2014).
We called back in May to ask a few questions, and were told that there was already a wait list for June 2015 dates. What we had not been told is that there is an additional wait list to even have a chance to reserve the dates in June. Apparently people can line up one month prior to put their name down for the June 3 registration date. So essentially there is a reservation for the reservation date. We were completely taken aback and sad that we would have to push our wedding date back due to their error. All they said is sorry and that Danielle no longer works there.
Their solution was to have a July wedding. It wasn’t ideal but I certainly didn’t expect them to kick another couple out of their June date just because someone made a mistake. We could work with a July date — plans change all the time. They asked me to come on June 3 2014 to reserve our July reservation date. I was informed that the gates open at 6am but she was «not sure what time people line up because [she] gets there sometime around 9am.» My fiancé lives in San Francisco and I would be out of town that day so I asked if there was any way she make an exception and put our name on the list considering their staff had made a mistake. Her solution was to ask a friend to go in my place. Basically, a friend would have to take the morning off work and sit around for 3 hours until the office opened. What?
In the end, I asked to speak to a supervisor. I understood that the woman who had been helping us in this process didn’t have the authority to do so and I just wanted to speak with someone who could help a bit more. They refused to even give me 1 call. Literally they refused to email or even call me. I’m just astonished…

I just had my wedding here!
I fell in LOVE with Orcutt Ranch over a year ago during our arduous hunt for the perfect wedding venue. You’ll never imagine such a property in the middle of a residential area and near the bustle of Canoga Park!
We looked at no less than 10 venues — Most all-​inclusive. In the end a few HUGE reasons led us to this most perfect venue for us; 1. I knew I wanted to DIY and craft a personal, intimate event and I didn’t want a wedding factory 2. I wanted to choose my own catering 3. We needed a dog friendly venue because our «kids» would most definitely be a part of our day.
4. Orcutt Ranch is GORGEOUS when all the roses are in bloom and you get the whole shebang; houses and gardens, for your event. There’s ample parking and photos-​ops are PLENTY (orchards, barn, rose maze, bamboo forest, etc. etc).
The site managers are also really sweet, responsive, and very helpful with any questions you might have. And you will have many because there are many rules.
Whether you want an intimate party or a full scale 200+ person blowout — this place can accommodate you. If the vibe you want for your wedding is rustic, vintage, DIY, charming, romantic, garden party — This is your perfect venue BUT!!!
A few things to keep in mind:
1. Because this was NOT meant to be a wedding venue and just kinda evolved into one, be prepared for the Park Rules and Restrictions. Such as; everything you bring in must be removed same day (which rental companies may charge you for) — this includes ceremony petals ladies!, no nails on anything for hanging, no candles, very limited/​non-​existent kitchen, events must end at 10PM, etc. etc. etc.
The managers are very honest and up front about what is and isn’t possible. But again, this isn’t a wedding venue so they’re not gonna hold your hand for your event. You’ll need to figure things out and get creative with décor.
2. Be prepared to rent EVERYTHING. Literally, everything. Every. Thing. This may offset any costs you think you are saving with the rental price.
3. This park is contracted to ONE bar service company and cut off time is 9PM SHARP. Don’t even try to get a drop from them after 9PM (and we did).
I think I also recall that starting sometime this year, they are no longer allowing speakers outside — which just sucks for any future brides wanting a reception and dancing outdoors.
Most importantly for weddings and due to the growing popularity of this venue, it’s not easy, and incredibly frustrating bordering an anxiety attack to reserve the weekend date you want. You do so on a first call/​come first serve basis on the first of the month, a year or more out… confused? Yeah, good luck with that. They book up FAST. But if you get a date you want, count your blessings! You won the wedding venue lotto! I got incredibly lucky with my date — I’ll spare the details but it was total fluke and I consider myself super fortunate :)

We’ve worked this venue many times and it’s awesome.
You and your guests will really feel like you are away from the city and not in a «wedding factory» and guests really love the freedom to roam around.
Very vintage, rustic feel but still classy.
NOTES:
They do have an early close (9 or 10pm) I think so if you are wanting to dance all night then not the best venue but otherwise really stunning.
You WILL need to hire a 3^rd party coordinator for this venue.
I shot a walkthrough video of our setup for a wedding at Orcutt Ranch and you can view it here:
Hope it’s helpful and if you have any questions from a vendor perspective I’ll be happy to help.
Lee

Really nice simple beautiful place with gorgeous grounds for weddings or any event. This place has an older ‘elegant’ feel to it, with lovely bush mazes, statues, bamboo forests, rose bushes, gazebos. It is an old house that has been transitioned into a lovely event avenue.
Limited parking, and some ‘iffy’ bathrooms (flusher fell off in my hand), but really, just a nice simple place.

This was our destination wedding.
I found this venue for our wedding (held last week) mainly through Unilocal and Google search. Upon reading reviews, looking through pictures, getting questions answered by Danielle and Trish, and discussing with my significant other, I booked it over email. My husband and I live in Oregon and we needed to get married closer to his grandparents in Los Angeles. We also needed our reception and ceremony held in the same place. Our preference was to be held outdoors. Trish provided the initial information and then Danielle answered all the additional inquiries promptly thereafter.
It is a DIY venue… they provide the site, and you provide everything else. If you’re into that (or like having options, as I see it), then this is the place for you. It certainly was perfect for us.
We visited the gorgeous, manicured grounds for the first time 2 days before our wedding just to get oriented. Trish gave us a tour of the garden site, but couldn’t get into the house since the floors were being redone (and they turned out spectacular for our first wedding dance). The beautiful garden provided enough décor for our ceremony in front of the statues and lunch reception in the patio. We brought in more flowers for final touches for the dining tables, which provided by our caterer (
), and the cake room where we had our pies (
).
The venue can accommodate for up to 175 guests though it didn’t feel overwhelming for our intimate party of 28 as we mainly gathered together in the rose garden patio (or maybe because we’re used to having space in Oregon?). Even when some of us played croquet in the lawn in front of the gazebo, the rest of the party either lingering in the fountain area and patio was still a glance away from a comfortable distance.
I loved this venue and would recommend it to any bride who wants her wedding in a beautiful garden in L.A. County. Our pictures also came out fabulous not only because of the talent of our photographers, but the gorgeous facility.

Attending the Fruit Picking weekend (once a year).
Paying $ 1 for the picker.
Paying $ 3 for filling up the orange/​grape fruits in my own bag.
Paying $ 5 for filling up the orange/​grape fruits in my own box.
What a nice family outing! Bring your own bag/​box and rent the picker from the location, you can spend hours picking fruits with your family & friends.
Great fun~
They usually open to the public for fruit picking after July 4^th, only once a year. Yesterday was the first day, lots of people show up. Therefore, lots of fruits have been picked. Today… limited choices.
The Parking: Private lot (FREE)