Nestled in the picturesque but lesser-known city of Camarillo, California, Gerry Ranch stands as a testament to the Ventura County region's rich agricultural heritage and natural splendor. Saying "I do" surrounded by avocado and lemon trees really couldn't get any more Californian. Plus, they kind of make an incredible background for your wedding photos.


Exploring the property offers a glimpse into the history and the evolution of Camarillo. Several other historic ranch properties are in Camarillo and available for weddings, such as McCormick Ranch and The Camarillo Ranch House. I've photographed at both over the years and I will unabashedly say that Gerry Ranch is my favorite for wedding photography- sorry not sorry.

A couple shares a romantic dip kiss on a scenic mountain road with sunlit trees and a bouquet of flowers nearby in Camarillo.

Wedding Photographer Gerry Ranch Camarillo

As you wander through Gerry Ranch, you'll encounter a breathtaking display of nature's bounty. The ranch is renowned for it's farm where visitors can experience the joy of picking their own ripe fruits such as blueberries! Beyond its agricultural offerings, Gerry Ranch serves as an idyllic event venue. Whether you're planning a rustic wedding, a corporate retreat, or a family gathering, the ranch's expansive grounds provide a stunning backdrop for any occasion. With beautifully manicured spaces for the ceremony and reception, and a working farm and ranch just up the hill for photos, it's a truly stunning Ventura County location.


And luckily, Mackenzie and Austin from Simi Valley chose it as their wedding venue! I was so excited when they reached out, because as I said- it's one of my favorites. I'm a basic California girl, and also married to a Mexican man, so avocados are basically my favorite food. My son's first food was mashed avocado actually! Being surrounded by the avocado trees at Gerry Ranch just feels like home.

A delicate lace wedding dress with spaghetti straps hangs from a wooden hanger against a backdrop of green foliage.
Bridesmaids wearing light purple satin robes gather together and laugh during wedding preparation at Gerry Ranch in Camarillo.
Rustic wooden wedding sign with 'West' in white calligraphy text displayed on an easel among green foliage.
Person tying formal dress shoes while getting ready for special occasion in dappled sunlight.
Groom in classic black suit and blue tie poses against leafy garden backdrop for wedding portrait at Gerry Ranch in Camarillo.
A bride in a flowing lace wedding gown with a long train and veil poses in a garden setting on a stone pathway.
A bride in a lace wedding dress with long veil holds a stunning white and eucalyptus bouquet in an outdoor garden setting.
Stunning bridal portrait on a garden path with a flowing white lace gown and delicate bouquet in natural sunlight at Gerry Ranch.
Two people in black suits and blue ties sharing joyful laughter while surrounded by trees and leaves outdoors at Gerry Ranch in Camarillo.

The groom/ groomsmen area is nestled in a patch of shady trees. They don't get a specific getting ready room or anything unfortunately, but it's a cool hangout spot. The bride's room is hidden down a path and has it's own bathroom and mirrors for the bride getting ready. I would reccomend that the groom and groomsmen get ready off-site, whereas the bridal party can comfortably get ready in the bridal suite at Gerry Ranch.

A group wearing matching navy blue suits and ties stand in a formal line against a garden backdrop at Gerry Ranch in Camarillo.
A group of groomsmen walking and laughing together on a garden path under leafy trees during a wedding celebration.
A couple shares a meaningful moment during their wedding ceremony in front of a lush green garden wall at Gerry Ranch in Camarillo.
A couple in elegant wedding attire stands together in a garden setting with lush green foliage in the background at Gerry Ranch in Camarillo
A bridal party in matching light blue dresses poses outdoors under trees holding floral bouquets at Gerry Ranch in Camarillo.
Wedding party in matching dusty blue bridesmaid dresses and black tuxedos pose together under trees in outdoor setting at Gerry Ranch.
Close-up of a bride in a lace wedding dress standing next to a groom in a dark suit at an outdoor garden setting.
Wedding party members in light blue dresses hold elegant white and eucalyptus floral bouquets.
Groomsmen in navy suits and light blue ties adjust their boutonnières during outdoor wedding preparations at Gerry Ranch.

A private vow reading in an avocado grove is my Pinterest Dream.

Ceremony and Reception Time:

The ceremony area is a manicured lawn, facing South onto the Camarillo Hills and the actual Ranch property. The cocktail hour is to the left, and then further to the left is the reception area with the same Southern view, but in a larger space. All the "walls" are made from rows of avocado trees.

Two groomsmen in dark suits with turquoise ties and boutonnières stand at wedding ceremony with floral arch decor at Gerry Ranch.
Wedding party walks down outdoor garden aisle covered in white flower petals with lush greenery and twinkle lights behind.
Wedding party stands on lush lawn with scattered flower petals during golden hour outdoor ceremony at Gerry Ranch.
An outdoor wedding ceremony in a garden setting with mountain views and rose petals lining the aisle at Gerry Ranch.
Outdoor wedding ceremony in California hills with floral aisle runner and guests seated on both sides at Gerry Ranch.
An outdoor wedding ceremony with flower petals along the aisle and mountain views at Gerry Ranch.
An outdoor wedding ceremony under a wooden arch decorated with white flowers and greenery against a sunset mountain backdrop at Gerry Ranch.
A romantic dip pose during an outdoor garden wedding ceremony with guests watching and flower petals lining the aisle in Camarillo.
A joyful wedding couple walks down a petal-strewn aisle with groomsmen and guests in the background.

Reception Set Up

Elegant outdoor wedding table setting with greenery centerpiece and rustic wooden chairs in Camarillo.
Rustic outdoor wedding reception setup with white tablecloths and wooden crossback chairs.
Elegant table setting with white plates, gray napkins, and a menu card in natural sunlight casting soft shadows.
Long wooden farm table set for wedding dinner with white place settings and greenery garland.
Elegant outdoor table setting with white linens, wooden cross-back chairs, and rustic floral centerpiece for a garden event.
Elegant rustic wedding table setting with white plates, eucalyptus garland, and cream fabric runner on wooden farm table.
A couple in formal wedding attire stands on a mountain path surrounded by sunlit trees and dramatic scenery in Camarillo.
Elegant wedding table centerpiece with floating candles in glass votives surrounded by eucalyptus and baby's breath.
Wedding ceremony setup featuring rustic wooden arch with white floral arrangements against mountain backdrop.
Outdoor wedding altar decorated with white flowers and pampas grass against desert landscape.
Elegant rustic table setting with white place settings and eucalyptus garland centerpiece at outdoor wedding reception in Camarillo.
A romantic moment captured at sunset on a dirt road surrounded by golden-lit trees and mountains in Camarillo.
A romantic couple in formal attire share a kiss on a scenic mountain road with a bouquet resting nearby in Camarillo.
A beautiful wedding couple in formal attire admire each other while the bride holds a stunning white floral bouquet in Camarillo.
Outdoor wedding reception venue with string lights and mountain views in Camarillo.

Then head up the hill in a private golf cart...

and be alone away from your guests for a bit while you take wedding photos with me!

Close-up of newlywed couple's hands with wedding rings and white floral bouquet decorated with eucalyptus leaves.
A couple stands together in formalwear in an orchard with golden hills in the background during sunset.
Newlyweds share an intimate moment at sunset with a stunning white floral bouquet featuring roses and greenery in Camarillo.
A delicate bridal bouquet featuring white roses and eucalyptus leaves held against a white lace wedding dress.
An intimate wedding moment under a flowing veil as sunlight streams through the trees creating a romantic backlit glow in Camarillo.
Romantic wedding photo showing couple embracing outdoors with white roses and greenery in soft sunlit garden setting in Camarillo.
A couple walking hand in hand through a scenic orchard with mountains in the background on their wedding day in Camarillo.

Now, the party!

The dance floor is entirely outdoors, so plan to rent heat lamps if it's a colder month. Most people don't seem to mind!

Guests enjoying an outdoor dining celebration with table settings decorated with eucalyptus and glassware.
A couple in formal attire celebrates joyfully while walking outdoors, with the bride in blue and groom in dark suit.
A joyous wedding celebration on an outdoor dance floor with guests in formal attire dancing and celebrating together in Camarillo.
A joyful couple celebrating at an outdoor wedding, with the woman in a blue dress and man in dark suit.
Wedding guests in coordinated dresses celebrating and cheering during an outdoor reception in Camarillo.
A celebratory moment of a newlywed couple exiting their wedding ceremony on a garden path.
A romantic outdoor wedding scene with a couple sharing a kiss on a garden path surrounded by lush greenery in Camarillo.
Close-up black and white detail of an intricate beaded wedding dress and embrace during a dance.
A couple sharing their first dance surrounded by guests at an outdoor wedding reception.
An intimate moment between newlyweds during their wedding celebration with guests watching.
A couple sharing a joyful dance moment at an outdoor wedding reception.
A joyful group of friends laughing and embracing at an outdoor gathering wearing casual attire.
Wedding guests laughing and embracing during an outdoor evening celebration.
Wedding guests sharing a joyful moment with laughter and celebration during an outdoor reception.
Wedding guests cheering and celebrating with raised arms at an outdoor reception.

Congratulations on a beautiful day Mackenzie and Austin!

Couple sits at rustic outdoor reception table decorated with greenery and candles in desert setting.

Wedding Photographer at Gerry Ranch