Over our years of experience photographing weddings, we have had the pleasure of shooting at hundreds of locations and venues. As we have reflected back over the years and photographs, there are a few standout venues that always come to mind. If you are in the season of planning for your wedding and marriage, deciding on your wedding location is often one of your first key choices (that and hiring a planner – always hire a planner!). In this new series for our sweet brides, we will highlight our absolute favorite venues over the following months. Hopefully, these in-depth looks at each luxury wedding venue will ease the burden of your choice and help you decide on the perfect place to celebrate your big day! Today we are kicking off this new series with one of our all-time favorite places to shoot, DC Ranch Country Club.

Truly one of Scottsdale, AZ’s hidden gems, DC Ranch Country Club is an incredible choice for your wedding day. As photographers, we can’t spend enough time telling you about how beautifully this space photographs. There are breathtaking vistas of the desert mountains and sweeping city lights around every corner. The intentional architecture and design of the property allow brides and grooms innumerable choices for intimate and romantic photos. From private courtyards to incredible balconies, you’ll run out of time before you run out of amazing photo opps.

With two sweeping lawns of the most manicured grass (would you expect any less from a premiere country club?!) you and your wedding guests will enjoy incredible views from your ceremony site. Able to accommodate up to 220 guests, DC Ranch not only offers two beautiful lawns for your ceremony but also one of the most jaw-dropping courtyards we’ve ever laid eyes on. Their long time catering manager, Sharon Bishop comments, “In my fourteen years of service here, I’ve never seen our beautiful courtyard look the same way twice. Each wedding is unique and the courtyard seems to reinvent itself each time.” Having photographed here frequently, we can say she is absolutely right! Some of our most beautiful photo captures are of the sun setting over this courtyard while our bride and groom celebrate their marriage surrounded by family and friends.

Included in your wedding at DC Ranch you will find ample space to get ready with your bridal party on the day of your wedding (PSA – an entirely new bridal area coming in 2019!). The detail shots from weddings here never disappoint! And of course, what would a wedding day be without food? The kitchen at DC Ranch is staffed by some of the finest chefs Scottsdale has to offer. With flexible catering packages, “we’ve always been able to create a menu that’s customized perfectly to the bride and groom,” says Ms. Bishop. And while Phoenix and Scottsdale are known for their heat, this country club oasis regularly runs 5 degrees cooler than the city’s temperature readings, due to their expansive greenscape and being slightly elevated above the city (hello gorgeous views!).

 

While reminiscing about the property, Sharon Bishop recalls, “Each wedding here is so unique and special. Twice our receptions have ended with surprise fireworks. We have hosted dueling pianos at receptions. One time a couple had pizza flown in from their hometown pizza joint for all of their guests to enjoy. We have hosted brides and grooms from as far away as New Zealand and Japan. Whatever the dreams of our brides and grooms, we will go above and beyond to make them a reality.” Nearby hotel space abounds for guests, including options from The Four Seasons and Westin, to The North Scottsdale Hilton Garden Inn. Membership at the country club will help you secure your date preference, but isn’t necessary to inquire.

We have had the pleasure of photographing hundreds of events over the years, but weddings at DC Ranch Country Club always produce incredible photos for our couples. We love our weddings here and we know you will too! If you are interested in inquiring you can find Sharon Bishop’s contact information here.