When Should I Book?

It’s a question we hear all the time: “When should I book my wedding?”

The short answer? Sooner than you think — especially if you’re dreaming of a Fall 2026 date.

Here’s why: engagement season is right around the corner. Between Thanksgiving and Valentine’s Day, nearly half of all proposals happen — and once that ring is on, couples start hunting for venues. By early spring, the best fall weekends are usually spoken for, especially in popular desert destinations like ours.

At Rimrock Ranch, we host a limited number of weddings each year simply because of our seasonal weather patterns. The desert gives us those perfect spring and fall windows — mild temperatures, incredible sunsets, and that signature high desert light — but summer heat and winter chill mean our booking season is shorter than most.

So, if you’re considering a Fall 2026 wedding, here’s what to keep in mind:

1. You’ll Have More Dates to Choose From

The earlier you book, the more likely you’ll land your dream weekend — maybe it’s that golden October light or a cozy November celebration before the holidays kick in.

2. You’ll Secure This Year’s Rates

Venue pricing typically adjusts each year to reflect rising costs and demand. Booking early locks in current rates and gives you more control over your budget.

3. You’ll Be Ready Before the Rush

Once engagement season hits, response times slow across the entire wedding world — venues, planners, photographers, you name it. Booking now means you’ll have our full attention and plenty of time to plan without pressure.

We know that finding the right venue is one of the biggest decisions in the wedding process, and we want you to have the space and clarity to make it.

So if you’ve been eyeing a Fall 2026 weekend at Rimrock Ranch, now’s the time to reach out. We’d love to walk you through available dates, what’s included, and how to make the most of the desert season.

Contact us today to start the conversation — and get ahead of engagement season before it begins.

I See You Are An Approved Venue, What Does That Mean?

At Rimrock Ranch, we take pride in being more than just a beautiful desert destination — we are a fully licensed and approved venue by San Bernardino County, dedicated to providing exceptional experiences for our guests and community. As a licensed motel and a county-approved event venue, we operate with the highest standards of professionalism, care, and accountability.

Our licensing isn’t just a piece of paper; it represents years of hard work, investment, and collaboration with local agencies to ensure Rimrock Ranch meets all safety, hospitality, and zoning requirements. This commitment sets us apart from pop-up operations or one-off homeowners hosting events without the proper permissions or infrastructure. We’ve worked hard to create a space where guests can celebrate milestones, enjoy the desert’s natural beauty, and trust that their experience is safe, seamless, and fully supported.

Being a licensed motel means our accommodations are designed for comfort and convenience, while being held to hospitality standards that ensure a great stay for every guest. As an approved venue, we have the facilities and expertise to host weddings, retreats, and gatherings responsibly, while respecting our neighbors and the land we love.

We’re proud to be a part of this community and to contribute to its growth and reputation as a unique destination. At Rimrock Ranch, you’re not just choosing a venue — you’re supporting a responsible, experienced team who has made a long-term commitment to this incredible corner of the desert.

Trust your event to a county approved venue.

Who Caters Out Here?

Since our bookings are typically for the full weekend, the Friday nights are typically chill options like pizza (we love I FALL TO PIZZAS!)  or tacos (check out local taco vendor LA CAGUAMA), or sometimes BBQ (give Coachella Valley BBQ a try!).

Saturday usually is the main event and folks ted to gravitate to food trucks (Harvest Kitchen & Border Grill, Flavor Chef, local caterers making homemade ingredients (Cahoots Grub & No Worries Chefs) and even some help from lux options from Palm Springs like F10 Catering, and sometimes even the coast— such as MiHo and Chef Joann 

The only rule is that most caterers (99% of them) need to be self contained and not reliant on on our facilities. The only time this guidelines is flexible is if the event is super small, but please obtain permission to waive this guideline.

Where Do People Stay?

Our Accommodations & Weekend Stay

Our Historic Cabins

Rimrock Ranch prides itself on providing a retreat for your friends and family for the weekend. We look forward to hosting your guests in our historic accommodations built in the 1940’s. We have seven accommodations, 11 beds total. So we sleep twenty-two guests total on site. Typically people arrive on a Friday afternoon (3pm), and leave on a Sunday. Friday night is an opportunity for a rehearsal dinner, more mellow evening, Saturday would be the wedding day, Sunday is typically check out by 11am. Folks add days on the front end or the back end of their stay to have a smoother entrance or exit out of the desert. We’re flexible!

Rimrock Airbnbs

Our neighborhood of Rimrock has Airbnbs that sleep another 40-50 guests within walking distance or can’t-screw-it-up drive.

Pioneertown Options Too!

And for Pioneertown options, we love our friends over at the Pioneertown Motel , Pioneertown Corrals Camping, and there are oodles of rentals to choose from on Airbnb.