4.8 out of 5.0	Quality of Service:		(5.0/5.0)
	Responsiveness:		(5.0/5.0)
	Professionalism:		(5.0/5.0)
	Value For Cost:		(4.5/5.0)
	Flexibility:		(4.5/5.0)

We fell in love with Holman Ranch the moment we stepped our feet on the premises and knew we wanted to get married there. We wanted our guests to have an amazing time so it meant a lot to us that our guests were blown away by the beauty of the place when they were at the wedding. The different spaces on the property created little bits of surprises for the guests, which kept things interesting throughout the day. The ceremony site with the hills of Carmel Valley as the backdrop is just breathtaking and picture perfect and so were the separate spaces for cocktail hour, dinner, and the carriage house for dancing. You just can't have a bad time at Holman Ranch and all the pictures turned out beautifully. We saved a lot of money on flowers because the grounds and structures were so beautiful that there was no need for flowers.

The service was amazing and Hunter was very responsive and tried to help in any way that she can. The personalized sign was such a surprise and am extremely thoughtful touch, thank you Hunter! The place is expensive since you are paying just for the use of the site, chairs, umbrellas, and tables (but we wound up renting round tables instead because they only had rectangular ones). But...like everyone tells you, set your main priorities and don't skimp on them. We wanted a unique and beautiful venue, didn't skimp on it, and would not have changed it for the world...we just cut back on other things.

The reason I gave a 4.5 instead of a 5.0 for value for cost is the fact that the game room where the men are to hang out as the women got ready did not have a mirror or a restroom. The groom and his groomsmen were originally in the bridal suite and had to leave when we got there, they were not done getting ready so it was frustrating for him not to have a mirror or a restroom.

As for flexibility, I gave a 4.5 because they were very strict about the music stopping at 9 p.m., no open flames were allowed so you couldn't do sparklers if you wanted to, and the gates close and open at a certain time so don't leave your car there thinking that you can come and pick it up later that night! But these rules are understandable being that it is a private residence and the area is dry and residential. Nevertheless, Hunter was flexible in other ways which bumped the score back up to 4.5 :)

We had an amazing wedding at Holman Ranch and don't believe that we would have had the intimate, classy, and exceptional wedding we wanted if it was held anywhere else. Like another reviewer said, our wedding exceeded our expectations and that is a tall order. I would recommend this place to my closest friends and family without thinking twice.

4.5 out of 5.0	Quality of Service:		(5.0/5.0)
	Responsiveness:		(5.0/5.0)
	Professionalism:		(4.5/5.0)
	Value For Cost:		(4.0/5.0)
	Flexibility:		(4.0/5.0)

I think very highly of both the venue and the staff, who I felt took a personal interest in our success. It's hard to mark down on my ratings other than to give legitimacy on my review... Could it have cost a little less? Yes, but that's the wedding industry.

I would recommend this venue to anyone intested in a Carmel wedding.

5.0 out of 5.0	Quality of Service:		(5.0/5.0)
	Responsiveness:		(5.0/5.0)
	Professionalism:		(5.0/5.0)
	Value For Cost:		(5.0/5.0)
	Flexibility:		(5.0/5.0)

Could not have picked a more beautiful location to get married. I had my fairy tail wedding and the staff at Holman Ranch are amazing! Thanks so much for everything:)

5.0 out of 5.0	Quality of Service:		(5.0/5.0)
	Responsiveness:		(5.0/5.0)
	Professionalism:		(5.0/5.0)
	Value For Cost:		(5.0/5.0)
	Flexibility:		(5.0/5.0)

I can't say enough good things about Holman. I've been to two weddings at Holman Ranch. I attended the first wedding by myself as a guest. Attending a wedding by yourself, when you don't know anyone but the bride, can be dreadful, but I had such a wonderful time at Holman. I was able to explore the interiors of the ranch: the stately main room, the lovely courtyard, the views from the lawns. I had a wonderful time just relaxing and soaking up the romantic environment and chatting with all the other guests doing the same. My experience as a guest there was so perfect, I knew I wanted to have my wedding there. And last year, I did.

My husband fell in love with the venue at first sight. Being from the peninsula area, we worried that our guests wouldn't dislike having to drive down to Carmel Valley, but knew they'd forget all that as soon as they arrived. It's just such a perfect setting. Both the scenery indoors and outdoors hold so much appeal, just being there is entertaining enough.

As for putting on a wedding (I had both my ceremony and reception here), it went flawlessly. Hunter, the events coordinator, was always responsive, always cheerful, always helpful when it came to answering my many questions. The service she and her staff gave on the big day couldn't have been more effective, accommodating or efficient and was always friendly. Holman Ranch, along with my caterer (Bird of Paradise, whom I highly recommend) created a day that actually exceeded my expectations (and what bride doesn't have HIGH expectations for her wedding day?)

4.8 out of 5.0	Quality of Service:		(5.0/5.0)
	Responsiveness:		(5.0/5.0)
	Professionalism:		(5.0/5.0)
	Value For Cost:		(4.5/5.0)
	Flexibility:		(4.5/5.0)

I can't imagine a more perfect venue to have a wedding. On my wedding day, people could wander through the old stone houses and courtyards. Or gaze out over the beauty of carmel valley, with a garden of flowers in full bloom. What once was a celebrity getaway in the early 1900's (one room is named after charlie chaplin, he was there that much!), is now the most beautiful location for a couple to exchange "i do's".

4.9 out of 5.0	Quality of Service:		(5.0/5.0)
	Responsiveness:		(5.0/5.0)
	Professionalism:		(5.0/5.0)
	Value For Cost:		(4.5/5.0)
	Flexibility:		(5.0/5.0)

We were the very first wedding after Holman Ranch was renovated and reopened. Everything they did to make sure it was ready for our big day was spectacular. I had attended my uncle's wedding 8 years earlier at Holman Ranch when it was under different ownership and nothing was the same. The renovations that were done were so beautiful and appropriate to the style of the property. Hunter was so proactive in helping me sort out details from 3000 miles away . I'm a professional corporate event planner in Atlanta, and I had a very specific vision for our reception. One thing I have learned over the years is to make sure you trust the venue. They know their space better than any client or event planner that walks through the door and Hunter did everything in her power to maximize the use of her space for our reception and our guests. When it comes to venues in the Carmel/ Monterey area, they are second to NONE. To make our day just a little bit more special than it already was, she created a special sign for my husband and I to remember our wedding day at Holman Ranch. Everyone still talks about the venue, the dancing in the carriage house, the reception on the lawn with the market umbrellas and the dinner in the rose patio. Thank you thank you Hunter for everything you did. I wish we could do it all over again!

Kalei and Bryce Foldy (Bride & Groom)
June 30, 2007