The Ultimate Palm Springs Wedding Weekend

wide shot of ceremony from behind altar at Parker Palm court

Palm Springs is one of those quintessential California landscapes: snow-capped mountains in the distance, hundreds of palm trees swaying in the wind, and glorious SUN almost every day of the year. Why else would Hollywood’s stars have picked this small town in the Coachella Valley to turn into their favorite weekend getaway? Visiting this classic vacation hotspot is a no-brainer whether you’re an Angeleno getting away from the hustle and bustle for a few days to lay by a pool, or a snowbird escaping to SoCal for some much needed warmth. When Sarah and Ryan found Parker Palm Springs on one of these routine escapes from New York City, they immediately knew they HAD to plan an ultimate wedding weekend with family and friends at the storied resort.

There’s nothing quite like The Parker. Once the location of California’s first Holiday Inn, then later Gene Autry’s Melody Ranch (and housing facility for The Los Angeles Angels baseball team in the 1960s), it’s now a wonderfully kitschy getaway in the heart of town. It’s easy to leave the world behind among the tall hedges and perfectly-curated modern glam designs curated by Jonathan Adler. From the vintage “DRUGS” marquee sign and suit of armor in the lobby, to the yellow-striped lemonade stand and pétanque courts, there’s something blissfully irreverent and laid-back as soon as you walk through those iconic orange doors. So why *wouldn’t* you invite hundreds of your favorite people to join you here for an epic soirée? Here’s just a sample of what they did (and you can try too!) for one epic Palm Springs wedding weekend!

Thursday Adventures: Rent a Classic Car and Explore the Town

Palm Springs is known for its mid-century modern architecture and quiet, breezy streets. So why not check into your hotel then spend your first afternoon in town exploring the nearby Araby Cove neighborhood? Grab an iced coffee to go and take a ‘door tour’ of all the colorful front entrances on the streets just behind The Parker! If you’re feeling photogenic, you can even rent a vintage convertible from Coachella Valley Classic Cars as the backdrop for some truly epic shots! Special shoutout to Joe and his Corinthian white Ford Thunderbird with a bright red leather interior. Nothing says Old Hollywood quite like a classic T-Bird. Just make sure to plan ahead for the sun to set about 45 minutes early behind the nearby San Jacinto Mountains if you’re counting on that beautiful golden hour light!

Friday Night Glam: Rehearsal Dinner and Drinks Along the Strip

As soon as you’ve had your fill of lemonade and swimming, let’s glitz it up for the rehearsal dinner at The Rowan. Walk in the lobby and take the elevator to their rooftop 4 Saints restaurant overlooking downtown Palm Springs. Sip champagne and enjoy a private event experience in the Jacinto Room tucked away from the main hotel. With gazpacho, beef tartare, and beurre rouge scallops on the menu, I’ll forgive you for thinking you’ve left California for the evening. One final toast to the almost newlyweds, then head a few blocks down the street to the welcome reception at Eight4Nine. One of the top restaurants in Palm Springs, this swanky spot has a patio that can easily host 300 people for drinks and small bites as your guests roll into town. Catch up with friends while bartenders pour espresso martinis and Casablanca plays on the wall above you!

Saturday Night Fever: Let’s Get This Party Started!

The big day is here! Get ready in one of The Parker’s beautiful suites, then head to one of a dozen great locations for photos. Near the lobby is the Mafiya Suite with its vine-covered walls. Behind the pool is a gorgeous lawn with a red bottlebrush tree for a pop of color. Then circle back to the croquet lawn for extra shade during your group photos (and more lemonade from the bicycle cart!) Walk down the aisle as the sun sets, then party it up with cocktails, dinner, and dancing in the ballroom. Congratulations! Not only did you marry the love of your life…you planned the ULTIMATE Palm Springs wedding weekend. Once the night winds down, enjoy a final glass of champagne, a slice of pizza, and some well-earned rest. Sunday is for sleeping in, laying by the pool, and basking in the glow of a job well done.

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