4.9
Praised by couples for:
Amenities
Quality catering
Helpful staff
Stunning Views & Perfect Place for Your Wedding!
Prescott AZ Area | Central Arizona
Service area
Holds ceremonies and receptions
Gorgeous place to celebrate with friends and family! Dinner was amazing and the cowboys were polite and helpful. Couldn't have imagined a more perfect place to get married! Do yourself a favor and AT LEAST go take a look! Promise you will fall in love :)
STACY H.
5.0
Our daughter's wedding was at the Van Dickson Ranch. They had the best dinners. It was unexpected, not the normal wedding food at all. Our guests couldn’t stop talking about it and returning for 2nds & 3rds. The young staff called “cowboys” helped a lot, kudos to them. The place is incredibly beautiful, better than the pictures. It was a perfect day.
Peggy P.
5.0
Deals
OfferPermanent
Romeo Special
Claim Deal
Paul and Carolyn Harris
OWNER
Typically responds within 24h
AWARD WINNER
Thanks to recommendations from couples on The Knot
Van Dickson Ranch is a wedding venue located in Skull Valley, AZ, just 16 miles from downtown Prescott. Situated on a 600-acre ranch on the banks of the Skull Valley Creek, this venue offers stunning views for a gorgeous ceremony and reception. The ranch is steeped in history, built in 1906 and owned by rodeo champion James Van Dickson. You and your guests will enjoy many of the same surroundings originally relished by its original owners, for a day that celebrates your unending love.
Offering locations for indoor and outdoor ceremonies and receptions, the venue presents the opportunity to create a day all your own. Say "I do" in the shade of a charming grove of might oak trees on the property's lush green lawn while your loved ones look on. The tree's branches form a natural canopy, protecting you from the glare of the Arizona sun. Walk back down the aisle as newlyweds and wander the grounds to find breathtaking photo opportunities. You and your nearest and dearest can then gather under the spacious pavilion for a night of dinner and dancing in celebration of your love. On the morning of your wedding, you'll enjoy completing your final preparations in the comfort of their get-ready rooms. For your convenience and that of your guests, there are air-conditioned restroom facilities and plenty of on-site parking.
Van Dickson Ranch provides a host of services for a seamless wedding experience. Their friendly staff and organized planner can help create the day you've always imagined. You may avail of their range of rental items, which includes tables and chairs, napkins, plates, tumblers, and more. Enhance the celebration with lighting and a dance floor. This venue offers a delicious menu of the finest smoked delicacies. You and your guests will love their Texas-style favorites for a buffet dinner that will delight the taste buds.
Amenities + details
Amenities
Ceremony Area
Covered Outdoors Space
Dressing Room
Handicap Accessible
Indoor Event Space
Liability Insurance
Outdoor Event Space
Reception Area
Wireless Internet
Ceremony Types
Civil Union
Commitment Ceremony
Interfaith Ceremony
Non-Religious Ceremony
Religious Ceremony
Second Wedding
Vow Renewal Ceremony
Settings
Barn
Farm & Ranch
Estate
Garden
Historic Venue
Mountain
Park
Trees
Venue Service Offerings
Bar & Drinks
Bar Rental
Destination Weddings
Food & Catering
Planning
Rentals & Equipment
Service Staff
Transportation
Shuttle Service
Awards and Affiliations
2022 'Best of Weddings'
Best of Weddings
The Knot independently assesses vendors for this award—it’s never self-reported. We base it on firsthand experiences from real couples and guests, and they must have a 4.5-star average across 7+ reviews in the qualifying year.
Join couples who chose award-winning vendors for their wedding
Meet the team
Paul and Carolyn Harris
Owner
C. Paul and Carolyn Harris bought the ranch in 1999. When Paul, a polo player, saw the flat area covered with brush, he instantly thought he could make a polo field there. Little did he know that that flat area had been a polo field before — almost 100 years ago. Coincidence or fate? James Van Dickson played and trained polo ponies there and leased them to Will Rogers. Of course the ranch would thus be named Van Dickson Ranch.
Reviews
4.9
out of 5.060 reviews
Your trust is our goal. Our community relies on honest reviews to help
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Review Summary
This AI-generated summary is a snapshot of this vendor's ratings and feedback.
Van Dickson Ranch is a stunning, magical wedding venue with picturesque trees, horses, casitas, and a romantic pavilion. Guests rave about the delicious BBQ, attentive staff who go the extra mile, and helpful vendor recommendations. One caution: some couples reported issues with a recommended DJ.Review photos
Showing slide number 1 out of 9
Joanna S
Highlighted review.
5.0
We had our wedding here 1 week ago , this place is amazing had a beautiful wedding couldnt have been better, carolynn was amazing from the first time we met her until the day of ou...
r wedding , always got a quick response from her when we had questions and never made us feel like our time was rushed . The staff day of the wedding was amazing and helpful even when we wanted some decorations moved to the reception area they were right on top of it . Our guest ranted and raved about the dinner served , it was amazing . Coreen the bartender was equally helpful and did an amazing job , my sister and her even sparked a new friendship , 5 stars is not enough for this venue. Strongly recommend , and dont forget to get your pics with romeo their horse ......
STACY H
5.0
Gorgeous place to celebrate with friends and family! Dinner was amazing and the cowboys were polite and helpful. Couldn't have imagined a more perfect place to get married! Do y...
ourself a favor and AT LEAST go take a look! Promise you will fall in love :)
Any questions?
Peggy P
5.0
Our daughter's wedding was at the Van Dickson Ranch. They had the best dinners. It was unexpected, not the normal wedding food at all. Our guests couldn’t stop talking about it and...
returning for 2nds & 3rds. The young staff called “cowboys” helped a lot, kudos to them. The place is incredibly beautiful, better than the pictures. It was a perfect day.
Kathleen T
5.0
What a beautiful place for a wedding. My best friend used them for her daughters wedding and she said they were so helpful with everything. The attention to detail and the pure bea...
uty of the spot was amazing. Every person at this venue was so nice and helpful. Its hard to find a place where everyone is so nice but this place found all the right people. Everything went smoothly. I lost my glasses there and when I called the owner said he would look for them. He called me back and said he could not find them. The next day he called me again and said with further searching he found them. Now this is important. He then drove them the half an hour up to Prescott and delivered them to me! Who does that? They do, that is called going the extra mile.
Lynn W
5.0
What a wonderful venue! It was all ours for an entire day, beautiful casitas for the gals & guys. Plenty of space, full amenities. We gals enjoyed getting our hair & make-up done w...
hile the guys played sports on the polo field & had their own 'man-space'. The ranch is more beautiful than pictures can capture, huge trees & many horses. Romeo the picture horse is so delightful. The food was scrumptious & the staff were attentive & accommodating. I highly recommend this venue for an absolutely lovely, romantic & well-managed site. You will love it!
Lyn S
5.0
Picturesque hidden wedding venue gem, Van Dickson Ranch, is just 25 minutes down from Prescott! Absolutely stunning! We attended a friend’s wedding at the Van Dickson Ranch in Skul...
l Valley, which really is a hidden gem that was absolutely breathtaking! The wedding party was so well looked after by Carolyn. The staff there were amazing, we hardly ever saw them yet they anything we needed was always there. All of us guests were really taken care of! C Paul cooked us mouth watering tender Tri Tip along with a with a wonderful filling meal!!! All of us thoroughly enjoyed our friend’s special day, because of the thoughtfulness of C Paul and Carolyn and their amazing team, and their beautiful property.
Erin S
5.0
We were married a few weeks ago at a magical place. Our loved ones felt the magic as they drove up through rolling hills of grass, trees and desert vistas to a ranch 2 hours from P...
hoenix.
I sought out a ranch venue because I love horses. The Van Dickson has horses and so much more. We were married on lush, sloping lawn with the overarching trees looking down onto huge steers in the river bed!
We squeezed into their schedule only 6 weeks in advance but the owners accomodated us in every way. They arranged pictures and a carriage ride for we newlyweds to the reception pavilion where everyone had the smoked tri-tip and said “mmm-good”!
We arrived at noon for our 5:30 wedding. The bridal quarters were on the picturesque lawn complete with a kitchen and full bath. My husband and the groomsmen had their separate quarters where they enjoyed some relaxing time together around the horse ranch.
The Harris’ have fine tuned their weddings over their 15 years. Van Dickson ranch provided a day of my dreams.
Erin and Sam
Kaitlyn D
5.0
Our wedding on 4-17-26 at the Van Dickson Ranch was the best night I could ask for. The staff was BEYOND helpful, Carolyn was a pleasure to work with, and their recommended vendors...
list did not disappoint at all, as that is where we found the best photographer. The venue is beautiful and a great place to start new beginnings.
Athena Z
5.0
We had a beautiful wedding here at Van Dickson Ranch, we had a little hiccup with our charter bus not being whiling to driver under the underpass to the venue causing our guest to ...
have to walk. Carlyon and her husband got right on it and called us in an emergency 25 passenger bus to help get our guest to the charter bus after the wedding had ended. Everything was beautiful and Megan did a great job helping us all get into place for the start of the wedding. The food was amazing and the cowboys were very helpful with he golf carts helping our elders getting from the ceremony to the reception area. I would recommend this beautiful venue. Thank you again for helping make our day perfect
Toni C
5.0
Carolyn and her entire staff made our wedding day amazing! I was concerned as we had a larger wedding if it would be too much. The venue is beautiful and you cannot beat the natura...
l cottonwood arches for the ceremony. Her recommended Bartender, Coreen, was wonderful. She helped us with all the perfect details. Our guests are still talking about the food and how good it was. As a final note, if you have an opportunity to take pictures with Romeo, you should! He added to our unbelievable photos. Thank you Carolyn and everyone at Van Dickson Ranch for helping to make our day perfect! Toni and Tim
Response from Van Dickson Ranch
We have never had anything but raves about the slow-smoked tri-tip dinners we serve and th...
e great attention paid by our staff of local young fellows. Romeo is our Dash-for-Cash Quarterhorse who loves posing with brides. The only problem is that he has a taste for bouquets.
Christina S
5.0
5 stars is not enough to express how wonderful this venue is. The scenery is spectacular. The natural arches and beautiful backdrops are the perfect addition to any picture taken...
. Carolyn and Paul are amazing people who treat you like you are the most important person and bend over backwards to make sure your wedding is the best. From the property to the staff and especially Paul and Carolyn, this venue is hands down the best that you could hope for. We looked at numerous venues for our daughter's wedding and this by far has everything you need. The food is amazing, the staff was just like you would imagine on a working ranch. Their cowboy etiquette and friendly demeanor made the whole experience authentic. The entire staff made this day the best ever. Lindsay, the wedding coordinator, could not have been better. Her friendly and inviting personality made the wedding run smoothly and we didn't need for anything. She took care of everything and the flow of the whole day was perfect.
When we first arrived to look at the venue, we were met by Carolyn, her dog companions, and the homestead celebrity, Rebecca the crow. We felt welcome from the second we got out of the car. Carolyn took the time to allow our grandchildren to feed the horses which was a huge hit to them. The laid back visit included a walk through of the facility, a vivid picture of what the ceremony was going to look like and a very thorough dialogue on what to expect. Carolyn even took the time to inform us of the wonderful history of the ranch. We felt as though we were the most important aspect of Carolyn's day and she did not make us feel rushed. She even allowed us to take family photos in the natural arch where our daughter was going to walk down the aisle and become a wife. My husband could not make the first visit to the ranch and Carolyn and Paul were gracious enough to go through the entire tour again. They are the most gracious hosts and we would recommend them for your wedding venue above anyone. The memories we made, the beauty of the surroundings, the treatment by the ranch hands, the food, the overall experience and the wonderful ranch owners was by far above and beyond what we could ever imagine.
Jenna A
5.0
There is so much good to say about Van Dickson, that I will start with the one (and only) bad part of our experience. I would NOT recommend the venue's preferred bartender or DJ. ...
The bartender was difficult to get a hold of during the interviewing process, so we did not hire her. We did hire their DJ, Gary, and regretted it immensely. He was extremely unprofessional and rude, especially toward women (namely the bride, bridesmaids, and grandmother). All of our guests who I have spoken to about the wedding have brought up something negative or inappropriate that the DJ did or said. So it's sad that that is how our wedding will be remembered. The venue is not responsible for the actions of the DJ, but since they do still recommend him, I don't want other couples to fall into the same trap of having their wedding experience ruined just because he is the "easier" option.
Now for the good, where do I start? Van Dickson Ranch is truly the most magical place you can get married this side of Anaheim. The outdoor ceremony area is so magical that it's like a fairytale. Photos really do not do it justice! The reception tent is airy and large. They allowed me to decorate the ceiling with my own floral, but honestly it was not necessary. At night, the lights that the venue provides are so beautiful just by themselves.
If you're driving into Skull Valley for the first time, you'll probably think, "am I getting catfished?" because it is kind of in the middle of- well- the Valley. However, it makes for a really fun and unique reveal when you drive into the green oasis that is Van Dickson Ranch! There is plenty of parking. The road in is dirt, but it's well kept that even our old 2WD sedan made it through. There is a narrow train underpass that you have to pass through (this was our biggest concern before we booked with them), but all of our guests wider trucks and SUVs fit just fine. And again, it made for a really cool "secret garden" type of reveal for our guests as they passed through it!
Carolyn and all of the ranch hands treat you like family. Everyone was so helpful all day long. Carolyn was always super responsive to our many, many questions throughout our planning process.
When we booked, I did not believe the many reviews that raved about the food. Wedding venues are notorious for bad food, but let me tell you something. The other reviews are right! Their BBQ is so delicious and I'm seriously craving their family corn slaw recipe to this day! All of our guests LOVED the food.
Overall, we are so thankful that we chose Van Dickson Ranch to have our wedding. If only we could rewind time and have it all over again!
Marissa V
5.0
we had the absolute best day ever and all night our guests were coming up to us and I still hear compliments today saying it was the best wedding they’ve been to and how much fun t...
hey all had.
Also Carolyn gives an extremely helpful referral list for vendors it helped it I can’t even express how much stress it off planning. The team and their willingness to help our guests and the food they make is so delicious. I overall couldn’t have asked for a better venue to have my wedding at
Response from Van Dickson Ranch
Marissa: We are thrilled that your wedding was a great success, and our staff is delighted...
to hear the news. Best Regards, Carolyn:
Sheri E
5.0
When our daughter and son-in-law got engaged, they knew they wanted a traditional wedding with a nature aspect to it. They were not interested in a desert setting, which meant we n...
eeded to look at out of town venues. We toured several venues looking for that unique feel they desired, to no avail. After touring the Van Dickson Ranch, they knew they had found the perfect place for their wedding and reception.
The bride’s casita had plenty of room for the girls to get ready as well as a kitchen with refrigerator. The groom’s quarters are significantly smaller, but still worked out well, as guys don’t need as much room for their things. Both the bride’s casita and grooms quarters had a shower as well.
The welcome area for our guests set the tone for what was to come. The walking path to the ceremony area is a garden like setting, and then THE TREES appear. The majestic tree-covered ceremony area with bright green grass was enchanting and memorable.
The polo pavilion with white overhead bulbs strung, permanent dance floor, and bar had that classy but fun and relaxed “not a ballroom” feel they wanted. The food was served on time and was outstanding.
The staff happily transports folks to and from the pavilion and ceremony area via golf cart, if desired. The ranch provides a list of local providers for your convenience. This list is invaluable. We contracted with providers from the list exclusively and were pleased with everything.
From beginning to end, Carolyn, an owner of the ranch, was responsive, helpful, and a joy to work with.
We highly recommend the magnificent Van Dickson Ranch, and could not be more pleased with our daughter and son-in-law’s wedding.
Response from Van Dickson Ranch
The people at the Van Dickson Ranch are pleased that you are happy with your daughter's we...
dding. The staff works very hard to attend to every detail and give us big smiles when they get positive feedback. In 14 years doing weddings, we get constant raves about the smoked tri-tip dinners.
Megan P
5.0
Our wedding was in the middle of October and the venue was beautiful! We wanted to escape Phoenix, so the Van Dickson Ranch was a nice change of pace. It rained off and on all day ...
and was perfectly chilly. The clouds, greenery, and sound of the rain was amazing. They had so many backup plans in place that the weather forecast did not bother us in the slightest. The receptions here are typically under a pavilion, but if the weather is bad during the ceremony the wedding will be under the pavilion. The Ranch also has backup generators, so if the power goes out, you wouldn’t even know. Having a venue so ready to face any challenge we might have was very stress-relieving. There is enough to worry about on your wedding day, so you shouldn’t have to worry about the weather.
The food tasted amazing! The meat was so tender and delicious! When we initially visited, it was the day before a wedding and we were given a look at the food they typically cook. We were so happy not to have to find a caterer, especially with BBQ being my favorite type of food. We should have eaten before our appointment because it smelled way too good to not eat!
Their staff was so polite every time anyone needed anything they were happy to help. You never felt like a bother approaching the staff for help. They were especially helpful when any of the wedding party needed a golf cart ride back to the dressing rooms. They had to drive us back and forth a few times when someone forgot something and even thought to dry off the back seat before people sat in rainwater. Would HIGHLY recommend and a big shout-out to Carolyn for being so sweet and amazing!
Nancy F
5.0
If I were to go through and re-plan my whole wedding I would still choose Van Dickson Ranch. Carolyn and her staff are all very nice and accommodating. It is clear they've been doi...
ng this for many years and they are excellent at it. Also the food? AMAZING. My pickiest guests came over to comment on the food.
I really don't have constructive feedback. It was a great experience overall.
Kayla S
5.0
We are so so thankful we decided to have our wedding at Van Dickson Ranch. The natural beauty of the venue is something our guests complimented all night and the days to follow! Th...
e food was outstanding and the staff was so helpful and friendly. Carolyn was available for any and all questions and was so helpful and organized the months leading up to our wedding. We had the perfect wedding and most of it was thanks to Van Dickson Ranch!
Allison L
5.0
We cannot say enough good things about the ranch, the amazing help, and all Carolyn did to make sure the day went smooth. From the start of first contacting Carolyn she responded p...
romptly and gave us dates to come visit with all of the information we could possibly need. Carolyn provided us with so many options for the ranch where we didn’t have to look elsewhere for venue decorations, possible resources, and other accommodations for our day. With all of the help she provided us in the beginning, there was definitely no need to have a wedding planner with how much work she has put into her business. When it came closer to the wedding, she was checking with us to make sure if there was anything else we needed before our day, what else we needed to follow up on with her, and how the day would go. On the day of the wedding, Carolyn understood things were busy and everything was happening all over, but kept such a calm demeanor throughout it all and was such a major help if things did come up. The day went so smoothly and I cannot say thank you enough to Carolyn as she made sure and helped so much beforehand to be able to make the day as magnificent and easy as she possibly could.
Ashley W
5.0
This hidden gem was the highlight of our wedding day. It took touring venues for a few hours to realize this was “the one”. From the moment we stepped onto the ceremony grass and m...
et Carolyn we knew this is where we wanted to get married. The scenery at Van Dickson ranch is absolutely beautiful.
Carolyn was friendly and accommodating to our questions and needs. Getting ahold of her, while planning our wedding, was simple and she was always quick to reply. On our wedding day, Carolyn popped her head into the brides casita from time to time to make sure I, as the bride, knew who had arrived and what was going on while my bridesmaids and I were getting ready. She kept me in the loop throughout the entire day. She even snapped a few quick (and beautiful) “sneak peak” photos of our day which she quickly emailed to me after our wedding day.
The food was absolutely incredible. It’s been 2 weeks and our guests still rave about how amazing it was. The reception area is beautiful and creates the perfect ambience for fun and romanticism.
Thank you, Carolyn and Paul, for opening your beautiful property up and allowing brides and grooms to have the most magical wedding experiences.
Andrew W
5.0
This venue is amazing. It was exactly what I wanted. It was the only one I looked at because I immediately fell in love. Carolyn does an amazing job coordinating and making it so e...
asy for the bride. The casita and the quarters for the guys made the day easy and fun to get ready with our wedding party. The food alone is worth booking. No dry chicken for $80 a person here. The tri tip was some of the best I have had and the smoked chicken was on par. It rained right before my ceremony and they handled it perfectly. It went off without a hitch and it was perfect. Our guests had so much fun and it was the best day. Thank you so much. This is the place for a rustic wedding. You won’t regret booking this venue.
Joshua O
5.0
This was the perfect place to have my wedding! It was the perfect mix of whimsical and boho with a rustic vibe if you choose. Carolyn is great to communicate with and gives connect...
ions for every other category for the wedding!
We also hired Coreen Van Orden under Carolyn's suggestion and she did a fantastic job bartending our 120ish guests with custom cocktails with efficiency and ease.
Overall, a magical day!
Tracy S
5.0
The venue at the Van Dickson Ranch helped to create a magical evening for my daughter's wedding and reception. The VDR has a rustic and lovely charm. The owners work really hard t...
o provide everything you need for your special day. Though my daughter got married in the middle of a heat wave, the wedding ceremony occurred in a beautiful green shady haven that was gorgeous and bearable in the heat! The food was good and the vendors that were recommended were all top notch! It was a magical wedding and evening! Thank you Van Dickson Ranch!
Rachel Y
5.0
There is no better venue in the northern Arizona region than the Van Dickson Ranch! I searched from Prescott to Flagstaff and nothing could compare. Our wedding day was perfect, Ca...
rolyn was so helpful all throughout the day and it could not have been more beautiful! The ranch is gorgeous and you barley need any decorations to make your event perfect. I would highly recommend having your wedding here!
Lindsay R
5.0
I had a GREAT wedding ceremony and reception at Van Dickson Ranch. The owners are very nice and have clearly been doing this for a while, as they are very knowledgeable and helpful...
. The bridal suite and grooms quarters are great, have AC, full bathroom, and the bridal suite has a full kitchen if needed. The food is delicious, although not the most veg/vegan friendly, but so yummy either way! My guests had many compliments on both the food and the beauty of the venue its self.
Communication with Carolyn was wonderful. She was always quick to respond with any questions that I had. We happened to have a random cold weekend in late May and Carolyn called to suggest the heaters, and I'm glad that she did. She definitely seemed to want things to be perfect for us, and it was much appreciated.
Jim and the 'Cowboy Crew' were all so helpful and nice. Tucker was the young cowboy who drove us around for our pictures and he was so sweet and willing to help in anyway. I was also told that one of the ladies in the kitchen was playing with my daughter while they set up the tables which is so sweet. The whole staff was awesome!
Kala B
5.0
I cannot say enough how absolutely perfect Van Dickson Ranch was for our wedding day... Carolyn was so sweet and generous throughout the entire process - from start to finish! Grea...
t communication and the pricing was very reasonable in comparison to other places we toured. Loved that the food was included - and while there is no options for the menu (set menu)
The food was ABSOLUTELY delicious! We got rave reviews from all our guests. Carolyn also provided some great recommendations for other vendors. Would highly recommend to hire the shuttle service as the venue is quite out of the way- it made for such a smooth process to safely get all our guests to and from the wedding. Throughout the day the staff was incredibly helpful and accommodating. They would literally bend over backwards to make the day go smoothly! This was the best day of our lives and I am so happy we chose to spend it here at Van Dickson ranch!
Carissa S
5.0
I don’t know where to begin. Since our first interaction with Carolyn at the Ranch, we knew this was the Venue for us. It is absolutely stunning, just gorgeous for every picture, e...
very moment, every memory you’ve dreamt about since you were a little girl. She is so hands-on, the staff is amazing, and the food fantastic. Our guests raved and adored our wedding, we are so very thankful we found the Van Dickson Ranch!!
Kaitlin V
5.0
Oh my goodness. I cannot even put into words how much I LOVED the Van Dickson Ranch. We got married here April 30th, 2021. The whole day was so much more perfect than I could ever ...
imagine. The bridal suite and grooms suite was so nice to have to get ready in. Carolyn herself is such a sweetheart and is there throughout the whole day to help make sure everything goes perfectly. I live in another city so Carolyn was wonderful with communication and making sure everything was set and ready to go for the day. The staff was so wonderful and directing guests, helping me and my husband, and helping set up. The venue is absolutely breathtaking and beautiful. Every guest I had could not stop talking about how gorgeous it was. I didn’t even add decorations to my ceremony because the landscape itself is breathtaking. The reception was wonderfully lit and comfortable. The food was AMAZING. If you are looking at getting married in Arizona, I highly recommend this venue 100%. This was the first venue my husband and I toured and we cancelled all others and book the Van Dickson on the spot because we fell in love with the scenery and the owners.
Amberlee T
5.0
Van Dickson Ranch is the absolute best place to have ever been blessed to be able to get married at. Carolyn answered any questions I had no matter how silly they may have been. Sh...
e was there and helping the day of and made my day so much easier and more relaxed. The staff is also amazing and even ran and I mean literally ran to make sure that our family members that were setting stuff up at the reception did miss the ceremony. Thank you so much for helping make our day so special for us.
Brad R
5.0
We had our Ceremony and Reception at Van Dickson in late October.
Everything was awesome! The food got multiple compliments, and everyone loved the cowboys. Whenever I had questi...
ons or needed help the staff was more than accommodating of me (even just trying to find some ice to make a drink before our bartender arrived).
We did go the extra step and book shuttles for our guests to get here from Prescott, however in hindsight, I would not do that again.
Megan B
5.0
When I began looking around for wedding venues it was a little overwhelming, especially once you begin to look at the pricing of venues. I explored my options down in the valley as...
well as the outskirts and found Van Dickson Ranch, and I am so grateful I did! This venue really stood out to me because of its natural beauty alone, as well as how private it is being on a 600 acre ranch. This venue is absolutely beautiful! The price and package that they offer was also another one of my favorite things. This venue is the most decently priced venue option and they include DELICIOUS food in their package that is a great variety and option for everyone, even gluten free besides the rolls and so delicious! Throughout the year I had to plan my wedding Carolyn was very communicative and responsive during my planning whenever I had any questions or anything she was there with a quick response and an answer to my questions. When my big day arrived it was absolutely perfect. We had the whole day to set up all of our decorations and to get ready at the venue. Carolyn has a beautiful casita for the bride and bridesmaids to get ready in, and a little house for the groom and groomsmen. The day went so smoothly and Carolyn was very helpful throughout the day. Once the ceremony began the cowboys had everything set up and ready to go perfectly. Carolyn is great at capturing meaningful behind the scenes photos of my father and I before walking down the aisle. The whole ceremony, reception, and wedding went beautifully and perfect. The cowboys are so responsive, helpful, and such pleasant good men. They help set everything up and ensure all guests are where they need to be and happy. I am so grateful and happy that I chose to have my special day here and would not have it any other way. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS VENUE! Especially if you want a natural and private, open wedding. I was able to keep my decor simple with just lace, burlap, and wood decor made by my husband and it was PERFECT and with all of the natural outside beauty here you do not need a lot of decorations because it is just beautiful itself! Thank you so so much Van Dickson Ranch team! :)
Brandy E
5.0
We had our wedding here on May 25th, and couldn’t be more pleased. The weather was beautiful and so was the entire venue. The staff and owners were amazing and super helpful. Every...
one loved the food, only down fall is you can’t take your left overs. I feel like for the price you should be able to keep your food, especially like in my case where I had about 20-30 less people actually show up after RSVP. Minor annoyance, everything else was perfect!
Thank you so much Paul and Carolyn ♥️
Kaileigh K
5.0
We had our wedding at Van Dickson this past September and our guests told us it was the most beautiful wedding venue they had ever been to. My mother and I are very detail oriented...
and Carolyn went above and beyond to make sure everything was perfect for the special day! The staff working the wedding were all SO sweet and friendly. We love Van Dickson Ranch!!
Jess H
5.0
Van Dickson Ranch was the perfect place for our wedding. Every one of our guests commented on how beautiful the ranch was and how perfect it fit us. The location can truly be use...
d for a classy wedding to a rustic style, it is very versatile which worked flawlessly for us. Carolyn was extremely helpful, answering my million e-mails quickly and helping me figure out where the best place was to set things up from her extensive experience. Her suggestion to use Screw It Bartending Services led us to an amazing bartender that definitely knows her stuff and made our lives so much easier for getting things prepared.
I would recommend Van Dickson Ranch to anyone getting married because it is perfect for everyone!
Stephanie P
5.0
I live in Phoenix AZ and my wedding was at The Van Dickson Ranch 4 months ago (May 2018). I was so worried about having a wedding so far away, but it turned out PERFECT! Carolyn ...
and her staff know exactly what to do in every situation. Thank you for all the vendor recommendations, especially the transport buses and pastry chef! Everything was absolutely beautiful and It's still the first thing people talk about when they see us :)
Kayleigh G
5.0
Van Dickson Ranch was the PERFECT location for our ceremony and reception! From the moment we first toured the venue we fell in love with everything. The scenery is absolutely brea...
thtaking, the food sensational, and Carolyn, the owner, is the sweetest ever! Our guests would not stop raving about how beautiful everything was and how amazing their dinner was! I hands down recommend Van Dickson Ranch to anyone who wants a gorgeous and memorable venue for their wedding!!
Je'Re S
5.0
My husband and I got married here in June and it was absolutely beautiful! Everyone at the venue was so helpful and were there to make the day go very smooth. The food is also sooo...
good! Loved this venue!
Carissa L
4.0
It is a very beautiful venue! It was very nice that all tables and chairs were set up and ready to go. The food is incredible and with 175 guest the food line was very efficient an...
d everyone got food in a little less than an hour. The property is so beautiful that there isn't much decorating needed.
Sabrina S
5.0
I HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS VENUE!! My wedding day was the absolute best day of my life. Thanks to Carolyn and her staff they helped make our day magical. all of our guest said ...
they were in love with not only the location but the food as well! Carolyn was so amazingly helpful when planning our big day. I can't thank her enough for everything she did for my husband and I.
Tamar P
4.0
When booking with the Van Dickson Ranch, do not use Coreen Van Orden for your bartending services. She is a suggested vendor by the venue, however, I highly suggest you do not util...
ize her. After collecting my money, she failed to communicate with me and stopped responding to my emails or calls. I advised her that I did not want her services any longer and she refused to return my $375 down payment (I advised I wished to cancel 6 months before the wedding). No where in her contract does it have any statement about cancelled events nor does it state she is unwilling to return payments made. I advised her that her contract does not comment on refunds and she simply told me she was not going to give me my money back. She was extremely rude and unprofessional and clearly needs assistance creating a legal contract. It's not worth the headache nor the cost for her services.
Lilly B
5.0
The venue was beautiful. You can't ask for a better staff to work with. Carolyn was very accommodating and the grounds were impeccably kept. Overall no one could ask for a bette...
r or more beautiful outdoor ranch to have a wedding. Thank you Carolyn and Staff for all you did.
Kaitlen F
5.0
This was the best day of my life! Thanks to Carolyn with Van Dickson Ranch for making this wedding planning so smooth. She was always very helpful with any questions my mother and ...
I had. I highly recommend this to anyone looking for a beautiful place with amazing scenery (which is amazing for pictures)! Also the food the serve during the reception was the best smoked meat I've ever had! That was a huge plus for us.
Peggy P
5.0
April 2017
We had the pleasure of attending my niece’s wedding at the Van Dickson Ranch near Prescott, Arizona, last fall. The western theme is enjoyably original, something out ...
of the ordinary, and the meal was delicious especially the smoked meats. What a great idea to hold weddings at such a beautiful venue.
The owners and staff took great care of the wedding party & guests and we happily relay that experience every chance we get. We just referred a dear friend and her daughter for their wedding and I know it will be as memorable for them as my niece’s was to all of us.
Elle M
5.0
I didn't realize how smooth weddings can be until I started paying more attention at others. We have been to 2 other weddings after attending a wedding at The Van Dickson Ranch. Se...
eing those really showed how well Paul and Carolyn handled everything from start to finish. The other weddings were improvised skits in comparison. Paul and Carolyn really set the bar high!
Clark K
5.0
I'm the type of person who hates going to weddings and almost didn't except a friend's invite for their daughter's a couple of months ago, but with my daughter being part of the we...
dding party I felt obligated. Now that my daughter, who lives in Phoenix, is planning her wedding I'm glad that I did and know where she is going to enjoy her big day.
First of all, Van Dickson's Ranch is beautiful, stunning in fact. It is impossible not to be affected by the mountain views and relaxing atmosphere. The staff's courtesy and attention to detail was just as impressive. My friend kept me informed during the process of planning the big day and he was impressed with how professional and kind the owners were. They took what could have been stressful and time consuming and made it enjoyable.
As a guest I had to admit that this was the first time I have attended a wedding and be impressed. The food was wonderful. Some of the best BBQ I have enjoyed. What impressed me the most was the overall atmosphere the owners were able to create, fun with a sense of celebration but still relaxed.
Amber F
5.0
My husband & I had an amazingly fantastic wedding at the Van Dickson Ranch! Everything from planning to communication to set-up to ceremony & reception were all well-planned, easy ...
and overall great experiences in dealing with Carolyn & Paul. The food was incredibly delicious and service was great. Staff was very friendly and helpful. I found Carolyn particularly pleasant and wonderful to work with as I was the wedding planner & the bride. She cleared up some confusion during the set-up of the reception tent & tables, & gladly helped whenever she was needed. It was a lovely, magical ceremony in the most beautiful grove of trees with thunder rumbling in the background as we said our vows & luckily just a few sprinkles here & there. Carolyn was nice enough to be watching some sensitive decorations of ours & brought them out of the moisture to prevent them from being damaged. During the reception, I popped a button on my wedding dress and Carolyn went & found a safety pin for me, thus saving the day! Carolyn went above & beyond my expectations by being so helpful and nice to work with.
I would recommend the Van Dickson Ranch as a wedding venue for anyone interested in an outdoor wedding. Many of our guests commented on how great the food was, and quite a few said it was the best wedding that they had ever been to! Looking back on my wedding, I remember it as the most wonderful fairytale of a night that I will probably ever have!
Kari F
5.0
Our wedding was absolutely beautiful at the Van Dickson Ranch. Our guests raved about the delicious food and the service was just incredible! Carolyn was always so prompt in respon...
ding to me throughout the process and so helpful with any questions I had. The day of the wedding she was right there for anything I needed and Paul made an amazing dinner! Everything was just perfect and I am so thankful that the day turned out so beautiful! It was a little stormy in the morning but Carolyn kept me updated and when we arrived to the ranch the weather was PERFECT! Our wedding day was so special and I will forever remember it and be thankful we had it at the Van Dickson Ranch! ❤️
Robert O
5.0
My daughter just had her wedding at the ranch. I want to take the time to thank Carolyn, Paul and the ranch hands (cowboys) for all the help prior to and during the wedding to make...
it a wonderful day! Everyone had a great time, and we received many comments on how beautiful it was at your ranch. Everything went perfectly and the food was great!
Tom P
5.0
Everything was perfect from beginning to end. Carolyn and Paul were wonderful to work with, pleasant, warm and professional, and paid attention to every detail. Carolyn was espec...
ially helpful offering suggestions and ideas for us to consider. The wedding under the trees was breathtakingly beautiful, the barbecue tri-tip and chicken delicious and a wonderful time was had by all. My wife Sheila and I, the parents of the groom, could not have been more pleased. We had a very large gathering of out of town guests and they are still raving about the venue and the wonderful evening. We highly recommend VDR to anyone who wants a beautiful outdoor venue with charming staff and every detail attended to.
Kayla J
5.0
My daughter had her wedding here this summer. It was absolutely amazing! Carolyn and Paul were so helpful and were there on the grounds making sure everything went as planned. T...
he staff and everyone were so friendly! Once the wedding began everything ran smoothly and as the mother-of-the-bride, I was able to watch my baby get married at the most beautiful venue (If you've ever been to the beautiful rolling green hills of Texas Hill Ciuntry, you've thought you were there!) and an absolutely unforgettable reception with the best food true Texas style! We can't thank Carolyn and Paul enough for their help and Texan hospitality!!
Alanna E
5.0
I just recent had my wedding in August of 2016 at Van Dickson Ranch and I cannot say enough good things about the experience.
Having a wedding in August in Arizona is not an ideal ...
situation and I really wanted to be outdoors and I could not have asked for a better setting. When everyone arrived they could not stop raving about how beautiful and green the setting was. Once you get past the fact that it is a little outside of town you will not be disappointed.
I also enjoyed working with Carolyn and Paul. Carolyn as very attentive and was quick to respond to all my emails and made sure that I was getting exactly what I expected. They even made sure to have gluten free chips available with appetizers for the guests we had that are gluten intolerant. The food that they provide is amazing and anyone who still had more room food after the first round definitely went back for more! They were even kind enough to send a box home for me since I wasn't able to really enjoy it completely between the dress and all the chatting i was doing!
I also want to point out how honest and friendly they are. My now husband was getting ready with his grooms in the bridal suite at the ranch and he forgot to get all of his things at the end of the night. Carolyn was so kind and the following morning she emailed me to inform me that things were left at the ranch and was wondering how she could get them back to me. Fortunately, we were still up north and we stopped by a got all of our belongings and I could not have asked for a better overall experience.
If you are looking for a beautiful setting in Northern Arizona for a wedding, you cannot get much better than this.
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Van Dickson Ranch
Paul and Carolyn Harris
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Wedding vendors in Skull Valley
Van Dickson Ranch
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