Weddings At Will Rogers: A Historic Park Venue

will rogers state historic park weddings

Will Rogers State Historic Park is a California State Historic Park in the Santa Monica Mountains, in the Pacific Palisades area of Los Angeles. The park was established in 1944 to preserve the estate of American humorist Will Rogers, including his ranch and the surrounding countryside. The ranch house was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1971. The park offers a variety of activities such as horseback riding, hiking trails, polo matches, and guided tours. While the park is a popular tourist destination, it is important to note that as of 2025, the park has been closed due to the impacts of the Palisades Fire, which destroyed the ranch house and other structures. Weddings are currently not allowed at the ranch, but nearby parks such as Temescal Gateway Park and Adamson House can be considered for wedding venues.

Characteristics Values
Weddings Currently not allowed at the ranch. Nearby parks like Temescal Gateway Park or the Adamson House can be considered for weddings.
Location Off Sunset Boulevard in Pacific Palisades at 1501 Will Rogers State Park Road.
Area 186 acres
Entry fee $12 per car
Parking pass Historian Passport ($50)
House tours Free
Group tours $6/person
Equestrian visitors Allowed

shunbridal

Weddings at Will Rogers State Beach

Will Rogers State Beach is a breathtaking location for a wedding ceremony, nestled peacefully just north of Santa Monica and positioned gracefully south of the renowned Malibu coastline. The idyllic ceremony takes place near lifeguard tower 5. With a variety of paid parking options available in the area, your guests will have convenient access to your ceremony.

The beach provides the perfect backdrop for your special day, allowing you to exchange vows with the sand between your toes and the gentle ocean waves serenading you. The beauty of Will Rogers Beach, combined with our expertise in planning intimate beach weddings, will make your wedding ceremony an unforgettable experience, commemorating the start of your journey as a married couple.

To make your special day a reality, a permit is required. The permit fee is $400, and you must also pay 15% of the total vendor fees. The permit application must be submitted no earlier than 90 days and no later than 3 weeks before your ceremony date. We can obtain the permit on your behalf, and our insurance will be used if we do so.

Please note that Will Rogers State Historic Park, which is a separate location from Will Rogers State Beach, does not currently allow weddings. However, there are nearby parks that you may consider, such as Temescal Gateway Park or the Adamson House.

shunbridal

The ranch house

Will Rogers State Historic Park is a California State Historic Park in the Santa Monica Mountains, in the Pacific Palisades area of Los Angeles. The 186-acre park was established in 1944 to preserve the estate of American humorist Will Rogers, including his ranch house and the surrounding countryside. The 31-room ranch house, which included 11 baths and seven fireplaces, was surrounded by a stable, corrals, a riding ring, a roping arena, a golf course, a polo field, and riding and hiking trails. The living room of the main ranch house included a collection of Native American rugs and baskets, several original Western artworks, a porch swing, and a mounted calf. The north wing of the house contained the family bedrooms, Rogers' study, and the family parlor/sunroom. The ranch house was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1971.

The ranch has been featured in many movies and television shows, including Star Trek IV, in which it stood in for Golden Gate Park. The polo field is the only outdoor polo field in Los Angeles County and the only field that is regulation size. The Will Rogers Polo Club plays on the polo field from May to September, typically on Saturdays.

The park offers guided tours of the Will Rogers historic ranch house, as well as self-guided tours, trail rides, polo matches, and picnic areas. The visitor centre features a film on the life of Will Rogers, photo mural displays, and literature about the Rogers family and their legacy.

Unfortunately, the ranch house and other structures were destroyed in the 2025 Palisades Wildfire, and the park remains closed to the public as of May 2025. The safety of the area is being actively evaluated.

shunbridal

Equestrian activities

For equestrian visitors, the trails, polo field, and arenas are available for equestrian use when not otherwise reserved. Visitors can bring their own horses to the park and enjoy the riding and roping arena, Sarah's Point, and the trail to Inspiration Point. The polo field is the only outdoor polo field in Los Angeles County and offers a gentle slope for viewing polo matches, which take place on weekends.

For those interested in learning to ride, Jigsaw Farms offers horseback riding lessons for both children and adults. Lessons are available every day except Mondays. Jigsaw Farms also provides guided trail rides on Tuesdays through Fridays, allowing riders to experience the park from the perspective of horseback, just as Will Rogers himself once did.

In addition to the equestrian activities within the park, the nearby Will Rogers State Beach offers a breathtaking setting for intimate beach weddings, where couples can exchange vows with the ocean as their backdrop.

shunbridal

Hiking trails

Will Rogers State Historic Park offers a variety of hiking trails that showcase the beauty of the surrounding countryside and provide stunning views of both the sea and the mountains. The park is located in the Santa Monica Mountains, in the Pacific Palisades area of Los Angeles, and was established in 1944 to preserve the estate of American humorist Will Rogers. Here are some of the hiking trails that visitors can explore:

Inspiration Point Trail: This trail takes visitors to Inspiration Point, a scenic overlook that offers breathtaking vistas of the park and the surrounding landscape. It is a great spot to experience the natural beauty of the area and take in the fresh air.

Rogers Trail: The Rogers Trail loops around the perimeter of the park, providing hikers with a comprehensive exploration of the park's natural wonders. Along the way, hikers can enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and take in the diverse flora and fauna that call the park home.

Backbone Trail System: For those seeking a longer hike, the Backbone Trail System connects Will Rogers State Historic Park to Topanga State Park. This trail system offers an immersive experience in the Santa Monica Mountains, allowing hikers to truly disconnect from city life and connect with nature.

It is important to note that due to the recent Palisades Fire, Will Rogers State Historic Park is currently closed to the public. The fire caused significant damage to the park's infrastructure and trails, and authorities are actively working to ensure the safety of these areas. Once the park reopens, visitors will be able to explore the hiking trails and experience the natural beauty that the park has to offer.

In addition to the hiking trails, Will Rogers State Historic Park also offers horseback riding lessons and guided trail rides through Jigsaw Farms. Equestrian visitors can bring their own horses and enjoy the riding and roping arena, as well as the trails throughout the park. The park also features a polo field, which is the only outdoor regulation-size polo field in Los Angeles County.

shunbridal

The visitor centre

The park is located off Sunset Boulevard in Pacific Palisades, Los Angeles, in the Santa Monica Mountains. It was established in 1944 to preserve the estate of American humourist Will Rogers, including his ranch and the surrounding countryside. The ranch house was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1971 and was Will Roger's primary residence before his death.

In addition to the Visitor Centre, the park features a polo field, the only outdoor one in Los Angeles County, and the only one that is regulation size. The park has been featured in many movies and television shows, including Star Trek IV.

Unfortunately, the park suffered severe damage in the Palisades Wildfire in January 2025 which destroyed the ranch house and other structures. The park is currently closed to the public, and it is unclear when it will reopen.

If you are interested in a wedding venue, Will Rogers State Beach offers a breathtaking setting for intimate beach weddings, with convenient access for guests and ample paid parking options.

Frequently asked questions

No, weddings are currently not allowed at the ranch. However, there are several nearby parks to consider, such as Temescal Gateway Park or the Adamson House.

There are hiking and equestrian trails, picnic grounds, guided tours of the Will Rogers historic ranch house, and weekend polo matches.

There is an entry fee of $12 per car. If you plan to visit frequently, you can purchase a parking pass, such as the Historian Passport for $50.

Yes, you can get married at Will Rogers State Beach. Ceremonies take place near lifeguard tower 5, and there are ample paid parking options for guests.

Written by
Reviewed by

Explore related products

Share this post
Print
Did this article help you?

Leave a comment