Castle Weddings: The Enchanted Forest, California
Interview by Grace Sydney

Within the heart of every bride lies the dream she harbored as a young girl of her perfect storybook wedding. Each year from May through October The Enchanted Forest, a private estate complete with Guinevere's Castle and Merlin's Tower located fifty miles from San Diego in De Luz Valley, is available to transform your dreams into reality. We talked with Carol Carlson, event coordinator for The Enchanted Forest, to find out how you can achieve your own fairytale wedding.


What are some of the advantages of a wedding held at a private estate as opposed to a large venue?

Privacy would be number one. No one else but our staff and your guests are allowed inside the gates during a wedding. TEF will host just one wedding per weekend. That means our staff is focused on your wedding alone for that week and not trying to accommodate other weddings at the same time.

The fairytale ambiance of The Enchanted Forest, complete with Guinevere's Castle and Merlin's Tower, would provide a romantic backdrop for a theme wedding. Has your venue ever hosted a theme wedding? What advice can you give to brides who wish to add historic flavor to their nuptials?

Attire is the number one item that sets a theme wedding apart. The internet is a great place to find specialty attire, along with accessories, such as swords, shields, maile, and other wonderful items that can be used to set the tone for the theme. Having a menu created with traditional renaissance/Victorian menu items along with wonderful pewter toasting glasses is a nice touch. Of course strolling minstrels during dinner really sets the mood.

What special romantic touches can The Enchanted Forest provide for couples on their wedding day?

The Cinderella Carriage is an all-time favorite. A full dove release over the lake looks beautiful, especially if a videographer is capturing your wedding. Setting the head table with silver chargers and tall silver candlestands is very romantic. TEF uses a lot of candles to add to the romantic feel of the grounds after dark.

Can you describe a wedding held at The Enchanted Forest and any special elements which the wedding party incorporated to enhance the romance of the day?

A wedding at TEF is always romantic and beautiful. Watching the bridal party walk past the lake with the swans looking on is always beautiful. And a thick path of rose petals really adds a lot to the ceremony.

Will the bride and groom be able to sample beforehand the culinary works of your venue's preferred chef and caterer?

Yes! Our caterer provides a full buffet for tasting once monthly. This way you know exactly what your guests will be served.

What sites on the estate would you suggest for wedding photo opportunities?

The great thing about this venue is the multiple sites for photos, each different and with its own setting. The lake, the bridge and waterfalls, the majestic gates and of course the gardens, always excite the photographers!

What nearby romantic attractions or activities could you suggest to couples who wish to stay in the area on their honeymoon?

The venue is located between San Diego and Los Angeles. All of the great things these cities have to offer are close by. Locally there is hot air ballooning, wine tasting in the Temecula Wine Valley, many great golf courses, and the charm of Old Town Temecula. There are some great B&Bs too.

Is there anything else you would like to tell our readers about The Enchanted Forest?

We love what we do. Because the venue is a private estate, bookings are limited in number and each wedding is treated as if it were our own. There is a great deal of pleasure watching couples begin their life together at this beautiful place.

For More Information:

Website: www.enchantedforestweddings.com
Phone: 760.451.8683

Photos courtesy The Enchanted Forest