Staying one more day in Southern California after yesterday’s fault line wedding, today we’re headed to one of our favorite destinations, the sunny side of Palm Springs! A retro-infused community landscape, this place takes us back in time to celebrate poolside, lounge around and enjoy the good life when saying “I do.” And no place does that better in the desert than The Parker Palm Springs. A boutique hotel, this property boasts not only a rich history and an authentic retro experience but all the finer things we’ve come to expect from a top hotel of today’s time.
You may recognize some of these spots on property as the architecture and interior design have become pretty iconic. You drive up to the front door to be met by a massive wall that feels more like an art installation. The lovely staff ushers you inside out of the heat to the lobby lounge area one can only imagine from a movie set.
The hotel rooms are swanky with shag carpets and four-poster beds. Sliding glass doors take you right out onto the grass for a quick walk to the pool where you can expect to be greeted by a lemonade cart making the rounds on a bicycle.
The mafiya suite is a free regal high-ceiling building for weddings of 100 guests or more. A bit more formal and traditional than some of the other spaces at the hotel, this space opens up onto a beautiful grassy courtyard.
The grand ballroom can seat several hundred if your destination wedding is a bit bigger in size.
And just off the lobby is the perfect little post-wedding brunch spot – Norma’s, a diner serving up refreshing drinks and comfort food for all.
Your guests won’t get bored at this place, there are plenty of outdoor games to be played, and depending on the night and time of year, you might even find an outdoor movie playing above their own little Hollywood sign. After catching a flick you can retire to the historic Gene Autry Estate that doubles as a mega suite/home away from home and can receive your wedding guests for cocktails or a little private poolside fun.
By night there’s a fire pit both indoors and out depending on your mood (and the outdoor pit makes for a great after party focal point).
Whether you wed under a tent, in their regal marble-clad ballroom, or enjoy an evening in the mafia suite or historic home on property – The Parker Palm Springs has something for everyone.
All Wedding Photos by Robert Evans Studios
Travel Tip: Be sure to hit up the spa while you’re there! Aside from being especially gorgeous and sparkly, the treatments are truly to die for.
When to Go: It’s almost too hot to host a wedding in the summer months here, but if you do, make sure to set a very late ceremony start time or you may find yourself pushing back your I do’s into the evening. January to May are beautiful months in the desert and you’ll probably be escaping some less than perfect weather back home then too!
