Finding the ideal location to exchange vows and throw a party is never a simple affair. Planning a wedding in the Santa Ynez Valley can be especially overwhelming given the bounty of options at our fingertips.

From quiet gardens and sun-kissed hills to historic churches and elegant vineyards, the Valley holds an array of unique locations for a wedding or reception of any style and size.

Rolling green hills, beautifully renovated barns and ivy-covered verandas lend a rustic elegance to nuptials held on any of the Valley's many ranches and homesteads.

A perfect setting for a country wedding, the Chamberlin Ranch is tucked into the foothills of the San Rafael Mountains.

This working cattle ranch offers an abundance of romantic spots, from sweeping hilltops set against the azure sky to the quiet shade of a majestic oak tree. A mule-drawn wagon is available to carry guests to the chosen site, and the expansive property allows for a wedding or reception party of any size.

Nestled in the gentle north hills, the Firestone Vineyards Crossroads Estate is just off the renowned Foxen Canyon Wine Trail. This turn-of-the-century homestead, surrounded by elegant lawns and acres of vineyards, has an old-fashioned porch, pole barn and raised stage behind the house, ideal for a reception of 300 or more guests.

An acre of persimmon and apricot trees, lavender-scented walkways and evergreens make the Grand Lady Home and Garden in Los Olivos a charming spot for a small garden ceremony of up to 120 guests. With a gazebo overlooking the Alamo Pintado Creek, the home also features a rose garden, English arbors, and a sun deck for dinner and dancing.

Surrounded by some of the most untouched wilderness in California, it's only natural that certain Valley couples choose to exchange vows in one of the area's lovely National Forest locations.

Spanning more than 220 miles along the central coast area, the Los Padres National Forest is a landscape of stunning beauty and variety. Sage-scented trails, a pristine mountain lake, running creeks, rivers and acres of wonderful, stately native trees, make this a magnificent setting for an informal ceremony, in spring and early summer.

With swimming holes, picnic tables, fire pits and miles of hiking paths, the forest's campgrounds located near paved roads &emdash; Davy Brown, Sage Hill, Red Rock, and Live Oak are good choices&emdash; and can accommodate up to 75 guests, if the Forest Service is notified ahead of time.

The tranquil waters of Zaca Lake also offer a picturesque backdrop, just south of Rancho Sisquoc. The historic homestead is now an idyllic retreat center, accommodating up to 120 guests on its breathtaking lake shore backed by groves of young redwood trees. Swimming, kayaking, and hiking are a few of the recreational options at Zaca. The cozy cabins have fireplaces and mineral baths in tiled tubs; yoga, massage and on-site catering is available on request.

When considering a ceremony in a church or chapel Old Mission Santa Inés, "the hidden gem" of the California missions, is a popular and beautiful wedding spot. Established in 1805, the historic site has been the premier wedding location for both settlers and visitors to the Valley for nearly two centuries.

Offering an on-site coordinator, the priests at the Old Mission will gladly officiate at nuptials; couples are also welcome to invite a visiting priest of choice to celebrate the event.

The quaint Ballard Country Church on Baseline Road is also an excellent option for ceremonies of up to 120 guests. Built in 1898, the chapel is open to officiators of any denomination.

St. Mark's-in-the-Valley Episcopal Church in Los Olivos normally holds weddings on the first and third Saturdays of each month. With a sandstone baptismal font, custom-built organ and stainglassed windows, St. Mark's is large enough to accommodate a wedding of almost any size.

In downtown Solvang, the austere Bethania Lutheran Church is a splendid facility, built in 1928 by the early Danish settlers in the area. Though the church's interior has ample space, Bethania still retains the quiet serenity of an intimate chapel with light walls, a hanging ship and dark wooden pews reminiscent of the founding fathers' sea-faring heritage.

A number of other very nice churches in the Valley communities are also available for weddings. For additional information about locations in the Valley contact one of the several local wedding coordinators. The Solvang Conference and Visitors Bureau also provides location information.

The Valley's many vineyards and wineries have become increasingly popular for weddings in the last decade. Gainey Vineyard in Santa Ynez features a number of superb spots, from an expansive picnic area overlooking the 85 acres of vineyards, to an intimate, old-world tasting room.

The French-Provincial ambiance of Sunstone Vineyards and Winery is perfect for a lavish rehearsal dinner or bridal luncheon in the romantic Cuvee Cave, with a full-service kitchen and wood-burning oven. Solvang's Rideau Vineyard includes several acres of lovely lawns and stately oaks. The crowning jewel of the property is the beautifully restored El Alamo Pintado Adobe, built in 1884 to accommodate guests off the stagecoach, en route to Santa Barbara.

There are many other vineyards and wineries in the Valley that are available for weddings or receptions. For a complete list, contact the Santa Barbara County Vintners' Association at www.sbcountywines.com.

Among the many other choice wedding site are Solvang's Hans Christian Andersen Park and Nojoqui Falls Park, between Alisal Road and Highway 101. Of the several large inns and hotels in the Valley, Fess Parker's Wine Country Inn & Spa in Los Olivos and the Santa Ynez Inn, in Santa Ynez are particular wedding favorites.