Korakia Pensione is such a hidden gem near the outskirts of Palm Springs. This petite resort takes inspiration from the Moroccan style, giving you one-of-a-kind backdrops as well as five-star luxury. With their dedicated events team, hosting your wedding here is going to be a dream! As a Palm Springs wedding photographer, I got to tag along with Brian and Cara as they hosted an incredible Korakia Pensione wedding. If you think this might just be the venue for you, I would love to tell you everything you need to know!
About The Korakia Pensione Wedding Venue
257 S. Patencio Road, Palm Springs, California 92262
Korakia Pensione is one of those unique wedding venues that could have only come from the opulence of the Roaring 20s. During this time, Scottish painter Gordon Coutts built the house as a tribute to his life back in Tangier. Once completed, he turned it into a haven, hanging his original artwork on the walls while inviting over guests like Rudolph Valentino and Erroll Flynn. There are even rumors that Winston Churchill painted in the studio here!
Around that time, silent mega star J. Carrol Naish lived right across the street in a house now known as the Naish House. The Korakia Pensione has acquired both of these houses, and they also now own the Auric House nearby. As a result, the layout of this property feels more like your own private village where you can celebrate with all of your friends. To this day, the resort embraces the creative spirits of the world, giving them a spot where they can relax and find inspiration for their next adventure!
Details of the Grounds
The layout of Korakia Pensione makes it ideal for weddings. Your entire party can rent out spaces at the property so they have the best spot to stay ahead of your wedding day. When Brian and Cara had their wedding at this location, they chose to get ready in the rooms, taking advantage of the huge windows and the open layouts. There was even a massive, full-length mirror ideal for showing off Cara’s wedding look.
As your guests arrive at the wedding site, the Courtyard is going to be the star of the show. They can grab pre-wedding cocktails and get into the spirit before it’s time to be seated for your ceremony.
Once it is time to exchange your vows, you are going to have a handful of options. The Mediterranean Event area is a favorite. This area is able to accommodate up to 220 guests and gives you the most flexibility with open land ideal for the seating arrangement of your choice. The area has over 8,000 square feet that you can make your own. If you are looking for something a bit more intimate, you might just love the Orchard House. Tucked away amidst the trees, this space offers a private clearing where you can tie the knot while surrounded by those you love the most. With a capacity for up to 20 guests, this one is best for micro-weddings and elopements.
Brian and Cara chose to have this portion of their day in the Courtyard, using the iconic Moorish archway as their altar. Their guests were seated on either side of the fountain, where they had the best ambiance. The staircase leading up to this area was particularly good for a dramatic entrance!
Cocktail Hour And More At The Korakia Pensione Wedding Venue
The couple held their cocktail hour at The Mediterranean Pool, where their guests had a chic background ideal for enjoying drinks. As the two took their pictures, their guests enjoyed decadent drinks made from top-shelf liquors.
For their reception, Brian and Cara used the Mediterranean Event area, setting up long tables beneath the string lights. They created a conversation area where guests could relax in the modern velvet furniture around a fire. Meanwhile, a dance floor at the back of the space was ideal for hours of celebration! As the sun began to set, the party let loose, sharing laughter and dance moves until it was time to crash.
The venue offers a few different places for those who would prefer a smaller reception. Outside, you can use the Orchard, where you can have a garden party. Inside, you can use the Naish House and host a seated dinner with up to 12 guests.
Photography Opportunities
Korakia Pensione has so many fantastic spaces where you can take your wedding photos. The rooms were designed to have that classic open-air Morocco feel, which means you are going to have huge windows with plenty of natural lighting. We loved these areas for more candid pictures as the pair got ready.
Once it was time for their first look portraits, the two went to the Event space and took advantage of the lush flowers and white walls. It was private and romantic for a moment they could hold close for the rest of their lives. Afterward, the pair wandered around the property and posed amidst the desert plants with the mountains in the backdrop.
For their formal pictures, we stayed out in front of the houses and used the open area to take pictures with the entire wedding party.
Wedding Details
Korakia Pensione prides itself on curating a stress-free experience throughout your entire trip. You will have several residences where you and your guests can stay leading up to your day. The venue will take care of the rehearsal dinner, treating you to a decadent meal using fresh and local ingredients. This same team will be there for your reception dinner, delivering customized dishes your guests will be chatting about years from now. You can pick from add-on services throughout your week, including massages and canyon hikes. You will additionally have event planning services to make things go smoothly!
Your Dream Korakia Pensione Wedding Awaits!
If you have been on the search for a retreat for your wedding day, I just know you are going to fall in love with a Korakia Pensione wedding! This unique venue is going to give you a dreamy backdrop throughout every second of your day!
Are you still looking for the right person to capture your celebration? Then I would love to talk! I am a Palm Springs wedding photographer, and I adore working with couples so they can have memories to last for the rest of their lives. If you need someone to document each and every joy-filled moment, I would love to have a conversation so you can decide if we’re a match. Send me a message today to find out more!
Thank You To The Vendors Who Made This Day Possible
Planner: One Darling Day
Catering: Eight4Nine
Rentals: Signature
Tables + Chairs + Lighting: Planks + Patina
Florals: Longstem Florals
DJ: Second Song
Cake: Over the Rainbow
Hair + Makeup: Jen Plus Colour
Officiant: Anthony Salazar
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