Rancho Cicada Retreat

We're planning our outdoor spring wedding at Rancho Cicada Retreat after falling for the place a few months back. If you're planning a weekend wedding near the Bay Area, go visit and your search will be over. No other spot we visited offered such freedom to plan our own weekend celebration in a gorgeous setting - right on the Cosumnes River in the foothills of the Sierra - and at a worthwhile rate. They have been available for weddings for years, but, due mostly to word of mouth, are now filling up each year (we visited in mid-November and they only had 2 spots left).So far, our experience has been better than we could have imagined. When we arrived to check out the place (and stay a night in their River Cabin), a fire was roaring in the cabin and we found a basket filled with fresh-picked figs and a bunch of varieties of apples. They grow on site, in their diverse orchard (apples, plums, peaches, persimmons, nectarines...). Friendly and helpful hosts David and Bill gave us an amazing tour of the site, walking us through:- the commercial kitchen- wood cabins and tent areas (max 60 overnight guests/200 daytime guests)- the wedding site, a huge grass lawn along the river- introducing us to David's otherworldly 200 pound tortoise, Abe!We got to talking and never felt rushed. They were genuinely excited to share their property. Since then, communication has been prompt and kind. We're very excited to have our wedding there and I'll update this review with more information once we do.To note - the town of Plymouth has limited lodging and restaurants, but nearby Sutter Creek is an adorable and healthy old gold-rush town with plenty of B&Bs, shops, etc. And Amador County is a great spot for wine tasting, a huge plus!UPDATE: We had our wedding here and it all went wonderfully - I highly recommend this location. A ceremony along the beautiful river with great catering and a genuine feel - just right.

My friend had a wedding here and the venue is very natural, rustic, and beautiful. In the middle of September, the spacious lawn are was still green but the river/ creek was black and stagnant though kids were still playing in it. The lights made the place at night magical and there were hammocks hung all along the river. The grounds and cabins look well maintained and the place exudes relaxation and serenity. It would be a great place for a simple wedding, family get togethers, weekend of camping and yoga. It's about a 40 minute drive from Placerville with the last ten minutes going down a sketchy dirt road that's narrow and full of bumps. The grounds itself is flat but to get there from the parking lot is dusty and steep and rocky. Come prepared!

Rancho Cicada is a very special place. The owners are very nice. Its definitely very relaxing. Its great for weddings (my friend had a 200 person wedding there) or for a retreat. Especially yoga since its so tranquil. I'd highly recommend it for adults or young kids-but not a lot to do for older kids. If they added some activities like a ping pong table, or had a volleyball net or other summer game activities they would attract more people to the camp. I guess its good they don't because my friends and I have the place to ourselves each year.

In June my nephew got married here- it was amazing, beautiful and enchanted! The owners do not assist with much direction except direction to protect their property and because there is no cell coverage it was difficult to find pictures to see what others have done- I worried about this BUT once you get there you get it - we had a large group ofmillennials most staying in the tents and cabins - They played in the river, chatted, laughed, laid in comfy hammocks nestled in the trees by the river and played games in this beautiful setting and NO CELL PHONES! And of course they had a stocked bar! No pics equaled total engagement with family and friends for an unforgettable weekend. They require you to use their caterer - He is awesome and the food and catering staff were amazing! We used some of the star shower solar lights to perk up the trees in the evening beautiful! The seniors and older guests stayed at 49er village and the Rest in Plymouth - Every minute was perfect and personal. Would love to go back for any event family reunion, wedding, company bonding event any reason. One of the most amazing weddings I have ever been to or planned!

Rancho Cicada is one of my favorite places on Earth! David and Bill are amazing and generous hosts. The facilities are comfortable and accommodating. The location is simply stunning! I first discovered RC 17 years ago and returned many times before moving out of state. I just revisited after a 10 year absence and it's even better than I remembered! I plan to return again and again ... and hope to organize several reunions there as well!Thank you David and Bill (and Peter too!)!- Lisa Ortiz