Big Bear Wedding
FAQ
What airport should I fly into?
The Ontario Airport is the closest airport to Big Bear. It’s still about 75 miles from the wedding locale, but all the locals say it’s the most direct way into Big Bear.
How do I get to Big Bear from the Airport?
Well, don’t rely on Google Maps. For some reason, the default direction sends you around the mountain. The simplest way is to take 210 East, to Highway 18, and follow it up to the mountains, all the way to Big Bear. It’s an amazing drive.
Speaking of driving—do I need a car for my visit?
Yes. Renting a car will definitely make things easier. However, if renting a car isn’t possible, you might want to consider a carpool. If you don’t know anyone else coming to the ceremony, let us know and we’ll try to put you in touch with someone with a car. The JackrabbitRanch is a bit off the beaten path, so walking isn’t an option.
Where should I stay?
Big Bear is chock-full of hotels, bed and breakfasts and rental homes, so there are accommodations to fit all tastes and budgets. We’ve stayed in a few places around the area and so we can give personal recommendations for a few of them:
Hotels and B&Bs:
The Robinhood Resort - this is the first place we ever stayed in Big Bear...it's right in the heart of "the village" (the downtown of Big Bear) and we got a super cheap room WITH a jacuzzi tub and a fireplace. A really great (and affordable) place to stay.
The Marina Inn - this is the second place we ever stayed in Big Bear and it is also right near the village, in a great location, right on the water. We stayed in a room that looked out over the lake, a little more expensive than the Robinhood, but still reasonable. A great place to stay if you want some lake time.
The Edgewater - also right on the lake, the Edgewater is a sweet little hotel, just 8 rooms, and each room is big and spacious, most of them even have little kitchens and dining tables. A great place to stay as a family. There's also a little park right out back of the hotel, right on the lake, with BBQs and a boat launch. If you get a room here, be sure to tell Nick or April at Destination Big Bear (the company that rents the hotel) that you're with our wedding, and they should give you some kind of discount on the room!
Gold Mountain Manor - we didn't stay here, but we toured all the rooms, and it is a super sweet little BandB! The owner is a lovely, lovely woman, the rooms are all unique and spacious, and there are fresh-baked cookies in the lounge all year round! I just looked on their booking site, and it looks like there's still plenty of availability for the weekend of our wedding, so if you're looking for something serene and home-y for your stay, I would highly recommend this place!
The Inn at Fawnskin - this is another super charming BandB that we toured (but didn't stay at). The rooms are lovely, as are the owners/staff at the Fawnskin. The only downside is that it's at the far end of the lake, so it's going to be further from the wedding festivities, but it's a lovely little Bed and Breakfast and would be a relaxing place to come home to at the end of the night!
The Best Western Big Bear Chateau - again, we didn't stay here, but we toured the rooms...and for a Best Western, it is really nice. The building is old and beautiful, and all the rooms we looked at were very clean and roomy. There are a ton of room options here, and in terms of hotels, it's the closest to Jackrabbit Ranch. A good and affordable option.
Areas to look for Rental Homes/Cabins:
Big Bear City - this is the area of Big Bear that is going to be closest to the Jackrabbit Ranch...it's on the far eastern side of Big Bear Lake. Everything in Big Bear is relatively close, but if you want to be near the reception site, looking in Big Bear City is the way to go.
Big Bear Lake - this is where the action is at. If you want to do lake activities while you're in Big Bear, or if you just want to be able to walk out your front door and be near to lots of restaurants and shops, then Big Bear Lake is the way to go. "The Village" is the area in Big Bear Lake that has the highest concentration of shops, so if you see a home for rent that boasts it's closeness to The Village, you'll know it's right in the heart of Big Bear.
Moonridge - this area, like Big Bear City, is going to be a bit closer to JackRabbit ranch. Moonridge is basically southeast of Big Bear Lake. There are lots of beautiful homes and cabins to rent out in this direction, but just know that if you rent a home in Moonridge, you're not really going to be able to walk anywhere. What you will get, however, is a lot of peace and quiet and natural beauty!
Homes/Cabins Rental Companies:
Destination Big Bear - this is the rental company that is renting the Jackrabbit Ranch to us. They have a lot of great homes and cabins for rent (as well as rooms in the Edgewater hotel, mentioned above) and they are offering a nightly discount to anyone from our wedding who rents through them! So make sure and tell them you're coming to Paul and Lia's wedding...ask for Nick or April, if you have any trouble.
Big Bear Luxury Properties - we went into the office at this place and had a long talk with one of the rental agents when we were looking for wedding venues. They were very helpful and accommodating, and they have a lot of great properties for rent at pretty reasonable prices. They seem to have high standards about what kind of property they offer for rent, so I feel like a home or cabin rented through them would be a pretty safe bet.
Big Bear Cool Cabins - this place has a lot of properties for rent in Big Bear. We had some dealings with them, and they don't really give the most personal touch, but they have some good properties on offer and the rates are very competitive.
Hope that's helpful! Just be sure you don’t wait too long to book something, things fill up fast in Big Bear!
What should I wear to the wedding?
We’re going to go with a “ranch formal” dress code, which means: summer wedding/semi-formal, but in the spirit of the great outdoors. The dance-floor will probably be either on hay or grass, so just choose your footwear accordingly! Weather can be between 70-80 but will cool down after sundown.
Big Bear Luxury Properties - we went into the office at this place and had a long talk with one of the rental agents when we were looking for wedding venues. They were very helpful and accommodating, and they have a lot of great properties for rent at pretty reasonable prices. They seem to have high standards about what kind of property they offer for rent, so I feel like a home or cabin rented through them would be a pretty safe bet.
Big Bear Cool Cabins - this place has a lot of properties for rent in Big Bear. We had some dealings with them, and they don't really give the most personal touch, but they have some good properties on offer and the rates are very competitive.
Hope that's helpful! Just be sure you don’t wait too long to book something, things fill up fast in Big Bear!
What should I wear to the wedding?
We’re going to go with a “ranch formal” dress code, which means: summer wedding/semi-formal, but in the spirit of the great outdoors. The dance-floor will probably be either on hay or grass, so just choose your footwear accordingly! Weather can be between 70-80 but will cool down after sundown.
When are people getting there?
Well, Lia and Paul are arriving on Wednesday, August 24th, along with most of the bridal party and family. You’re welcome to arrive anytime thereafter. We plan on having folks over to Jackrabbit on Weds evening for some food and beers…so if you’re in town come on over. Thursday will be the lake day with an evening gathering for all. Friday is wedding prep for some, leisure day for others and Saturday, of course…
Where should I go if I have other questions?
We’ll be updating the blog regularly, with information about lodging and activities and all things wedding, so go there first. If you have a burning question that only we can answer, you can email us at willisaprile@gmail.com.
We love you all, and can’t wait to see you!
Xoox
Paul and Lia
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