Nestled along the Missouri River in Williston, North Dakota, The River Ranch Wedding and Event Center perfectly blends elegance with natural beauty. I recently attended their Open House. It’s easy to see why this venue is sure to become a top choice for events in the area. With over 1,800 acres of scenic land and a stunning 7,700-square-foot lodge filled with rich woodwork and custom details, it offers endless opportunities for capturing timeless photos. From the picturesque architecture to the breathtaking river views, The River Ranch provides a beautiful backdrop that makes every moment truly unforgettable.
The exterior of The River Ranch is nothing short of impressive. As you approach through the grand entryway, the beautifully crafted lodge stands tall against the landscape, blending rustic charm with refined elegance. Natural stonework complements the warm wood tones of the building, creating a timeless, sophisticated feel. Seasonal decor with festive greenery and pops of red brings a welcoming touch to the front entrance, perfect for holiday gatherings. The expansive balconies and porches, adorned with evergreen garlands, provide a picturesque setting that highlights the venue’s natural surroundings. Every detail, from the classic barn-style garage doors to the meticulously arranged planters, enhances the overall aesthetic, making it a dream location for capturing outdoor event photography.
Entryway at the River Ranch
As you enter The River Ranch, a decorated entryway greets you with warmth and festive charm. An impressive stone fireplace anchors the cozy sitting area. Lush greenery, red accents, and elegant candlesticks enhance the welcoming ambiance. A towering Christmas tree shimmers with lights and ornaments, adding a touch of grandeur. Charming white deer statues bring a playful yet sophisticated holiday spirit. Thoughtful details, like pine arrangements and vibrant red berries, catch your eye. Candle displays further enhance the cozy, luxurious feel of the lodge. This entryway sets the tone for any celebration, making guests feel at home immediately.
Bridal Suite at The River Ranch
The entryway and gathering area of the bridal suite exude refined elegance and cozy comfort. As you step inside, soft candlelight and delicate florals welcome you. Subtle greenery creates a peaceful ambiance in the beautifully decorated entryway. This space flows into the gathering area, designed to be both inviting and luxurious. Soft pastel decor and plush seating, combined with shimmering pillows, create an intimate feel. Thoughtful arrangements add a sophisticated touch throughout the room. A whimsical Christmas tree in pinks, purples, and frosty whites brings a festive yet serene vibe. This space is perfect for capturing candid, joyful moments before the ceremony.
The bridal suite at The River Ranch is a dream space, designed to make every bride’s pre-wedding experience special. Soft natural light bathes the luxurious room, where elegant decor seamlessly blends comfort and sophistication. A large bed draped in plush linens serves as a cozy centerpiece. Delicate touches like glittering ornaments, soft pink accents, and festive greenery add warmth and celebration.
A beautifully adorned Christmas tree, with twinkling lights and silver ornaments, brings holiday magic to the room. A full-length mirror framed with lush greenery is ideal for capturing precious moments. Thoughtful design elements, from the cozy sitting area to artful floral arrangements, create a serene atmosphere. This suite offers a perfect backdrop for intimate, candid photos filled with wedding day joy and excitement.
A Cozy Overlook Upstairs
The cozy upstairs area at The River Ranch blends warmth and elegance, overlooking the grand entryway below. Rich earthy tones and plush seating invite guests to relax. A beautiful Christmas tree, with rustic ornaments and warm lights, adds festive charm to the space. Lush greenery, stylish candles, and cozy pillows enhance the welcoming ambiance.
Large windows flood the room with natural light, creating a bright yet intimate setting. A nearby balcony exit allows guests to step outside and enjoy scenic views. The sitting area’s centerpiece is a unique wooden coffee table adorned with greenery and candles. This rustic touch ties the space together, offering a perfect spot for quiet moments or gatherings. The upstairs nook strikes a balance between sophistication and a homey feel.
The thoughtful details provided by Elite Designz in Williston elevate The River Ranch to a new level of festive elegance. Every corner of the venue is meticulously adorned with unique, nature-inspired touches that blend seamlessly into the space. The Christmas trees are decorated with charming woodland creatures like owls and deer, lending a whimsical, cozy feel to the environment. Soft greenery, delicate twinkling lights, and rustic accents like antlers and birch branches create a beautifully curated aesthetic. Even the smallest elements, like the artful arrangement of lush garlands on large ceramic pots, add layers of texture and warmth. These carefully chosen details transform the venue into an inviting and enchanting space, perfect for creating unforgettable memories.
Upstairs Guest Quarters
This cozy bedroom at The River Ranch offers comfort and warmth, making it a perfect retreat for guests. Sturdy, rustic wooden bunk beds bring a cabin-like charm. Plush bedding and festive pillows add a touch of holiday spirit. Soft throws and a twinkling Christmas tree in the corner create a welcoming atmosphere.
A cozy chair and warm blankets in the seating nook provide a quiet spot to unwind. Every detail ensures guests feel right at home, surrounded by comfort and cheer. The room is designed to be a peaceful space ideal for relaxation and rest.
Upstairs Master Suite
The upstairs master suite at The River Ranch perfectly blends comfort and sophistication, ideal for unwinding in style. A luxurious upholstered bed with warm leather and rich textiles creates a cozy yet modern feel. A beautifully decorated Christmas tree, with oversized bells and ornaments, adds festive cheer.
Subtle accents like wooden tree silhouettes and fairy lights bring warmth to the decor. Large windows offer serene views of the landscape, enhancing the peaceful ambiance. The seating area, with plush pillows and a cozy loveseat, forms a relaxing nook. Thoughtful touches like sculptural vases and a whimsical snowman figurine by the window add character, making it perfect for capturing intimate, relaxed photos.
Downstairs, a Perfect Groom’s Suite
The downstairs groom’s suite at The River Ranch perfectly combines comfort and sophistication. It offers a relaxed yet refined space for the groom and his party to prepare. The cozy lounge area features leather seating and a large-screen projector for enjoying movies—ideal for unwinding before the festivities.
A rich wooden dining table, adorned with subtle holiday decorations, creates an inviting spot for sharing meals or drinks. The suite also includes a fully-equipped kitchenette to keep snacks and beverages handy, making it a great gathering place. Soft, warm lighting and festive touches like a beautifully decorated Christmas tree add celebration and warmth. Whether watching a movie or enjoying downtime, this stylish retreat ensures the groom’s preparations are just as memorable as the big day.
The charming details in The River Ranch’s holiday decor truly bring the space to life. Adorable woodland-themed ornaments—like cozy squirrels, whimsical owls, and a bearded forest Santa—add enchantment to the trees. Playful surprises, such as a miniature bottle of scotch tucked among the greenery, infuse the decor with personality and warmth. These thoughtful touches make the space feel both festive and uniquely inviting.
Meet the Team Behind this Beautiful Event Space
Amaya, the Event & Property Manager at The River Ranch, is the friendly face ensuring every event runs smoothly. Her expertise and warm demeanor make her a key part of the team, ready to assist couples and clients with all their planning needs.
Next are the proud owners, Troy and Kayla Girolamo, whose vision has turned The River Ranch into the elegant venue it is today. Their dedication to creating a welcoming and luxurious space is evident in every detail.
Mary, the talented designer from Elite Designz, is responsible for the stunning decor that transforms the venue into a festive wonderland. Her eye for detail and creative flair bring a touch of magic to every event.
Lastly, Chase from Dabeno’s Bistro brings his culinary expertise to the table, ensuring that this event is complemented by delicious food and exceptional service.
Catering by Dabeno’s Bistro
Dabeno’s Bistro provided spectacular catering at The River Ranch open house, offering a delicious array of appetizers and treats. Beautifully arranged charcuterie cups featured savory meats, cheeses, and fresh vegetables, while skewers of mozzarella, prosciutto, and basil delighted every palate. Fresh shrimp cocktail added a touch of elegance to the spread.
Warm, flaky pastries and savory mini sandwiches satisfied guests, while colorful fruit cups and crisp Caesar salads brought a refreshing touch. For dessert, an assortment of mini cheesecakes in various flavors offered a sweet finish. Dabeno’s Bistro impressed with both presentation and taste, making them a fantastic choice for any event at The River Ranch.
Reception Location
The large reception area at The River Ranch is an incredibly versatile space, perfect for hosting grand celebrations. The polished concrete floors, high ceilings, and ample lighting create an open and welcoming atmosphere. This space was beautifully transformed for the open house, featuring festive decor like twinkling Christmas trees that added warmth and holiday cheer.
One standout feature was the display of vintage and modern vehicles, including a classic red GMC truck that added a touch of nostalgia and charm. This unique touch demonstrated the flexibility of the space, showcasing how it can accommodate everything from elegant weddings to themed events or car shows. With its spacious layout, the reception area offers endless possibilities for personalization, making it ideal for large gatherings where guests can mingle and celebrate in style.
The reception bar area at The River Ranch is both functional and festive, designed to seamlessly support events of all sizes. The space features a sleek bar counter with a rustic, corrugated metal front that adds a touch of industrial charm. It’s beautifully accented with holiday decor, including twinkling Christmas trees and glittering reindeer statues that bring warmth to the space.
This area is perfect for serving drinks and appetizers, with plenty of room for guests to gather and enjoy refreshments. The open layout allows easy flow between the kitchen and the surrounding event spaces, making it ideal for cocktail hours or casual mingling. The festive touches, combined with its practical design, make the kitchen area a welcoming spot for guests to relax and enjoy the atmosphere during events.
Reflections on a Wonderful Open House
As a photographer, it was an absolute joy to capture the beauty of The River Ranch during their open house event. I am incredibly grateful to everyone involved for being so welcoming and cooperative in front of the camera. From the owners to the vendors, and everyone who brought the venue to life with festive decor and thoughtful details, your enthusiasm made every moment a pleasure to document. Each space, whether it was the cozy bridal suite, the elegant reception hall, or the festive kitchen area, offered endless opportunities to capture stunning photos that truly showcased the heart and soul of this venue.
The River Ranch is truly a photographer’s dream—a perfect blend of rustic charm, modern elegance, and natural beauty. The attention to detail, from the thoughtfully curated decor to the warm, inviting atmosphere, creates a backdrop that transforms every event into something unforgettable. I can’t wait for the chance to return and hopefully capture a wedding here in the near future. It’s clear that The River Ranch is not just a venue, but a place where beautiful memories are made, and I look forward to being a part of those moments soon.
xo, Jannelle and Jonathan
