Transforming Family Property into a Thriving Wedding Venue | Austin and Karlee Phippen

The Venue Owner SeriesSeason 2
Written By Jonathan Aymin

In this week's episode of The Venue Rx Podcast, our host Jonathan Aymin welcomes Austin and Karlee Phippen, owners of Log River Ranch, a wedding venue in Chama, New Mexico. Together, they generously offer a glimpse into their remarkable journey within the wedding venue industry.

During this engaging conversation, they delve into a multitude of topics, including the unique challenges they face operating a remote venue, their marketing strategies, the financial aspects of their venture, and their exciting plans for the future. In addition, they emphasize the significance of establishing transparent pricing structures and ensuring that all essential amenities are readily available at their venue to provide an exceptional experience for their clients.

Furthermore, the couple candidly shares their encounters with wedding mishaps, particularly those related to alcohol, shedding light on the valuable lessons learned from these incidents. They also reveal how they've expanded their array of services to encompass transportation options for their guests. Overall, this episode serves as a valuable source of insight into the intricate world of managing a wedding venue business.

About Our Guests:

Karlee possesses over 8 years of experience in the wedding and event industry. Before embarking on her journey with Log River Ranch, she honed her skills while working in events at both a ranch and ski resort in Colorado. The creation of Log River Ranch had always been a cherished dream of hers. Interestingly, the roots of Log River Ranch extend back to the 1970s when it became a part of Karlee's family heritage. Her Grandfather Brit initially acquired the property and subsequently erected the log home in the 1980s. For many years, the property served as a beloved vacation destination for the family, fostering countless memories of Karlee's childhood in the serene setting of Chama.

The barn, a significant addition to the property, was constructed in 2017. The decision to build this iconic barn was a family consideration, and when Austin and Karlee announced their intention to marry, it hastened the process. On October 14, 2017, the ranch witnessed its inaugural wedding event, which was a resounding success. This pivotal moment served as the catalyst for Austin and Karlee to transform the barn into a thriving business. Their inaugural year in business commenced in 2019, and they have consistently expanded their enterprise since then.

Find Them Here:

If you are a new or existing venue owner and want a professional team to operate and manage your venue business click here!

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Jonathan Aymin
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Competition, Transparency, and the Future of Wedding Venues | Karson Coker
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A Haunted Wedding Experience | Rebecca Williamson