The Van Dickson Ranch: a hidden gem offering phenomenal wedding experiences
Courtney Browne didn’t know she’d be leaving her wedding reception in a helicopter. It was a surprise her father, Greg, arranged … but then he fretted her groom, Cory Holden, might not appreciate the gesture.
As it turned out, Cory was fine with flying, and the couple was whisked off from the Van Dickson Ranch in Skull Valley at 10 p.m. October 19 to do an aerial tour of Dewey and Prescott before landing at the airport to be transported to their hotel.
This is the third time a helicopter has landed on the spacious polo grounds at the ranch. The first time was when Arizona Game and Fish asked permission to land to refuel, and the second time was when a wedding guest had an emergency.
The helicopter ride wasn’t the only unique thing about the Cory/Courtney wedding. The couple met in 2020, when Cory was manager of the Prescott Equine Center, and Courtney was there as a student on rotation for her veterinary college. They met in one of the horse stalls at the facility, and, as she said, “That was it.”
On wedding day, the bride and groom, both veterinarians, were interested in the horses at the ranch and learned that one had an eye issue. Both checked out the mare and gave advice. Later, they were in the barn for wedding pictures to be taken by Courtney’s uncle Steve Ruhl from Maine. As they were leaving for the reception, Ranch Owner Carolyn Harris asked Courtney if she would help her give the horse some medication. Without hesitation, the bride turned around and was about to do the task in her wedding gown. Harris convinced her she was just kidding, and the festivities went on.
Wedding plans began in Boulder, Colorado in the summer of 2023 when Cory suggested they hike on the mountain there. He proposed in a field of flowers.
Dr. Cory Holden is employed in Phoenix at the Arizona Equine Hospital working with large animals, and Dr. Courtney (Browne) works at Phoenix Mountain Animal Hospital dealing with small animals. “We always have lots to talk about,” she said. “Never a dull moment.”
Although the couple resides in Phoenix, they chose the Van Dickson Ranch because of its reputation, the beauty of the property, the famous slow-smoked tri-tip of beef dinners, superb staff, loveable Labradors, and accessibility to Prescott.
The ranch has been hosting weddings for 14 years. Learn more at vandicksonranch.com.