So your beloved finally popped the question and you said “yes.” Congratulations!
If you’re now on the hunt for the perfect wedding venue in Southern California at an affordable cost then you’re in the right place!
According to the Wedding Report, the average cost of a wedding in California in 2021 was $35,274 for the entire state. However, wedding costs in the southern part of California tend to be higher due to a higher cost of living.
If you are on a tight budget, don’t let the above statistics scare you. Remember they are just that; averages!
There are plenty of affordable wedding venues in Southern California! Here is our list of the Top 10 to give you some inspiration…
Albertson Wedding Chapel- Los Angeles, California
Albertson Wedding Chapel in Los Angeles is a full-service wedding venue that is consistently chosen as one of the best wedding chapels by LA locals.
This family-owned property has been in business since 1974 and has nailed the art of providing incredible weddings.
Albertson Wedding Chapel offers full-service packages including a wedding officiant, flowers, photographers, and even an instant legal marriage license that is filed with the county clerk for you to help take all the stress out of your wedding day.
The 1,800-square-feet Main Chapel exudes luxury and chicness, and The True Love Reception Room is stunning. With 3,400-square-feet, you and your guests can dine and dance under chandeliers and a gorgeous floral canopy.
Bonus: Wedding parties gush about the deluxe photo box! A super fun way to instantly capture memories that will last a lifetime.
Typical Cost: Starts at $345.
Capacity: Up to 44 seated guests.
Find Albertson Wedding Chapel at Albertson Chapel or check out Facebook or Instagram.
Inn of the Seventh Ray- Topanga, California
The Inn of the Seventh Ray is located in a canyon surrounded by gorgeous towering trees, waterfalls, lush gardens, and even a small creek.
This idyllic setting is like a romantic fairy tale come true and there are several venue options on the property to accommodate all wedding sizes and budgets.
The main ceremony site is on the patio with the beautiful backdrop of a fountain. Most couples choose to say their vows in this area and then move on to another part of the property for their reception.
The Waterfall Patio is a hidden gem and provides an intimate, garden-like setting for the smaller guest list.
The Garden Room can be rented as an addition for cocktail hour or by itself as your reception space.
The Church Room is the original Inn and has stained glass windows and vaulted ceilings.
There is so much luxury and beauty to choose from at this stunning venue!
Bonus: The Inn of the Seventh Ray offers onsite catering packages with fresh, locally sourced California cuisine.
Typical Cost: Starts at $300.
Capacity: Up to 240 seated guests.
Find Inn of the Seventh Ray at Inn of the Seventh Ray or check out Facebook or Instagram.
Whispering Oaks Chapel- Calabasas, California
Looking for a more traditional setting complete with a little white church in park-like landscaping?
Whispering Oaks Chapel is an affordable secret gem that is perfect for micro weddings. Located close to Malibu, the property around the chapel features gorgeous lavender and rose gardens as well as mature trees.
You can have your ceremony in the chapel which is a multi-denominational and all-inclusive church, or anywhere on the grounds, including the nearby beach.
Whispering Oaks Chapel can also help you plan your reception either on the property surrounding the church or one of their nearby sister venues.
This romantic, magical boutique spot is a great option for a classic wedding with a modern twist.
Bonus: Got some out-of-town guests visiting Southern California for the first time? Whispering Oak Chapel is very close to Malibu hotels and restaurants; perfect for visiting guests to experience the California lifestyle.
Typical Cost: Starts at $500.
Capacity: Up to 60 seated guests.
Find Whispering Oaks Chapel at Whispering Oaks Chapel or check out Facebook or Instagram.
The Sidenote at Love & Laughter Studios- Anaheim, California
Perfect for the couple who loves music, The Sidenote at Love & Laughter Studios is an outdoor wedding venue located behind the Love & Laughter Recording Studio in Anaheim.
You can rent the outdoor space complete with a patio and space for a DJ or live music. You can also choose to rent the studio itself which is a 3,0000-square-foot professional working recording space.
Notably, The Sidenote at Love & Laughter Studios provides audio and video services.
What a fun and memorable spot for a one-of-a-kind wedding!
Bonus: The Sidenote at Love & Laughter can provide additional amenities at your request including an event coordinator, event staff, florist, catering with a bartender, and killer live band referrals for your big day!
Typical Cost: Starts at $1,250.
Capacity: Up to 81 seated guests.
Find The Sidenote at Love and Laughter Music Group or check out Facebook or Instagram.
Rasta Rita Cantina- Twentynine Palms, California
You’ve gotta love this original name! Rasta Rita Cantina is a fully renovated adobe structure built in 1924 and located minutes from Joshua Tree National Park.
This unique and fun Southern California setting has a large outdoor area with a dance floor, fire pits, and an inside dining area as well.
The total venue is over 4,500-square-feet and includes a 12-foot hand-carved bar, an outdoor shade cover, and space for outdoor food trucks. And did we mention the tacos and margaritas? Rasta Rita Cantina specializes in all-you-can-eat tacos and margarita service!
Bonus: Rasta Rita Cantina is the ideal location for your reception if you’re tying the knot in the nearby Joshua Tree National Park.
Typical Cost: Starts at $1,500.
Capacity: Up to 200 seated guests.
Find Rasta Rita Cantina at Rasta Rita Cantina or check out Facebook or Instagram.
Aliso Viejo By Wedgewood Weddings- Aliso Viejo, California
Known as the secret gem of the OC, Aliso Viejo by Wedgewood Weddings venue is luxurious with a laid-back vibe.
With views of Saddleback Mountain, this beautiful outdoor wedding venue in Southern California provides several beautiful outdoor ceremony options.
The patio features Mediterranean-style architecture, with an outdoor fireplace and fire pits. There is also a large indoor ballroom with magnificent views and vaulted ceilings with bistro lighting.
Escape the hustle and bustle of the LA area in this serene spot tucked away in the foothills.
Bonus: Aliso Viejo by Wedgewood Weddings conveniently offers three packages to help keep you within your budget.
Typical Cost: Starts at $995.
Capacity: Up to 280 seated guests.
Find Aliso Viejo by Wedgewood Weddings at Wedgewood Weddings or check out Facebook or Instagram.
Japanese Friendship Garden- San Diego, California
Dreaming of a beautiful outdoor garden wedding venue in a Japanese Garden?
Featuring authentic Japanese garden features, including koi ponds, waterfalls, and bonsai and cherry trees, the Japanese Friendship Garden, located in the heart of Balboa Park, is a dreamy backdrop for both your ceremony and reception.
With no less than seven site options, there are pavilions, viewing decks, and plazas to choose from.
The Inamori Pavilion is one of the larger spots on the property. It is an airy space and features a courtyard and a viewing deck that could be used for a cocktail hour.
The Garden Paths & Earth Bridge, Koi Pond & Moon Viewing Deck, and Ceremony Gate are stunning locations for wedding photos.
The Reception Plaza offers open-air space complete with fragrant wisteria blossoms and a deck that can be used as a stage for entertainment.
Bonus: Why not embrace Japanese culture with authentic Japanese style decor and food? How fun!
Typical Cost: Starts at $510.
Capacity: Up to 248 seated guests.
Find Japanese Friendship Garden at Japanese Friendship Garden or check out Facebook or Instagram.
San Diego Made Factory- San Diego, California
The San Diego Made Factory is a local artist collective and could be the perfect location for your chic boutique wedding.
With revolving exhibits from San Diego artists, this warehouse space has an industrial, hip vibe. Perfect for your intimate modern wedding.
The Event Space has 1,600 newly renovated square feet and plenty of light and plants. There is a large garage door that can be left open for more of an outdoor feel.
The Upstairs Event Space is slightly smaller at 1,400-square-feet and can be rented separately for cocktail hour or as suites for the bridal party to get ready to walk down the aisle.
Bonus: San Diego Made Factory offers add-on packages for items such as a projector and screen rental and custom battery-powered colored lights.
Typical Cost: Starts at $1,000.
Capacity: Up to 70 seated guests.
Find San Diego Made Factory at San Diego Made or check out Facebook or Instagram.
Agua Hedionda Lagoon Foundation Discovery Center- Carlsbad, California
Looking for a unique space for an intimate boutique coastal wedding? The Discovery Center at the Agua Hedionda Lagoon Foundation may be just the spot for you!
There are several outdoor spaces with gardens that overlook the lagoon, as well as several indoor venue options.
The Rotunda Room is 634-square-feet and has amazing views of the sunset. There is a chandelier candelabra and wood beam ceilings, as well as French doors that open up to the back patio.
Outside there are four nature nodes with wood benches and tree stumps for natural seating areas.
The Native Garden Circle is a lovely place for cocktails and there is a small but functional kitchen and a smaller room that can be used as a play area for younger guests.
Bonus: Agua Hedionda Lagoon Foundation Discovery Center offers three very affordable wedding packages and when you rent the venue, you get the whole place to yourself!
Typical Cost: Starts at $1,200.
Capacity: Up to 100 seated guests.
Find Agua Hedionda Lagoon Foundation Discovery Center at Agua Hedionda or check out Facebook or Instagram.
Longshadow Ranch Vineyard and Winery- Temecula, California
A list of affordable wedding venues in Southern California wouldn’t be complete without a winery!
Longshadow Ranch Winery is a rustic yet elegant and affordable setting that could be your perfect spot to tie the knot! Surrounded by vineyards, shady trees, and beautiful gardens, Longshadow Ranch Winery is a scenic, idyllic property.
The Grand Lodge has hardwood floors and vaulted ceilings with wooden beams and sliding barn doors that open up to a flagstone patio. Imagine the amazing wedding photos your photographer will be able to capture on this beautiful property.
Bonus: Guests can enjoy wine samples from grapes grown in the vineyard.
Typical Cost: Starts at $1,500.
Capacity: Up to 200 seated guests.
Find Longshadow Ranch Winery at Longshadow Ranch Winery or check out Facebook or Instagram.
