25 Best Wedding Venues in California That’ll Inspire You

When it comes to stateside weddings, California offers a gold mine of possibilities. Not only is it a coastal haven – home to 420 beaches– but it’s also the playground to the stars. Venues here are that bit grander, swankier, and glossier. 

Oh, add in pricier too. According to The Knot, the average wedding in California will cost you around $33,000 – about $10,000 more than the national average, but it’s so worth it when you consider all that you’re getting.

If you still have your heart set on a Cali wedding, then know that your options for venues are nearly endless. But let’s start with our 25 best wedding venues in California: 


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Luxe Cruise and Resorts – San Francisco

California’s 840 miles of coastline make it a premium destination for gorgeous, waterfront weddings.

With Luxe Cruise and Resorts, you can exchange vows while experiencing the magnificence of the San Francisco Bay. The company owns a fleet of five luxury yachts, aptly titled after different kinds of wines. 

At 124-feet long, The Cabernet Sauvignon is the largest yacht. It features four decks with indoor and outdoor dining options, large spaces for dancing, a sky bar, and more.

The other four boats are between 76-121-feet long, and feature similar accommodations, though the Fume Blanc is a replica of a New York steamboat.

Whichever you choose, you’ll enjoy views of the bay’s gorgeous blue water and the San Francisco skyline. 

Price Range: Contact the venue for a quote. 

Capacity: Up to 350 guests. 

Find Luxe Cruise and Resorts at Luxe Cruise and Resorts or check out Facebook or Instagram.

Montalvo Arts Center – Saratoga

The Montalvo Arts Center is a non-profit arts center situated in the middle of Silicon Valley. The 175-acre estate includes a Mediterranean-style villa and a posh artist compound, where it both displays and nurtures the talents of artists, sculpturists, and writers. 

The center’s appreciation of art is evident in every square inch of the gorgeous property, making it a great place to host a wedding.

You can book several onsite venues, including whimsical gardens and stone trails, and arboretums. 

Price Range: $17,000-$30,000.

Capacity: Up to 250 guests. 

Find Montalvo Arts Center at Montalvo Arts Center or check out  Facebook or Instagram.

Great American Music Hall – San Francisco 

California’s contribution to the music industry is unmatched, so a wedding at the Great American Music Hall just seems fitting. The 115-year-old ballroom oozes with the splendor and opulence of times past, adding an air of historic charm to your event.  

Spanning 1,000-feet, the main ballroom boasts high ceilings, marble columns, and multi-layer seating with plenty of space left over for dancing and mingling.

If you want to lean into the performance aspect of the venue, you can also have your names displayed in lights during the reception!

Price Range: $7,200 – $8,900 for venue rental; add-ons extra.

Capacity: 350-600 guests. 

Find Great American Music Hall at Great American Music Hall or check out Facebook or Instagram.

Calamigos Ranch – Santa Monica

Calamigos Ranch has spearheaded the health and wellness movement in Malibu since 1937. The retreat-style ranch covers 5,500 acres and offers countless physical and spiritual activities to enrich the body and the soul.

Across the property, you’ll find raging waterfalls, rolling hills, soaring trees, and even a Ferris wheel – all of which make great backdrops for wedding photos. 

There are three main venues available, including the Redwood Room, The Birchwood Room, and the Oak Room.

You can also take advantage of the Calamigos Ranch guest cabins, which include an outdoor pizza bar and a pavilion.

Price Range: $27,000 – $30,000.

Capacity: 50-500 guests. 

Find Calamigos Ranch at Calamigos Ranch or check out Facebook or Instagram.

Nestldown – Santa Cruz Mountains

If you’ve always wanted to have a forest wedding without sacrificing modern accommodations, then Nestldown retreat might suit your needs. Located in the Santa Cruz mountains, this woodland sanctuary sits on 180 acres and offers you indoor and outdoor spaces to host the wedding of your dreams. 

The property offers scenic gardens and the natural beauty of majestic waterfalls as your ceremony backdrop. 

As you head to your reception, you’ll walk along stone-lined paths flanked by towering trees. Afterward, you can take a train ride through the remaining property and bask in its charming ambiance. 

Price Range: $9,500 – $28,000 dependent on venue. 

Capacity: 15 – 200 guests.

Find Nestldown at Nestldown or check out Facebook or Instagram.

Chabot Space and Science Center – Oakland

Celebrate your cosmic love and host your wedding day at the Chabot Space and Science Center. Boasting over 189,000 annual visitors, the space center offers families and students educational resources and exhibits centering on astronomy and STEM. 

Couples who wed here can utilize one of several indoor and outdoor facilities. Astronomy Hall is an indoor venue with space for dinner and a reception.

Outdoors, you can make use of an amphitheater, courtyard, and, most famously, a planetarium equipped with state-of-the-art video and graphics software that can project a celestial background behind you as you say “I do.”

Price Range: $1,700 – $9,990 for venue rental; add-ons extra.

Capacity: 175-1200 guests.

Find Chabot Space Center at Chabot Space Center or check out Facebook or Instagram.

el Prado Hotel – Palo Alto 

Located in Palo Alto, el Prado Hotel exudes a mix of Spanish charm and California elegance. The boutique hotel offers indoor and outdoor locations that you can use as the setting of your ceremony and reception. 

Inside, you can choose from two large event spaces that take advantage of the natural light and wonderful weather in Palo Alto.

If you’d rather have an outdoor wedding, the dreamy courtyard, covered in native flowers and water fountains, may serve your needs. 

Price Range: $15,000 and up. 

Capacity: Up to 250 guests. 

Find el Prado Hotel at el Prado Hotel or check out Facebook or Instagram.

Lake Natoma Inn – Folsom 

Lake Natoma Inn is a hotel that’s located in Folsom California, just off Lake Natoma. A marvelous mix of natural elegance and modern extravagance, this hotel can accommodate even the most polar opposite couple. 

The hotel’s exterior resembles a wooden cabin you’d expect to find in a rural community, while its indoor spaces exude contemporary charm.

Dubbed as the favorite wedding venue among Style Magazine readers, the venue offers 10,000-square-feet of space for you to host your wedding and reception, including several ballrooms, outdoor gardens, a patio and firepit, and an outdoor pavilion. 

Price Range: $1,350- $2,950, dependent upon venue.

Capacity: Up to 250 guests. 

Find Lake Natoma Inn at Lake Natoma Inn or check out Facebook.

Bare Ranch – Lodi 

With Bare Ranch, the splendor is all in the details. When you arrive at the property, you’ll see a tree-flanked pathway that leads to an iron fence, brandished with the letters B & R. The actual residence is even more charming. 

The family farm and winery offer couples incomparable accommodations, including lush lawns and marble fountains. 

When it’s time for the reception, you can dance and mingle within the venue’s botanical garden, which includes a stream and waterfall.

There are also smaller garden areas, fountains, and a pool available for you to enjoy. 

Price Range: $8,000 and up. 

Capacity: Up to 250 guests.

Find Bare Ranch at Bare Ranch or check out Facebook or Instagram.

Grand Island Mansion – Sacramento 

 Grand Island Mansion is the largest private residence in Northern California. Originally the home of Lewis W. Meyers, the 100-year-old property covers 24,000-square-feet and embodies the best of Italian architecture. 

The wedding venue offers couples two outdoor spaces, including a garden with an iron-wrought gazebo. Elegant pillars encircle the stage at the Palisades. Meanwhile, the courtyard has a gorgeous pool and offers dreamy views of the Italian-style villa. 

Indoors, you’ll find various rooms you can use for your reception, such as the Colonnade room and Main Ballroom.

The best part is that rentals include exclusive access to the grounds for the duration of your event. 

Price Range: $6,000 – $10,000 plus. 

Capacity: 75 – 150 guests. 

Find Grand Island Mansion at Grand Island Mansion or check out Facebook or Instagram.

Hearst Castle – San Simeon

Hearst Castle might now be a museum and event space, but it started as the estate of publishing mogul William Hearst. 

Hearst built the 127-acre property during the mid-1940s and used it to entertain some of Hollywood’s most prominent stars of the time, including Charlie Chaplin and Buster Keaten! These days, couples from around the world use the grounds as a dreamy backdrop for their wedding

A Spanish Renaissance-style mansion, the property is full of nods to Spanish architecture and culture. You can choose from several venues including the main structure, dubbed Casa Grande, three guest suites, a library, gorgeous manicured gardens and terraces, and even designer pools surrounded by statues.

And that’s just scratching the surface!

Price Range: $10,000-$20,000 plus. 

Capacity: Up to 200 guests. 

Find Hearst Castle at Hearst Castle or check out Facebook or Instagram.

Pacific View Tower by Wedgewood Weddings – Ventura County

Take your wedding to new heights by booking Pacific View Tower.

Located in the tallest structure in Ventura county, the Pacific View Tower is a penthouse venue that overlooks the beauty and splendor of the Pacific Ocean and surrounding cityscapes. 

In addition to offering panoramic views of the water and beach that lies below, this stunning location boasts high ceilings, elegant chandeliers, and exquisite marble flooring.

Depending on the wedding package you choose, you may also have access to the lounge area, fitted with an ornate fireplace as well as a built-in bar.

You can also opt to host your ceremony down on the beach, as the cool breeze of the ocean surrounds you.

Price Range: $495 – $2,995 for venue; add-ons extra.

Capacity: 250 guests.

FindPacific View Tower by Wedgewood Weddings at Pacific View Tower or check out Instagram.

Blue Sky Center – New Cuyama 

Blue Sky Center is a non-profit initiative that creates self-sustaining rural communities in New Cuyama. Situated in the middle of a desert oasis, the center also hosts weddings and events, the proceeds of which help benefit their cause. 

If you host your special event here, you can enjoy an outdoor ceremony underneath great blue skies surrounded by stunning mountain ranges. 

In addition to unique casitas that you and your wedding party can use to prepare, there are multiple venue spaces available, including the Flagship pergola, the Khalil Cantina, and Shelton Hut Circle.

Price Range: Contact the venue for a quote. 

Capacity: 75-100 guests. 

Find Blue Sky Center at Blue Sky Center or check out Facebook or Instagram.

Winchester Mystery House – San Jose

If you’re looking to wed at a venue steeped in intrigue and conspiracy, then the Winchester Mystery House is perfect for you.

Originally built by eccentric widow Sara Winchester, the purportedly haunted mansion has over 150 rooms, 10,000 windows, and some confusing architectural choices that were allegedly put in place to confuse malevolent spirits.

Although Sara never finished building the home before her death, it’s remained a source of great international interest, as couples from all over the world flock to the site to get married each year! 

Despite its unusual history, the Victorian-style mansion is an architectural marvel, which offers five unique venue options. They include the Green House and Patio, Estate Carriage House, South Dining Room, North Dining Room, and the Shakespeare Grand Ballroom.

Note: Evening wedding slots are limited in the fall, as Halloween activities take precedence. 

Price Range: $9,500 – $11,000 per event. 

Capacity: 12 to 200 guests, dependent upon venue. 

Find Winchester Mystery House at Winchester Mystery House or check out Facebook or Instagram.

Justin Vineyards and Winery – Paso Robles 

Justin Vineyards and Winery is an enchanting venue that’ll have you believing you’ve stepped foot inside of a storybook.

A gorgeous moss-draped Chateau sits at the center of the property and provides the perfect backdrop for wedding photos. You can also host a small ceremony on its terrace. 

For larger weddings, you can make use of its courtyard, where you’ll have 360-degree views of the property’s lush gardens, and surrounding mountains.

The vineyard’s expansive packages include champagne toasts, biking expeditions, and 5-star cuisine prepared by award-winning chefs for an unforgettable experience. 

Price Range: $10,000 plus. 

Capacity: Up to 150 guests. 

Find Justin Vineyards and Gardens at Justin Vineyards and Garden or check out Facebook or Instagram.

Harmony Chapel – Harmony 

California might be home to almost 40 million people, but it still has plenty of small towns. With only 18 residents, Harmony California is the smallest. But don’t fret, within it lies Harmony Chapel, a micro-venue that packs a big punch in a little package. 

Whether you want to elope in front of your closest friends and family or have a larger, more traditional ceremony, Harmony’s historic chapel and green spaces offer a romantic setting for you to exchange your vows. 

After your chapel wedding, you can venture off into the gardens and dine on the gazebo, surrounded by 100-year-old trees.

You can also take wedding photos in front of the dilapidated town sign, which memorializes the town’s bustling past. 

Price Range: $2,500 – $12,500; food extra. 

Capacity: Up to 10 guests for elopement; up to 100 guests for standard ceremony and reception.

Find Harmony Chapel at Harmony Chapel or check out Instagram.

Whispering Rose Ranch – Solvang

Whispering Rose Ranch is a 100-acre horse ranch nestled deep in Santa Barbara County. Home to 80 horses that roam amongst rolling hills and gorgeous blue ponds, this stunning wedding venue offers couples unparalleled proximity to California’s countryside. 

Your journey starts with rose-covered gates that lead to a long winding pathway. As you move deeper into the venue, you’ll find two historic barns that can host your ceremony and reception. Both offer breathtaking views of the property and the Santa Ynez Valley Mountain Range. 

Plus, there’s a 200-year-old stone bridal cottage; the perfect spot for pre-wedding grooming.

Price Range: $12,000 flat fee for venue; $7,500-$10,500 extra for photo packages

Capacity: Up to 300 guests.

Find Whispering Rose Ranch at Whispering Rose Ranch or check out Facebook or Instagram.

The Langham Huntington – Pasadena

First opened in 1914, The Langham Huntington is an exclusive luxury hotel, situated in Southern California. 

The striking pink building spans 50,000-square-feet and offers 21 indoor and outdoor spaces for weddings and receptions.

The main attraction is the Huntington Ballroom, a colossal ballroom with high ceilings, crystal chandeliers, and enough room to accommodate 1000 guests! 

Horseshoe Garden is an outdoor space that features stoned ramps, pink flowering trees, and picturesque views of the hotel.

For smaller affairs, the Japanese Garden offers a serene patch of land composed of native Japanese plants, winding streams, and stone decorations. And that’s just scratching the surface!

Price Range: Contact the venue.

Capacity: 75 to 1500 guests. 

Find The Langham Huntington at The Langham Huntington or check out Facebook or Instagram.

Sleeping Beauty Castle – Anaheim 

Every bride is a princess in her own right, but a fairytale wedding at Sleeping Beauty Castle would sure help cement the experience!

Not only can you arrive at Disneyland’s most recognizable attraction in a horse-drawn carriage, but you can also walk down the aisle as Disney music floats softly through the air. 

Next, you’ll exchange vows and share your first kiss with the illuminated castle as your backdrop. After the wedding is over, you can venture to any number of attractions within the park for a 5-star dinner full of Mickey Mouse-shaped foods and desserts, then share a magical first dance as your guests admire your love. 

One thing to note: Disneyland weddings must occur outside of regular business hours—either early morning or late at night. But it’s Disney, so it’s worth it!

Price Range: $10,000 – $100,000.

Capacity: 2-50 guests (morning); 2-300 guests (night). 

Find Sleeping Beauty Castle at Disneyland or check out Facebook.

The Beverly Hilton Hotel – Beverly Hills

The Beverly Hilton is a luxury hotel that encompasses California’s unique brand of wealth and extravagance. Not only does it serve as a lavish retreat for California’s elite, but it’s also the preferred venue for The Golden Globes!

Since the place is always crawling with celebrities, you can be sure that the staff will lend their five-star experience and excellence to your wedding. 

The hotel has four venues available for rent. Two of the three indoor options consist of ballrooms with high ceilings, hardwood floors, and professional lighting and sound accommodations. 

You can also rent out the Stardust Penthouse, which offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and cityscape.

The Oasis Courtyard is a dazzling green space that includes local flowers and greenery and makes a great spot for wedding photos.

Price Range: $8,000 – $15,000 plus. 

Capacity: 300 plus guests.

Find The Beverly Hilton at The Beverly Hilton or check out Facebook or Instagram.

Padua Hills – Claremont 

Padua Hills is a charming and romantic theater located in Claremont, California. The scenic venue offers indoor and outdoor event spaces that are equally divine. 

The Ballroom is an indoor space with vaulted ceilings, Spanish architecture, and lighting options sure to add an extra flair to your event.

The Plaza Courtyard & Gazebo sits outside and allows couples to exchange their vows under an iron gazebo that’s shrouded in vines and shrubbery. There’s a meandering stone path that leads toward trees adorned with shimmering lights. Plus, there’s an outdoor fireplace that’s perfect for Fall weddings!

One of the most popular attractions is the Sunset-View Terrace, a balcony-based venue that offers stunning views of the valley as the sun’s fiery orange light descends upon it at dusk. 

Price Range: $17,000 – $20,000.

Capacity: 120 – 350 guests, dependent on the venue. 

Find the Padua Hills Theater at Padua Weddings or check out Instagram.

Casa Romanticas – San Clemente

Casa Romanticas is a Spanish-style estate, originally built by Ole Hanson in 1927. It now serves as a cultural arts and garden center for San Clemente. 

Sitting on five acres, the property offers surreal views of the Pacific Ocean and several onsite garden attractions. 

Story Circle, with its Spanish flowers and shrubbery, is a wonderful spot to hold a small, intimate ceremony.

Ocean Terrace overlooks the San Clemente Pier and can accommodate larger crowds. If you’re a people watcher, you’ll enjoy the bustling activity down on the coast. 

As the central attraction, the Main Salon offers indoor accommodations, which include hand-painted tiles, towering columns, and hardwood floors. 

Price Range: $6,000 – $8,000.

Capacity: 110 – 150 guests.

Find Casa Romanticas at Casa Romanticas or check out Facebook or Instagram.

Christmas House Inn & Gardens – Rancho Cucamonga

Nestled deep inside Rancho Cucamonga, Christmas House Inn & Gardens is a quaint, yet whimsical option for smaller ceremonies and intimate receptions. 

The Victorian-style home may be tiny, but couples get to take advantage of every square inch of the property, including bridal suites and two gardens – one of which is a splendid blend of indoor and outdoor aesthetics. 

Plus, the venue takes care of everything from start to finish and offers tiered reception packages, which include butler service and catered food and wine. All you have to do is show up!

Price Range: $18,000 – $27,850.

Capacity: 30 to 100 guests. 

Find the Christmas House Inn at Christmas House Inn or check out Facebook or Instagram.

Hartley Botanica – Somis 

The owners of the Hartley Botanica created the space for their daughter’s wedding, so an inordinate amount of attention and love was poured into the construction. 

Of the three venues available, Hartley Farms is the newest addition. It features a 20-feet waterfall that leads to the bridal procession.

An old-growth Oak Tree soars high above the spot where you’ll exchange your vows and for the reception, you’ll have access to lush lawns, large enough for 300 guests. 

The Pauli Garden is a tropical oasis that sits on 2.5 acres of land and boasts five waterfalls. Vined archways lit up with twinkling lights, create a dreamy backdrop for the bridal procession.

Finally, the Lotus Tea Garden is a nod to Asian culture and features gorgeous Asian gardens and a waterfall that you and your guests can walk through.

Price Range: $4,375 and up.

Capacity: 25-375 guests. 

Find the Hartley Botanica at Hartley Botanica or check out Facebook or Instagram.

Union Station – Los Angeles

Los Angeles is a lot more than just rolling hills and ornate mansions. It also boasts a rich and interesting history, which dates back 240 years!

One enduring relic of its early days is Union Station, the largest passenger terminal in the West.

As a national landmark, known for its historic charm, it’s a wonderfully unique place to host a wedding. The building contains high ceilings, chandeliers, and a bronzed finish that gives it an old-time aesthetic. 

You have three options for venues:

The Ticket Concourse is an indoor option and holds up to 500 seated guests and 1000 standing guests.

The North Patio accommodates 300 seated and 700 standing guests.

Lastly, the South Patio has room for only 100 seated guests and 250 standing guests. 

Price Range: $6,000 – $20,000

Capacity: 100-1000 guests, dependent upon venue. 

Find Union Station at Union Station or check out Facebook or Instagram.

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