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:
[vendor-list location=”California” type=”Venue”]
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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!
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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.
Best Outdoor Venues
Long Branch Saloon and Farms – Half Moon Bay
Long Branch Saloon and Farms is one of the most original wedding venues in California. Set in the hills near San Mateo, this restored old western town provides a remarkable backdrop for a truly memorable spot to tie the knot.
You can say your “I dos” on the steps of a pioneer church, in the center of town, or on one of the several lawn areas.
For your reception, you can have a country barn party, or celebrate the night away in the Grand Palace Parlor which has the original bar from the San Francisco Palace Hotel!
Just imagine the fun that you and your guests of all ages will have going back in time and experiencing the splendor of the old Wild West!
Bonus: The Long Branch Saloon was the first building on the property and is filled with authentic antiques from the gold rush. It was also used as the movie set for The Quick and the Dead. How cool is that?
Typical Cost: Starts at $3,500.
Capacity: Up to 350 seated guests.
Find Long Branch Saloon and Farms at Long Branch Farms or check out Facebook or Instagram.
Winchester Mystery House – San Jose
Maybe you’ve heard of the historic Winchester Mystery House or even taken a tour of the mansion when you were on a family vacation as a child? But, we bet you didn’t know that the Winchester Mystery House can also be the backdrop for your elegant outdoor garden wedding?!
This spectacular Queen Anne-style Victorian Estate has a very rich and fascinating history and has numerous outdoor ceremony and reception options such as the renovated Greenhouse or the stunning Victorian gardens.
For an indoor reception, you can choose from The Carriage House, The Shakespeare Grand Ballroom, The Venetian Dining Room, The Winchester Room, or The North or South Dining Rooms.
Bonus: Guests can get a private tour of this 160-room mansion and learn about the history of the heiress Sarah Winchester. She built this house with many unique oddities to scare off any spirits who were killed by the Winchester rifle!
Typical Cost: Starts at $5,000.
Capacity: Up to 200 seated guests.
Find Winchester Mystery House at Winchester Mystery House or check out Facebook or Instagram.
The Lighthouse Glen Cove Marina – Vallejo
If you are blessed enough to be able to afford The Lighthouse Glen Cove Marina, then you won’t regret it! This venue is located right on the water and is truly spectacular!
Built-in 1910 and restored to natural beauty, this full-service charming wedding venue exudes elegance and rich history.
Outdoor ceremony spaces include the landscaped lawn or the beautiful waterside patio. The Banquet Room, with its ocean views, is the perfect place for your reception.
Upstairs, there are overnight accommodations for you and your guests in the inn and with wedding package specials, The Lighthouse Glen Cove Marina may be the spot just for you!
Bonus: Did we mention the lighthouse on the property? Imagine the amazing wedding photos you and your guest can have at this charming yet luxurious venue.
Typical Cost: Starts at $9,000.
Capacity: Up to 150 seated guests.
Find The Lighthouse Glen Cove Marina at The Lighthouse Glen Cove Marina or check out Facebook or Instagram.
Villa San Juliette Vineyard & Winery – San Miguel
A list of outdoor wedding venues in California would not be complete without a winery on the docket!
Villa San Juliette Vineyard & Winery is owned by the producers of the hit show American Idol and is set on the rolling hills near the northern edge of the Paso Robles.
The gorgeous manicured lawn can host both your ceremony and reception. With 360-degree views of the surrounding vineyard, the Front Lawn is particularly breathtaking!
You can also rent the 1,850-square-foot Barrel Room for your cocktail hour or reception. This fabulous space is lined with wine barrels and opens up to an outdoor patio.
If you or your future partner love wine, this may be your dream venue!
Bonus: Imagine serving wine at your reception with grapes that were grown right there on the property. Established over the last 10 years, Villa San Juliette has become known as one of the premier wineries on the Central Coast of California.
Typical Cost: Starts at $6,000.
Capacity: Up to 200 seated guests.
Find Villa San Juliette Vineyard & Winery at Villa San Juliette or check out Facebook or Instagram.
Hotel Via – San Francisco
Thinking of a hip, modern wedding in the heart of San Francisco? Look no further; Hotel Via is a boutique hotel located in the most desirable neighborhood of the city.
The Rooftop at Via is an outdoor oasis on top of the 12-floor hotel. This luxurious and chic setting is 3,000 square feet and offers unparalleled scenic views of the San Francisco skyline, as well as the surrounding bays and bridges.
There are private cabanas, fire pits, and heat lamps to celebrate the night away under the stars. Notably, Elevation 10 is a smaller, more intimate outdoor space that can seat up to 50 guests.
Whichever venue you chose, the Hotel Via is guaranteed to make your contemporary, urban wedding a hit!
Bonus: You and your guests can book rooms at Hotel Via for a memorable weekend destination wedding in San Francisco!
Typical Cost: Starts at $15,000.
Capacity: Up to 125 seated guests.
Find Hotel Via at Hotel Via or check out Facebook or Instagram.
Fern Cottage- El Sobrante
Looking for an outdoor venue that is a bit more intimate and affordable? Fern Cottage is a charming spot set among the Redwood Trees within the Kennedy Grove Regional Recreation Area.
Perfect for a rustic yet elegant micro wedding, Fern cottage itself is 1,000 square feet and can serve as a reception space.
The grounds of this idyllic property are immaculate with fragrant trees and beautifully landscaped gardens; the perfect backdrop for your wedding photos.
Plus, imagine the lawn games you and your guests can play and the wildflower centerpieces you can create for a truly customized DIY wedding!
Bonus: Fern Cottage allows you to choose your caterers and vendors from their preferred list so that you can save your precious dollars for your honeymoon.
Typical Cost: Starts at $315.
Capacity: Up to 60 seated guests.
Find Fern Cottage at Fern Cottage or check out Facebook or Instagram.
The Firehouse Restaurant – Sacramento
Known as “Sacramento’s most romantic dining spot,” The Firehouse Restaurant is a chic venue for your urban wedding.
Situated in the heart of downtown Sacramento, your guests will have plenty of spots to pre and post-funk your big day.
The Courtyard at The Firehouse Restaurant is 4,000 square feet and the perfect place for eating, dancing, and toasting your union. A leafy canopy and ivy-laced walls add to the elegant ambiance.
The smaller Courthouse Grill is an indoor event space and can be rented for a cozy, more intimate wedding.
Bonus: The Firehouse Restaurant has a top-rated wine cellar. Guests can mingle here for cocktail hour, tasting amazing California wines.
Typical Cost: Starts at $6,000.
Capacity: Up to 200 seated guests.
Find The Firehouse Restaurant at The Firehouse Restaurant or check out Facebook or Instagram.
The Murieta Inn & Spa – Rancho Murieta
Dreaming of a classy destination wedding in the country? The Murieta Inn & Spa may be your venue! Surrounded by rolling hills and vineyards, this spot is truly breathtaking.
Featuring 83 guest rooms and 20,000 square feet of space, The Murieta Inn & Spa has several spaces to make your big day ultra-charming and special.
The Fireside Terrace is the prime outdoor spot for your ceremony. It is 1,160 square feet and can hold up to 160 standing guests.
For your elegant reception, why not try the Legacy Ballroom or Bourbon Room? The choice is yours in this romantic venue!
And did you notice the word “spa” in the name? Treat yourself and your wedding party to some pampering to help relax everyone!
Bonus: The Murieta Inn & Spa specializes in intimate weddings. Check them out for current affordable packages.
Typical Cost: Starts at $5,000.
Capacity: Up to 300 seated guests.
Find The Murieta Inn & Spa at The Murieta Inn or check out Facebook or Instagram.
Elings Park – Santa Barbara
Elings Park is an enchanting outdoor venue located in the heart of Santa Barbara. The park offers amazing vistas of rolling hills, the ocean, and the downtown skyline. Lush gardens inhabit the park and the sunsets are some of the best!
Elings Park has two elegant venue options: Godric Grove and Singleton Pavilion.
Godric Grove is located at the top of the park on a hill and includes a large lawn and a stone amphitheater.
Singleton Pavilion also includes a large lawn and has a stone terrace and a flagstone patio.
Bonus: Matilija poppies bloom throughout Elings Park from early spring until mid-summer. Imagine the gorgeous wedding photos you will have in a field of poppies!
Typical Cost: Starts at $2,200.
Capacity: Up to 200 seated guests.
Find Elings Park at Elings Park or check out Facebook or Instagram.
Walnut Grove Weddings – Moorpark
Nestled between the cities of Moorpark and Thousand Oaks, Walnut Grove is a hidden gem and a spectacular option for your large outdoor wedding.
This working ranch is located on 1,200 acres with towering eucalyptus trees and a creek running through the property.
The Outdoor Grove is the spot to tie the knot! There is a huge stone patio with an outdoor fireplace surrounded by vineyards.
With walnut trees and tons of gorgeous blooming flowers, Walnut Grove Weddings is one of the best wedding spots in Southern California to celebrate your big day!
Bonus: Worried about it getting too hot for your outside wedding? Walnut Grove Weddings is located in a valley with a gentle ocean breeze and there is lots of shade with all of the trees on the property.
Typical Cost: Starts at $9,500.
Capacity: Up to 300 seated guests.
Find Walnut Grove Weddings at Walnut Grove Weddings or check out Facebook or Instagram.
Lombardi House – Los Angeles
Dreaming of a LA wedding with all of the glitz and glamour of Hollywood? The Lombardi House may be the outdoor venue for you!
This historic, Victorian-style farmhouse was built in 1904 and has been fully restored to its original beauty. There are three venue options on the property you can mix and match according to your budget and wedding party size.
The Lombardi House Barn is 1,700 square feet and has 35-foot vaulted ceilings. The Lombardi House Lawn is 3,500 square feet and is bursting with lush gardens and The Lombardi House Courtyard is the spot for a large, rocking reception.
Say your vows on the lawn, have cocktail hour in the barn, and then head out to the courtyard to dine and dance the night away under the stars. A Hollywood dream come true!
Bonus: The Lombardi House itself is 7,000 square feet and can sleep up to 28 guests for a true So Cal destination wedding.
Typical Cost: Starts at $5,500.
Capacity: Up to 300 seated guests.
Find Lombardi House at Lombardi House or check out Facebook or Instagram.
Bel-Air Bay Club – Pacific Palisades
The Bel-Air Bay Club is a luxurious venue located on a cliff overlooking the ocean. This 1920s Mediterranean-style mansion exudes Southern California style and class with lush gardens, palm trees, and the sounds of the waves.
Although the price tag on the Bel-Air Bay Club is a bit higher than some of the other outdoor California venues, if you can afford it, this place is paradise!
There is a huge lawn on a bluff for your ceremony and several outdoor and indoor spaces for cocktails and your reception.
The outdoor patio has a lighted fountain, a grand fireplace, and of course, ocean breezes. The dining room is equally as impressive with its vaulted ceilings and wrought iron chandeliers.
Bonus: When you rent the Bel-Air Bay Club you have access to the entire estate. There are nine guest suites on-site that can house your wedding party the night before your big day. How fun!
Typical Cost: Starts at $15,000.
Capacity: Up to 275 seated guests.
Find Bel-Air Bay Club at Bel-Air Bay Club or check out Facebook or Instagram.
Whispering Oaks Chapel – Calabasas
Maybe you have been dreaming of tying the knot in a traditional setting complete with a little white church in a park?
Whispering Oaks Chapel is a charming, affordable venue, perfect for micro weddings. Located close to Malibu, the property around the chapel features gorgeous lavender and rose gardens.
The Chapel is a multi-denominational and all-inclusive church. You can have your ceremony in the chapel itself 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 in one of their nearby sister venues.
This romantic, magical boutique venue is truly amazing for a classic wedding with a modern twist.
Bonus: Whispering Oaks Chapel may make you feel like you are in the countryside, but it is very close to Malibu hotels and restaurants to offer the best of both worlds for your out-of-town guests.
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.
Castle Green – Pasadena
Imagine tying the knot in a castle. Yes, a castle!
Built-in 1898, Castle Green has a rich history! This historic landmark in Pasadena is the perfect setting for you and your prince or princess to celebrate your love.
The grounds at Castle Green are immaculate with lush lawns and beautiful gardens, but you also get access to the entire first floor of the property including the exquisite ballroom and several turn-of-the-century vintage salons!
Have a Roaring 20s Gatsby-themed affair or channel your inner royal family for a fairy tale wedding!
Castle Green does have a preferred list of vendors, but there are no minimums on food or beverages and you can provide outside alcohol with no corkage fee.
Bonus: When you rent Castle Green you can be assured you will have the entire grounds to yourself since Castle Green only books one wedding party per day.
Typical Cost: Starts at $6,500.
Capacity: Up to 200 seated guests.
Find Castle Green at Castle Green or check out Facebook or Instagram.
Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort – Newport Beach
What would a list of outdoor California wedding venues be without a few beach properties on the list?
Well, Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort offers no less than eight event spaces in Newport Beach. You can even have your ceremony barefoot on the beach when you choose one of their three pavilion options.
The Grand Gazebo is slightly more traditional with a modern vibe with 10,908 square feet of grassy lawn surrounding an idyllic white gazebo.
The Marina Dock site is perfect for micro weddings with room for 20 seated guests, and the Main Terrace is the spot for your supersized outdoor wedding complete with a tent and room for up to 900 seated guests!
Bonus: Needing a combo indoor and outdoor space for some older guests who may feel more comfortable sitting inside? The Bayview Room & Garden has a tropical garden attached to an indoor space with lots of windows and a shaded patio.
Typical Cost: Starts at $1,500.
Capacity: Up to 900 seated guests.
Find Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort at Newport Dunes or check out Facebook or Instagram.
The Point – San Diego
The Point is located directly on the gorgeous Mission Bay and is another elegant option for a seaside outdoor wedding.
This hip venue offers three sites that can be rented separately for both your ceremony and reception, or you can rent them all for an amazing celebration.
The Waterfront Ceremony is an expansive waterfront lawn with views of the ocean. The Beachfront Ceremony is a short golf cart ride from the main venue while The Bay Room & Garden is a gorgeous space for a reception with a living plant chandelier, reclaimed raw wood table, and access to a private outdoor garden.
Bonus: Why not say your vows on the beach, then move to the waterfront lawn area for cocktails? After, enjoy your reception in The Bay Room & Garden.
Typical Cost: Starts at $6,000.
Capacity: Up to 120 seated guests.
Find The Point at The Point or check out Facebook or Instagram.
Los Willows Wedding Estate – Fallbrook
Los Willows Wedding Estate is a breathtaking outdoor venue featuring a lake, foothills, and meadows.
With two magical outdoor sites to tie the knot and a newly renovated pavilion, this is truly a fairy tale setting.
The Lakeside Lawn is a lush site perfect for an outdoor ceremony. Make a grand entrance “down the aisle” by boat!
The Meadows is a charming yet grand spot complete with a rustic bridge, large oak trees, a wooden arbor, and fountains.
The newly renovated Pavilion has replaced its plastic tent with a built-in structure including expansive garage door style windows for an outdoor yet indoor vibe.
Bonus: After you and your new spouse say “I do,” you can take a romantic boat ride around the lake with champagne and hors d’oeuvres. What a way to start your honeymoon!
Typical Cost: Starts at $5,000.
Capacity: Up to 250 seated guests.
Find Los Willows Wedding Estate at Los Willows or check out Facebook or Instagram.