10 Magnificent Outdoor Wedding Venues in Southern California

Thinking about tying the knot in Southern California? According to the Orange County Register, the average cost of a wedding in the LA/OC area is $33,000 and undoubtedly a huge chunk of this will go towards whichever venue you choose for your big day.

Some major things to consider when choosing a wedding venue include the price and the maximum number of guests, as well as what kind of backdrop you want for both your ceremony and reception. 

But, with so many great outdoor venue options to pick from in Southern California, it may be overwhelming to decide which one is right for you and your beloved.

Maybe you and your fiance are beach lovers and want a classic coastal-style wedding. Or maybe you both love the mountains or the desert. With such a diverse landscape, Southern California has several exciting and fun wedding venue options for you to choose from.

Here are some of our favorite outdoor wedding venues in Southern California to get you started.


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Japanese Friendship Garden – San Diego, California

Does Japanese culture hold a precious spot in both of your hearts? Japanese Friendship Garden is located in the heart of Balboa Park and would make a gorgeous backdrop for both your ceremony and reception.

This venue features authentic Japanese garden features, including koi ponds, waterfalls, and cherry and Bonsai trees. There are several site options on the grounds meaning you can choose from pavilions, viewing decks, and plazas!

The Inamori Pavilion is one of the larger spots on the property and features a courtyard and a viewing deck that could be used for a cocktail hour.

The Reception Plaza offers open-air space complete with fragrant wisteria blossoms and a deck that can be used as a stage for entertainment.

Why not embrace Japanese culture with authentic Japanese food and decor? How fun!

Bonus: The Garden Paths & Earth Bridge, Koi Pond & Moon Viewing Deck, and Ceremony Gate are stunning locations for wedding photos.

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.

Rasta Rita Cantina – Twentynine Palms, California

Rasta Rita Cantina is a fully renovated adobe structure built in 1924 and located just minutes from Joshua Tree National Park. 

This unique and fun setting has a large outdoor area with a dance floor and 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, tables, chairs, an outdoor shade cover, and space for outdoor food trucks.

And did we mention the tacos and margaritas? 

Bonus: Rasta Rita Cantina specializes in all-you-can-eat tacos and margarita service! Who doesn’t love tacos?

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.

deck655 – San Diego, California

Looking for a more intimate, hip urban wedding? deck655 is located in the heart of downtown San Diego between Little Italy and the Marina and Gaslamp Districts.

deck655 has 8,500 square feet of indoor and outdoor space and several venue options for a fun and modern wedding:

The promenade deck has sweeping views from Point Loma to Coronado. There is also outdoor amphitheater-style seating for your ceremony and a spacious indoor game room. 

Bonus: The indoor game room features Skee-ball machines and other nostalgic games for you and your guests to enjoy. Who doesn’t love games?

Typical Cost: Starts at $6,500.

Capacity: Up to 80 seated guests.

Find deck655 at deck655 or check out Facebook or Instagram.

Lombardi House – Los Angeles, California

Dreaming of an LA wedding with all of the glitz and glamour of old Hollywood? The Lombardi House may be the perfect venue for you.

This historic, Victorian-style farmhouse was built in 1904 and fully restored to its original beauty.

The Lombardi House itself is 7,000 square feet and can sleep up to 28 guests for a true So Cal destination wedding. 

There are three venue options on the property you can mix and match according to your budget and wedding party size.

The Lombardi House Lawn with its lush gardens is the perfect place to say your vows before you head off to the Lombardi House Barn for cocktail hour. Finally, head out to the Lombardi House Courtyard to dine and dance the night away under the stars. 

Bonus: This venue would be the perfect spot for a Roaring 20’s Great Gatsby-themed 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.

Penthouse on Venice Beach – Venice, California

The Penthouse on Venice Beach is the premier spot to tie the knot in Venice! Located four stories above the famous Venice Beach Boardwalk, this luxurious and chic venue offers stunning views of the ocean and beach. 

Say your vows at sunset on the large open deck complete with chairs and lounge areas. Then maybe head inside the Penthouse for cocktails while the staff converts the deck area into a tropical wonderland for your reception.

Imagine dancing the night away under the stars in matrimonial bliss!

Bonus: The Penthouse on Venice Beach makes wedding planning easy with a list of preferred vendors or you’re welcome to bring your own. 

Typical Cost: Starts at $10,500.

Capacity: Up to 100 seated guests.

Find The Penthouse on Venice Beach at Venice Beach House or check out Facebook or Instagram.

Rivernook Campground- Kernville, California

Don’t let the word “campground” fool you, Rivernook Campground is a rustic yet elegant and classy wedding venue located in the Sequoia National Park.

Say your “I dos” under a canopy of majestic trees engulfed by the sounds of nature, then head over to The Meadow at Rivernook for a reception surrounded by thousands of outdoor lights and a luxurious fire pit. 

Included in the cost of the venue is a ceremony stage, a dance floor, a saloon with a bartender, tables, chairs, benches, and decor.

The wedding coordinator at Rivernook Campground can help arrange catering, a photographer, and a DJ for an additional price. 

Bonus: Guests can camp in the nearby campgrounds for a true destination weekend wedding.

Typical Cost: Starts at $8,000.

Capacity: Up to 250 seated guests.

Find Rivernook Campground at Rivernook Campground or check out Facebook or Instagram

Talega Golf Club- San Clemente, California

Talega Golf Club is a relaxed yet sophisticated and elegant venue. The clubhouse itself has Spanish Colonial-style architecture reminiscent of old Hollywood glamour and the landscape is stunning with lush gardens and manicured lawns.

Talega Golf Club features a beautiful outdoor courtyard for your ceremony, a garden terrace for cocktail hour, and a ballroom with oversized windows for your reception.

The Kitchen and Craft Bar serves up some of the most delicious California cuisine and craft cocktails!

With consistent rave reviews, Talega Golf Club might be the perfect spot for your big day.

Bonus: You and your guests can take the golf carts at Talega Golf Club to different areas on the golf course for some stunning one-of-a-kind wedding photos.

Typical Cost: Starts at $5,000.

Capacity: Up to 200 seated guests.

Find Talega Golf Club at Talega Golf Club or check out Facebook or Instagram

Walnut Grove Weddings- Moorpark- California

Nestled between the cities of Moorpark and Thousand Oaks, Walnut Grove is a spectacular option for your large outdoor Southern California wedding.

Located in a valley with a gentle ocean breeze, this hidden gem is a working ranch located on 1,200 acres. With its shady trees and running creek, you couldn’t ask for a more beautiful outdoor wedding venue.

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 venues in Southern California to celebrate your big day!

Bonus: Why not serve wine at your reception with grapes grown by nearby local vineyards? 

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

Grey Squirrel Resort- Big Bear Lake, California

Dreaming of a fairy tale destination wedding in a mountain resort by a lake? If so, Grey Squirrel Resort could be your dream come true!

Located on the edge of Big Bear Lake and family-owned since the 1950s, Grey Squirrel Resort sits on three wooded acres and features 19 rustic cabins.

From intimate micro weddings of 14 up to 200 seated guests, Grey Squirrel Resort can accommodate any size party with its large outdoor area with string lights and elegant seating.

You can bring your outside vendors and even your own alcohol to save money. And don’t worry, Grey Squirrel Resort will provide the bartender!

You and your guests can stay in the cabins on the property for a true destination wedding in a romantic, mountain setting.

Bonus: Grey Squirrel Resort is pet friendly so you and your guests can make your furry loved ones a part of your wedding day!

Typical Cost: Starts at $15,500.

Capacity: Up to 200 seated guests.

Find Grey Squirrel Resort at Grey Squirrel Resort or check out Facebook or Instagram

Los Willows Wedding Estate- Fallbrook, California

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 or make a romantic exit as you and your new spouse take a boat ride around the lake with champagne and hors d’oeuvres.

 Or consider The Meadows, a charming 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: Imagine the amazing pictures your wedding photographer could capture in this stunning setting! 

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.

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