California Weddings: Happening Or Not?

California is a popular place for weddings, with its mild year-round weather, sandy beaches, and stunning backdrops. The state offers a wide range of options for couples, from mountains to beaches and everything in between. Whether you're planning a simple beach ceremony or an elaborate celebration, you'll need to obtain a marriage license from the County Clerk's office. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, California introduced guidelines for outdoor weddings, allowing them to take place without limitations on the number of people as long as physical distancing was practised.

California wedding venues

California is a popular place for weddings, with its mild climate, stunning beaches, and beautiful scenery. The state offers a wide range of venues, from elegant hotels to beachfront resorts and rustic vineyards. Here are some of the top wedding venues in California to suit any style and budget.

Northern California Wedding Venues

Northern California is known for its rolling hills, vineyards, and historic buildings. Some of the most popular wedding venues in this region include:

• The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe: This luxurious resort offers a woodsy escape with a gorgeous view of Lake Tahoe.
• Alila, Napa Valley: A resort nestled in the vineyards, offering a modern-rustic aesthetic and both indoor and outdoor spaces.
• St. Helena, California: Located in the heart of Napa Valley, known for its world-renowned wines and stunning scenery.
• Yosemite Valley: Home to The Ahwahnee, Yosemite's premier upscale resort with breathtaking views and indoor-outdoor dining.
• San Francisco City Hall: A classic and elegant choice, with various spaces available including the Grand Staircase and the North Light Court.

Southern California Wedding Venues

Southern California is famous for its sunny beaches and vibrant cities. Here are some of the top wedding venues in the region:

• The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara: This venue offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and Spanish Colonial architecture.
• Rosewood Miramar Beach: Accommodating up to 400 guests, this venue features a Great Lawn and three other outdoor spaces, as well as indoor spaces with ocean views.
• Malibu Rocky Oaks Estate Vineyards: Perched in the Santa Monica Mountains, this venue offers sweeping vistas and Tuscan-inspired architecture.
• Four Seasons Hotel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills: With a rooftop made for couples' portraits and indoor-outdoor spaces, this hotel caters to intimate weddings.
• The Beverly Hills Hotel: Dubbed the "Pink Palace," this historic hotel offers elegant spaces like the Crystal Ballroom and the Crystal Garden.
• Shutters on the Beach: An iconic beachfront venue in Santa Monica, offering ocean views and a range of reception areas.
• Hotel Casa Del Mar: A former private beach club with a grand staircase and elegant ballroom, located next to Shutters on the Beach.
• The Resort at Pelican Hill: Perched on a hillside in Newport Beach, offering 504 acres of space, a tiled gazebo, and ocean views.
• La Jolla Cove Rooftop: An open-air rooftop venue in San Diego with sweeping ocean views and accommodations for up to 200 guests.
• Sparrow Valley Resort: An hour from San Jose, this resort is surrounded by redwood trees, a creek, and mountains. It offers a rustic yet enchanting setting for weddings.
• Villa Montalvo at the Montalvo Arts Center: A Mediterranean-style mansion set on over 150 acres of lush greenery and romantic gardens, accommodating up to 250 guests.

California marriage licenses

If you're getting married in the State of California, you'll need to get a California marriage license. The first step is to choose between a public marriage license and a confidential marriage license. A public marriage license is the more traditional option, with no restrictions on where the couple lives and no requirement to live together before marriage. A confidential marriage license, on the other hand, becomes a confidential record, meaning only the couple can obtain information about it or order a certified copy. Celebrities or couples who want to elope often choose this option.

To obtain a marriage license, you must apply to the County Clerk's office. Both parties must be present with valid photo government-issued ID and be 18 years of age or older. The marriage license fee varies based on the county issuing it and can range from around $60 to $110. There is no waiting period in California, so once the license is issued, you can get married immediately or anytime within the next 90 days.

After the marriage ceremony, the signed license should be returned to the Clerk-Recorder's Office within 10 business days. The license then becomes a marriage certificate, which serves as proof of your marriage. You can usually purchase a copy of your marriage certificate two business days after your marriage license has been recorded.

California wedding costs

The cost of a wedding in California depends on many factors, including the number of guests, the venue, the food and entertainment, and other additional costs.

According to The Wedding Report, the average cost of a wedding in California with 25 to 50 guests is between $26,490 and $32,376. For a wedding with 100 to 150 guests, the average cost is between $20,880 and $25,520. These estimates are based on the assumption that the wedding will be held at a beach or park, with the reception taking place at a resort or hotel.

The cost of a wedding can vary significantly depending on the specific location within California. For example, the average cost of a wedding in the San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley metro area is $33,697, making it the most expensive metro area in the state. In contrast, a wedding in Lancaster, California, with more than 300 guests can cost between $112,351 and $137,317.

The cost of a wedding in California can also be influenced by the type of wedding and the desired level of elegance. For instance, a casual, rustic, or simple wedding in California City, CA, with 50 to 100 guests can cost between $31,935 and $39,031. On the other hand, a more elegant, formal, or vintage wedding in the same location with a higher guest count can cost significantly more, ranging from $37,673 to $46,045.

It is worth noting that the cost of a wedding in California can be further impacted by factors such as the season, the number and types of venues, the length of the wedding, and the number of vendors hired.

To manage the costs, couples can consider strategies such as reducing the guest list, opting for a weekday or brunch wedding, choosing a public space or outdoor location, and comparing prices from different vendors.

California wedding planners

California is a great place to get married, with its mild weather, sandy beaches, and stunning backdrops. From serene Lake Tahoe to sunny San Diego, there are many incredible wedding venues to choose from.

Planning a wedding can be stressful, but thankfully, California has many talented wedding planners to help. Wedding planners in California can assist with everything from finding a venue and hiring vendors to designing the perfect event.

• Details Darling: A boutique-style, full-service wedding planning and event design company. They bring a range of design styles to life, from modern and romantic to minimal and garden party.
• Moments Remembered Events: A La Jolla-based wedding and special event planning company that creates unforgettable experiences for their clients.
• Meaghan Renee Events: A unique wedding planning service for couples who want to be more hands-on in the planning process. They offer $75/hour consultation calls with an experienced wedding coordinator.
• Kristine Smith Designs: A professional wedding planner and event stylist based in El Cajon, California. They craft unique and personalized milestone occasions for their clients.
• Willmus Weddings: A full-service wedding planning company based in San Diego, CA, that believes the planning process should be enjoyable and stress-free.
• CrystalRose Events LLC: A premier destination for crafting unforgettable wedding moments in Culver City, California. Their team of experts is dedicated to bringing wedding dreams to life.
• Vision Events: An attentive and creative wedding event planning company based in Palm Springs, California. They are dedicated to making your dream wedding a reality.
• Bliss Productions: A San Clemente-based wedding and event planning company offering full-service coordination and design. Led by experienced planner Lindsay Wiggins, who has a degree in communications and interior design.
• Creative Affairs Inc.: A well-established, professional wedding and event planning service based in Coronado, California. They have provided high-quality services to Southern California for over 19 years.
• LA DI DA Weddings & Events: A San Diego-based wedding planning company specializing in design and event appearance. They work with couples to create an event that reflects their unique vision.

These are just a few examples of the many talented wedding planners in California. Each planner offers something unique, so be sure to research and choose the one that best suits your needs and vision.

California wedding ceremonies

California is a dream wedding destination for many couples. The state's mild weather, stunning scenery, and diverse range of venues make it an ideal spot for outdoor ceremonies and receptions. From serene Lake Tahoe to sunny San Diego, California has something for everyone.

Planning a California Wedding

When planning a California wedding, it's important to obtain a marriage license from the County Clerk's office. The state offers two types of marriage licenses: a public marriage license and a confidential marriage license. The legal requirements for marriage in California include providing valid government photo identification and being at least 18 years old. There is no waiting period after receiving the license, and it is valid for 90 days.

Choosing a Wedding Venue in California

California offers a diverse range of wedding venues to suit different preferences and styles. Here are some options to consider:

• Beach Weddings: With its miles of coastline, California is perfect for beach weddings. Popular spots include Malibu, Santa Monica, and San Diego.
• Vineyard Weddings: Napa Valley and Sonoma Valley are known for their rolling hills and world-renowned wines. While there is an ordinance restricting weddings on vineyards in Napa, there are hotels, estates, and other venues nearby.
• Outdoor Weddings: California State Parks offer unique and beautiful wedding sites, including historic adobes, mansions, redwood forests, and sandy beaches.
• City Weddings: For a more urban feel, cities like San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Beverly Hills offer elegant hotels, ballrooms, and rooftop venues.

Advantages of California as a Wedding Destination

California is a popular wedding destination due to its favourable climate, diverse scenery, and abundance of activities for guests. The state's mild weather makes it ideal for outdoor ceremonies and receptions. Additionally, California offers a wide range of accommodation options, from boutique hotels to 5-star luxury resorts. The state is also known for its fun activities, including theme parks, beaches, and wineries.

Frequently asked questions