California is a popular place to tie the knot, with its year-round mild weather, stunning scenery, and diverse range of venues. From serene lakes to jaw-dropping valleys and sunny beaches, there's a lot to choose from.
The state boasts a wide range of options, from mountains to beaches and everything in between. Wedding venues in California include vineyards, country clubs, beaches, mountains, resorts, and deserts.
California is roughly divided into three areas: Northern California, with its forests and mountains; Central California, the agricultural heart of the state; and Southern California, home to mountains, deserts, and beaches.
So, can wedding venues open in California? The short answer is yes. But it's important to note that there might be some restrictions and requirements in place, especially for outdoor weddings in state parks or on beaches.
Now, let's dive into the world of wedding venues in California and explore the magic that awaits your big day!
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What You'll Learn
Wedding venue options in Northern California
Wedding venues in Northern California offer a variety of options, from rustic wineries to elegant ballrooms. Here are some of the top wedding venue options in Northern California:
Napa Valley
Napa Valley is renowned for its picturesque vineyards and wineries, offering stunning views and a romantic atmosphere. While there is an ordinance restricting weddings on vineyards, there are many other options, including hotels, estates, and olive groves.
Lake Tahoe
Lake Tahoe, with its crystal-clear waters and mountain scenery, provides a breathtaking backdrop for wedding ceremonies. The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe, is a notable venue in the area, known for its idyllic woodsy lodge.
San Francisco
San Francisco offers a diverse range of wedding venues, from historic landmarks to modern event spaces. The City Club of San Francisco and the InterContinental Mark Hopkins are elegant choices, while venues like Fort Mason Center and the Presidio Chapel offer unique settings.
Sonoma County
Sonoma County is similar to Napa Valley, known for its wineries and vineyards. It also offers scenic coastal views and rustic farm settings. Timber Cove and Cornerstone Sonoma are popular choices for couples seeking a combination of natural beauty and wine country charm.
Mendocino
Mendocino, a charming coastal town, provides breathtaking ocean views and an intimate setting for weddings. Venues like The Gardens at Heather Farm and Redwood Canyon by Wedgewood Weddings showcase the area's natural beauty.
Monterey/Carmel
Monterey and Carmel are popular destinations for weddings, with their scenic coastlines and charming small-town feel. The Monterey Marriott and River Terrace are just a couple of the many venues in the area offering ocean views and elegant event spaces.
Yosemite National Park
For nature lovers, Yosemite offers a unique and unforgettable experience with its stunning mountain landscapes. The Ahwahnee, Yosemite's premier resort, provides a luxurious setting for weddings.
Sacramento
Sacramento, the state capital, has a variety of venues, including historic buildings, gardens, and modern event spaces. Vizcaya, an 1890s Victorian mansion, and Wolfe Heights Winery are just a couple of the many options in the area.
Lake County
Lake County is a lesser-known destination with stunning views of Clear Lake and rolling hills. It offers a variety of outdoor wedding venues for those seeking a more natural setting.
Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz provides a unique setting for weddings with its beachfront locations and redwood forests. Venues like Fairview Weddings & Events and River Terrace offer both natural beauty and elegant event spaces.
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Wedding venue options in Southern California
Wedding venues in California offer a wide range of options, from mountains to beaches and everything in between. Here are some wedding venue options in Southern California:
Beach Venues
- La Casa del Camino in Laguna Beach is a beachfront property with eight reception and banquet spaces and a one-of-a-kind rooftop space with amazing views of the Pacific Ocean.
- Shutters on the Beach in Santa Monica is an iconic spot for outdoor weddings, with chairs set up so that your first kiss has a clear view of the Pacific Ocean.
- Bahia Resort Hotel in San Diego offers two ceremony spaces: a tropical gazebo for up to 300 guests and Bay Beach for up to 500 guests.
Garden Venues
- The Vineyards in Simi Valley is a hidden gem with several indoor and outdoor spaces, including the Star View Room and Deck, set under a starlight ceiling, and the Water Wall ceremony site with cascading waterfall backdrops.
- Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens in San Clemente is a Spanish Colonial Revival-style venue with lush gardens and greenery.
- Darlington House in La Jolla is a historic property that can accommodate up to 120 seated guests outdoors and 150 seated guests indoors.
Vineyard Venues
- Malibu Rocky Oaks Estate Vineyards is located 2,000 feet up in the Santa Monica Mountains and offers sweeping vistas and Tuscan-inspired architecture.
- Lorimar Vineyards and Winery in Temecula Valley has stunning citrus groves, vines, ceremony lawns, and indoor areas showcasing rustic elegance.
- Villa del Sol d'Oro in Sierra Madre is a European-inspired venue that can accommodate up to 200 guests.
Hotel Venues
- Surf and Sand Resort in Laguna Beach is a waterfront property with scenic oceanfront views, tranquil fountains, and a pampering spa.
- The Ritz-Carlton Bacara in Santa Barbara offers Spanish Colonial architecture and unobstructed views of the Pacific Ocean from the Bluff.
- Bel-Air Bay Club in Malibu is a private Mediterranean-style mansion overlooking the Southern California coastline, offering both indoor and outdoor event spaces.
These are just a few examples of the many wedding venue options available in Southern California. Whether you're looking for a beach, garden, vineyard, or hotel setting, there are plenty of choices to suit your preferences and create your dream wedding.
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Wedding venue options in Central California
Central California is home to a variety of wedding venues, ranging from charming countryside settings to elegant and luxurious options. Here are some of the top venues to consider for your special day:
- Carmel Valley Ranch: This 500-acre resort offers a luxurious yet casual atmosphere surrounded by rolling hills, vineyards, and landscaped grounds. It provides a perfect staycation for guests and fun onsite activities like wine tasting.
- Higuera Ranch: Located about 15 minutes from the coast, Higuera Ranch is a coastal barn wedding venue featuring a restored 1800s barn with a sunken bar and loft area. It also offers olive groves and ancient Higuera trees for a picturesque ceremony backdrop.
- Blue Sky Center: For free-spirited couples, Blue Sky Center in New Cuyama offers a minimalistic glamping experience with cabin-like raised tents and permanent structures. It's the perfect setting for an intimate weekend of celebration under the stars.
- Westwood Barns: A working dairy farm surrounded by fields, cows, and towering trees in Tulare, Westwood Barns can accommodate over 600 guests. The barn is made of reclaimed wood and galvanized steel, creating a rustic yet adaptable space for personalized weddings.
- Oyster Ridge: Nestled between golden fields and vineyards, Oyster Ridge on the historic Santa Margarita Ranch provides a covered patio, oak tree veranda, and a rustic-modern barn for your celebration. You can create a unique, experiential event that flows seamlessly from one space to another.
- Santa Ynez Inn: Located in the historic town of Santa Ynez, this venue combines wine and hospitality. Santa Ynez Inn offers a charming property, handcrafted food and drinks, and access to local wineries for an intimate wedding experience.
- Vintage Ranch: Surrounded by vineyards, olive groves, and oak trees, Vintage Ranch in Paso Robles sits on a 100-year-old farm. It offers access to the entire property, including indoor and outdoor spaces, and even has a certified sommelier to guide you through wedding day wine selections.
- The Penny: Located in downtown San Luis Obispo, The Penny is a blend of old and new, featuring brick walls and an exposed beam ceiling. It can accommodate up to 125 guests and is a charming choice for couples seeking an urban setting for their wedding.
- La Lomita Ranch: La Lomita Ranch is a Spanish-style property in the foothills of San Luis Obispo. With a terrace, courtyard, covered pavilion, and plaza, it can accommodate up to 400 guests. The architectural details and decor make it an elegant choice for your special day.
- Amphitheatre of the Redwoods at Pema Osel Ling: For a unique wedding experience, the Amphitheatre of the Redwoods offers a magical setting surrounded by redwoods and a meadow. As the fog rolls in at dusk, the venue transforms into a cool weather retreat.
- The Windwood Ranch: A historic property that reflects Mid-Century style, The Windwood Ranch in Paso Robles offers a modern ranch house, airstreams, and an industrial-rustic barn. It's a perfect blend of modern amenities and wine country charm.
- Point San Luis Historic Lighthouse: For a private and coastal setting, Point San Luis Historic Lighthouse is an oceanfront venue surrounded by thousands of acres of protected land. You can exchange your vows on the bluffs above the Pacific Ocean and enjoy a reception with breathtaking views.
- Loriana: Located in the beautiful Edna Valley of San Luis Obispo, Loriana is a grand estate surrounded by oak trees and complete with a stone-clad Italian villa. It offers a private and grandiose setting for couples seeking an escape from the typical "California" wedding venues.
- Presqu'ile Winery: With room for 300 people over 200 acres, Presqu'ile Winery provides ample space for your guests to explore. It features clean lines and modern architecture, creating a peaceful and harmonious setting for your wedding celebrations.
- Ventana Big Sur: Ventana Big Sur is a bucket list destination offering redwood or ocean vista ceremony options and an oceanfront glass cabin or woodsy loft for your reception. It's the perfect choice for intimate coastal weddings with breathtaking views.
- Opolo: Located in the heart of Paso Robles wine country, Opolo is marked by modern architecture, oak trees, and rolling hills covered in grapevines. You can exchange your vows on the hilltop at golden hour and dance the night away under the stars or inside the barrel room.
- Fallen Oaks Estate: Another stunning Paso Robles venue, Fallen Oaks Estate offers views of vineyards, grassy hills, and historic trees. It features an equestrian stable and sprawling fields, providing endless possibilities for both intimate and grand celebrations.
These venues showcase the diverse options available in Central California, allowing you to find the perfect setting that aligns with your vision, whether it's a rustic barn, a grand estate, or a unique outdoor space.
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Wedding venue options in California's cities
California is a large state with a wide range of wedding venue options. From mountain venues to beach venues, countryside venues to downtown venues, there is something for everyone.
Los Angeles
Los Angeles has a range of venues, from the historic to the luxurious. The Bel-Air Bay Club is a 1920s-style venue overlooking Los Angeles Bay, between Santa Monica and Malibu. Calamigos Los Angeles is another option, situated on 75 acres of rolling property in Griffith Park. For a historic option, The Maxwell House is a mansion located in Pasadena.
San Diego
San Diego is a fan favorite for laid-back beach weddings. The Cuvier Club can accommodate up to 300 guests and offers both indoor and outdoor spaces, including a lawn facing the water. BRICK is another unique option, located in a historic building in Liberty Station.
San Jose
Villa Ragusa is one of the most sought-after venues in the San Jose area, offering an indoor space with European architectural charm and accommodations for up to 650 guests. The Willow Heights Mansion is another memorable option, with accommodations for up to 300 guests in an old Hollywood-style space or outdoors on a winery.
San Francisco
For a classic option, San Francisco City Hall is a popular choice. The Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco is another glamorous choice, offering both indoor and outdoor spaces with elegant ballrooms and a circular patio. The City Club of San Francisco is another elegant option, with stunning views of the city and Art Deco details.
Sacramento
Sacramento has several unique venues to choose from, such as Vizcaya, an 1890s Victorian mansion with a garden and pavilion. Another option is Wolfe Heights Winery and Event Center, which features a courtyard with a dance floor and string lights, accommodating up to 300 guests.
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Wedding venue options in California's countryside
Wedding venues in California offer a wide range of options, from mountain venues to beach venues, countryside venues, and stylish downtown venues. Here are some options for wedding venues in California's countryside:
Northern California
- Lake Tahoe - A body of water connecting California and Nevada, Lake Tahoe is a gorgeous escape for Californians and visitors alike. The Ritz-Carlton, which neighbours the lake, is a popular choice for its idyllic, woodsy lodge.
- Calistoga - A Napa Valley resort full of activities and event spaces, including a bocce ball court, wine tastings, and hiking trails.
- St. Helena - A Northern California wedding venue situated next to the Beringer Estate Winery, with several indoor and outdoor options.
- Rutherford - A family-owned garden wedding venue with wine, food, and on-site amenities. Exclusive catering and venue management are provided by Paula LeDuc Fine Catering & Events.
- Santa Rosa - To the west of Napa, Sonoma Valley has a more bucolic feel and is a countryside escape for California couples. The Tuscan-inspired Hyatt Regency offers 40,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor space.
- San Francisco - The Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco is a popular choice for glamorous weddings, with an elegant ballroom and a circular patio surrounded by hedges and flowers. The St. Regis San Francisco is another option, offering full views of the city from its rooftop.
- Big Sur - Crashing waves and high-reaching redwood trees make Big Sur a bucket list-level location. The Alila Ventana is best for elopements and intimate ceremonies, but the property can be bought out for larger affairs.
- Monterey - The Monterey Marriott overlooks Monterey Bay and can accommodate up to 450 people.
- Del Monte Forest - Pebble Beach Resorts offer historic golf course wedding venues with sweeping ocean views.
Southern California
- Santa Barbara - The Ritz-Carlton Bacara offers unobstructed views of the Pacific Ocean for wedding vows.
- Montecito - The Rosewood Miramar Beach can accommodate up to 400 guests and has four outdoor event spaces, including a lawn and a garden.
- Ojai Valley - A Spanish Colonial Revival-style property with golf, pools, and a world-renowned spa.
- Malibu - Malibu Rocky Oaks Estate Vineyards offers sweeping vistas and Tuscan-inspired architecture.
- Beverly Hills - The Four Seasons Hotel offers a rooftop and several indoor and outdoor event spaces.
- Santa Monica - Shutters on the Beach is an iconic spot for outdoor weddings, with chairs set up for the perfect view of the Pacific Ocean.
- Fallbrook - Grand Tradition Estate & Gardens offers 18 acres of gardens, seven waterfalls, and a heart-shaped lake.
- San Diego - The Westin Carlsbad Resort & Spa offers lawn games and an upscale ballroom. The San Diego Botanic Garden is another option, with 15 gardens and over 300 types of plants from around the world.
These are just a few examples of the many wedding venue options in California's countryside. Each venue offers a unique experience and can be tailored to your specific needs and preferences.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can still get married in California. However, you will need to check the guidelines in your county, as each county may have specific guidelines for private events.
The guidelines for wedding venues in California vary depending on the county and the phase of reopening. Some general guidelines include limiting the number of guests, requiring face masks, and maintaining physical distancing. It is important to check the latest updates and guidelines before planning your wedding.
Here are some tips for planning a wedding during COVID-19:
- Know the guidelines and plan accordingly. Stay updated with the California Resilience Roadmap and check with your local county for specific guidelines.
- Prioritize your must-haves. Focus on what is most important to you and your partner, such as having your parents and siblings present, finding the right officiant, or live-streaming the ceremony for guests who cannot attend.
- Be flexible and creative. Consider outdoor venues, reduce your guest list, and think of unique ways to celebrate, such as a drive-by parade or a private first dance.