Franklin Dean
Planning a wedding in Southern California offers a variety of breathtaking venues to choose from, with settings as diverse as your love story. From sun-kissed beaches and lush vineyards to historic buildings and elegant resorts, Southern California has something to offer for every style of wedding. Whether you're dreaming of a fairytale ballroom, a romantic vineyard, or a rustic ranch, the Golden State's natural beauty and diverse landscapes provide the perfect backdrop for your special day. With options ranging from beachfront mansions in Malibu to intimate gardens in Santa Barbara, Southern California is a highly sought-after destination for weddings, offering an array of venues to suit different budgets and preferences.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | Santa Barbara, Santa Monica, Malibu, San Diego, Long Beach, Anaheim, Los Angeles, Palm Springs |
| Venue Type | Beachfront, Vineyard, Lakeside, Garden, Historic, Ballroom, Ranch, Resort, Restaurant, Hotel |
| Capacity | Up to 200 guests |
| Notable Features/Amenities | Ocean/waterfront views, Spanish-style architecture, gardens, celebrity homes, on-site camping, boat rental, outside catering allowed |
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What You'll Learn
Beachfront venues
If you're looking for a beachfront wedding venue in Southern California, there are many options to choose from. Beach weddings in Southern California can range in price from $500 to $5,000 or more, depending on the location and size of your wedding. Many beaches require permits and may have restrictions on the number of guests and decorations. Here are some options for beachfront wedding venues in Southern California:
Malibu
Malibu is a coastal town known for its stunning beaches, rugged cliffs, and celebrity homes. It offers a variety of wedding venues, from beachfront mansions to rustic ranches. One notable venue is the Malibu West Beach Club, which occupies a desirable chunk of real estate between Zuma State Beach and Broad Beach.
Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara is a charming coastal town known for its Spanish-style architecture, beautiful beaches, and picturesque vineyards. It offers a variety of wedding venues, including historic buildings and beachfront resorts. The city's breathtaking scenery and comfortable Mediterranean climate make it an ideal place to celebrate your wedding.
San Diego
The Garty Pavilion at The San Diego Rowing Club is considered one of the city's best-kept secrets. The Custom House is another option, where staff will cater to you and your guests' every whim. For a waterfront wedding venue, consider the Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina, which offers abundant California sunshine and a Point Loma backdrop.
Santa Monica
Santa Monica is known for its spectacular ocean views and inviting atmosphere. Shutters on the Beach and Casa del Mar are two venues that can provide a successful wedding experience. The Hyatt Centric Delfina Santa Monica combines gorgeous weather, stunning views, and a unique L.A. setting for your special day.
Other Notable Mentions
- The Resort at Pelican Hill, Newport Beach: A magnificent blend of 16th-century Palladian architecture and the California coast.
- Point San Luis Lighthouse, San Luis Obispo: Offering majestic views of California's Central Coast.
- Ocean Institute, Dana Point Harbor: A romantic coastal destination that puts you right on the water with an interior ballroom for guest comfort.
- La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club, La Jolla: One of California's most treasured beachfront resorts.
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Outdoor venues
Southern California is a popular destination for weddings, with a variety of beautiful outdoor venues to choose from. Here are some options for outdoor DIY wedding venues in Southern California:
Beachfront Locations
If you're dreaming of a beach wedding, Southern California offers many stunning options. Malibu is known for its beautiful beaches, rugged cliffs, and celebrity homes. You can find beachfront mansions or rustic ranches for your wedding venue. The Ritz Carlton Laguna Beach is another option for couples seeking a luxurious beach wedding with all the amenities. Hotel Del Coronado in Los Angeles also offers a private beach for wedding ceremonies, ranging from casual to formal, and allows outside catering. Beach weddings can range in price from $500 to $5,000 or more, depending on the location and size of your wedding.
Vineyard and Garden Settings
For a vineyard wedding, Milagro Winery in Ramona Valley offers a breathtaking setting with rolling hills, sunset views, and a unique Mediterranean wine cave. Santa Barbara is also known for its picturesque vineyards and impeccable gardens, such as the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden, which specializes in intimate celebrations. Serendipity Garden Weddings in Oak Glen is another charming option, with beautifully landscaped gardens, elegant reception areas, and a dedicated team to make your wedding memorable.
Historic Sites
For a wedding steeped in history, consider The Hacienda, a historic ranch estate built in 1901, or The O'Donnell House at The Willows Historic Palm Springs Inn, a mountainside venue featuring original tile floors, redwood ceilings, antique furniture, and unique gardens. San Ysidro Ranch in Santa Barbara also offers a romantic setting with vine-covered cottages and beautiful gardens.
Lakeside and Marina Venues
If you're seeking a lakeside wedding, Soka University of America in Aliso Viejo provides a beautiful venue. For a marina view, Whiskey Red's in San Diego is an ideal choice, offering a picture-perfect setting.
Park Celebrations
For a natural outdoor setting, consider Live Oak County Park in North County, known for its ancient oak trees. Louis A. Stelzer County Park, just outside of San Diego, is another park venue with a picturesque garden surrounded by lush greenery and blooming flowers.
When planning an outdoor wedding in Southern California, don't forget to consider factors such as guest comfort, including bug spray and sunscreen, and providing updates on your wedding website or invitations about the outdoor nature of the event.
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Venues with ocean views
If you're looking for a wedding venue with ocean views in Southern California, there are several options to choose from.
Santa Monica
Santa Monica is known for its spectacular ocean views and inviting atmosphere. Casa del Mar is a popular venue choice for couples looking to tie the knot against the backdrop of the Pacific Ocean.
Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina
Located harborside with a Point Loma backdrop, the Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina offers abundant California sunshine and a waterfront wedding venue.
Malibu
Malibu is a coastal town known for its stunning beaches, rugged cliffs, and celebrity homes. Wedding venues in Malibu range from beachfront mansions to rustic ranches. Calamigos Ranch, for example, offers lush grounds in the Santa Monica Mountains, perfect for a romantic, rustic wedding.
Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara is a charming coastal town known for its Spanish-style architecture, beautiful beaches, and picturesque vineyards. Four Seasons Biltmore Santa Barbara is a lush and beachy venue option in the area. San Ysidro Ranch, tucked away in the foothills, offers vine-covered cottages, beautiful gardens, and several different spaces to choose from.
Hotel Maya
Hotel Maya, located on the Long Beach waterfront, combines Latin American flair with Southern California beach-resort style.
Other Options
- The Grand Long Beach: A stylish destination for weddings and events, situated on 11 landscaped acres.
- Oceanpoint Ranch: A beachfront venue in Santa Barbara.
- Chart House Dana Point: On a clear day, you can enjoy a 50-mile view down the Southern California Coast from this venue.
- Whiskey Red’s: This venue offers a spectacular marina view and a picture-perfect setting.
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Vineyard venues
If you're looking for a vineyard venue for your DIY wedding in Southern California, there are plenty of options to choose from.
One option is Zaca Mesa Winery, a stunning wine-country wedding venue in Los Olivos, California. This winery, established in 1973, is nestled in the rolling hills of Santa Barbara County and offers both indoor and outdoor spaces for your wedding ceremony and reception. With its enchanting beauty and timeless romance, Zaca Mesa Winery provides a captivating setting for your special day.
Another option is Monserate Winery, located in the charming hills of Fallbrook, California. This venue offers three exquisite spaces for your wedding, each graced by a serene lake and surrounded by breathtaking scenery. Whether you're planning an indoor or outdoor wedding, Monserate Winery can accommodate your needs while providing a serene and picturesque backdrop.
If you're looking for a venue with a combination of rustic elegance and Tuscan charm, consider Lorimar Winery. Tucked away just off the main road through Temecula Wine Country, Lorimar Winery is surrounded by citrus groves and vineyard rows. With its barrel room, the largest in Temecula Valley, and breathtaking views of the surrounding local mountains, including Mount Palomar Observatory, Lorimar Winery offers a unique and memorable setting for your DIY wedding.
For those seeking a picturesque setting, MOHI Ranch by Léal Hospitality in Morgan Hill, California, is a winery wedding venue that delivers. With its romantic atmosphere, lush flora, and natural scenery, MOHI Ranch provides a beautiful backdrop for your wedding ceremony and reception. The venue offers both indoor and outdoor spaces, as well as clean-up services, to make your special day as seamless as possible.
Lastly, consider Léal Vineyards, a countryside wedding venue situated in the foothills of the Central Coast region in Hollister, California. San Benito County provides an idyllic setting for memorable occasions, with its serene surroundings and proximity to the coast. Whether you're planning an intimate or grand celebration, Léal Vineyards can accommodate your DIY wedding needs and help create lasting memories.
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Affordable venues
Planning a wedding can be expensive, especially in Southern California, one of the most expensive states in the US. However, there are some affordable DIY wedding venue options in the region.
Parks
Parks are a great option for an affordable wedding venue. Some parks in Southern California with affordable rental fees include Live Oak County Park in North County, San Diego County's Rancho Guajome Adobe Park, and Wedding Bowl in La Jolla, which has beautiful ocean cliff views. National and state parks offer special-use permits for a fraction of the cost, with fees of around $100.
Community Centres
Community centres, VA halls, and other public spaces can also be affordable options for wedding venues. For example, one couple rented a historic building with a Victorian garden that had been turned into a county park for $1,200, a fraction of the cost of similar privately-owned venues.
Private Homes
Renting a private home with a large backyard for your wedding can be a unique and affordable option. Websites like Airbnb and VRBO offer rentals that can accommodate a ceremony and reception, but be sure to let the owner know your plans upfront.
Inns
Instead of a hotel, consider an inn for your wedding, which typically offers lower price points while providing historic or individualized styles.
Other Tips for Affordable Venues
- Consider a non-traditional wedding venue, such as a museum or library, which can offer a unique and budget-friendly option.
- Get married on a day other than Saturday, as venues often charge higher rates for peak days.
- Opt for a buffet-style meal instead of plated service, which is usually priced per head and includes a service fee.
- Choose a venue that allows you to bring your alcohol, as open bars can be expensive.
- Look for venues that offer packages that include multiple services, such as food, drinks, and decor, to save on overall costs.
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Frequently asked questions
Some DIY wedding venues in Southern California include:
- Santa Barbara: This coastal town is known for its Spanish-style architecture, beaches, and picturesque vineyards.
- Malibu: With its stunning beaches, celebrity homes, and rustic ranches, Malibu is a great choice for beachfront weddings.
- San Diego: Venues such as the Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina offer a harborside location with views of Point Loma.
- Inland venues: For a more unique experience, consider venues like Milagro Winery in Ramona Valley or the Soka University of America in Aliso Viejo.
Some affordable DIY wedding venues in Southern California include:
- Santa Monica: Casa del Mar offers spectacular ocean views and an inviting atmosphere for your special day.
- San Diego: The Grand Long Beach provides a stylish 40,000 square foot space on 11 landscaped acres.
- Indian Hills by Wedgewood Weddings: This picturesque venue in Riverside, California, offers a serene hilltop space for celebrations.
- Beach weddings: With prices ranging from $500 to $5,000, Southern California beaches offer a more affordable option for DIY weddings.
Some outdoor DIY wedding venues in Southern California include:
- Serendipity Garden Weddings: Located in the heart of Oak Glen, this venue offers rolling hills, landscaped gardens, and breathtaking views.
- Hummingbird Nest Ranch: This venue in Palm Springs features mountain views, unique gardens, impressive rock work, and desert scenery.
- Oak Grove Ranch: A stunning outdoor venue in Southern California with on-site catering and wedding coordination support.
- Santa Barbara Botanic Garden: Specializing in small, intimate celebrations of up to 70 guests, this garden venue provides a beautiful natural backdrop.
Bringing your own caterer to a DIY wedding venue in Southern California is possible, but it may depend on the venue's policies. Some venues, like Hotel Del Coronado in Los Angeles, offer packages that allow outside catering. When choosing a venue, consider contacting your desired caterer to ask about their previous experience with weddings and which venues they have worked with. This can help you find a venue that aligns with your catering plans.
