Westlake Yacht Club 32129 Lindero Canyon • Westlake Village • California 91361

Just a half hour north of Los Angeles sits Westlake Village, an idyllic, upscale neighborhood cradled by the Santa Monica Mountains and acres of greenspace. The centerpiece of this serene enclave is its scenic 125-acre lake, the site of the newly remodeled Westlake Yacht Club. Founded in 1969 as a private sporting hub, these days the casually elegant venue plays host to unforgettable waterfront celebrations for members and nonmembers alike.

The jaunty, Cape Cod-inspired clubhouse is perched on a landscaped knoll overlooking the lake promenade. Arriving guests might be greeted by a scampering white-tailed rabbit or a few geese, but you can provide a more conventional welcome by placing signage beneath the club's bright blue awning.

The recently enlarged interior features oak walls, a soaring beamed ceiling, and a neutral color scheme that easily adapts to your own stylings. Both formal and laid-back get-togethers work equally well here. There's a Bridal Suite available that's outfitted with mirrors, a vanity, and a couch and chairs. Most impressive, however, are the tall windows along the three sides that bathe the space in natural light and contribute to its expansive ambiance. French doors opposite the entry frame a view of the lake and open onto the roomy club deck.

Most wedding couples can't resist holding a ceremony out here: The picturesque lakefront panorama is edged with forested hills and almost perennial blue skies. A parade of sailboats and watercraft, along with a variety of shorebirds, provides a tranquil yet invigorating vista. The setting is made all the more dreamy by the sight of graceful swans gliding along the water. Time your vows for dusk, and a magnificent sunset will complete the picture-postcard backdrop.

After the first kiss, the bridal party poses for fun photos on the boardwalk. Meanwhile guests meander toward the other side of the deck for a twilight cocktail hour. Friends and family can also mingle around a large bar that commands one side of the clubhouse, a convivial spot for refreshments and conversation.

Receptions spread out inside the spacious clubhouse, with ample room for 150 guests and a dance floor. But if you can't resist dining al fresco, then have your social hour around the bar while the staff prepares the deck for dinner under the stars.

Speaking of dinner, your loved ones are in for a treat: The venue's preferred caterer is the neighboring Boccaccio's Restaurant, a local culinary favorite that's been delivering crowd-pleasing cuisine and exemplary service for over 50 years. You can also choose from a curated list of the venue's other tried-and-true catering pros, or even bring in your own. In other words, you've got options!

And while you're envisioning the possibilities, think beyond the wedding … the club's deck is also a great place for a romantic rehearsal dinner or anniversary party. In fact, we can imagine many couples getting married here, and then returning for their 10th, 25th or even 50th-year celebration to relive the wonderful memories!