California Wedding Venues Recommendations
California has so many unique wedding venues—and we have plenty of recommendations, depending on what you are looking for. Outdoor? Mansion? Garden? We share our faves here.
(If you can’t get enough, see detailed info for all the California wedding venues on our site.)
Blooming Romance: 9 Enchanting South Bay Garden Wedding Venues
Nestled amidst the picturesque landscapes of the South Bay lies a hidden world of enchanting garden venues. From sprawling estates in Los Gatos to intimate botanical gardens in Saratoga, this region offers a breathtaking array of settings for your wedding day. Discover the perfect place to exchange vows surrounded by vibrant blooms, lush greenery, and the gentle sounds of nature. Explore our top picks of the most enchanting gardens in and around San Jose and find the ideal venue to celebrate your love story.
12 Fabulous Los Angeles Wedding Venues Where BYO is A-OK!
Los Angeles is home base for people brimming with creative spirit and by-the-bootstraps enthusiasm... and it's got plenty of wedding venues that will let their vision run free! If your wedding is all about the BYO and DIY, LA is full of venues that welcome outside catering and vendors, ensuring plenty of flexibility and creativity in planning. From blank slate-style industrial spaces to lushly landscaped urban gardens, each of these fabulous venues let you take the lead... and are excited to see what you create!
7 Stunning Santa Barbara Private Estate Wedding Venues
Immerse yourself in the timeless elegance of Santa Barbara's luxurious private estate wedding venues. From a serene lakeside retreat with striking views of the Santa Ynez Mountains to an equestrian estate surrounded by rolling hills, these venues offer the perfect blend of natural beauty and refined elegance and make the perfect backdrop for your sophisticated celebration.
Mountaintop Magic: 13 Stunning Santa Cruz Mountain Wedding Venues
Nestled amidst the majestic Santa Cruz Mountains, a range that stretches from the Peninsula down to Monterey Bay, lies a hidden world of breathtaking wedding venues. From the well-known towns of Felton and Ben Lomond to hidden gems in Corralitos, Soquel, and the Los Gatos mountain area, discover the perfect mountaintop setting to celebrate your love story.
11 Lovely Lakefront Wedding Venues in California
No more saltwater supremacy: some of California's most stunning waterfront venues aren't on the Pacific at all—they're on the lakes! From Shasta to Sonoma, and Tahoe to Trinity, CA's got no shortage of stunning lakes... and certainly not of lakeside wedding venues. Whether you opt for an adventurous mountaintop retreat set on a glacial lake or a luxe resort beside sun-warmed waters, each of these lakefront gems offers gorgeous natural surroundings, lots of clean, fresh air, and—of course—that sparkling blue water as your photogenic backdrop.
Lake Tahoe Love Story: 9 All-Inclusive Venues with Mountain Magic
With Lake Tahoe's shimmering waters and the majestic peaks of the Northern Sierras – it makes a glorious backdrop that whispers romance and unforgettable memories. But what if you could combine this breathtaking scenery with the ease and convenience of an all-inclusive wedding venue? Imagine exchanging vows amidst mountain grandeur, celebrating with loved ones in a luxurious setting, and then retiring to cozy on-site accommodations – all without the stress of juggling multiple vendors. Let the mountains witness your "I do" and allow these venues to take care of the rest, ensuring your Lake Tahoe wedding becomes a cherished memory for a lifetime.
Mountain Magic: 33 Dreamy Ski Town Wedding Venues in the U.S.A.
Are you dreaming of a wedding as majestic as the mountains themselves? For adventurous couples seeking a unique and unforgettable wedding, imagine saying "I do" with snow-capped peaks as your witness, surrounded by the crisp charm of a ski town. Across the USA, legendary ski destinations double as enchanting wedding venues. These iconic towns, nestled amidst breathtaking scenery, offer a wedding experience unlike any other. Whether you crave a cozy, fireside ceremony in a charming village or a luxurious alpine affair at a world-class resort, these ski towns promise a backdrop that will leave you and your guests breathless.
Timeless Charm: Unveiling 32 Gorgeous Chapel Wedding Venues Across the US
For couples seeking a timeless and intimate wedding ceremony, a chapel offers a captivating backdrop unlike any other. Imagine exchanging vows bathed in the warm glow of stained-glass windows, surrounded by the rich history and architectural beauty of a sacred space. Prepare to be swept away by the best chapel wedding venues across the US, showcasing hidden gems and iconic locations that will transform your "I do" into a truly unforgettable experience.
Stunning & Stress-Free: 8 All-Inclusive Palm Springs Wedding Venues
Are you dreaming of an epic Palm Springs celebration but don’t want to have to plan it? We get it! Which is why we highly recommend choosing one of these amazing all-inclusive wedding venues for your big day. From a serene Spanish-style resort with European flair to a historic hilltop hideaway with panoramic views of the Valley, these lovely locations offer a ton of amenities that make planning your big day feel like a cool desert breeze!
Santa Barbara Bliss: 8 All-Inclusive Wedding Venues for a Stress-Free "I Do"
Santa Barbara, with its captivating coastline, charming Spanish architecture, and endless sunshine, is a dream destination for weddings. Imagine exchanging vows on a cliffside overlooking the sparkling Pacific Ocean, knowing every detail - from catering to décor - is flawlessly handled. These all-inclusive venues offer just that, transforming your vision into reality with minimal planning thanks to their comprehensive wedding packages. Scroll through our curated list below and start planning your stress-free special day!
9 Gorgeous Outdoor Wedding Venues in Monterey and Carmel
If you have dreams of saying ‘I do’ amongst the beauty of Monterey and Carmel, you’re in luck. Your destination wedding fantasy might include exchanging vows on the beach or overlooking scenic countryside, followed by a celebration in the backyard of a historic home or barn, or even under the stars in a Carmel Valley farm! Below you’ll find our curated selection of the best outdoor wedding venues in Carmel and Monterey–we bet you’ll find a place that makes your heart sing!
5 Gorgeous La Jolla Wedding Venues
With its stunning coastline, pristine white sand beaches, and near-perfect weather year-round, the serene seaside community of La Jolla makes for a perfect destination for your California coastal-chic wedding. From luxurious resorts boasting panoramic ocean views to romantic historic estates with vibrant gardens, these sophisticated spaces create an unforgettable setting for your effortlessly elegant celebration.
17 Colorful California Wedding Venues with Lush Tropical Vibes
Want your wedding day to feel like you’ve been transported to a tropical island with swaying palms, vibrant blooms, and lush greenery? Thanks to California’s stunning landscape, you don’t have to travel to some faraway island to find your little piece of paradise! Whether you’re envisioning a toes-in-the-sand ceremony overlooking the Pacific or a boho-chic celebration in an urban garden bursting with exotic blooms, from sun-drenched shorelines to charming towns with all the laid-back island vibes, your perfect oasis awaits right here in the Golden State!
Anything But Ordinary: 6 Unique Long Beach Wedding Venues
Looking for a unique spot for your Long Beach wedding? This bustling coastal community of Los Angeles County has miles of sandy beaches and a myriad of one-of-a-kind event venues. If you want your event to be anything but ordinary, check out these eclectic locations from Visit Long Beach. From a legendary 1936 former ocean liner-turned-hotel to colorful museums with eclectic works of art to a chic rooftop overlooking the Pacific, these beautiful spaces create a stunning stage for your celebration and come with comprehensive packages that make planning a breeze!
21 Romantically Intimate Bay Area Wedding Venues
If you’re searching for a sweet and small spot to say ‘I do’, the Bay Area won’t disappoint. With an array of styles to choose from including lush secluded gardens, charming historic mansions, luxe landmark hotels, and more, you’re sure to find a perfect fit. Explore our list below and begin planning your romantically intimate celebration.
9 Amazing (and Affordable!) Central Valley Wedding Venues
There is more to the Central Valley than picturesque farmland, sprawling orchards, and rolling vineyards. Backed by the majestic Sierra Nevadas, this lush landscape is also home to a stunning array of unique and affordable wedding venues. From a beautifully reimagined 1912 theatre near Sacramento to a serene lakeside retreat just outside of Fresno, we’ve scoured the area to bring you the best properties this region has produced!
2 Country Chic Private Estate Retreats for your Northern California Destination Wedding
Searching for that perfect location for your Northern California Destination Wedding? Set your sights on these stunning locations that seamlessly blend striking natural scenery with gorgeous architecture and cozy accommodations. From a secluded and serene 12-acre private estate surrounded by rolling hills in Napa to a seaside historic Grand Mansion where you can exchange vows cliffside or beneath a towering eucalyptus grove, these exclusive properties are made for extended celebrations. You and your guests will enjoy exclusive use of the property for 3 days and 2 nights with the option of bringing in your own vendors or choosing from their list of preferred wedding planners.
22 California Ranch Venues for your Western-Chic Wedding
Our California venue experts agree: giddy-up, cowpokes, Western-chic weddings are IN. With a long history of livestock farming and agriculture, California has a rich ranch tradition and plenty of venues with authentic Western cred... along with some of the best wedding professionals in the country to put the chic in "rustic-chic." From all-inclusive dude ranches to sustainable farm retreats to DIY-friendly barns, your romantic California ranch wedding venue awaits.
Intimate Romance: 8 East Bay Venues Perfect for Your Small Wedding
Looking to ditch the long guest list but keep all the big, breathtaking beauty of a NorCal wedding? The East Bay has just the solution. This sun-soaked, history-rich, forest-lush region has plenty of options for your intimate celebration: with venues that range from an Art Deco ballroom to a landscaped garden courtyard to a luxury yacht with panoramic views of the Bay, this list will help you find that perfect fit. Goldilocks would be jealous.
14 Iconic San Francisco Wedding Venues
If you’ve taken a spin around San Francisco, you know that this city has stunning locations around every corner, but if you're looking for a one-of-its-kind, iconic wedding venue then this list is for you. From beautiful museums to luxurious hotels and everything in between, there’s a special spot for every style. Take your pick from our curated list below and begin planning your standout celebration.
Are we friends yet? Join MyGuide for more goodness!
Some clients may have paid to be placed in our editorial and some of these links may be affiliate; however, we never include a venue, vendor, or product unless they have a proper place here. This is part of our Core Values. We create our website first and foremost to be good for the couples using it to plan their Big Day. We won't stray from that for a few advertising dollars. #scoutshonor