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.)
21 of Southern California's Best Hidden Gem Wedding Venues
Searching for that one-of-a-kind Southern California wedding venue? From gorgeous beaches to dreamy desert landscapes to lush forests, you'll find no shortage of stunning locations to tie the knot. This destination-worthy region welcomes nearly perfect weather all year round and also includes some rare gems in places you wouldn't expect to find them, like a garden oasis in the middle of a bustling downtown or a lavish private estate just off the beaten path. Check out these surprising and unexpected locations that are often hiding in plain sight!
24 of Northern California's Best Hidden Gem Wedding Venues
On the hunt for a not-your-average wedding venue in Northern California? This part of the state is known for its rugged coastline with romantic bluffs, rolling vineyards, and majestic redwood forests. And tucked away in these gorgeous landscapes are some rare gems in places you wouldn't expect to find them, like a whimsical Tudor-style inn on the coast or a lavish wine-country estate just off the beaten path. Feast your eyes on these surprising and unexpected locations that are often hiding in plain sight!
13 Cool Wedding Venues for your East Bay Outdoor Ceremony
With glorious bay views and iconic bridges to the West, and forested hillsides and regional parks to the East, the bustling metropolis that makes up the East Bay has no shortage of jaw-dropping locations for the ultimate al fresco celebration. Feel like you're miles away from civilization as you exchange vows beneath towering redwoods, from the deck of a sleek yacht, or take in the sparkling city lights high up in the hills on a rooftop terrace. Whether your big day style is glamorous or casual, rustic or refined, Mother Nature takes center stage at these gorgeous outdoor venues.
11 Sweet Sleepy Beach Town Wedding Venues along the Pacific Coast
Searching for a swoon-worthy sleepy beach town for your destination wedding? Well, you know what they say... there's no coast like the West Coast. From Washington State down to sunny San Diego, this picturesque coastline stretches over 1,000 miles and is home to a ton of romantic beaches to tie the knot. Whether you want to exchange vows on a misty cliff perched above a rugged coastline, on the shores of a quaint seaside village, or with your toes-in-the-sand on a pristine white beach overlooking the Pacific, these serene locations are short on crowds and make a big impression thanks to their gorgeous natural scenery.
Half Moon Bay: The Ultimate Weekend Wedding Destination
For the ultimate cozy coastal weekend wedding, set your sights on Half Moon Bay. This charming seaside oasis is 30 miles south of San Francisco and an hour north of Santa Cruz. You’ll have your pick of gorgeous wedding venues from a cliffside luxury resort to a secluded garden just steps away from the beach. Stay in a lovely boutique hotel or an inviting rental home, explore the storefronts in their historic downtown, and enjoy fine dining while watching the sunset over the Pacific.
5 Hot California Wedding Venues with Cool Desert Vibes
Dreaming of sunset-colored canyons, tribal touches, and fancy flora for your big day? Then a desert wedding is for you! These locations turn up the heat with postcard-worthy panoramas and an adventurous "middle of nowhere" vibe. From a Spanish Revival mountainside hideaway in Palm Springs to a charming adobe resort in the High Desert, these cool California venues provide a one-of-a-kind experience thanks to their bold boho-chic aesthetic and laid-back landscape.
The 7 Best Outdoor Wedding Venues in the Valley
Looking for the best outdoor wedding venues away from the hustle and bustle of downtown L.A. or the Westside? Surrounded by beautiful hills and mountains, the San Gabriel, Santa Clarita and San Fernando Valleys offer Los Angeles County's most scenic settings—and best values. Want to exchange vows in a secluded garden, a chic Canyon Country bistro, or a historic Old Town Pasadena landmark? What about a unique equestrian estate or an all-inclusive country club? The Valleys have it all and more, along with fresh air and gorgeous views. Here are our top picks for memorable Valley weddings...
10 Cool Northern California Coastal Destination Wedding Venues
Dreaming of a destination wedding on the misty shores of Northern California? From a charming inn nestled on a dramatic cliff at the edge of a redwood forest to a luxurious resort in beautiful Big Sur, find all the romance you'll ever need in these quaint and cozy seaside towns peppered along this rugged coastline.
5 Affordable San Gabriel Valley Wedding Venues
The bustling towns bordering the beautiful San Gabriel Mountains are alive with history, diverse cultures, and beautiful outdoor spaces that are just perfect for celebrations under sunny skies and starry nights. From a historic racetrack with unobstructed mountain views to a scenic lakeside country club, check out our favorite spots to tie the knot that won't break the bank!
21 Majestic Mountain Wedding Venues In California
Dreaming of a spectacular mountain wedding in California? Your search ends here! We've explored the Golden State's most breathtaking locales, from the iconic peaks of Yosemite to the cozy charm of Idyllwild, to bring you a curated list of exceptional mountain wedding locations. Whether you envision a grand celebration at a lakeside resort in Tahoe, an adventurous elopement in Mammoth, or an intimate gathering at a rustic lodge surrounded by Redwoods, our handpicked selection offers the perfect setting for every style and dream in California's most sought-after mountain destinations. Discover your ideal escape and start planning your unforgettable day!
13 Beautiful All-Inclusive Temecula Wedding Venues
Already overwhelmed with your wedding planning to-do list? Then choose an all-inclusive venue that will check off some of those items for you! From a Mediterranean-inspired hilltop winery to a lavish equestrian estate, these Temecula properties provide a gorgeous backdrop for your event with customized packages that allow for a seamless—and stress-free—celebration.
Quaint, Cozy, Cottagecore: Our Favorite 15 Venues that Capture the Trend
Cozy, comforting, fresh, and natural: cottagecore is exactly what our daydreams have been made of. It’s like Little Women without the tuberculosis, like Pride and Prejudice without the oppressive gender roles, like Midsommar without the murder. Sounds just about perfect!
19 Hauntingly Beautiful Wedding Venues
If you’ve got a penchant for the paranormal, consider hosting your wedding at one of these spirited properties—that are believed to be haunted! From a glamorous Spanish-style resort to a former 19th-century train station, you’re bound to find an otherworldly event space that will thrill and delight your guests. And one thing’s for sure: the spine-tingling histories of these spooky locations might even bring more “guests” to your wedding than you had anticipated...
32 Stylish California Venues For Your Micro Wedding
Planning a micro wedding in California? Whether that's always been your day-of dream or if it's the new Plan B, these small celebrations can pack a big punch when it comes to style and the guest experience offered. So if you’re looking to scale down that invite list to just your nearest and dearest, check out these beautiful venues that offer custom-curated packages that will save you time, money, and stress when it comes to planning your intimate event.
18 Of The Most Instagrammable Wedding Venues In The U.S.A.
Searching for an #instaworthy location for your #weddingday? We've scoured the country for the most picture-perfect venues that provide you with a glorious, one-of-a-kind backdrop for your celebration. Whether it's an industrial-chic space with epic city views, or a romantic private estate surrounded by manicured grounds, #nofilters are needed at these gorgeous spots you're bound to love.
9 Spectacular Outdoor San Francisco Wedding Venues
There’s more to San Francisco than its iconic buildings and bridges. This thriving metropolis is also home to some beautiful outdoor wedding venues hidden in plain sight. So whether you want to exchange vows on a luxurious yacht, on a rooftop deck overlooking the bay, or in a secluded garden right in the heart of the city, here’s a look at some stunning spaces perfect for an al fresco celebration.
4 Santa Barbara Venues Perfect for Small Weddings and Elopements
From the crystal-blue shoreline to its rustic Wine Country, Santa Barbara is pure romance—and not surprisingly, a popular elopement destination. Whether you’re on a budget or willing to splurge, you’ll find some tempting options among these venues that welcome small weddings.
Love Wins: 7 Cool LA Venues That Welcome LGBTQ+ Weddings
Searching for the perfect venue in Los Angeles to host your LGBTQ+ wedding? You won’t have to look very hard! This eclectic city opens their arms to love of all kinds— regardless of gender identity/expression. So let’s raise a glass to these stunning locations who know that at the end of the day, the only thing that matters is LOVE!
21 Stunning Venues That Make It Easy To Elope
So you’ve decided to elope! While that once meant hopping over to Vegas to a drive-thru chapel with an Elvis impersonator as the officiant (a choice we can still get behind!), elopements today continue to grow in popularity and offer a lot more options—whether you're looking for a retreat for just you two or a micro-gathering with up to 50 of your favorite people. These romantic and fun alternatives to a traditional wedding can happen just about anywhere, and if you’d like to hit the easy button and let someone else take care of the day-of details we've got you covered: From West to East, here’s a handful of beautiful venues that provide creative, comprehensive, and affordable elopement packages so all you need to do is show up and say “I do”.
Here Comes The PRIDE: 11 LGBTQ-friendly SF Wedding Venues
You won’t have to look hard to find a gorgeous LGBTQ-friendly wedding venue in San Francisco. As one of the first cities to recognize gay marriage (and one of the strongest LGBTQ+ communities in the entire nation) they have alll the options when it comes to finding the perfect place to tie the knot. So whether you want to shout your love from a rooftop deck, or in an elegant museum surrounded by priceless works of art, here are a few of our favorite SF venue who get that Love is Love!
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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