Celebrating Al Fresco in Orange County: 15 Cool Places for an Outdoor Wedding
Blessed with fabulous weather, proximity to the coast, cool ocean breezes, and an abundance of large estates with gorgeous grounds, Orange County is a natural for outdoor weddings. So whether you want to celebrate right on the beach, up in the hills, or even in the middle of the water, here are some great venues to check out.
Miramar Theater by Wedgewood Weddings
San Clemente, CA
Fab Features: glorious local landmark in San Clemente • modern & refined interior boasts a dark-beamed ceiling, arched alcoves, and molded wainscoting • the spectacular ceremony rooftop is framed by mature palms and Spanish-style tiling
Catering: In-housePrice: $ • $$ • $$$

Aliso Viejo Country Club
Aliso Viejo, CA
Fab Features: distinctive private country club in the hills surrounded by gardens • two outdoor terraces boast balconies, bell towers, and elegant French doors that lead to exquisite banquet spaces • dine & dance with panoramic views of the golf course and valley
Catering: In-housePrice: $ • $$

Old Ranch Country Club
Seal Beach, California
Fab Features: impeccable golf club nestled at the northern edge of Orange County • expansive banquet space boasts floor-to-ceiling windows that open onto an outdoor terrace overlooking a lake • dreamy ceremony courtyard ringed by flowers, palm trees, and lush greenery
Catering: In-house, Preferred listPrice: $ • $$ • $$$

Gray Matter Museum of Art
San Clemente, CA
Fab Features: cool contemporary space within walking distance of the beach and Lido Village • indoor/outdoor courtyard boasts vaulted ceilings, a massive skylight, floor-to-ceiling windows, and bright glass doors • flanked by two verdant, privately gated gardens
Catering: In-housePrice: $ • $$

Eureka Building
Irvine, California
Fab Features: hidden gazebo set on a private, manicured lawn strung with bistro lights overhead and bordered by twinkle-lit trees • cool indoor/outdoor Atrium is outfitted with a built-in bar and a high ceiling with a dramatic skylight • helipad for a dramatic entrance or send-off
Catering: In-house, Preferred listPrice: $ • $$

The Greenhouse at Plantenders Nursery OC
Silverado, CA
Fab Features: exchange vows beneath ancient pepper & olive trees • the versatile greenhouse can accommodate everything from rustic receptions to luxurious galas • endless DIY opportunities
Catering: Preferred listPrice: $ • $$

Ebell of Santa Ana
Santa Ana, CA
Fab Features: stunning 1924 Spanish Revival venue • outdoor garden courtyard with arched covered walkways, mercury glass-detailed wooden doors, and century-old oak trees • interior spaces are also outfitted with original features, like colorful Spanish tiles, high wood beam ceilings, and wrought-iron chandeliers
Catering: In-housePrice: $ • $$

Jewel of Ortega
San Juan Capistrano, CA
Fab Features: nestled within pristine chaparral & oak forest and lemon groves adjacent to Cleveland National Forest • luxurious ranch-style home offers overnight lodgings for up to 20 people • exchange vows under the vintage-style gazebo before dining and dancing as the sun sets over the ocean
Catering: Preferred listPrice: $$

Fête the Venue
Costa Mesa, CA
Fab Features: versatile and stylish venue that blends al fresco charm and urban industrial • quaint courtyard separated from the main event space with glass roll-up doors for indoor/outdoor flow • chic loft-like event space outfitted with chandeliers and paneled walls
Catering: Preferred list, BYOPrice: $$ • $$$

Richard Nixon Library and Birthplace
Yorba Linda, CA
Fab Features: 9 acres of manicured lawns, including the First Lady’s Rose Garden and a tranquil reflecting pool • receptions in a stunning replica of the grand White House East Room • luxe indoor theater for showing home movies
Price: $ • $$

Red Horse Barn at Huntington Central Park
Huntington Beach, California
Fab Features: warmly inviting great room with a beamed ceiling and fireplace • garden- and fountain-framed ceremony gazebo • expansive terrace with views of the paddocks, pastures, and hundreds of photogenic show horses
Catering: Preferred list, BYOPrice: $ • $$

Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort and Spa
Dana Point, California
Fab Features: gorgeous ocean views from all three outdoor venues • upscale ballroom receptions boast high-end décor and dramatic mood lighting • all-inclusive packages are fully customizable, and may include luxe details like a complimentary overnight in a bridal suite or a relaxing couple’s massage
Price: $ • $$ • $$$

Muckenthaler Mansion
Fullerton, California
Fab Features: 1924 Gatsby-esque art-filled estate • octagonal Solarium flooded with natural light and 9 acres of outdoor space outfitted with lush lawns, a rose garden, and a romantic stone gazebo • delectable and creative five-star cuisine from Colette's Catering.
Price: $$ • $$$

Rancho Las Lomas
Silverado, California
Fab Features: hacienda-style beauty on 32 acres with orange groves, towering oaks, and terracotta walkways • cobblestone terrace and alfresco theater with a marble stage and fountains • light-filled Grand Salon with an adjacent patio adorned with a tiled reflecting pool
Catering: In-housePrice: $ • $$

Franciscan Gardens
San Juan Capistrano, California
Fab Features: alluring blend of Old World charm, rustic chic, and a lush, Spanish-style garden • capacious central Courtyard features a wooden pergola, surrounded by towering trees and blooming hedges and highlighted by a classical wall fountain frieze
Price: $$ • $$$

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