27 Charming Southern California Wedding Venues With A Backyard Vibe


Dreaming of a backyard-style shindig but don't want to tie the knot at home? We've picked some of our favorite Southern California wedding venues that give us all the feels when it comes to their laid-back vibe and cozy charm. From gorgeous gardens to romantic ranches, these spaces serve as the perfect home away from home for your special day.



ORANGE COUNTY



Red Horse Barn at Huntington Central Park

Huntington Beach, California

Fab Features: upscale equestrian club on acres of pastures, paddocks, and barns • expansive lawns for tents and a warmly inviting great room • gorgeous show horses are playful “extras” in wedding photography

Catering: Preferred list, BYO
Price: $ • $$

Muckenthaler Mansion

Fullerton, California

Fab Features: 1924 Gatsby-esque art-filled estate • octagonal Solarium flooded with natural light, plus 9 acres of outdoor space highlighted by lush lawns, a rose garden, and a romantic stone gazebo • delectable and creative five-star cuisine from Colette's Catering

Catering: In-house
Price: $$ • $$$


SANTA BARBARA WINE COUNTRY



The 1880 Union

Los Alamos, CA

Fab Features: former Wells Fargo stagecoach station-turned-hotel • enchanting ceremonies beneath a vine-covered arbor in a serene rose garden • chic receptions in the dining room, with its chandeliers in beaded cages, jazzy Art Deco bar, and eclectic mix of wood and marble tables with plush velvet chairs

Catering: In-house
Price: $ • $$


VENTURA COUNTY



Maravilla Gardens

Camarillo, CA

Fab Features: all-inclusive private estate with distinct outdoor event spaces set among acres of lush lawns and gardens • vintage furniture rentals and stylish décor within a ranch-style barn • all-inclusive events ensure low-stress, high-caliber weddings

Catering: In-house
Price: $$

Newhall Mansion

Piru, CA

Fab Features: an enchanting Queen Anne-style historic mansion • dine under the stars in the tiled garden Courtyard • open-air celebrations on the lovely hedged lawn with a splashing fountain and panoramic mountain views

Catering: In-house, BYO
Price: $ • $$ • $$$

McCormick Home Ranch

Camarillo, California

Fab Features: a white, wood-frame Colonial surrounded by picturesque grounds • ceremonies in the charming brick courtyard bordered by trees • al fresco celebrations on the front lawn beneath twinkling lights and Japanese lanterns

Catering: BYO
Price: $$


SAN GABRIEL VALLEY/PASADENA



The Maxwell House

Pasadena, CA

Fab Features: Mediterranean Italianate-style mansion • intimate celebrations in the private rose garden or open-air patio • the interior impresses with a coffered ceiling inset with decoratively painted panels, and paintings on loan from the historic California Art Club

Catering: BYO
Price: $$

The Historic Lindley-Scott House and Gardens

Azusa, CA

Fab Features: historic Georgian-style home • ceremonies on the manicured lawn beneath an arched arbor shaded by mature trees • the Carriage House is enhanced by vintage-style chandeliers and French doors that open to a patio overlooking the landscaped grounds

Catering: In-house
Price: $ • $$


INLAND EMPIRE



Christmas House Inn and Gardens

Rancho Cucamonga, CA

Fab Features: historic, landmark 3-story Victorian mansion and grounds • ceremonies in an English garden and dining beneath magnolia and guava trees • six distinctive guest rooms, including a luxurious bridal suite with a fireplace and private garden courtyard with a hot tub

Catering: In-house
Price: $$ • $$$

Monteleone Meadows

Murrieta, CA

Fab Features: private oasis nestled on 5 acres with a panoramic view of beautifully landscaped gardens, and a lake with waterfall and swans • event spaces include the gazebo, covered pavilion, open-air courtyard, and reception room • an air-conditioned bridal room is available for getting ready

Catering: In-house
Price: $ • $$

La Villa Bella San Antonio

Upland, CA

Fab Features: garden receptions beneath stringed market lights • cozy receptions in the main hall in front of a large stone fireplace and giant picture windows • exchange vows on the stone patio shaded by an expansive pergola

Catering: Preferred list
Price: $ • $$ • $$$


PALM SPRINGS



Smoke Tree Stables

Palm Springs, CA

Fab Features: historic property loaded with rustic charm, tucked at the base of the Santa Rosa Mountains • the ranch-style scenery fits any vibe, from a Western-style cookout to an elegant fête amid the unspoiled countryside • assemble your own vendors, or work with the site's exclusive wedding planning team to deliver your vision

Catering: In-house, Preferred list, BYO
Price: $$

EIGHT4NINE Restaurant and Lounge

Palm Springs, CA

Fab Features: 3 private dining rooms each offer their own unique art and ambiance • al fresco receptions on the patio beneath strings of market lights • a buyout is available for indoor/outdoor progressive parties of 300 or more people

Catering: In-house
Price: $ • $$ • $$$


SAN LUIS OBISPO



Higuera Ranch

San Luis Obispo, CA

Fab Features: romantic vineyard nestled on 80 across of rolling foothills • exchange vows beneath a majestic Higuera Tree or in the olive grove, followed by a rustic-chic celebration in the restored barn • overnight accommodations for 24 guests in two homes & a honeymoon suite, with a pool, spa, waterslide, lawn games, and more available to enjoy

Catering: BYO
Price: $ • $$ • $$$

Dallidet Adobe and Gardens

San Luis Obispo, CA

Fab Features: state historic landmark boasting original adobe architecture and luxuriant gardens • lovely ceremonies beneath a rustic wooden arbor and receptions in a garden courtyard surrounded by lush greenery • picturesque bricked paths wind through the gardens and the front patio

Catering: BYO
Price: $ • $$


LAKE ARROWHEAD



Gold Mountain Manor

Big Bear, CA

Fab Features: woodsy retreat highlighted by a whimsical 1928 log mansion • romantic al fresco events in the garden, which is bounded by lush forest and glowing twinkle lights • cozy, welcoming accommodations in seven uniquely adorned guest rooms

Catering: Preferred list
Price: $ • $$

Willow Woods Park

Skyforest, CA

Fab Features: this majestic redwood setting was once the home of an early 20th-century logging camp • exchange vows among the soaring trees, before a sparkling rock waterfall, or beneath a natural wood arch in the wildflower gardens • intimate receptions under glowing bistro lights with the historic cabins as your romantic backdrop

Catering: In-house, BYO
Price: $ • $$ • $$$


SANTA CLARITA & ANTELOPE VALLEY



Rancho Las Luces

Palmdale, CA

Fab Features: exchange vows beneath the iron gazebo or in the garden • romantic receptions surrounded by colorful flowers and large trees decorated with thousands of lights • event upgrades include a DJ, lighting packages, and a photo booth

Catering: In-house
Price: $ • $$


SAN DIEGO



Nolita House

San Diego, CA

Fab Features: fabulous first-class restaurant in the heart of Little Italy • coastal-inspired interior opens onto an airy patio with views of the city and sea • the patio's walls of greenery and glass roof keep the vibes fresh and sophisticated

Catering: In-house
Price: $ • $$ • $$$

River Garden

Vista, CA

Fab Features: dreamy indoor/outdoor gated hideaway filled with lush gardens, waterfalls, mature trees, and water features • al fresco ceremonies under the expansive Pavilion Lawn or in the lovely Conservatory garden atrium • flexible open vendor policy and generous 12-hour rental time

Catering: Preferred list, BYO
Price: $ • $$

San Dieguito County Park

Del Mar, CA

Fab Features: lovely park on 100 acres of rolling, chaparral-covered hills, just a short distance from the Pacific • lovely ceremonies beneath the white Victorian Gazebo in a secluded corner of the park • then, host your reception in the spacious dance pavilion or beneath the shady arms of the trees on a generous grassy lawn with views of the pond

Catering: BYO
Price: $ • $$


TEMECULA WINE COUNTRY



Rancho Bellasante

Temecula, CA

Fab Features: luxurious private estate nestled among beautiful olive and lemon groves on a 122-acre working ranch • the property is plush and private, with a covered outside patio with panoramic views, a sparkling pool, and a gorgeous dressing suite • exchange vows on a round hilltop courtyard with 360-degree views, then dine and dance on the spacious tiled patio beneath glowing bistro lights

Catering: Preferred list
Price: $$ • $$$

The Oaks at Cross Creek

Temecula, CA

Fab Features: secluded golf club with views of the San Jacinto Mountains • exchange vows beneath an ancient oak • cocktails and games on the manicured lawn followed by open-air dining beneath the wedding canopy

Catering: In-house
Price: $ • $$

Morgan Estate

Temecula, CA

Fab Features: a beautifully designed Georgian country manor situated on 20 hilltop acres • the property boasts an elegant ceremony site, a veranda for cocktail hour, a covered reception area, plus a custom airstream and a dressing suite for wedding party prep • exclusive use of the estate and its manicured grounds on your wedding day

Catering: Preferred list, BYO
Price: $ • $$

Lavender & Olive

Ramona, CA

Fab Features: sprawling ranch with plenty of dreamy spaces, including two sweet casitas for wedding party prep • say "I do" in the romantic Olive Grove, followed by on the Terrace (the venue's vintage horse trailer bar is a fun addition to the festivities) • dine and dance under the stars on the twinkle-lit patio, framed by soaring oaks, lavender plants, and manicured landscaping

Catering: Preferred list, BYO
Price: $ • $$


SAN FERNANDO VALLEY



Reptacular Animals Ranch in the Forest

Sylmar, CA

Fab Features: ceremonies beneath a giant oak or in the sprawling field with mountain vistas • open-air celebrations in the meadow with panoramic mountain views • event enhancements include photo ops with animals and a petting zoo

Catering: BYO
Price: $ • $$

Upper Las Virgenes Ranch

Calabasas, CA

Fab Features: unspoiled 5,600-acre parkland landscape • exchange vows overlooking a sycamore-lined canyon • stunning receptions on the expansive lawn surrounded by majestic oaks and panoramic vistas

Catering: BYO
Price: $ • $$


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