32 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!



SANTA BARBARA



Elings Park

Santa Barbara, California

Location: on a hilltop above beautiful Santa Barbara

Fab Features: 230-acre nonprofit park and urban oasis with seasonal color and incredible city, mountain, and ocean views • expansive oceanview meadow and hillside amphitheater surrounded by trees • oak-shaded terrace for dining

Catering: BYO
Price: $ • $$
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1880 Union Hotel

Los Alamos, CA

Location: on a quaint small-town main street in Santa Barbara Wine Country

Fab Features: a glam makeover of this historic Victorian boasts vintage lobby, retro dining room and fun entertainment mezzanine • rose garden ceremonies followed by celebrations on the neighboring brick patio with twinkle lights and outdoor fireplace • romantic overnight wedding suite with fireplace, copper tub and antiques

Catering: In-house
Price: $$
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River Edge Farm

Solvang, CA

Location: along the tree-lined corridor between Solvang and Buellton

Fab Features: enchanting event venue, world-class equestrian center, and vineyard nestled in the Santa Ynez Valley • guests proceed down an oak-lined drive to your ceremony on the vineyard lawn, perched on a grassy knoll • steps away is the main barn's stamped concrete terrace, perfect for al fresco receptions

Catering: BYO
Price: $$
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MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration & Innovation

Santa Barbara, CA

Location: on State Street in the heart of Santa Barbara

Fab Features: one-of-a-kind museum that encourages creativity, imagination, and exploration • spectacular Sky Garden rooftop celebrations with panoramic views of the city and surrounding hills • full museum buyouts include guest access to all the cool interactive exhibits

Catering: BYO
Price: $$ • $$$
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SAN LUIS OBISPO | CENTRAL COAST | PASO ROBLES WINE COUNTRY



Villa Loriana

San Luis Obispo, CA

Location: in the hills just 5 minutes east of Pismo Beach

Fab Features: Italian-inspired private estate surrounded by lush landscaping • ceremonies on the manicured lawn accented by indigenous oaks, and stunning water features • grand receptions inside the 2-story, old-world villa with arched windows and a glamorous chandelier

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

Paso Robles, CA

Location: on a pretty rise overlooking Paso Robles

Fab Features: classic Paso Robles views from this elegant winery • al fresco ceremonies perched on the Vineyard Deck, overlooking lush vines and the coastal mountains beyond • intimate barrel room lit with glowing votives and dramatic uplighting

Catering: Preferred list
Price: $ • $$ • $$$
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VENTURA COUNTY



Fillmore Chapel by Wedgewood Weddings

Fillmore, CA

Location: in an agricultural small town in the Heritage Valley

Fab Features: lovely former church reimagined as a stunning event venue • a white brick outdoor fireplace is the unique focal point for the landscaped garden courtyard ceremony site • The Sanctuary boasts rich wood finishes, vintage fixtures, open-beamed ceilings with hand-stenciled rafters, and a gorgeous stained glass rose window

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

Piru, CA

Location: in Heritage Valley, a mere 10 minutes from Valencia’s Magic Mountain

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, Preferred list, BYO
Price: $ • $$ • $$$
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SANTA CLARITA VALLEY



indie bird events at Dorner Family Vineyard

Tehachapi, CA

Location: in the foothills of Tehachapi Wine Country

Fab Features: gorgeous family-owned winery about two hours from L.A. offers a  countryside escape for a mini-destination wedding •  outdoor grounds surrounded by lush oaks, vineyard vistas and majestic mountains hosts ceremonies and receptions amidst breathtaking scenery work with their exclusive in-house planner, indie bird events, for a seamless experience from start to finish

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



Coto de Caza Golf and Racquet Club

Coto de Caza, CA

Fab Features: stylish golf club in the heart of Orange County offering all-inclusive, customizable packages • al fresco ceremonies backed by sweeping views of tree- and mansion-dotted hillsides and the club's verdant dual golf courses, followed by al fresco receptions in the Pavilion beside the tiered rock waterfall • Craftsman-style clubhouse with stone-and-glass construction, a sweeping staircase, and an adjacent terrace

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



Millwick

Los Angeles, CA

Location: in the urban Art District of downtown LA

Fab Features: loft-style warehouse with large skylights and wooden bowstring-truss ceiling • exposed brick and unique, hand-made, gold ceramic tile walls • two oversized glass roll-up doors connect the Grand Hall to the lush courtyard garden

Catering: BYO
Price: $$ • $$$
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PALM SPRINGS



Mission Hills Country Club

Rancho Mirage, California

Location: minutes from the heart of Palm Springs

Fab Features: stunning ceremonies at the Lakefront, overlooking the verdant 18th green, or the secluded Grove, with its fragrant citrus trees and lush hedges • spacious clubhouse veranda with views of the jagged Santa Rosa Mountains • lovely lounge and banquet areas offer understated elegance with a modern take on mid-century style

Catering: In-house
Price: $ • $$ • $$$
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EIGHT4NINE Restaurant and Lounge

Palm Springs, CA

Location: on Palm Canyon Drive in Palm Springs' Uptown Design District

Fab Features: contemporary-chic restaurant located in the fashionable Uptown Design District • 3 private dining rooms each offering its own unique art and ambiance plus culinary excellence • the patio hosts outdoor events beneath strings of market lights

Catering: In-house
Price: $ • $$
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SAN FERNANDO VALLEY



Reptacular Animals Ranch in the Forest

Sylmar, CA

Location: sequestered in the Angeles National Forest

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

Catering: BYO
Price: $ • $$
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MANHATTAN BEACH | PALOS VERDES | LONG BEACH



Los Verdes Golf Course

Rancho Palos Verdes, CA

Location: On a rugged bluff in Rancho Palos Verdes

Fab Features: elegant event venue perched on the crest of a private slope • exchange vows on the Catalina Terrace, overlooking the verdant fairways and the sparkling Pacific beyond • floor-to-ceiling windows in the Vista Ballroom frame more gorgeous views

Catering: In-house, BYO
Price: $ • $$ • $$$
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Harlyne J. Norris Pavilion

Rolling Hills Estates, CA

Location: in the heart of the Palos Verde Peninsula

Fab Features: a private ballroom with indoor and outdoor spaces boasting gorgeous features • capture beautiful moments from your special day in the picturesque circular parking court with a sparkling fountain and a lush green border of sun-dappled jacaranda and pine trees • exchange vows on the elegant West Terrace designed with a tranquil stone fountain, Roman colonnades, and greenery all around

Catering: Preferred list, BYO
Price: $$
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TEMECULA



Temecula Creek Inn

Temecula, California

Location: picturesque getaway just outside Old Town Temecula

Fab Features: this sprawling, secluded property is perfect for a wedding weekend getaway • romantic setting surrounded by lush landscaping, rolling hills, and a gorgeous championship golf course • guests can enjoy charming accommodations, resort amenities, and easy access to Temecula Valley wine country

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

Temecula, California

Location: among the vineyards of Temecula with surrounding mountain views

Fab Features: picturesque and welcoming setting crowned by ivy-covered walls, impeccable vines, and panoramic views • secluded ceremony lawn framed by the sprawling vineyards and mountains beyond • the barrel room (the largest in the area!) boasts high ceilings accented by drapes, chandeliers, and twinkle lights

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



Big Bear Mountain Resort

Big Bear Lake, CA

Location: in the mountains overlooking Big Bear Lake

Fab Features: gorgeous resort in the heart of the mountains, offering stunning panoramas, chef-driven cuisine, flexible packages, and light-filled contemporary event venues • sweeping views of the slopes, forest, and surrounding landscape from the modern Sundecks, or from the ceremony site atop Lift 9 • indoor/outdoor celebrations at Laybacks exude an après-ski elegance

Catering: In-house
Price: $ • $$
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San Moritz Lodge

Crestline, California

Location: tucked away next to Lake Gregory

Fab Features: a grand chalet among cool green cedar and pine forests • hold a fairy-tale ceremony outdoors on the Ceremony Lawn in front of the Lodge • dance the night away with the view of the mountains and a forest of tall trees around a sparkling mountain lake as your backdrop

Catering: In-house
Price: $ • $$
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Gold Mountain Manor

Big Bear, CA

Location: nestled in the forests of Big Bear Valley

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: $ • $$
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RIVERSIDE | INLAND EMPIRE



McCoy Equestrian and Recreation Center

Chino Hills, CA

Location: On 20 acres, just outside the heart of Chino.

Fab Features: sprawling 20-acre estate with an airy, restored barn that opens onto two patios • beautiful residence outfitted with an Art Deco bar, stone fireplace, and chic dressing suites • a lovely trellised patio is spacious enough for ceremonies and al fresco receptions

Catering: BYO
Price: $ • $$
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The Retreat by Wedgewood Weddings

Corona, California

Location: on a quiet hilltop above Temescal Valley

Fab Features: sophisticated country club set on estate-like grounds, complete with a grand ballroom, a fountain courtyard and outdoor fireplace • a dramatic 80-foot aisle leads to a manicured ceremony lawn • Tuscan-inspired clubhouse boasts an adjacent terrace overlooking a garden landscape and the tree-studded hills just beyond

Catering: In-house
Price: $ • $$
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Stone Oak Manor

Oak Glen, CA

Location: nestled in the mountains of Oak Glen

Fab Features: bed & breakfast specializing in out-of-the-norm decor • full service planning packages include florals, custom builds, overnight accommodations, and more • designed to be LGBTQ & Trans-inclusive

Catering: Preferred list, BYO
Price: $ • $$
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California Botanic Garden

Claremont, CA

Location: tucked away in the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains

Fab Features: delightful botanic garden on 86 acres dedicated to California's native plants • exchange vows under a shady gazebo in the Cultivar Garden, immersed within colorful and shapely greenery • al fresco receptions under an open-sided ramada, an intimate gallery lined with shade sails, or the spacious California Courtyard

Catering: Preferred list
Price: $ • $$
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SAN GABRIEL VALLEY | PASADENA



San Dimas Canyon Golf Course

San Dimas, CA

Location: just at the base of the San Gabriel Mountains

Fab Features: the 2 ceremony options (the tranquil gazebo and the vintage clock site) look out over the pristine grounds and distant mountains • dance the night away beneath a canopy of Oak Trees and stringed bistro lights • the flexible and knowledgeable staff work to make your wedding dreams come true with flexible and customized event packages

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



Rancho Guejito Weddings

Escondido, CA

Location: in the hills just North of San Diego

Fab Features: incredible 1845 ranch with remarkable Old West history • the exquisite historic farmhouse-turned-tasting room serves as a unique backdrop for romantic al fresco celebrations • 23,000-acre estate is surrounded by lush vineyards, citrus orchards, avocado groves, and velvety green lawns

Catering: Preferred list, BYO
Price: $ • $$
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Botanica by Trademark Venues

Oceanside, CA

Location: 20 minutes inland from the shores of charming Oceanside

Fab Features: hidden tropical oasis surrounded by natural springs, waterfalls, and ponds • ceremonies in the heart of the luxurious gardens beneath a bent-wood tree or a dramatic fig canopy • receptions under the shaded forest, veiled by billowing drapery and cooled by refreshing coastal breezes

Catering: In-house
Price: $ • $$
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Los Willows Wedding Estate

Fallbrook, California

Location: in the hills above San Diego

Fab Features: luxurious private canyon estate • exchange vows in a beautifully lit, treelined meadow, on a terrace facing the lake, or at a lakeside garden gazebo • upscale amenities like a full-service salon, gourmet cuisine, deluxe accommodations, and superb service—all for a surprisingly reasonable price tag

Catering: In-house
Price: $ • $$ • $$$
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Grand Tradition Estate and Gardens

Fallbrook, California

Location: tropical paradise just North of San Diego

Fab Features: sophisticated and secluded garden estate offering gourmet cuisine • the picturesque grounds are made up of tropical gardens, several waterfalls, and a heart-shaped lake • dine and dance the night away under the stars or beneath the elegant open-air pavilion

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