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
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: BYOPrice: $ • $$
1880 Union Hotel
Los Alamos, CA
Location: on a quaint small-town main street in Santa Barbara Wine Country
Fab Features: a glam makeover of this historic Victorian boasts vintage lobby, retro dining room and fun entertainment mezzanine • rose garden ceremonies followed by celebrations on the neighboring brick patio with twinkle lights and outdoor fireplace • romantic overnight wedding suite with fireplace, copper tub and antiques
Catering: In-housePrice: $$
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: BYOPrice: $$
MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration & Innovation
Santa Barbara, CA
Location: on State Street in the heart of Santa Barbara
Fab Features: one-of-a-kind museum that encourages creativity, imagination, and exploration • spectacular Sky Garden rooftop celebrations with panoramic views of the city and surrounding hills • full museum buyouts include guest access to all the cool interactive exhibits
Catering: BYOPrice: $$ • $$$
SAN LUIS OBISPO | CENTRAL COAST | PASO ROBLES WINE COUNTRY
SAN LUIS OBISPO | CENTRAL COAST | PASO ROBLES WINE COUNTRY
Villa Loriana
San Luis Obispo, CA
Location: in the hills just 5 minutes east of Pismo Beach
Fab Features: Italian-inspired private estate surrounded by lush landscaping • ceremonies on the manicured lawn accented by indigenous oaks, and stunning water features • grand receptions inside the 2-story, old-world villa with arched windows and a glamorous chandelier
Catering: Preferred list, BYOPrice: $$ • $$$
Eberle Winery
Paso Robles, CA
Location: on a pretty rise overlooking Paso Robles
Fab Features: classic Paso Robles views from this elegant winery • al fresco ceremonies perched on the Vineyard Deck, overlooking lush vines and the coastal mountains beyond • intimate barrel room lit with glowing votives and dramatic uplighting
Catering: Preferred listPrice: $ • $$ • $$$
VENTURA COUNTY
VENTURA COUNTY
Fillmore Chapel by Wedgewood Weddings
Fillmore, CA
Location: in an agricultural small town in the Heritage Valley
Fab Features: lovely former church reimagined as a stunning event venue • a white brick outdoor fireplace is the unique focal point for the landscaped garden courtyard ceremony site • The Sanctuary boasts rich wood finishes, vintage fixtures, open-beamed ceilings with hand-stenciled rafters, and a gorgeous stained glass rose window
Catering: In-housePrice: $ • $$
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, BYOPrice: $ • $$ • $$$
SANTA CLARITA VALLEY
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-housePrice: $ • $$
ORANGE COUNTY
ORANGE COUNTY
Coto de Caza Golf and Racquet Club
Coto de Caza, CA
Fab Features: stylish golf club in the heart of Orange County offering all-inclusive, customizable packages • al fresco ceremonies backed by sweeping views of tree- and mansion-dotted hillsides and the club's verdant dual golf courses, followed by al fresco receptions in the Pavilion beside the tiered rock waterfall • Craftsman-style clubhouse with stone-and-glass construction, a sweeping staircase, and an adjacent terrace
Catering: In-house, Preferred list, BYOPrice: $
LOS ANGELES
LOS ANGELES
Millwick
Los Angeles, CA
Location: in the urban Art District of downtown LA
Fab Features: loft-style warehouse with large skylights and wooden bowstring-truss ceiling • exposed brick and unique, hand-made, gold ceramic tile walls • two oversized glass roll-up doors connect the Grand Hall to the lush courtyard garden
Catering: BYOPrice: $$ • $$$
PALM SPRINGS
PALM SPRINGS
Mission Hills Country Club
Rancho Mirage, California
Location: minutes from the heart of Palm Springs
Fab Features: stunning ceremonies at the Lakefront, overlooking the verdant 18th green, or the secluded Grove, with its fragrant citrus trees and lush hedges • spacious clubhouse veranda with views of the jagged Santa Rosa Mountains • lovely lounge and banquet areas offer understated elegance with a modern take on mid-century style
Catering: In-housePrice: $ • $$ • $$$
EIGHT4NINE Restaurant and Lounge
Palm Springs, CA
Location: on Palm Canyon Drive in Palm Springs' Uptown Design District
Fab Features: contemporary-chic restaurant located in the fashionable Uptown Design District • 3 private dining rooms each offering its own unique art and ambiance plus culinary excellence • the patio hosts outdoor events beneath strings of market lights
Catering: In-housePrice: $ • $$
SAN FERNANDO VALLEY
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: BYOPrice: $ • $$
MANHATTAN BEACH | PALOS VERDES | LONG BEACH
MANHATTAN BEACH | PALOS VERDES | LONG BEACH
Los Verdes Golf Course
Rancho Palos Verdes, CA
Location: On a rugged bluff in Rancho Palos Verdes
Fab Features: elegant event venue perched on the crest of a private slope • exchange vows on the Catalina Terrace, overlooking the verdant fairways and the sparkling Pacific beyond • floor-to-ceiling windows in the Vista Ballroom frame more gorgeous views
Catering: In-house, BYOPrice: $ • $$ • $$$
Harlyne J. Norris Pavilion
Rolling Hills Estates, CA
Location: in the heart of the Palos Verde Peninsula
Fab Features: a private ballroom with indoor and outdoor spaces boasting gorgeous features • capture beautiful moments from your special day in the picturesque circular parking court with a sparkling fountain and a lush green border of sun-dappled jacaranda and pine trees • exchange vows on the elegant West Terrace designed with a tranquil stone fountain, Roman colonnades, and greenery all around
Catering: Preferred list, BYOPrice: $$
TEMECULA
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-housePrice: $$ • $$$
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-housePrice: $ • $$ • $$$
LAKE ARROWHEAD
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-housePrice: $ • $$
San Moritz Lodge
Crestline, California
Location: tucked away next to Lake Gregory
Fab Features: a grand chalet among cool green cedar and pine forests • hold a fairy-tale ceremony outdoors on the Ceremony Lawn in front of the Lodge • dance the night away with the view of the mountains and a forest of tall trees around a sparkling mountain lake as your backdrop
Catering: In-housePrice: $ • $$
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 listPrice: $ • $$
RIVERSIDE | INLAND EMPIRE
RIVERSIDE | INLAND EMPIRE
McCoy Equestrian and Recreation Center
Chino Hills, CA
Location: On 20 acres, just outside the heart of Chino.
Fab Features: sprawling 20-acre estate with an airy, restored barn that opens onto two patios • beautiful residence outfitted with an Art Deco bar, stone fireplace, and chic dressing suites • a lovely trellised patio is spacious enough for ceremonies and al fresco receptions
Catering: BYOPrice: $ • $$
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-housePrice: $ • $$
Stone Oak Manor
Oak Glen, CA
Location: nestled in the mountains of Oak Glen
Fab Features: bed & breakfast specializing in out-of-the-norm decor • full service planning packages include florals, custom builds, overnight accommodations, and more • designed to be LGBTQ & Trans-inclusive
Catering: Preferred list, BYOPrice: $ • $$
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 listPrice: $ • $$
SAN GABRIEL VALLEY | PASADENA
SAN GABRIEL VALLEY | PASADENA
San Dimas Canyon Golf Course
San Dimas, CA
Location: just at the base of the San Gabriel Mountains
Fab Features: the 2 ceremony options (the tranquil gazebo and the vintage clock site) look out over the pristine grounds and distant mountains • dance the night away beneath a canopy of Oak Trees and stringed bistro lights • the flexible and knowledgeable staff work to make your wedding dreams come true with flexible and customized event packages
Catering: In-housePrice: $ • $$
SAN DIEGO
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, BYOPrice: $ • $$
Botanica by Trademark Venues
Oceanside, CA
Location: 20 minutes inland from the shores of charming Oceanside
Fab Features: hidden tropical oasis surrounded by natural springs, waterfalls, and ponds • ceremonies in the heart of the luxurious gardens beneath a bent-wood tree or a dramatic fig canopy • receptions under the shaded forest, veiled by billowing drapery and cooled by refreshing coastal breezes
Catering: In-housePrice: $ • $$
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-housePrice: $ • $$ • $$$
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-housePrice: $ • $$ • $$$
Want To See What Else California Has To Offer?
Want To See What Else California Has To Offer?
Filed under Wedding Venues / Locations, Southern California, Central Coast / San Luis Obispo / Paso Robles, Los Angeles, Manhattan Beach / Palos Verdes / Long Beach, Palm Springs / Palm Desert / Coachella Valley, Riverside / Inland Empire, San Fernando Valley, San Gabriel Valley / Pasadena, Ventura County
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