Your wedding venue is one of the most important parts of your big day. That's why we're making finding The One that much easier, with this series of the "Top Spots" in each location and for each type of venue. From our favorite Mexico destination weddings to the best ballroom bashes, we've rounded up the perfect places to get married—and everything else you need to know about planning a wedding there.
California dreamin' should by no means be restricted to a winter's day (despite what the Mamas and the Papas may have done)—in fact it's one of the reasons why so many iconic shows and movies were inspired by the West Coast. With seemingly endless sandy beaches, moderate temperatures year-round, and an incredible array of wedding venues in California, it's also why so many couples are inspired to say “I do” in The Golden State.
Wedding venues in California are everywhere: From serene Lake Tahoe to jaw-dropping Yosemite Valley to sunny San Diego. Wherever couples opt to host their events, the best California wedding venues are just a click away. Many of our favorite spots offer stunning backdrops in the great outdoors for toes-in-the-sand ceremonies and epic portraits on rooftops just about any time of year.
A major draw of California wedding venues is sheerly the wide range of options. Like the state itself, there are so many terrains and styles to choose from, from mountains to beaches and everything in between. To give you more of an idea, here’s why couples love wedding venues in California:
With relatively mild weather year-round, wedding venues in California are an easy choice if you're hoping to get married outside without the stress of unpredictable weather messing up your plans. Thanks to the state’s seasonless, sunny climate, you can host outdoor ceremonies and receptions throughout the year.
There’s something for everyone when it comes to wedding venues in California. You can get in a morning surf session, ski in the mountains, and catch the sunset in the desert—all in one day. (Yes, really!) Because of this luxury, couples can easily choose which location and vibe fits their event best.
Whether you’re from California or dreaming of a destination wedding there, most places in the state (namely, most wedding venues in California) feel like a getaway. Live it up by the beach in Malibu, or get cozy in the cooler mountain areas—it's truly the "choose your own adventure" of wedding destinations.
The best wedding venues in California are sprinkled all over the state, which stretches 900 miles along the West Coast (840 of which are waterfront). Whether you're fantasizing about having your big day along the shore, in the middle of a vineyard, or surrounded by cacti in the desert, the best California wedding venues are perfectly suited for nature-loving couples who are looking for an indoor-outdoor experience. We’ve hand-picked our some of favorite locations—and some of the top venues in each of them—to help you discover the wedding venues in California that feel the most “you.” After all, that’s what matters most—no matter the coast!
In order to map out wedding venues Northern California couples love most, we’d be remiss not to mention Napa Valley. Rolling hills, delicious wine…need we say more? There's only one catch: Because of an ordinance passed by the Napa County Board of Supervisors in 1989, you can't technically get married on a vineyard. There are some exceptions to this decades-old rule, but there are lots of hotels, estates on olive groves, and other striking settings that host weddings too. And just a short drive south (depending on the traffic), you’ll also fall in love with the Bay Area: home to San Francisco’s finest hotels and Silicon Valley’s beautiful backdrops, and where you’ll find even more noteworthy wedding venues in California.
A body of water connecting California and Nevada, Lake Tahoe is a gorgeous escape for Californians and visitors alike. Of all the wedding venues Northern California is known for, the Ritz-Carlton—complete with an idyllic, woodsy lodge—stands out because it neighbors one of the most clear, beautiful lakes in the world.
One of the many wedding venues in California from the Auberge Resorts Collection, this Napa Valley resort is full of activities and event spaces for the wedding weekend of your dreams. There’s a bocce ball court, wine tastings, and hiking trails—a little something for everyone on your guest list! Bonus: You can even rent out the entire hotel for the ultimate, super-exclusive experience.
You can’t say Napa without immediately thinking of the vineyards galore and world-renowned wine that comes with it. The Alila is a Northern California wedding venue situated oh-so-conveniently next to the Beringer Estate Winery and has several indoor and outdoor options with a modern-rustic aesthetic.
Another one of Auberge’s Northern California wedding venues, Auberge du Soleil provides sunshine and fine dining experiences, among many other amenities. The brainchild of French restaurateur Claude Rouas, this property is 33 acres, features 50 rooms and suites, and has covered with plenty of olive and oak trees.
Family-owned and aptly-named (derived from the French phrase “Quel beau lieu,” which translates to “What a beautiful place''), this garden wedding venue is highly-regarded for its wine, food, and on-site amenities. And with exclusive catering and venue management from the legendary Paula LeDuc Fine Catering & Events, rest assured that you’re in good hands.
To the west of Napa is Sonoma Valley, where you'll find even more wedding venues. Known for its more bucolic feel, Sonoma is a countryside escape for California couples. This Tuscan-inspired property has 40,000 square feet of space to host your indoor or outdoor celebration.
Wine country continues in Sonoma, where guests can immerse themselves in all the luxuries of one of the best wedding venues in California. Farm-to-table dining experiences and several patios, lawns, and rooms are onsite for big events or their newly-introduced “Mini-Monies,” for an intimate day with up to 10 special guests.
Among the many Northern California wedding venues available, San Francisco City Hall will always go down as perhaps the most classic. Civil ceremonies can host up to six guests, but for couples who want to go big, you’ll need to book through the San Francisco City Hall Events Department.
Indoor or outdoor, the Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco is one of the best wedding venues Northern California residents and visitors alike love for glamorous weddings. We’re partial to the elegant ballroom and circular patio surrounded by perfectly-manicured hedges and flowers.
Centrally-located in the South of Market (SoMa) neighborhood, the St. Regis San Francisco will take your wedding to the next level, literally. One of the premier wedding venues Northern California offers with a rooftop, couples portraits are sheer perfection with full views of the city beyond.
A couple blocks away from the St. Regis, the Clancy brings modern art to the focus. The Lotline Ballroom can accommodate up to 80 guests, and it can even be divided for smaller gatherings. And like many of our favorite wedding venues in California, it’s just steps away from the water.
Menlo Park is home to one of the most beloved hotels and wedding venues Northern California is known for: Rosewood Sand Hill. Providing photo-worthy views of the Santa Cruz Mountains, this Silicon Valley destination also comes with Michelin-star fine dining, lush gardens, and an in-house event team to make your special day go as smoothly as possible.
Yosemite’s premier upscale resort is The Ahwahnee, a hidden gem within the national park. There are breathtaking views at practically every angle, and four-course wedding meals are served indoors (with floor-to-ceiling windows, of course!) or outside.
Crashing waves meet high-reaching redwood trees at this bucket list-level location. Idyllically situated near both the Pacific Ocean and Santa Lucia Mountains, Big Sur brings the best features of wedding venues in California into one area. The Alila Ventana is best suited for elopements and intimate ceremonies, but you can also buy out the property for larger affairs.
Of the many wedding venues Northern California can offer, the Monterey Marriott overlooks Monterey Bay—which is visible from indoor and outdoor gatherings alike. The San Carlos Ballroom can hold up to 450 of your favorite people, and Marriott’s dedicated team is there to seamlessly transform any of their event spaces for your big day.
The minute we hear, “Pebble Beach Resorts,” all we can think about are the golf course wedding venues Northern California (and its coastline) was made for. The historic golf course has memory-making grounds, plus sweeping ocean views. Whether you’re a PGA superfan or simply love a beach-meets-country club feel, this is one of the best California wedding venues.
While there’s no clear separation of Northern and Southern California, the lower half of the state generally starts in the San Luis Obispo area and goes all the way down to San Diego. Within that expansive area, you'll find Southern California wedding venues near the beach, in the desert, and even on ranches and vineyards.
What backdrop could possibly beat the Pacific Ocean itself? California’s natural beauty is on full display at the Bacara, complete with Spanish Colonial architecture and unobstructed views for vows on the Bluff. After the beachfront ceremony, guests can head to an indoor ballroom or watch the sunset on the terrace or lawns on the property.
You can hear the waves crashing during a ceremony on the Great Lawn at Rosewood Miramar Beach, which accommodates up to 400 guests. The lawn is just one of four outdoor event spaces on the property, and is uniquely located near the train tracks, which separate the resort from its beachfront area.
For a ranch wedding rich with history, it’s important to note that some of the most famous honeymooners to ever visit were none other than John and Jackie Kennedy. Heads up: You can even book the cottage where they stayed, now officially titled the Kennedy Cottage, for your wedding night. And for the celebration, your wedding can be, well, whatever you want it to be! Choose from a rustic indoor space that was constructed in the early 1800s, or opt for an alfresco event in the garden.
Tucked away in the Ojai Valley is one of the best California wedding venues for outdoor events (but don’t worry, they have plenty of indoor spaces too!). Primarily in the Spanish Colonial Revival style, with a new, contrasting modern farmhouse area, the property truly has it all: golf, pools, and a world-renowned spa to boot.
Elegance, romance, and whimsy are all wrapped up in this one ranch wedding venue. After all, how many Southern California wedding venues have a ferris wheel? The Pavilion at North Point features the property’s noteworthy landmark, but it’s just one of four of the spaces that totally immerse you and your guests in nature.
Located 2,000 feet up in the Santa Monica Mountains, Malibu Rocky Oaks Estate Vineyards offers sweeping vistas and Tuscan-inspired architecture for a truly stunning outdoor experience. The sprawling landscape has earned it a spot among the absolute best California wedding venues out there.
A gathering ground for the stars, this historic hotel is ideal for the chicest elopement or microwedding. Though the hotel may not necessarily be known for its weddings (more for the constant stream of celebs who've stayed there throughout history), the restaurant and rooftop make it one of the most luxurious wedding venues in California.
By now, it should be pretty clear that Beverly Hills is a hub for some of the most desirable wedding venues in California. One of the most notable is the Four Seasons, which has a rooftop made for couples portraits and several indoor and outdoor event spaces to match any theme or style. They only host one wedding per day, and with good reason: it allows them to be fully dedicated and focused solely on you and your partner!
Conveniently positioned near all of the most sought-after Los Angeles attractions, the SLS Hotel has a whopping 15 event venues. Rooms can hold up to 400 guests. They can even work with you to plan other wedding events, like bachelorette parties and showers, making this one of the most versatile wedding venues in California.
Modern elegance is alive and well at Mr. C, one of the wedding venues in California that has a room with 360-degree views of the city beyond its walls. Aside from the Starlight Ballroom, there’s also the Garden and Yacht Club Pool Deck for outdoor ceremonies.
One of the wedding venues in California that’s steeped in history is The Beverly Hills Hotel. The pink and green hotel, lovingly called the “Pink Palace,” has been around for an impressive 110 years. There are ballrooms, a garden wedding venue, and you can even rent out the private dining room at the celeb-favorite Polo Lounge for more intimate gatherings.
If you’re looking for the best beach wedding venues in California, Shutters on the Beach has to be on your short list. Just steps away from the Santa Monica Pier, this is a seriously iconic spot for outdoor weddings. Chairs are set up so that your first kiss has a clear view of the Pacific Ocean, and there are several reception areas to boot.
Just next door is Hotel Casa Del Mar, which started out as a private beach club in the 1920s. Today, it’s known for its opulent staircase (a perfect couples portrait location), ballroom, and other terraces and rooms, all of which make it one of the very best oceanfront wedding venues in California.
As the name suggests, this boutique hotel is in this popular Los Angeles marina, and overlooks a cove called Mother’s Beach. Marriott’s wedding team can help you organize an event on the rooftop for ocean views as far as the eye can see, or in a super-chic ballroom in the hotel.
Heading up to the hills of Palos Verdes, La Venta Inn promises two essential things: Spanish villa architecture and the most perfect view of Los Angeles and the Pacific Ocean. It was the very first structure built on the Palos Verdes Peninsula (back in 1923!), and you'll be amazed by the courtyard's flowing fountain and the flourishing gardens.
Guaranteeing 270-degree views of the Pacific, Terranea is an elevated getaway on the bluffs of the Palos Verdes Peninsula. There are three main ballrooms, and the largest one—the Palos Verdes Grand Ballroom—was made for big weddings: It can seat up to 900 guests.
If you drive away from the coast, you’ll eventually reach the California desert. Most notably, Joshua Tree National Park is truly where boho weddings thrive. The rocky terrain is known for the iconic Joshua trees, of course, as well as cacti and sunflowers. And while it’s one of the most sought-after wedding venues in California, it comes with some logistical challenges. You’ll need a permit, and there are specific no-nos, like throwing confetti or candles to the site.
Make no mistake, this garden oasis is in the middle of the desert. The O’Donnell House is a restored estate on a mountainside in Palm Springs with bougainvilleas blooming everywhere you look. Plus, the connected Willows Historic Palm Springs Inn can host your guests for easy transportation when your celebration comes to a close.
Clay tile roofs and bungalows on this property give the Avalon a romantic, secluded feel for your wedding day. Larger affairs are held in the outdoor Regency Courtyard, and it’s popular for guests to head over to the renowned Presidio Pool for the reception.
Modern luxury, bold pops of color, and nature all come together at the Parker. The retro exterior wall at the entrance is all you need for the most iconic couples portrait (this is your Instagram moment!), and the herb gardens will make you feel like you’re in a completely different part of the world.
Golf course wedding venues in California are all over the desert too. For the most exclusive event, this private golf club can also host members’ weddings. You can seat your guests right on the golf course, and they’ll immediately take in the mountainous backdrop beyond.
More than 40 pools, an award-winning spa, and five golf courses are just a few of the features on this 45-acre property. It sort of feels like its own little town, and there are so many things to do, you’ll never need (or want!) to leave. Fun fact: Bachelorette fans might recognize it as the place where Clare Crawley and Tayshia Adams found love on reality TV.
Southwest of the desert is the Temecula Valley, which has made a name for itself because of its vineyards. One of the most unique, Tuscan-style wedding venues in California is Lorimar Vineyards and Winery. There, you’ll find stunning citrus groves, vines, ceremony lawns, and indoor areas that showcase the rustic elegance of the venue.
Just before the Balboa Peninsula, the newly-constructed Lido House welcomes guests with seaside-chic exteriors and interiors. There are outdoor venue options for alfresco celebrations, and the 3,000-square-foot Boathouse Ballroom provides a beach house aesthetic you’ll absolutely adore.
Prominently perched on the hillside, this resort is one of the best California wedding venues for, well, all the reasons. The tiled gazebo is a permanent fixture and can be decorated in any way you’d like, and with 504 acres there are plenty of spaces to host your reception.
We need to talk about the palm tree-lined lawn at this hotel. The sun will shine on you and your guests during the ceremony, and as it goes down, you can add some sparkle by hanging strings of twinkle lights over the reception setup. It’s also close to the popular Irvine Spectrum Center, just in case you need to do some last-minute shopping!
Oceanfront wedding venues in California are among the most popular options, and the Montage is in a class of its own. Take couples portraits with your toes in the sand, and see the waves crashing while you exchange vows on the Oceanfront Event Lawns (there are three in total!).
For an almost mirrored backdrop of the Montage ceremony setup, the Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel’s The Bluff location was made for seaside romance. Since it’s on a blufftop, you can see all of Laguna Beach’s coastline—and that’s just one of their many outdoor venues with ocean views.
Joining the ranks of magical Spanish Colonial Revival wedding venues in California, Casa Romantica is a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization, and it was once home to Ole Hanson, the founder of the city of San Clemente. A hub for music and art, this center is also covered in greenery and flowers.
There are few wedding venues in California that are as historic as the Mission San Juan Capistrano. The Spanish mission was founded in 1776 and now has a chapel, museum, and gardens on the property. Its nextdoor neighbor is a luxury inn, where you can host ceremonies and receptions in one of their Spanish-style indoor or outdoor event spaces.
Take in the coastline during a wedding weekend at one of the top wedding venues in California: The Westin Carlsbad. You can find everything from lawn games to an upscale ballroom at this hotel that’s just down the road from Carlsbad State Beach.
Moving along the Pacific Coast Highway, we get to the Southern California wedding venues in the San Diego area. This golf resort offers gardens, terraces, and other spots to host your big day. Most notably, the Palm Court area has palm trees flanking timeless ceremony setups.
There’s just something about a botanic garden wedding, and San Diego’s is one of those top-notch wedding venues in California. There are 15 gardens with plants (more than 300 types!) found all over the world, creating the most special oasis for your big day.
Like many of the very best California wedding venues, the Spanish-influenced architecture brings all the coastal charm you need for the most idyllic day. More than anything, it looks like a palace, and the 400-acre property is great for the grandest or most intimate gatherings.
You’ll almost feel like you’re on the other side of the state at The Lodge at Torrey Pines. It has the coastal appeal of most of the popular wedding venues in California, plus the added bonus of Craftsman architecture and panoramic views of the world-famous Torrey Pines Golf Course.
Colorful tiled steps, Spanish influences, and even some cacti create this extraordinary location for weddings. To help couples through the planning process, they also offer an extensive list of pre-vetted, preferred vendors to choose from.
Wedding venues in California are special for locals and visitors alike. Particularly fit for couples who want an outdoor experience, preferably with waves crashing nearby, these locations are all about sharing your love in the most natural setting possible. And while the state is known for its year-round sunny skies, there are some aspects to consider while doing your research on wedding venues in California.
The shores of San Diego, sandy deserts of Palm Springs, and the redwoods near wedding venues Northern California residents and visitors love…all of these natural elements accent the most striking and special wedding venues in California. Honestly, it’s such a large state, and there are so many venues within it, so you and your partner should first decide on which general area you love most. Wedding venues in California are north to south, and east to west, and it’s inevitable that you’ll land on the one that matches your overall vision.
This list comprises some of our favorites, but there are near-countless wedding venues in California that you and your partner are bound to fall in love with. Through the planning process, a California wedding planner can work with you to build a local vendor team who is equipped to set up West Coast wonderland.
After all that talk about California love, we’re in serious need of a beach day. Hey Siri, play, “California Dreamin’” by The Beach Boys!
