The Best Fresno Wedding Venues & Fresno Wedding Reception Venue

Fresno Wedding Venues:

Everything You Need to Know

It’s no secret that planning a wedding comes with lots of… well, planning! One of the earlier you’ll make in the planning process is where you’ll host your soiree. Fresno, California is a great place for your bash—it’s sometimes referred to as “The Best Little City in the USA” for a reason, after all.

Once you have your location down, it’s time to figure out a few more logistics. What time of year should you host your fete? Which venues should you consider? What attractions are nearby for guests? If you’re currently in the process of planning your Fresno wedding, finding the right inspiration and assistance to answer those questions can feel overwhelming at times. Fortunately, our directory above can provide you with information and help in managing your wedding planning process from start to finish, filled with photos of real-life weddings and the vendors and venues that contributed to those successful events.

This guide will help you manage the various parts of the planning process, from obtaining your marriage license to choosing the best wedding venues in Fresno CA. If you are looking for elegant and affordable Fresno wedding venues, Carats & Cake is a great place to start your search. Read on for more information on finding the best Fresno wedding vendors to help make your big day an impressive success.

What's the best time of year for a Fresno wedding?

When planning your celebration, choosing the right time of year can be an important factor in helping you secure the best wedding venues in Fresno CA for your event. Spring and fall tend to be the most comfortable in terms of temperature. Because the summer is a popular time for tourism in the city, you may be able to better avoid the crowds at popular Fresno wedding venues by opting for a spring, winter, or autumn date.

Holiday weekends, however, are typically among the more challenging times to schedule your big day. Generally, tourists may choose those weekends to visit the city, which can make navigating the area more difficult for your guests and result in more crowded conditions. (At the same time, more of your loved ones may have a three-day weekend in honor of the holiday, so consider the pros and cons for the specific weekend you’re considering.)

No matter when you’re considering booking your wedding venues in Fresno, you can work with your wedding planner to make the celebrations a huge win.

What are the different types of Fresno wedding venues?

For most couples, outdoor wedding venues in Fresno CA offer the best combination of beautiful scenery and flexible scheduling. When selecting your Fresno wedding venues, you can choose from a variety of options to host your soiree. Whether you’re considering wedding venues in Clovis or are planning a micro wedding at a Fresno wedding chapel, knowing the various types of spaces available to you can ensure that your wedding goes as planned. Here are some of the best Fresno wedding venues to consider:

Event spaces: Fresno event spaces typically offer all the amenities and facilities you need for catering and guest must-haves. These Fresno wedding venues often have existing decor that can be supplemented with flowers or additions to create a look that is uniquely your own.
Hotels: Some of the most popular wedding venues in Fresno CA are located in resorts and hotels in the area. If you’re hoping to prioritize convenience when choosing your Fresno wedding venues, a hotel or resort wedding could be right for you.
Restaurants: Private rooms in restaurants are a great location for your wedding reception. If you are planning to marry at a Fresno wedding chapel, for instance, you can pick your favorite restaurant to celebrate afterward with loved ones. This can also make catering your Fresno wedding much simpler for you and your partner.
Ranches and farms: If you are looking for the best outdoor wedding venues in Fresno CA, ranch and farm weddings could be right for you. These wedding venues in Fresno are ideally suited for rustic wedding styles and can allow you to enjoy the great outdoors in a classic, comfortable environment.
Wedding chapels and churches: Booking your wedding at a Fresno wedding chapel or local church might allow you to sidestep some of the scheduling difficulties that may occur at other venues, as well as host a meaningful space to say “I do.” A Fresno wedding chapel is an especially great pick for a smaller celebration.

Once you have narrowed down what types of wedding venues in Fresno you prefer, it helps to consider the different locations you’re picturing for your celebration. This can allow you to find appropriate indoor or outdoor wedding venues in Fresno CA that align with your vision.

What are the different areas of Fresno?

Learning more about the cities in Fresno County is a great way to decide on the best venues for Fresno weddings. Here are some of the most popular locations for wedding venues near Fresno CA:

Fresno is the heart of the Central Valley and offers plenty of opportunities for shopping and exploring. Wedding venues in Fresno encompass outdoor and indoor options, which can make it easier for couples to plan Fresno weddings in this large metropolitan area.
Clovis is commonly referred to as the “Gateway to the Sierras.” Wedding venues in Clovis often feature views of the mountains or rustic themes. Live music is a local specialty and can liven up most wedding venues in Clovis. It’s easy to see why locals call Clovis “a way of life.”
Squaw Valley is a small rural community located near the gates of Kings Canyon Park. Planning a Squaw Valley wedding can allow you to experience the rustic charm of this area. You can also pay a visit to the beautiful Herb Gardens before or after your Squaw Valley wedding. For adventure seekers, the Wonder Valley Ranch Resort is another not-to-be-missed attraction for guests attending a Squaw Valley wedding.
Mendota is a popular option for couples looking for wedding venues near Fresno. The city’s Wildlife Area spans 11,800 acres and creates a beautiful and natural setting for Fresno wedding venues near this area.
San Joaquin offers bucolic charm and an agricultural flavor for celebrations held in this area. If you are looking for rustic Fresno wedding venues, San Joaquin could be the perfect option for you and your partner.
Huron is home to more than 7,000 people. Seasonal workers, however, increase the population by more than 2,000 during the summer and fall months during the area’s long harvest season. This small-town feel has made Huron a popular choice for couples seeking intimate Fresno wedding venues.

Other nearby areas to consider include Coalinga, Firebaugh, Fowler, and others. Whether you are planning a Squaw Valley wedding, looking for outdoor wedding venues in Clovis, or looking for popular wedding venues in Fresno CA, we can help you locate the best wedding venues in Fresno for your budget and your overall wedding theme.

How much does a wedding cost in Fresno?

In general, the cost of weddings in California averages about $26,000. This can vary widely by location, however. For example, the average wedding cost was nearly $40,000 in nearby San Francisco in 2017. Fresno wedding venues are generally more affordable than those in San Francisco and other major metropolitan areas. This has increased the popularity of Fresno County venues among couples.

The cost of Fresno weddings, however, does not only affect the happy couple. One study from 2017, for example, found that guests pay about $1,000 per wedding they attend. Making sure your guests are happy with the arrangements can ensure that everyone who attends your special day has the best possible time celebrating you and your spouse-to-be.

Fresno wedding venues and catering costs typically represent the lion's share of expenses related to your big day. In recent years, however, supply chain issues have resulted in a significant increase in costs for wedding necessities like hotels, flowers, and food. Planning for a smaller guest list or getting married on a weekday can help lower costs that come with your celebration.

How do you find Fresno wedding vendors?

Once you’ve landed on your favorite wedding venues in Fresno CA for your ceremony and reception, it’s time to consider which vendors you’d like to help assemble all the various parts of your big day.

Something to keep in mind: Some Fresno wedding venues may already have pre-organized arrangements with vendors in the area. If you have a specific Fresno wedding photographer in mind, for instance, or are hoping to work with a particular caterer, you may want to check with your venue to make sure that your chosen vendors can participate in your wedding day plans.

Fresno wedding planners: Finding the right Fresno wedding planner is often the first step toward creating an unforgettable event. Fresno wedding planners often provide start-to-finish assistance in selecting the right vendors for your team. Your Fresno wedding planner can also help you with recommendations on the best Fresno wedding venues, decor, music, and more, making the whole process a lot easier for you and your partner.
Catering for your Fresno wedding: Wedding catering companies generally offer packages that can be priced per plate or per guest. It’s a good idea to check with your Fresno wedding venues to make sure that your caterer will have the space they need on your big day, whether that be a space to cook or ample room to set up a buffet-style serving area.
Fresno wedding cakes: Fresno wedding cakes are typically designed and baked by specialty bakers, and are often a huge focal point at receptions. Your planner can help you find a local bakery that can create a cake that checks off everything on your wishlist, from style to size to flavor. (Pro tip: If you want pictures of your cake before it’s cut, make sure you let your Fresno wedding photographer know well in advance of the cake-cutting ceremony.)
Fresno wedding photographers: Your Fresno wedding photographer is responsible for capturing all the little moments that will make your soiree special and unique. Choosing the right Fresno wedding photographers and videographers can allow you to create lasting memories in photo or video form to share with your partner, as well as your friends and family members for years to come.
Fresno wedding DJ: The right music is essential for giving your reception the right energy. In many cases, your planner can suggest a Fresno wedding DJ who aligns with your vision and musical preferences. The right Fresno wedding DJ will inspire everyone to get on the dance floor and party. (Can we score an invite?)
Flowers for Fresno weddings: Your Fresno wedding planners can help you find florists who suit your celebration’s theme and can provide the right florals to complement your event. Florals and greenery can transform your Fresno wedding venues, which makes them a must-have for many celebrations.

Once you’ve chosen your Fresno wedding venues and vendors, you can update your wedding website with the latest information for guests. This helps you maintain clear and open lines of communication with your guests so that everyone is aligned on your celebration’s itinerary and all the details that come with it. Your website can also provide the latest information on any details about your Fresno wedding venues, such as the best way to get there or information on when a group shuttle might be leaving. What’s more, your site is a great place to let loved ones know about all the fun things to do in Fresno County to make their trip even more pleasant and productive.

What are some things for guests to do in Fresno?

Adding a list of the most popular activities and attractions in Fresno can be a great way to help your guests have the best possible experience when attending your wedding. Sharing information on what to do in Fresno is best reserved for an insert card into your printed wedding invitation suite or as part of your wedding website.

Some of the most popular attractions in the Fresno area include:

The Shinzen Friendship Garden in Woodward Regional Park is a Japanese garden brimming with serene beauty and history. Hiking and biking are also popular activities in Woodward Park, which is located in the Central Valley and offers beautiful views of the San Joaquin River and other natural vistas.
The Fresno Art Museum has a breathtaking selection of sculptures, prints, and paintings that satisfy almost any artistic tastes. With more than 3,600 works of art on display, there is something for everyone at this elegant museum.
The Fresno Chaffee Zoo is responsible for the care of hundreds of different species, including elephants, giraffes, cheetahs, and sea lions. For younger guests or those young at heart, the Valley Farm Petting Zoo is a popular stop in this Fresno attraction.
A tour through the Forestiere Underground Gardens will allow you or your guests to view an underground oasis of grottos, patios, and more, providing an awe-inspiring experience. This marvel of engineering was created by Baldasare Forestiere, a Sicilian immigrant who came to the U.S. in the early 1900s, over the span of 40 years. All this and more makes it a destination definitely worth visiting.
For guests with smaller children, the Discovery Center offers hands-on experiences and opportunities for learning about science. Outdoor attractions at the Discovery Center include a tortoise habitat, a sprawling cactus garden, green spaces, and more. These exhibits and activities make the Discovery Center an especially popular option for families.
If you have scheduled your Fresno wedding for February or March, planning a trip to drive along the Fresno Blossom Trail allows you to witness the beauty of nature in a serene and picturesque setting. Your guests will love seeing the Insta-worthy apricot, peach, citrus, and apple blossoms that bloom around this time and that shed their petals along the trail.

Sharing these attractions and activities located near your Fresno wedding venue with guests can allow them to enjoy themselves while taking part in your wedding to the fullest extent possible.

How do you get to Fresno?

Air travel to Fresno typically goes through either the Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT) or the Visalia Municipal Airport (VIS). FAT serves about two million passengers per year and offers international flights to and from Mexico.

VIS is a much smaller center for air travel. For those arriving from other areas of California, however, VIS is a great option for private planes and charter flights. In most cases, however, the commercial flights that carry guests to Fresno wedding venues land at FAT, not VIS.

Whether you need help in locating the right Fresno wedding venues or inspiration for the perfect photographer for your special day, you can find help and inspiration on the Carats & Cake directory.