Wedding Venues in California

Discover Your Perfect Wedding Venue in California: Popular Locations and Recommendations

Planning to tie the knot in California? Then, you most probably have already noticed that it isn’t that easy to find the right venue here, and the main reason is that California has an extremely wide range of great wedding locations. To help you out, we’ve drafted this guide that lists some of the most popular wedding venues in Southern and Northern California, includes their pros and cons, and shares user experiences. 

Southern California Wedding Venues 

What makes Southern California a popular wedding destination? It’s definitely those beautiful beaches, pleasant weather, and diverse landscapes.

1. Malibu

If you’re searching for breathtaking ocean views, a romantic atmosphere, and a luxurious venue, take a look at what venues Malibu has to offer.

Find it on Breezit:

• Calamigos Ranch: A one-of-a-kind destination with waterfalls and lakes.

• Duke's Malibu: A festive hangout place with ocean views and Hawaiian cuisine.

• The Adamson House: A historic venue overlooking Malibu Pier and featuring gorgeous Mediterranean architecture.

Pros:

• Breathtaking coastal views.

• Variety of venue styles – from elegant palaces to rustic settings.

Cons:

• Considerable costs due to a higher demand.

• Traffic jams during the peak seasons.

2. San Diego

Did you know that San Diego is perfect for outdoor weddings basically all year round? The secret to that is its particularly mild climate and, surely, fascinating beaches. 

Find it on Breezit:

• San Diego Central Library: A banquet hall located minutes from the historic Gaslamp Quarter.

• Tower Beach Club: A venue located right on Mission Bay with amazing ocean views.

• Julep Venue: San Diego’s newest multi-functional event center with a full-service restaurant.

Pros:

• Mild climate is great for outdoor weddings every single day of the year.

• Diverse wedding locations – from oceanfront venues to historic sites.

Cons:

• Crowdedness during the tourist seasons.

• Higher accommodation costs.

3. Orange County

Couples love Orange County for its beautiful beachside venues, vibrant culture, and gorgeous natural locations. It goes without saying that this vibrant area has something to satisfy everybody’s needs.

Find it on Breezit:

• The Ebell of Santa Ana: A historic Spanish revival event venue in the heart of Orange County.

• Vibiana: A charming former cathedral in downtown Los Angeles.

• The Estate on Second: An award-winning, recently renovated venue featuring beautiful Georgian Colonial architecture.

Pros:

• Easy access to different types of locations, e.g. beaches, forests, gardens, etc.

• Availability of family-friendly venues.

Cons:

• Significant differences in costs depending on the location and venue type.

• Heavy traffic.

4. Los Angeles 

Famous for its Hollywood glamor, Los Angeles is home to some of the most beautiful natural spots in the entire state of California.

Find it on Breezit: 

• The Paramour: A premier venue with gorgeous gardens and panoramic views of downtown Los Angeles. 

• Historic Hudson Studios: An industrial venue offering versatile layouts and cutting-edge sound systems.

• The London West Hollywood: A modern rooftop venue perched in the Hollywood Hills, steps away from the legendary Sunset Strip.

Pros: 

• Diversity of venues – from urban spaces to natural spots. 

• Proximity to top-tier entertainment.

Cons: 

• Notoriously complex traffic. 

• Higher venue and vendor costs.

Northern California Wedding Venues

Northern California is as popular among wedding planners as Southern California. If you’re looking for some breathtaking natural beauty, cozy vineyards, and majestic redwoods for your big day, look no further than the below-listed locations in Northern California.

1. Napa Valley

Napa Valley is one of the world’s most famous wine regions with stunning landscapes and exceptional wines. Thus, we strongly recommend exchanging vows in Napa Valley if you’re interested in picturesque vineyards and romantic settings.

Find it on Breezit:

• Charles Krug Winery: The oldest winery in Napa Valley established in 1861.

• Carneros Resort: A luxurious resort surrounded by rolling vineyards.

• Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa: An award-winning hotel located an hour north of San Francisco.

Pros:

• Some of the most scenic vineyards in the world.

• Wine tasting and gourmet catering options.

Cons:

• Higher rental fees during the peak season.

• Very limited availability (advance booking is essential).

2. San Francisco Bay Area

The Bay Area is home to iconic San Francisco. It literally has everything: a world-famous wine country in Sonoma, waterfront towns, golden beaches, and tech-savvy Silicon Valley.

Find it on Breezit:

• The Westin St. Francis on Union Square: A deluxe hotel and wedding venue in downtown San Francisco.

• Fort Mason Center for Arts & Culture: A complex of renovated military buildings offering breathtaking views of the Golden Gate Bridge.

• Camron-Stanford House: A picturesque wedding venue located on the shores of Lake Merritt.

Pros:

• Iconic city views.

• Diversity in venue styles – from modern locations to historic mansions.

Cons:

• High costs due to the prestige of the area.

• Limited parking in urban areas.

3. Lake Tahoe

If you’re thinking of hosting your wedding ceremony outdoors, Lake Tahoe is a great choice. Known for its breathtaking natural beauty, this area has particularly attractive venues for both summer and winter weddings.

Find it on Breezit:

• North Tahoe Event Center: A cozy venue just a few steps from the water’s edge, offering an unsurpassed view of Lake Tahoe.

• Forest House Lodge: A venue with spectacular views nestled in the Sierra Nevada Mountains.

• Tahoe Mountain Club: A barn-style reception hall located against the backdrop of Mt. Rose.

Pros:

• Stunning natural beauty.

• Great for both summer and winter weddings.

Cons:

• Unpredictable weather.

• Pretty difficult travel logistics.

Practical Considerations Before Choosing Your Wedding Venue

Pay attention to the following aspects before making up your mind regarding the perfect spot for your wedding:

1. Budget: Decide how much you’re going to spend for your wedding to narrow down the options. If you’re dreaming of popular venues, plan a pretty generous amount.

2. Seasonality: Check when the busiest time to get married is in your chosen location. For more availability and better deals, think of an off-season celebration.

3. In-Person Visits: Nothing beats visiting your potential wedding venues in person to truly understand their atmosphere and evaluate practical details such as parking availability.

4. Capacity: Make sure your venue has enough space not only for the ceremony but also for additional activities such as dancing or games.

5. Local Vendors: If you want to make your planning process less stressful and bring more authenticity to your celebration, partner with local caterers, florists, and photographers. 

The wedding locations in Southern and Northern California mentioned in this guide are just a few examples of how diverse the Golden State is. If you decide to tie the knot in these locations or somewhere nearby, don’t hesitate to try Breezit. We’re here to make your dream come true. Start your search now!

Breezit User Experiences

"We’re so glad we came across Breezit! It was extremely easy to use the platform to find a wedding venue that perfectly suited our needs." – Sarah & Tom, Breezit users.

"We wanted to get married in Napa Valley. When we saw how many venues there were, we got scared. However, Breezit helped us analyze the options quickly and find our dream venue without a hassle." – Jessica & Mark, Breezit users.