Affordable Wedding Venues in San Bernardino County

How to Choose an Affordable Wedding Venue in San Bernardino County, California

San Bernardino County, California, is home to a variety of settings – from the mountain charm of Big Bear Lake to the desert elegance of Joshua Tree. If you’re looking for ways to combine breathtaking scenery with budget-friendly venues, San Bernardino County is definitely one of the best possible options out there. Since San Bernardino is a pretty expansive county in Southern California, finding an affordable wedding spot might not be that easy. That’s why we’ve prepared this guide to let you know what to pay attention to when planning an affordable wedding in this part of California. 

Budget: San Bernardino County offers quite a bunch of affordable venue options. For example, did you know that you can book a scenic wedding at Crestline’s Lake Gregory for a fraction of what you’d normally pay for a similar lakeside venue in Malibu? Furthermore, many community centers, such as the ones in Redlands or Rancho Cucamonga, offer rental spaces at much lower prices. Last but not least, some rural towns like Yucaipa have ranches and farms that offer very reasonably priced all-inclusive packages, helping couples save a penny or two by bundling catering, rentals, and other essentials.

High/Low Seasons: The most popular times to exchange vows in San Bernardino County are spring and fall. Unfortunately, high demand during these times also means higher prices, making it harder to secure budget-friendly options. That being said, we recommend considering winter or summer weddings if you want better deals regarding pricing and availability. Here, we can say one thing – even if you plan your wedding ceremony during the off-peak seasons, you’ll still have a chance to enjoy the county’s stunning landscapes.

Visit in Person: Wedding spots in San Bernardino County vary greatly in style and amenities, so seeing them firsthand ensures there are no surprises. For example, an outdoor venue in Joshua Tree may look gorgeous on the internet but could lack some essential amenities such as shaded areas or on-site restrooms, which would increase your overall costs as you’d need to order them separately.

Guest List: If you’re not expecting a lot of guests and prefer intimate weddings, research smaller venues such as rustic inns in Lake Arrowhead or wineries in Highland. If you’re planning a larger event and need a space that can accommodate big crowds without the high price tags of larger metropolitan venues, take a look at what the National Orange Show Event Center in San Bernardino or outdoor ranches in Phelan can offer. 

Aesthetics: San Bernardino County offers diverse aesthetics: rustic ranches, cozy mountain lodges, sleek event spaces, scenic desert venues – to name a few… If you’re drawn by rustic vibes and beautiful outdoor settings boasting vintage décor and natural themes, how about celebrating in venues like Whispering Oaks in Yucaipa or barns in Oak Glen? In contrast, if you like modern aesthetics and industrial-chic atmospheres, research urban spaces like the Mitten Building in Redlands.

Local Vendors: San Bernardino County has much more affordable wedding services compared to fancy markets like Los Angeles or San Diego. For example, many venues in Redlands, Rancho Cucamonga, and Big Bear work closely with preferred vendors, which often leads to cost-saving deals. Moreover, photographers, florists, and caterers from the Inland Empire usually have much more competitive rates than vendors from metropolitan areas.

Weather Considerations: The diverse geography of San Bernardino County means the weather can vary significantly depending on where your venue is located. Mountain areas like Lake Arrowhead and Big Bear have cool temperatures, even in summer, so they’re pretty ideal for outdoor weddings. In contrast, valley areas such as San Bernardino and Colton tend to become very hot during the summer months, which will require additional costs for tents or fans if you’re thinking of celebrating outdoors.

The Vibe: Unlike the high-energy atmosphere of wedding locations in Los Angeles, weddings in San Bernardino County often feel more intimate and connected to nature. If you’re dreaming of a cozy mountain lodge with a relaxed and romantic atmosphere, check out wedding spots around Big Bear Lake. If you prefer some vintage charm with historic buildings and citrus groves, consider venues in Redlands. Whichever you decide to pick, we know that your San Bernardino County wedding will be not only memorable but also very affordable.