Affordable Wedding Venues in Santa Monica

How to Choose an Affordable Wedding Venue in Santa Monica, California

If you’re picturing your wedding day among sandy beaches, iconic piers, and upscale venues, Santa Monica in California is a great choice. Located just west of Los Angeles, Santa Monica has a variety of wedding venues, which often are pretty pricey but can be really affordable if you know what factors to consider. Thus, we’ve prepared this guide to help you understand what to pay attention to when looking for an affordable wedding venue in this part of California.

Budget: First things first. Extravagant venues like the luxurious Casa Del Mar offering packages can run between $20,000 and $50,000 or even more, especially during the peak season. If you’re looking for budget-friendly options, the prices are likely to start at around $5,000 for a beach ceremony. So if your budget is a bit tight, and you’re okay to pay around $10,000 for your wedding venue, check out spaces such as Santa Monica’s Annenberg Community Beach House. 

High/Low Seasons: The peak season for wedding celebrations in Santa Monica starts in late spring and continues until early fall. The main reason for this is that that’s the time of the year when the skies are almost always clear and the temperatures are mild. If you’re thinking of exchanging vows at popular venues like Shutters on the Beach or the Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows at that time of the year, book your dream venue well in advance.

Visit in Person: To fully feel the place and understand what it has to offer, schedule a few visits to your potential wedding venues. You must experience the ocean breeze at venues like Palisades Park or the sunset views from a rooftop venue like The Huntley Hotel to understand if that place truly reflects your vision. When you visit a venue, pay attention to other practical details. For example, some venues may have strict noise restrictions or parking limitations that you can only grasp by being there in person.

Guest List: If you’re planning an intimate celebration with 50 guests or fewer, how about a cozy rooftop space at The Proper Hotel or a beachfront ceremony at Palisades Park? If you’re dreaming of a big celebration and need a space that can accommodate 150 or 200 guests, consider venues with expansive banquet rooms and outdoor spaces. A good example of such a venue could be the Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows.

Aesthetics: Generally speaking, affordable wedding venues in Santa Monica come with a beautiful blend of sophistication and coastal charm. If you’re into modern aesthetics and want to celebrate in a venue that provides sleek design and panoramic views of the Pacific, research wedding locations like The Huntley Hotel. If a more traditional setting is on your mind, and you picture elegant ballrooms with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the ocean, we recommend checking out what wedding spots like Casa Del Mar have to offer. 

Local Vendors: Santa Monica is close to Los Angeles, which guarantees easy access to some of the best vendors in Southern California. Local caterers specialize in organic, farm-to-table menus, florists such as Mulberry & Moss create stunning beach-inspired arrangements, and photographers know hidden places for the best pictures in the region. Besides, many venues offer in-house vendors or preferred vendor lists, which can significantly simplify the process. If that’s what you’re looking for, consider venues like Shutters on the Beach and the Fairmont Miramar Hotel.

Weather Considerations: Santa Monica has a Mediterranean climate, which means mild temperatures year-round. However, marine layer fog is pretty common in the mornings, especially in late spring and early summer. That being said, if you’re planning an outdoor ceremony at a venue like Palisades Park or somewhere on the beach, we suggest scheduling your party for the afternoon to avoid potential fog.

The Vibe: If you want a blend of elegance and relaxation on your big day, Santa Monica is a great place to exchange vows. Known for its eclectic mix of beach culture and upscale dining, the city carries a unique atmosphere that surely stands out from other wedding locations in Southern California like Newport Beach, which are preferred by couples looking for traditional luxury. By hosting your wedding in Santa Monica, you’ll offer your guests a perfect mix of scenic beauty and urban convenience and create a truly unforgettable celebration.