Wedding Venues in Bakersfield

How to Choose a Wedding Venue Location in Bakersfield, California

Located in the heart of California’s Central Valley, Bakersfield has a distinctive mix of rustic charm and urban convenience. Couples looking for a perfect place to get married often choose Bakersfield for its vineyards, sprawling ranches, and picturesque landscapes. If you’re one of these couples, let us tell you what to consider when planning a wedding in this beautiful part of California. 

Budget: One of the main advantages of choosing a wedding venue in Bakersfield is affordable pricing, which contrasts greatly with what wedding locations in nearby cities like Santa Barbara or Los Angeles offer. You’ll definitely find that the cost per guest tends to be lower here. Besides, many venues include additional services such as catering or decorations in their packages, which helps you save a penny or two. A good example of such a venue could be JEH Ranch or The Gardens at Monji.

High/Low Seasons: The peak wedding season in Bakersfield starts in late spring and continues until early fall. However, summer might get quite hot, so pick a wedding spot accordingly if you're planning an outdoor event during that time of the year. Venues such as Luigi’s Warehouse or The Historic Bakersfield Fox Theater are ideal for summer celebrations as they offer air-conditioned indoor spaces. The low season, which starts in late fall and continues until early spring, tends to be more affordable as venues reduce their rates quite significantly. 

Visit in Person: Online galleries are great but you must schedule a few visits to potential wedding locations if you really want to understand what a venue can offer. This is particularly true when talking about Bakersfield wedding venues as the landscape in this area is really diverse – from the rolling hills of Hart Park to the urban charm of downtown. Additionally, seeing the venue in person will help you understand other aspects like parking availability and accommodation options for out-of-town guests.

Guest List: If you’re hosting a small wedding and need a cozy, elegant setting for close family and friends, how about venues like The Woman’s Club of Bakersfield? For larger events featuring bigger guest lists, we recommend checking out venues such as Stockdale Country Club or The Links at RiverLakes Ranch. 

Aesthetics: In general, the aesthetics of wedding venues in Bakersfield vary from rustic ranches to modern, chic spaces. If you’re dreaming of a wedding location that has a country atmosphere and captures the rustic, agricultural charm of the region, check out venues like Seven Oaks Ranch or Holland Park West. If you prefer a more urban or sophisticated vibe, how about researching downtown venues such as The Westchester or The Fox Theater?

Local Vendors: Bakersfield boasts a strong community of local vendors who have years of experience in organizing weddings in the Central Valley. Plus, if you compare local vendors in Bakersfield with those working in Los Angeles or Santa Barbara, you’ll be pleased to discover that Bakersfield vendors typically offer more competitive pricing. Local photographers here are particularly praised! They are familiar with venues like The Barn at Orange Blossom Acres or The Gardens at Mill Creek and can expertly capture the essence of Bakersfield’s unique landscapes and lighting.

Weather Considerations: Fall and spring are ideal for outdoor weddings. That’s the time of the year that has comfortable temperatures and clear skies. Summer is the hottest time of the year in Bakersfield, with temperatures reaching over 100°F. If you’re planning to get married in summer, it’s advisable to book an indoor venue or an outdoor location that offers shade and cooling options. Winters in Bakersfield are relatively mild, but it's still a good idea to have a backup plan in case of rain, particularly if you’re organizing an outdoor event.

The Vibe: The atmosphere in Bakersfield is less formal than that in metropolitan areas like Los Angeles. Whether you’re dreaming of a formal black-tie affair at The Padre Hotel or a laid-back country-style wedding at a family-owned ranch, one thing is clear – your wedding celebration will have some relaxed charm and a touch of rustic elegance. Wide-open spaces, agricultural history, and a welcoming community make Bakersfield a truly unique and very pleasant place to have a wedding celebration.