Historic Wedding Venues in California

Choosing a Historic Wedding Venue Location in California

California is rich in history and culture, so you’ll discover a myriad of historic wedding venues here. Grand estates, mission-style buildings, charming vintage hotels – these are just a few examples of what kind of historic wedding venues in California you can find. Let’s analyze the most important factors to consider when organizing a wedding in a historic venue in the Golden State. 

Budget: Historic venues in popular cities are pricier due to high demand and their iconic status. For example, a historic mansion in San Francisco is likely to cost you somewhere in the region of $5,000. If you want a very luxurious venue, you should be planning to spend no less than $15,000. So plan a bit more money if you’re thinking of exchanging vows in cities like San Francisco or Los Angeles. Similar venues in smaller cities like Fresno will cost significantly less.

High/Low Seasons: In California, the high season for weddings is usually from late spring to early fall, but peak months differ depending on the season. In the south of California, couples rush to book historic venues in cities like Santa Barbara and Los Angeles during the summer months, which results in higher prices. In contrast, Northern California is busier during the late summer and early fall. Then, the weather is more temperate, so historic venues in locations such as Napa Valley and Monterey should be booked well in advance. 

Visit in Person: Online tours can’t capture the magnificence that historic venues have so planning a couple of in-person visits to potential venues is a must. For instance, the Mission Inn Hotel in Riverside will offer a totally different view in comparison to the Hearst Castle in San Simeon. As a result, we recommend you visit both to do justice to the places. If you visit in person, you’re more likely to discover unique features of a location such as hidden gardens or vintage decor, which may not be that evident in photos. 

Guest List: If you want to celebrate big and you need a larger historic venue that could accommodate several hundred guests, research venues with grand ballrooms and extensive facilities, just like the Millennium Biltmore Hotel in Los Angeles. If you’re thinking of a more intimate gathering, why not looking for some quaint historic inns in Carmel-by-the-Sea? Don’t forget to consider the availability of nearby accommodations for guests coming from far away, especially if you’re basing yourself in more remote or rural historic sites.

Aesthetics: Each venue has its own unique charm and historical significance. Spanish Colonial Revival architecture can be discovered in venues like the Casa de la Guerra in Santa Barbara. Victorian elegance is best preserved in historic venues like the Winchester Mystery House in San Jose. Whichever you choose, make sure that the aesthetics of your historic wedding venue align with the overall atmosphere of your event.

Local Vendors: Partner up with local vendors to ease the wedding planning process and bring a sense of authenticity to your celebration. Besides, local vendors understand the unique requirements and restrictions of historic venues in the region, so if you partner up with some, it’ll guarantee a smoother, more seamless wedding day. Vendors in metropolitan areas like Los Angeles or San Francisco are known for their expertise in historic weddings. Vendors in smaller towns like Sonoma or Paso Robles are particularly praised for giving a more personalized touch to wedding celebrations. 

Weather Considerations: Historic venues might have some specific preservation requirements, so don’t ignore the weather aspect when planning your celebration. Southern California has mild, sunny weather most of the year, so outdoor ceremonies at historic sites in cities like San Diego and Los Angeles are popular there all the time. In the north, however, cooler temperatures and the possibility of rain, particularly in the winter months, are common. Therefore, look for venues with indoor spaces if you’re thinking of celebrating in San Francisco or Napa Valley.

The Vibe: Chic, sophisticated events can be well organized in places like Los Angeles because historic venues like the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel come with a glamorous, old-Hollywood vibe. If you want to fill your day with some rustic, wine-country charm, you may want to check out the Sonoma Mission Inn, which is ideal for relaxed, romantic weddings. Each venue has distinct characteristics and historical significance, so pick the one that best matches your vision.