Mountain & Mountain View Wedding Venues in California

Choosing a Mountain Wedding Venue Location in California

California is a great location for a mountain wedding. It has a unique blend of natural beauty, serene landscapes, and diverse venues. Each region has something that suits a mountain wedding, let it be the towering redwoods in Northern California or the sun-kissed peaks in Southern California. To ensure your wedding captures the magic of mountains, consider these factors when choosing your mountain wedding venue in California.

Budget: Mountain wedding venues in California can suit a wide range of budgets, depending on the location, season, and amenities. For example, venues in the Sierra Nevada region, like Lake Tahoe, tend to be pricier because of high demand during the peak seasons. On the other hand, the San Bernardino Mountains, located close to Los Angeles, have more affordable options and don’t lack breathtaking views.

High/Low Seasons: The peak season in Northern California is during the summer months. Places like Yosemite and Shasta County will get pretty crowded at that time due to mild weather and lush greenery. Mountain weddings in Southern California are particularly popular during winter. Venues in Big Bear and Idyllwild attract a lot of couples because of their magnificent snowy landscapes.

Visit in Person: Visit potential mountain venues in person to truly capture the atmosphere and scenery those places have to offer. In Northern California, you’re likely to be navigating forested paths and rustic settings to reach your mountain venue. Southern California, especially mountain venues in Santa Barbara or Malibu, is easier to reach due to open ocean views.

Guest List: In Northern California, most mountain venues are quaint bed-and-breakfasts and wineries, ideal for intimate gatherings. For those, check out venues in Napa Valley or Mendocino County. In contrast, hotels and resorts accommodating larger guest lists with ease are more common in Southern California. If that’s your cup of tea, research venues in places like San Diego or Temecula.

Aesthetics: California is a paradise of unique aesthetics. In Northern California, mountain venues tend to highlight majestic redwoods and sweeping vistas. If you don’t trust our words, just check out some in Humboldt County or the Santa Cruz Mountains. In Southern California, mountain venues often boast desert landscapes with Joshua trees and rocky terrains. Google Joshua Tree or Palm Springs if you’re after that.

Local Vendors: If you cooperate with local vendors, it enhances the authenticity of your mountain wedding. Northern California has a large community of caterers and florists based in Sonoma County or along the North Coast. In Southern California, check out local vendors located around Santa Barbara or Ventura County to benefit from renowned vineyards and coastal cuisine.

Weather Considerations: California is home to varied weather conditions. If your mountain wedding is held in venues in Lake Tahoe or the Sierra Nevada in Northern California, expect sudden temperature drops. Mountain venues in Southern California, especially in places like San Luis Obispo or Santa Monica, usually have more consistent weather year-round.

The Vibe: Lastly, consider the vibe or atmosphere you wish your mountain wedding to create. If you’re a nature enthusiast, venues such as those in Marin County or the Sierra foothills in Northern California can be perfect because they offer a serene, rustic vibe. If you’re arranging a laid-back yet elegant wedding, you might want to base yourself in Southern California. Venues in Orange County or the Santa Monica Mountains offer a more relaxed, beachy vibe.