Wedding Venues in Santa Clara County

How to Choose a Wedding Venue Location in Santa Clara County, California

Santa Clara County in California is filled with picturesque locations and diverse venue options, so finding the right wedding venue might be pretty challenging. However, there’s no reason to worry! We’ve prepared this guide to help you understand what to consider when planning a wedding in this beautiful county of California.

Budget: Santa Clara is part of the Silicon Valley area, which means that costs here can be higher than in neighboring counties like San Benito or Santa Cruz. Yet, there are options for different budgets. For example, venues like the Mountain Winery in Saratoga or luxurious estates in Los Gatos usually carry a higher price tag due to their exclusive views and amenities. For budget-friendly options, have a look at community halls in San Jose. They offer beautiful settings at a more affordable rate.

High/Low Seasons: The high season for weddings in Santa Clara County, California, runs from late spring to early fall. If you’re thinking of exchanging vows in venues like Villa Montalvo or Hakone Estate and Gardens in Saratoga during that time, book in advance or you might be disappointed to discover that they have no availability anymore. If you want to save money and secure your dream venue without a lot of time in advance, book during the low season, which is winter. Trust us, winter weddings in Santa Clara can be a beautiful and comfortable event compared to the colder and rainier winters in neighboring counties like Alameda.

Visit in Person: No online research or internet galleries can replace the experience of visiting potential wedding venues in person. This is particularly true when talking about Santa Clara as it has a very diverse landscape – from the rolling hills of Morgan Hill to the urban charm of downtown San Jose, just to name a few. So pay a visit to places like Cinnabar Hills Golf Club in San Jose to get a better sense of the sweeping views of the location and understand how they fit into your wedding vision.

Guest List: If you’re planning to invite several hundred guests, you’ll need a larger venue, e.g. the Fairmont San Jose. if your guest list isn’t that long, have a look at intimate spaces like the Picchetti Winery in Cupertino. Santa Clara County is close to major highways and airports, so it’s much more accessible compared to more rural neighboring counties like Santa Cruz.

Aesthetics

If you’re looking for a vintage feel, why don’t you consider the historic charm of Rengstorff House in Mountain View? If you’re feeling more contemporary, we’re sure that the modern architecture of the GlassHouse in San Jose will be perfect for you. Let us finish by saying that in general, rustic barns for weddings are found in the Gilroy area, while elegant estates are usually situated in Los Gatos.

Local Vendors: Santa Clara County has a thriving wedding industry, so you'll have no problem finding experienced photographers, caterers, and DJs to choose from. Besides, many venues have preferred vendor lists, which is a great starting point when trying to make your wedding more authentic by incorporating some local elements into your celebration. For example, florists who regularly work at venues like Villa Ragusa in Campbell know very well the best ways to decorate the space and what blooms are in season. 

Weather Considerations: Santa Clara County has a Mediterranean climate, but the geography of the country is pretty varied, so expect different weather patterns in different locations. For example, venues closer to the coast, typically experience cooler temperatures and fog. This is so true when talking about wedding spots like those in Palo Alto. Inland venues, however, are warmer and drier, which is true when talking about wedding venues in Morgan Hill.

The Vibe: Santa Clara County has a beautiful mix of urban and rural settings, which allows you to choose a venue that resonates with you. If you want some urban energy, research wedding places in downtown San Jose. If you’re thinking of tranquility during your big day, have a look at the vineyard-laden landscapes of South County. Lastly, Clos LaChance Winery in San Martin perfectly suits couples looking for relaxed elegance, while vibrant-energy lovers should consider wedding venues around Levi's Stadium.