There’s so much to explore and discover in California. There’s wine country. There’s Hollywood. There’s beautiful beaches and some of the best routes to drive with the top down. It’s a place with the location versatility to offer up nearly any kind of scenery for its brides and grooms to take advantage of. And that’s why there are so many wedding venues to sift through when planning your I Do’s within the Sunshine State.
We’ve sifted through some of the best of the best and created this quick list. It includes 8 of California’s most gorgeous (and sought after) wedding venues with all the must-know knowledge you need to help narrow down your decision.
Hotel Casa del Mar, Santa Monica
This luxury hotel will make you – and your guests – feel as though you’ve stepped right onto the Mediterranean coast. Inspired by Grecian villas, its architecture speaks to the souls of those looking for a destination wedding but with all the benefits of Cali. There’s an ocean view and Santa Monica brings in spectacular year round weather with its winter temperatures only dipping to the 50’s.
Some of the most picturesque opportunities can happen at this venue. Not only will you get some beachside shots of your wedding party and the Pacific coast, but there’s a grand staircase and ballrooms with two-story high ceilings for you to venture through. There’s a punch of glamour within every nook or cranny of the venue making it a beautiful blend of both California style and Victorian presence.
*They also offer bridal suites and a variety of menus to help with catering choices.
Hotel Casa del Mar, Santa Monica
- Location: 1910 Ocean Way, Santa Monica, CA 90405
- Contact: 310-587-1705 or 844-880-1077 or Request a Proposal
- Price Info: Starting at $12, 685 for 50 guests
- Additional Info: Free E-Brochere here
The Parker Palm Springs
There’s no event that doesn’t fit at Parker Palm Springs and they know it. In fact, one of their mottos is: “A last minute elopement; the afternoon traditional that finally ends the long engagement; or the third time around, black tie and evening dress soiree – we love ‘le mariage’”.
This venue includes a luxurious estate nestled on 13 lush acres and includes a spa, a yacht club, 12 villas, 131 rooms and all the amenities one could dream of having at their fingertips. For couples that want a swanky, modern feel to their big day, this is the place to park the party. Between the rich greenery sewn throughout the property and the contemporary nods, it holds true to the wedding world’s vision of timelessness.
*Palm Springs does have some of the higher temperatures throughout the warmer months than other parts of California so keep that in mind when planning your date.
The Parker Palm Springs
- Location: 4200 E Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92264
- Contact: 760-770-5000
- Price Info: Avg. base price is $44k for 125-person guest list & 5-hour reception
- Additional Info: Submit your wedding plan details here to request more information
Ace Hotel, Los Angeles
If you’re in the market for eclecticism and ornate style, Ace Hotel has exactly what your envisioning. There are several remarkable areas to celebrate throughout the venue including a 1,600-seat cathedral and fully-restored 1920’s, Gothic-style theatre that includes a grand lobby and balcony.
There’s a rooftop bar and Best Girl, one of the neighborhood’s catering services, at their fingertips too. Experience the magic of LA all around and within this remarkable property.
*This space is also known for its expert customer service making one of the most important moments of one’s life even more of an incredible experience.
Ace Hotel
- Location: 929 S Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90015
- Contact: 213-623-3233
- Price Info: Starting price at $1,500
- Additional Info: Event Venue Details & Elopement Package Flyer (PDF)
The Surfrider Malibu
The Surfrider Malibu found a home right across the way from the famous Surfride Beach and nestled right on the scenic Pacific Coast Highways, making photo-ops aplenty. This space may be on the smaller side in comparison to others on the list, but it’s a breathtaking space for those that like a warmer, more welcoming appeal. Our bohemian-loving couples will embrace its natural styles and nod to the seaside life.
Offering up the luxury of our bigger branch hotels, this boutique property is designed with coastal living in mind. It’s a beautiful escape for first-time weddings but also vow renewals and second celebrations as well.
*Keep in mind that their capacity hits around the 75 count mark.
The Surfrider Malibu
- Location: 23033 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA 90265
- Contact: 310-526-6158 or Info@TheSurfRiderMalibu.com
- Price Info: Events@TheSurfRiderMalibu.com
- Additional Info: Full list of venue features here
Meadowood Napa Valley
Meadowood is a luxury spa resort located inside Napa Valley. There’s rusticism and comforting charm surrounding the entire perimeter of the venue, but it has the grandiose appeal you want on your wedding day as well. They hold weddings year-round and bring out the best in each season offering timeless, traditional events that still hold strong against the continuous changing of the wedding world and its trends.
Holding up to 450 guests, it’s a nice spot for those that need accommodations for larger events but with the intimacy that is near and dear to wine country. And according to Wedding Wire, Meadowood is one of only thirteen properties in the world to earn the prestigious Forbes Triple Five-Star award in 2018 and the only one in Northern California.
*There are customized spa experiences for the newlyweds and their bridal party.
Meadowood Napa Valley
- Location: 900 Meadowood Ln, St Helena, CA 94574
- Contact: 877-963-3646, weddings@meadowood.com, or Request a Proposal
- Price Info: Approx. $150-$250 per person or check out the 2018 Pricing Sheet
- Additional Info: Bridal Spa Concierge Package
The Biltmore Santa Barbara: Four Seasons Resort
If you want a one-stop-shop in the Cali area, it doesn’t get much better than this Four Seasons Resort. The Biltmore has in-house catering, all-inclusive packages, and stunning rooms for all guests to rest their heads in once the dancing is done. But most importantly, the style of this venue and all its locations in and around the property check off quintessential California-style.
There’s a beautiful blend of coastal living, Spanish influence, and luxurious marked throughout its overall design. It’s also nestled 60 miles north of LA so there’s a more serene appeal for guests looking to get away from the city vibe.
The Biltmore Santa Barbara: Four Seasons Resort
- Location: 1260 Channel Dr, Santa Barbara, CA 93108
- Contact: Plan at 212-758-5700 or Full Contact List Options
- Price Info: Avg. base cost $43K
- Additional Info: 4 Oceanfront Venues, 5 Forest Venues, 1 Beach Venue for a total event space of 1,390 m2 (15,000 sq. ft.).
Adamson House
There’s certain bout of sophistication that Adamson House will bring to your wedding day. Maybe it’s because it’s a working museum or maybe it’s because of its Spanish Colonial Revival architecture or maybe it’s because of the Mediterranean influence on the grounds, whatever the case, it’s one of the most stunning properties on this list.
Keep in mind that winter weddings are a no-go here. They only schedule events from March to November but will include an oceanfront property marked by Sycamore trees throughout the lawn. Events are also held exclusively outdoors.
*It’s important to note that all weddings and special events are reserved through California State Parks.
Adamson House
- Location: 23200 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA 90265
- Contact: 310-457-8144 (Ext. 2) or denise.rogers@parks.ca.gov
- Price Info: Avg. base cost $28K
- Additional Info: More info at CA State Park – Adamson House
Santa Margarita Ranch
Santa Margarita Ranch gives couples another option for gorgeous scenery with a bit of rustic, down-home charm attached. This property is located on over 1,500 acres of pastures, vineyards, and gardens, making it the perfect scene for those that are looking for a more organic design as the backdrop for their big day.
To add to the stunning, picturesque views, there’s a historic barn that can be used as a reception or ceremony site. But to really up the ante, there’s a steam train for guests to enjoy as well. And it’s originally from Disneyland, so a big of magic is instantly infused into the party as well.
Santa Margarita Ranch
- Location: 9000 Yerba Buena Ave, Santa Margarita, CA 93453
- Contact: 805-540-3214 or Request Info
- Price Info: $5,750+
- Additional Info: Wedding Packages & Amenities