Choosing a wedding venue can be confusing and time-consuming. Since a wedding venue is typically the largest expense for a wedding, having a plan in mind is essential.

There are so many considerations to make, the most important being the capacity of guests a wedding venue can host, the location, the amenities included, and the affordability of a wedding venue. With so many wedding venues to choose from in California, it can be hard to know where to start. 

Whether you prefer indoor or outdoor weddings, this list of 6 beautiful California wedding venues should provide you with many options to consider and hopefully bring you one step closer to deciding where to get married.

Before even researching venues, I would suggest having a few things in mind:

1.    Your Budget range: You can calculate this either by how much per guest you plan to spend or the lump sum that you’re allocating to a venue. 

2.    Guest count: How many guests are you having in total for the ceremony and reception? If you’re having a larger ceremony, but keeping the reception list shorter, you might consider having two separate venue spaces. 

3.    Ceremony/reception needs: You can understand your needs by thinking about what activities there will be. If your wedding is taking place during a time when there is a chance of rain, does your venue have a rain plan?

4.    Whether or not you’d like a venue that offers an all-inclusive package (which means that other services are also included such as catering, entertainment, a dj, or day of coordinator)

5.    Reviews and recommendations from couples that have previously used the space.

To learn more about how to choose a wedding venue, you can check out this article from Martha Weddings and How to Choose a Wedding Venue (No Really), from A Practical Wedding.

After having a clear idea in mind about these different factors in choosing a wedding venue, it’s time for the fun part, picking a venue! Here are 6 diverse wedding venues throughout California that are romantic and simply beautiful spaces to get married.

The Estate on Second (Orange County) 

The Estate on Second is a newer kid on the block in terms of offering hospitality services, but the building has had its historic roots in downtown Santa Ana for some time. The grand ballroom features high ceilings and a wide open space with windows that allow ambient light to flow in. The venue also has other spaces available to host smaller gatherings and provides catering services.

Huntington Library and Gardens (San Gabriel Valley)

One of my personal venue favorites, the Huntington Library and Garden is an expanse of land previously privately owned by Henry E. Huntington. The history behind this place is worth learning about which you can do so in their visitor center. There is an incredible collection of gardens and art, with one of my favorites being the cacti garden (of course). It is also home to the Japanese Garden where Memoirs of a Geisha was filmed. This venue is great for those who appreciate nature and are hosting an outdoor wedding. I would recommend visiting the library and gardens even aside from considering it as a wedding venue.

Ardenwood Historic Farm (Norcal)

Ardenwood Historic Farm is the cutest and very fairytale-esque venue, where there are actual sheep and goats! This historic landmark features the Victorian style Patterson House and has many options for taking breathtaking portrait photos. Take a look at my blog on this Ardenwood Historic Farm Wedding to see for yourself. 

Wayfarers Chapel (Palos Verde) 

This small, glass chapel is right across the street from Abalone Cove and overlooking the ocean. The chapel is nestled up on the top of a small hill and surrounded by tall trees. This venue is perfect for those with 100 guests or under, and who only need the space for a ceremony and photos. 

Green Gables Estate (San Marcos)

 If you know me, you know just how much I love Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery. While I’m not entirely sure the venue is inspired by the novel series, the venue certainly looks reminiscent of how Green Gables is described, with lush greenery, whimsical trees, and white wooden fences. The Green Gables venue is part of a set of venues from Trademark Venues that offer several different options (indoor and outdoor) to choose from to host your ceremony. It has a capacity to host larger weddings and offers many additional services at cost.

 Backyard Weddings (Everywhere)

 Another one of my personal favorites, the backyard wedding. I love the intimate feel of a backyard wedding and it is definitely a great way of reducing costs. Since many venues have restrictions and additional costs for services such as setup/cleanup, having a wedding at a backyard venue provides for greater flexibility. It’s an even bigger plus if you have a large enough space in your own home or someone close to you, for the sentimental value. 

Ultimately, wherever you end up choosing to get married is just one decision in the grand scheme of things. Who you’re marrying and those that you celebrate with are the ones who will stir joy in your heart. Hopefully these tips help you find a place to start and options to explore as you decide where to get married and celebrate the start of a new beginning!

I’d love to know, which venue is your favorite? Tell me in the comments below!