Are you looking for the most unique wedding venues in California, but don't know where to start?
I am a wedding photographer located in Los Angeles, California and if there is one thing I have seen A LOT of, it's wedding venues.
Below I have included my personal favorite wedding venues in California, including several hidden gems! Since I am based in Southern California, please keep in mind that most of these unique California wedding venues are located in SoCal, however, there are still a few amazing Northern California Venues included.
The way I am going to break this down is by wedding venue style
First things first, try to envision what your perfect wedding venue would FEEL or look like ambiance wise.
Do you have your vision in mind? Great!
Now, go ahead and take a look at the ambiance categories below and note the two categories that best reflect what you imagined in the visualization exercise!
- Wedding Venues by the Sea
- Restaurant Wedding Venues (Great for Intimate Weddings or Elopement Receptions)
- Woodsy | Forest Wedding Venues
- Vineyard or Winery Wedding Venues
- Wedding Venues That Transport You to Another Country
- Urban Wedding Venues
- Ranch, Garden, or Outdoorsy Wedding Venues
- Desert Wedding Venues
Once you have decided on which Unique California Wedding Venues best fits what you're looking for, look at the corresponding venues below!
Some venues actually fit into more than one category. If so, you’ll find them in both categories to ensure you don't miss out on any great options!
Click on the name of the wedding venue to be taken to the venue's website.
1. Favorite Unique California Wedding Venues by the SEA
The Adamson House, Malibu
I love this venue so much. It's certainly a unique location for a wedding. It’s a Spanish styled house with moorish influences. It provides really fun and unique architecture along with sweeping sights of the sea. To view a wedding I documented at the Adamson House, click HERE.
Bel-Air-Bay Club, Los Angeles
The Bel-Air-Bay Club is reminiscent of Old Hollywood. It provides beautiful views of the ocean and is great for larger weddings as it hosts up to 600 guests.
Cypress Sea Cove, Malibu
This venue has a seaside cottage quality. It’s charming and includes breathtaking views of the water.
The Lodge at Malibou Lake, Agoura Hills
The Lodge at Malibou Lake is an historic venue in Agoura Hills, Southern California. The venue is hidden in the rustic Santa Monica Mountains, shaded by sycamore and oak trees, and beside a storied private lake.
Rancho Del Cielo, Malibu
This venue is on top of a hill overlooking Malibu and the ocean.
To view a wedding I photographed at Rancho Del Cielo, click HERE.
Casa Di Pietra, Malibu
A hidden gem in Malibu that offers private beach access and beautiful natural light throughout.
Malibu West Beach Club, Malibu
This venue is right on the beach. You can walk on the sand and the ceremony is held feet away from the ocean on a balcony.
Klentner Ranch, Carpinteria
Astounding ocean and mountain views with private gardens and avocado orchards make this ranch a dream venue
2. Favorite California Restaurant Wedding Venues (great for intimate weddings or elopements)
Malibu, Farm, Malibu
This place is adorable and is on the Malibu pier. The food is also amazing!
Inn of the Seventh Ray, Topanga Canyon
With huge trees, a waterfall, winding passageways, nature and fresh organic food, this outdoor wedding venues near Malibu has an enchanting quality.
Gladstones, Los Angeles
Gladstones is located between Malibu and Santa Monica and is one of the few restaurants to offer direct beach access.
The Wine & Sea Estate
A private residence in the Big Sur, perfect for elopements and intimate weddings
The Culver City Hotel, Culver City
This place is filled with so much character - unique wall paper, chandeliers, amazing flooring, and an old-fashioned fire escape.
To view a wedding I photographed at the Culver City Hotel, click HERE.
The Reef Restaurant, Long Beach
This waterfront restaurant offers harbor views.
To view a wedding I photographed at the Reef Restaurant, click HERE.
The Summit House, Fullerton
This venue offers both indoor and outdoor spaces. It’s great for both an intimate or larger wedding.
To view a wedding I photographed at the Summit House, click HERE.
Madera Kitchen, Los Angeles
This venue is super cute! It’s located along the edge of Hollywood Hills and offers a hip, funky, and slightly bohemian vibe. It is a fully turnkey restaurant, bar, and wedding event space.
To view a wedding I photographed at the Madera Kitchen, click HERE.
3. Favorite Woodsy|Forest California Wedding Venues
Chalet View Lodge, Portola
With towering pines and a reception under the stars, this venue is hard to beat for forest lovers.
Tenaya Lodge, Yosemite
Located minutes away from Yosemite, this venue offers so much natural beauty.
The 1909, Topanga Canyon
My favorite part about the 1909 is it’s ceremony area. It takes place in an outdoor wood amphitheater underneath a gigantic tree.
To view a wedding I photographed at the 1909, click HERE.
Calamigos Ranch, Malibu
Calamigos Ranch has 4 venue sites, all with a free-spirited vibe. My absolute favorite is the Oak Room venue, which has magnificent windows, gigantic trees, and a waterfall at the ceremony site.
The Pines Resort, Bass Lake
To view a wedding I photographed at the Pines Resort, click HERE.
This venue is REALLY close to Yosemite. It offers an unparalleled view of the Bass Lake.
This is a great venue for couples who want to have a larger wedding, but also want that intimate wedding feeling.
The wedding can be held at the Bass Lake and a “day after photo session” can be booked to get epic couple portrait shots of the bride and groom in their wedding outfits in the actual Yosemite Park. This is very possible since they are so close to one another.
Waterfall Lodge, Ben Lomond
Located in California’s Santa Cruz Mountains, this wedding venue is surrounded by ancient redwood trees. It’s barn is ridiculously beautiful and made from reclaimed wood.
Sacred Mountain Julian
This is an outdoor venue that includes 61 acres of nature. It’s located in the small town of Julian, California, just outside of San Diego.
To view some styled weddings I shot here, click HERE and HERE.
The Audubon Center, Los Angeles
This space is surrounded by a ton of nature and requires full service wedding planning as everything would have to be brought in (tables, seatings, etc.).
This is an especially unique forest wedding venue in California because you can completely customize it according to your vision.
To view a wedding I photographed at the Audubon Center, click HERE.
The Ventana Big Sur
A beautiful space surrounded by large trees and a lot of nature.
The Wind & Sea Estate
A private residence in the Big Sur, perfect for elopements or intimate weddings
Gold Mountain Manor
This is a historic lodge with a romantic outdoor, garden setting for your ceremony. It can accommodate up to 120 guests or as little as 50 guests.
4. Favorite Vineyard Wedding Venues
Cielo Farms, Malibu
Cielo Farms overlooks some of Malibu’s most beautiful vineyards and valleys.
SaddleRock Ranch, Malibu
Saddlerock ranch offers 4 different venue sites. All include incredible views of the Santa Monica mountains, vineyards, nature, etc. This is a remarkable wedding venue!
Triunfo Creek Vineyards, Agoura Hills
A dreamy venue overlooking the vineyards.
Lake Oak Meadows, Temecula
This venues is in the heart of Temecula. It is surrounded by a lot of greenery, vineyards, and a beautiful lake.
To view a wedding I photographed at Lake Oak Meadows, click HERE.
Hammersky Vineyards, Paso Robles
This venue overlooks rolling hills and vineyards, while including a traditional 1904 restored farmhouse. It has a New England Flair and is perfect for all farmhouse style lovers.
Sunstone Vineyards & Winery, Santa Ynez
Sunstone Vineyards is located in the heart of Santa Barbara wine country, but it feels like the French countryside. Their ceremony site is Tuscan inspired. It even includes architectural elements that are from a 19th century lavender factory once owned by Queen Victoria.
Galway Downs, Temecula
To view a wedding I photographed at Galway Downs, click HERE.
This is one of my absolute favorite venues ever.
It’s difficult to describe because although it’s in wine country, it’s not technically on a vineyard, but on an open land filled with nature.
It includes a lot of trees, some lake/pond areas, but my favorite part is it’s reception site, which consists of a super beautiful barn-like venue with gorgeous high ceiling beams. Except, unlike a barn, it’s filled with a lot of windows, allowing beautiful light to stream through.
A photo from my wedding at Galway Downs. My husband and I love this venue so much!
5. Favorite California Wedding Venues that Transport You to Another Country
Malibu Rocky Oaks, Malibu
This venue is insane! If you’re looking to get married in a castle, but don’t want to travel all the way to Europe, check out Malibu Rocky Oats. It’s French inspired and has sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean and vineyards.
Fairmont Grand Del Mar, San Diego
This is a Mediterranean style property that includes lush greenery, romantic views, rose gardens, and pink walls.
Kestrel Park, Santa Barbara
This venue transports your to an English country house. I LOVE this venue so much. Definitely one of the top 10 most unique California wedding venues.
Rancho Las Lomas, Silverado
With beautiful lawns, ancient oaks, apple trees, a zoological garden, and incredible architecture, this venue has A LOT going for it.
Villa Del Sol D’oro, Arcadia
This wedding venue will transport you to Tuscany, Italy.
Sunstone Vineyards & Winery, Santa Ynez
Sunstone Vineyards is located in the heart of Santa Barbara wine country, but it feels like the French countryside. Their ceremony site is Tuscan inspired. It even includes architectural elements that are from a 19th century lavender factory once owned by Queen Victoria.
Whispering Rose Ranch, Solvang
This ranch includes a 120 year old stone cottage and breathtaking views. It is located in the CUTEST Danish town of Solvang.
Korakia, Palm Springs
This Venue is super interesting because it is Mediterranean styled, making you feel like you’re in Greece. However, it also includes the desert romance vibes. It’s a great combination that offers something unforgettable.
Justin Winery, Paso Robles
This wedding venue makes you feel like you’re on a chateau…in France. The venue itself looks like a castle that overlooks the hills and mountains.
6. Favorite California Urban Wedding Venues
Luce Loft, San Diego
This is a super cute loft located in the heart of San Diego.
To view a wedding I photographed at Luce Loft, click HERE.
Smog Shoppe, Los Angeles
If you love venues with an urban vibe, you’re going to adore this place.
The Narrative Loft, Santa Barbara
This venue consists of a rustic, Industrial building with gorgeous high wood beam ceilings and open floor plan.
The Little White Church, Pasadena
To view a wedding I photographed at the Little White Church, click HERE.
I had a hard time deciding which category to place this venue in because it really is it’s own unique thing. It’s the cutest chapel ever that can be used as the ceremony space and then transported into a beautiful reception space. It’s also in the heart of Pasadena, which is amazing because Pasadena itself offers SO MANY great places to take photos, such as couple portraits or bridal party/family portraits at.
The Grassroom, Los Angels
This place is seriously cool! It has an urban vibe, but it also includes a ton of greenery inside. It definitely offers something different! To view a wedding I documented at the Grassroom DTLA, CLICK HERE.
Madera Kitchen, Los Angeles
To view a wedding I photographed at the Madera Kitchen, click HERE.
This venue is super cute! It’s located along the edge of Hollywood Hills and offers a hip, funky, and slightly bohemian vibe. It is a fully turnkey restaurant, bar, and wedding event space.
7. Favorite California Ranch, Garden, or Outdoorsy Wedding Venues
Rancho Las Lomas, Silverado
With beautiful lawns, ancient oaks, apple trees, a zoological garden, and incredible architecture, this venue has A LOT going for it. In my opinion, this is definitely one of the most unique California wedding venues!
Camarillo Ranch, Camarillo
To view a wedding I photographed at Camarillo Ranch, click HERE.
With a classic red barnyard for the reception and a Queen Anne-style Victorian house for getting ready photos, this 19th century ranch offers rustic charm.
Whispering Rose Ranch, Solvang
This ranch includes a 120 year old stone cottage and breathtaking views. It is located in the CUTEST Danish town of Solvang.
Klentner Ranch, Carpinteria
Astounding ocean and mountain views with private gardens and avocado orchards make this ranch a dream venue
Carmel Ranch, San Diego
To view a wedding I photographed at Camel Ranch, click HERE.
This venue is really pretty. It has beautiful mountain views, a really pretty ceremony space, and plenty of indoor reception state with amazing large windows.
San Ysidro Ranch, Montecito
Tucked in the countryside and with fragrant orange blossoms, eucalyptus, and magnolia, this makes for an idyllic outdoor wedding venue.
Saddlerock Ranch, Malibu
Saddlerock ranch offers 4 different venue sites. All include incredible views of the Santa Monica mountains, vineyards, nature, etc. This is a remarkable wedding venue!
Hartley Botanica, Somis
This place is filled with plants, flowers, waterfalls, etc. It’s absolutely beautiful.
South Coast Botanic Garden, Palos Verdes
The gardens here are really impressive!
Leo Carrillo Ranch, Carlsbad
This is a 27 acre ranch with lot’s rustic charm.
The Adamson House, Malibu
I love this venue so much. It’s a Spanish styled house with moorish influences. It provides really fun and unique architecture along with sweeping sights of the sea. To view a wedding I documented at the Adamson House, click HERE.
Twin Oaks House and Garden Estate, San Marcos
This venue has a whimsical quality to it. It has gardens, nature, twinkling lights, etc.
Orcutt Ranch Horticultural Center
To view a wedding I photographed at Orcutt Ranch, click HERE.
This venue offers a little bit of everything. A beautiful HUGE, oak tree, unique architecture, and a whole lot of nature. It has a whimsical quality to it.
Pickwick Gardens, Burbank
This venue offers a classic garden vibe, with vibrant greenery, fountains, flowers, etc.
To view 2 weddings I photographed at Pickwick Gardens, click HERE & HERE.
San Ysidro Ranch, Montecito
Tucked in the countryside and with fragrant orange blossoms, eucalyptus, and magnolia, this makes for an idyllic outdoor wedding venue.
8. Favorite California Desert Wedding Venues
The Colony 29, Palm Springs
This estate is surrounded by botanical gardens along with backdrops of both the Indian Canyons & San Jacinto Mountains.
The O’ Donnel House, Palm Springs
This 1920 home sits at the foot of the San Jacinto mountains, making for the most amazing wedding backdrop ever. It’s also surrounded my palm trees, pink bougainvilleas, and gardens.
Korakia, Palm Springs
This Venus is super interesting because it is Mediterranean styled, making you feel like you’re in Greece. However, it also includes the desert romance vibes. It’s a great combination that offers something unforgettable.
Casa Verona, Palm Springs
This is an amazing airbnb. If you love bold mid-century design, this estate is perfect for you. It also offers one of the greatest pools in Palm Springs.
The Desert Lily, Joshua Tree
This is perfect for a boho style wedding. It has panoramic views of Joshua tree.
The Dream Catcher Ranch, Yucca Valley
This is actually an airbnb that is available for weddings. It’s surrounded by beautiful rock formations and is only 15 minutes from Joshua Tree National Park and 10 minutes from Pioneer Town. I’d recommend this for intimate or elopement style weddings as you’d have the whole place to yourself!
Where there you have it. Those are the most unique California wedding venues. Take your time with this list and see which options you naturally gravitate towards.
If you have any questions, you can always contact me HERE.
Until next time,
Elyana
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