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Southern California is huge, which is amazing when you’re planning a wedding… and also kind of overwhelming. Instead of giving you a random list of “Top 97 Venues,” this guide breaks things down by vibe so you can quickly spot the places that actually feel like you.
To keep things simple, each venue has a quick price indicator (very rough, total wedding budget ballpark):
- $ – more budget-friendly
- $$ – moderate
- $$$ – high-end
- $$$$ – ultra-luxury
Always confirm current pricing directly with the venue, since things shift year to year.
As a Southern California wedding photo and video studio, these are the kinds of spaces we get excited about visually: good light, thoughtful layouts, and locations that genuinely support the experience of the day rather than fighting against it.
Coastal Luxury & Ocean Views
The Resort at Pelican Hill – Newport Coast
Pelican Hill feels like an Italian hillside dropped above the Pacific. The rotunda ceremony space, long walkways, and clean architecture make it a dream if you want something grand, timeless, and ocean-facing. If you’re picturing a full weekend with guests staying on-site, this is that kind of venue.
Price range: $$$$
The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel – Dana Point
Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel Weddings
High cliffs, Pacific views, and polished service. The lawns and terraces overlooking the water are incredible at golden hour, and the indoor spaces transition well into an evening that still feels coastal and elevated. It’s a strong fit if you want a classic resort experience that still feels distinctly Southern California.
Price range: $$$$
Garden Estates & Hidden Oases
Rancho Las Lomas – Silverado (Orange County)
Rancho Las Lomas is a Spanish-style estate tucked into the canyon, with white stucco, tile details, and courtyards surrounded by huge trees. It feels secluded and cinematic, with multiple levels and spaces that give you lots of options for ceremony, cocktail hour, and portraits without ever leaving the property.
Price range: $$$
Hummingbird Nest Ranch – Santa Susana (near Simi Valley)
If your dream is a hillside villa with courtyards, fountains, olive trees, and big sky views, Hummingbird Nest Ranch is worth a serious look. Different areas on the property let you scale the experience up or down, but the overall feel is the same: dramatic, private, and made for multi-event weekends.
Price range: $$$$
Lush Garden Venues That Feel Like a Secret
Twin Oaks House & Gardens – San Marcos (North County San Diego)
Hidden among trees and gardens, Twin Oaks has that “we found this little place in the woods” feeling. Pathways, bistro lights, and a historic house create a cozy, romantic atmosphere that works especially well for couples who want an outdoor celebration that still feels structured and intentional.
Price range: $$–$$$
Urban, Industrial & Artsy (Los Angeles)
Millwick – Arts District, DTLA
Millwick is a modern indoor–outdoor venue in the Arts District, with tall walls, big doors, and plenty of greenery. It’s a great fit if you want something design-forward that still feels warm and a little wild around the edges. Think city energy, but wrapped in plants.
Price range: $$–$$$
SmogShoppe – Culver City
A former smog-check station turned eco-conscious event space, SmogShoppe blends concrete, vintage furniture, and vertical gardens. It’s compact in the best way: everything is close, the space feels full fast, and the courtyard is perfect for emotional ceremonies and lively dance floors.
Price range: $$–$$$
Carondelet House – Just west of DTLA
Carondelet House feels like a European townhouse: exposed brick, wood beams, intimate courtyards, and layered rooms that make the night unfold in chapters. It’s especially good if you love candlelight, indoor vows, and the idea of everything happening in one atmospheric space.
Price range: $$–$$$
Desert, Palms & Mid-Century Cool
Ace Hotel & Swim Club – Palm Springs
Ace Hotel Palm Springs Weddings
Ace is effortless desert cool—pools, palms, mountain views, and a healthy dose of mid-century nostalgia. It’s ideal for smaller weddings and weekend-long celebrations where guests stay on-site, hang by the pool, and the wedding day feels like the highlight of a full desert escape.
Price range: $$–$$$
Indian Wells Golf Resort – Indian Wells (Greater Palm Springs)
Indian Wells Golf Resort Weddings
If you like the idea of a classic resort setting with manicured greens, palm trees, and clear mountain backdrops, Indian Wells Golf Resort is a solid choice. It balances “destination” with familiar comforts, and the glass-walled pavilion gives you that indoor–outdoor feel even after the sun goes down.
Price range: $$$
Dramatic Hillsides & Vineyards
Calamigos Ranch – Malibu
Calamigos combines Malibu hills with giant trees, ponds, and twinkle lights. There are multiple distinct spaces on the property, each with its own personality, but the overall feeling is the same: whimsical, romantic, and made for storybook evenings under the lights.
Price range: $$$
Malibu Rocky Oaks Estate Vineyards – Malibu
One of the most dramatic views in Southern California. Perched high in the mountains, Malibu Rocky Oaks offers a ceremony space that feels like you’re standing above the world, with vineyards and ridgelines in every direction. It’s designed for smaller, high-impact events where the setting itself becomes part of the story.
Price range: $$$$
How to Choose the Right SoCal Venue for You
Once you start touring venues, it’s easy to get distracted by chairs, menus, and napkin colors. A few things we recommend couples focus on instead:
- How the venue actually feels when you stand in the ceremony spot.
- Where the light is coming from during your ceremony and cocktail hour.
- How easy it is to move guests from one part of the day to the next.
Beautiful photos and films come from places where logistics, light, and emotion all work together. The right venue doesn’t just look good in a wide shot—it supports the experience so you can relax into it.
Planning a Southern California Wedding?
If you’re getting married at one of these venues (or somewhere with a similar vibe) and you want photo and video that feel honest, cinematic, and grounded, we’d love to talk.
You can:
- Check out recent Fablehouse weddings here: https://www.fablehouseweddings.com/portfolio
- Learn more about our approach here: https://www.fablehouseweddings.com/about
- Or inquire about your date here: https://www.fablehouseweddings.com/contact
Tell us the venue you’re considering, and we’ll happily share what we’d look for there in terms of light, timing, and how to structure the day so you get to actually live it while we quietly capture it.
