Are you and your partner looking for wedding venues in Pasadena, CA?
Out of all of Southern California, Pasadena is probably my favorite city to photograph at. After living there for 5 years, I fell in love with it. It has a charm that is hard to beat. As a Pasadena wedding photographer, I have quite a few suggestions as far as wedding venues go. There are plenty of amazing wedding venues to choose from in Pasadena, but I’ll be sharing my personal favorites! Keep in mind that these venues are listed in no particular order. I love them all pretty equally!
Images I documented in the City of Pasadena
Pasadena Wedding Venues that Transport You to Another Country
Villa Del Sol D'Oro
If I had to choose an absolute favorite Pasadena wedding venue, it would be Villa Del Sol D'Oro. When I was planning my own wedding, this made it to the top two choices….that’s how much I love this venue. If you love Italy (and I mean....who doesn't?!) chances are you'll adore this SoCal wedding venue.
Technically it’s located in Arcadia, but considering that is only a few minutes away from Pasadena, I have decided to include it.
The thing about Villa Del Sol D’Oro is that being there makes you feel like you’re in a villa…in ITALY. It is just incredible. The food options there are equally amazing. This SoCal wedding venue will transport you and your guests to the rolling hills of Tuscany.
Words to describe this venue: Breathtaking, Tuscany, Transports You to Italy
Venue Space: Outdoor Ceremony & Outdoor Reception
The Anthenaeum
This Southern California wedding venue is on the grounds of the California Institute of Technology campus. It’s super pretty and has a lot of outdoor areas for Pasadena wedding photos. It has a Mediterranean-style architecture that makes is particularly beautiful!
A lot of couples like taking photos here on their wedding day even when their wedding is at a different venue. Goes to show how lovely of a location it is!
Words to describe this venue: Mediterranean Style Architecture
Venue Space: Outdoor Ceremony & Outdoor Reception
Pasadena City Hall
Pasadena City Hall is a location I recommend to either hold your ceremony at at or at least stop by at for photos on your wedding day. Please keep in mind, receptions aren't allowed at Pasadena City Hall
If you are getting married close-by in Pasadena, I always recommend stopping here for at least 30 minutes of couple portraits. It's definitely worth it. The architecture here is some of the prettiest I have ever seen.
Design wise, it is influenced by the early Renaissance style of the 16th century. It is filled with exquisite ceilings covered in details, beautiful columns, spiraling staircases. and sweeping views of the city.
Words to describe this venue: Breathtaking Architecture
Venue Space: Outdoor Ceremony | NO Receptions Allowed
Wondering how to get married at Pasadena City Hall? I have an article that includes everything you need to have have a wedding or elopement there.
Steps to Have a Pasadena City Hall Wedding
Pasadena Garden & Outdoor Wedding Venues
La Canada Thursday Club
With pink bougainvilleas everywhere, a Mediterranean style courtyard, wrought iron gates, a large fountain, beautiful garden, and huge oak tree, La Canada Thursday Club is definitely a venue worth checking out for your Pasadena wedding.
The space accommodates up to 130 guests.
Words to describe this venue: Charming and Picturesque
Venue Space: Outdoor Ceremony and Your Choice of an Outdoor or Indoor Reception
You can view a full day gallery of a wedding I documented at this venue HERE.
Descanso Gardens
This California wedding location is located in northwest Pasadena and includes 9 different landscaped spaces. Each with a different theme. One of my favorite spaces is the Japanese Garden, which is filled with cherry blossom trees at spring time.
Another really pretty area is their rose garden, including over 1,600 varieties of Roses.
This is a great location for a Pasadena garden wedding. Please keep in mind that Descanso Gardens is all outdoors, so there really isn't a backup plan should it rain. However, being in SoCal, the odds of rain are astronomical.
Words to describe this venue: Garden Atmosphere, Tranquil, Whimsical
Venue Space: Outdoor Ceremony & Reception
Storrier Stearns Japanese Gardens
This space was designed in the 30s as a private garden. It has a very peaceful quality that makes people feel calm and grounded.
It has a Japanese garden design and is calming space that makes one feel grounded. This is a great place for a ceremony. I recommend it for a Pasadena elopement or intimate wedding of under 70 people.
An interesting aspect of this space is that it is across the street from Arlington Garden, another amazing place to take photos for a Pasadena wedding.
Storrier Stearns has MANY amazing wedding photo locations on it’s own, so while it may not be necessary to stop at Arlington Garden, it’s a nice option for extra photo variety.
Words to describe this venue: Garden Atmosphere, Tranquil, Whimsical
Venue Space: Outdoor Ceremony & Reception
The Huntington Library
The Huntington Library, Art Collections, and Botanical Gardens offer a unique and breathtaking venue for weddings. With several different gardens to choose from, this venue can accommodate up to 150 guests. Each garden offers a distinct and stunning setting, making The Huntington a truly unique place for a wedding.
Words to describe this venue: Garden Atmosphere, Tranquil, Impressive
Venue Space: Outdoor Ceremony & Reception
Additional Pasadena Garden Wedding Venues
Mansions, Estates, Museums & Banquet Halls
The Maxwell House
The Maxwell House is a hidden gem that is located right next to the Pasadena Bridge. You know that bridge that was featured in the film "La La Land"? Yes - that one! It's a beautiful spot for photos!
The Maxwell House is a beautiful historic landmark that was built in 1921. The venue also has a beautiful garden that is perfect for outdoor ceremonies.
A potential CON with this venue is that the reception area isn't that large. I'd say it can sit around 75 people comfortably before it starts feeling rather crammed. However, if you're looking to have an intimate wedding, this venue may suit you perfectly!
I love this venue for more intimate weddings, under 75 people.
To view images captured of a wedding at the Maxwell House, click HERE.
Words to describe this venue: Intimate, Understated Elegance, Beautiful Architecture
Venue Space: Outdoor Ceremony & Indoor Reception
The Women's City Club of Pasadena
The Women's City Club of Pasadena is a stunning venue that offers a grand ballroom and a beautiful courtyard. The venue can accommodate up to 220 guests and has a full-service kitchen that can create a custom menu for your big day. The Women's City Club of Pasadena is perfect for couples who want a classic and elegant setting for their wedding.
Words to describe this venue: Classic, Historic, and Elegant
Venue Space: Outdoor Ceremony & Reception
Castle Green
Castle Green isn't for everyone, but those who love it, LOOOVE IT! The architecture and ambiance of this venue reminds me of the game CLUE. This Pasadena wedding venue is located in the heart of downtown Pasadena. If you’re into vintage decor, history, historical structures, and a fantastic location, definitely check out this venue.
A little history on this venue...
It was built in 1898 as an annex to the resort Hotel Green. In the 1920’s it was converted into private residencies and has been the home to many designers, musicians, collectors, and artists.
If you want a Pasadena wedding where history meets sophistication, mystery, and beauty, Castle Green is a great option.It has a lot of different influences, including Victorian, Moorish, Turkish, and more. Your guests will have fun exploring it!
Words to describe this venue: Historic, Vintage, Perfect for a Themed Wedding
Venue Space: Outdoor Ceremony & Indoor Reception
The University Club
The University Club of Pasadena is a stunning venue that offers breathtaking views of the San Gabriel Mountains. The venue has a grand ballroom that can accommodate up to 220 guests, as well as smaller rooms for more intimate events.
PRO TIP: If you do have your wedding ceremony there, ask to the ceremony to face the large window with the beautiful tree rather than the fireplace. It makes for much prettier light and the view is lovely!
You can view images from a wedding at the University Club, HERE.
Words to describe this venue: Spacious & Cozy
Venue Space: Indoor Ceremony & Reception
Additional Pasadena Mansion, Estate, Museum, and Banquet Halls
Heritage Square Museum - South Pasadena
La Casita Del Arroyo - South Pasadena
The Bissel House - South Pasadena
Galleria Ballroom & Lounge - Glendale
Metropol Banquet Hall - Glendale
Royal Palace Banquet Hall - Glendale
Pasadena Hotel Wedding Venues
The Langham Pasadena
The Langham hotel is luxurious. If you're looking for a WOW venue, I mean ...this is it. It makes you feel like you have entered a 1930's mansion. With such a sophisticated and elegant atmosphere, this is definitely a statement wedding venue that will leave guests in awe.
Words to describe this venue: Luxurious and Elegant
Venue Space: Outdoor Ceremony & Indoor Reception
The Westin Pasadena
The Westin Pasadena is a stylish and modern hotel venue offering several event spaces that can host up to 600 guests. Whether you're planning a large reception in the Fountain Ballroom or a more intimate gathering in one of their smaller spaces, the Westin Pasadena provides a full range of services including on-site catering and event planning assistance. A pro about this wedding venue is that it is located right next to Pasadena City Hall, an amazing location for wedding day photos!
Words to describe this venue: Ballroom and Elegant
Venue Space: Outdoor Ceremony & Indoor Reception
The Hilton Pasadena
The Hilton Pasadena is a modern hotel venue that offers spacious and versatile event spaces. The hotel's grand ballroom can accommodate up to 500 guests for a reception, and its outdoor terrace is a perfect spot for a charming ceremony.
Words to describe this venue: Ballroom and Elegant
Venue Space: Outdoor Ceremony & Indoor Reception
Hyatt Place Pasadena
Hyatt Place Pasadena is a modern hotel venue that offers a beautiful setting for your special day. This venue can accommodate up to 200 guests and features a grand ballroom and a beautiful outdoor terrace.
Words to describe this venue: Ballroom and Elegant
Venue Space: Outdoor Ceremony & Indoor Reception
Country Club Pasadena Wedding Venues
Altadena Town & Country Club
As far as wedding venues in Pasadena, CA go, the Altadena Town & Country Club is definitely one to check out!
You can have an outdoor ceremony on their site followed by an indoor reception. I especially love their reception hall. It has fantastic light and a cozy, yet elegant quality. It includes high ceilings and wooden beams, major pros in my book!
This Pasadena wedding venue is one of my personal favorites and a perk is that it is very reasonably priced for everything it offers!
Words to describe this venue: Cozy & Elegant
Venue Space: The Altadena Town & Country Club has an outdoor ceremony with an indoor reception
The Valley Hunt Club
This Pasadena wedding venue has a quaint, Southern charm. It's ceremony site is gorgeous and the club itself has beautiful architecture.
You can see photos of a full day wedding at the Valley Hunt Club HERE.
Words to describe this venue: Classic, Southern Charm, Sophisticated Ballroom
Venue Space: The Valley Hunt Club has an outdoor ceremony with an indoor reception
Brookside Golf Club
Brookside Golf Club is a beautiful venue that offers stunning views of the San Gabriel Mountains and the golf course. The venue can accommodate up to 300 guests and has multiple event spaces to choose from. The experienced staff at Brookside Golf Club will work with you to create a custom menu and ensure that every detail is perfect for your big day.
Words to describe this venue: Classic with beautiful views!
Venue Space: Outdoor Ceremony & Reception
Additional Country Club Pasadena Wedding Venues
La Canada Flintridge Country Club
Oakmont Country Club - Glendale
Quirky Pasadena Wedding Venues
The Little White Church, Pasadena
Built in 1906, the Little White Church in Pasadena is indeed one of the cutest churches I have ever seen. This a smaller venue, so I would only recommend it for more intimate weddings.
If you love customization, I highly recommend this venue. It’s a very flexible space. The chapel itself is beautiful and can be converted into an equally beautiful reception space.
Keep in mind though, often times when a venue offers more customization, it means you'll have to bring in a lot of the items yourself - chairs, tables, etc. For this, I 100% recommend hiring a wedding planner. He or she will handle all of those logistics for you!
To view a wedding I photographed at the Little White Church, click HERE.
Words to describe this venue: Intimate, Charming, Unique
Venue Space: Indoor Ceremony & Indoor Reception
Restaurants in Pasadena Perfect for Intimate Weddings
Mi Piace Italian Kitchen
Mi Piace Italian Kitchen, located in the heart of Old Town Pasadena, offers a cozy setting for intimate wedding receptions. With space for up to 50 guests, the restaurant offers a classic Italian menu featuring traditional dishes and contemporary innovations. The modern, chic decor of Mi Piace adds a touch of elegance to any event.
Il Fornaio Pasadena
Il Fornaio Pasadena offers a touch of Italy in the heart of Pasadena, providing a romantic setting for intimate wedding receptions. With space for up to 70 guests, this restaurant offers authentic Italian cuisine and a wine list featuring selections from Italy's finest vineyards. Il Fornaio Pasadena's elegant atmosphere and exceptional service make it an excellent choice for your reception.
The Terrace at The Langham
The Terrace at The Langham offers a beautiful outdoor setting for intimate wedding receptions. Able to accommodate up to 50 guests, this restaurant offers Californian cuisine with Mediterranean influences. The outdoor space provides a gorgeous backdrop for your event.
The Cellar: A Wine Bar & Restaurant
The Cellar: A Wine Bar & Restaurant offers a romantic and intimate setting for wedding receptions. With space for up to 50 guests, this venue offers a menu featuring European cuisine with a modern twist. The Cellar is also known for its extensive wine list, ensuring a unique dining experience.
The Arbour
The Arbour brings farm-to-table dining to Pasadena. With a capacity for up to 60 guests, it's a great venue for intimate receptions. The Arbour offers a menu featuring fresh, locally-sourced ingredients, making each dish a delightful experience.
Additional Locations
Cafe Santorini's Rococo Room - Pasadena
Eden Garden Bar & Grill - Pasadena
Pasadena California Airbnb Wedding Venues
So these wedding venues in Pasadena, CA are a little bit different in that they are spaces that can be rented. Some are airbnbs and some aren't, but in either case, one would be renting the space and then transforming it into a wedding venue. This of course all has to be disclosed to the property managers.
The pros of this is that you can customize the wedding venue to fit your specific vision. The con is that it takes WAY more work to plan and usually one doesn't realize how much work it takes until he/she is neck deep into it. With this being said, I wouldn't have a wedding at one of these venues without hiring a very hands on wedding planner who is going to alleviate a lot of the stress and handle all of the logistical details.
1. Historic Castle
This Pasadena castle includes a chapel with stained glass, a grand foyer, a piano room, etc.
2. 1900's Spanish Revival Mansion
Personally, I LOVE this a a possibility for a Pasadena wedding venue. It has old Hollywood flair and is brimming with gorgeous tiles, amazing light, etc.
3. European Courtyard
As far as wedding venues in Pasadena, CA that have a European vibe, this one along with "Villa Del Sol D'oro" are definitely it!
This is a historic venue with a French Quarter style. It said to make one feel like he/she is in Paris. They also have specialty offerings, such ass High Tea, Champagne brunches, etc. A nice perk is that they offer full-service catering, which definitely simplifies things when it comes to planning a wedding!
4. Modern Villa
This villa has a luxurious vibe with it's neutral color palette and high ceilings.
Important Info About Planning a Wedding in Pasadena, California
What are the most popular and highly-rated wedding venues in Pasadena?
The most popular and highly-rated wedding venues in Pasadena include The Langham Huntington, The Ambassador Gardens, The Maxwell House, and Castle Green. These venues offer elegant ballrooms, lush gardens, and historic architecture, making them sought-after options for weddings in the area.
What is the average cost of a wedding venue in Pasadena, and how does it compare to other locations in the area?
The average cost of a wedding venue in Pasadena ranges from $10,000 to $30,000, depending on factors such as guest count, season, and specific services provided. Prices may be slightly higher than neighboring cities, but the charm and picturesque settings often justify the premium.
Are there any unique or lesser-known wedding venues in Pasadena that couples should consider for a more intimate or unconventional celebration?
Unique or lesser-known wedding venues in Pasadena include the Pasadena Museum of California Art, The Romanesque Room, and The Athenaeum. These venues provide intimate settings and a distinctive ambiance, offering an alternative to traditional wedding venues.
What are the most picturesque and photogenic locations within Pasadena wedding venues for wedding day photos?
Picturesque and photogenic locations within Pasadena wedding venues include the backdrop of Pasadena City Hall, the beautiful gardens of Arlington gardens, iconic architecture of Castle Green, the romantic gardens at The Ambassador Gardens, and the stunning backdrop of The Langham Huntington's historic ballroom.
Reach Out!
And remember, if you need a Pasadena wedding photographer, I would be absolutely honored to document your wedding day and engagement session! I can be reached here.
I’m Elyana, a Los Angeles wedding photographer whose intention is to capture relationships in a manner that is artistic and heartfelt.
My goal on your wedding day is to make sure you feel beautiful, celebrated, and seen.
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