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25 February, 2021

California Wedding – Everything Needed!

California Wedding

Are you in the process of planning your California wedding? As a Los Angeles Wedding Photographer, I am proud to provide my services not only in the Los Angeles area, but also in the greater Southern California and Northern California areas.

Below I have EVERYTHING you need to know when it comes to planning your California wedding, including my personal favorite venues, best rehearsal dinner selections, weather, insider tips, etc.

Before we dive in...

I highly recommend downloading my WEDDING PLANNER PRINTABLE.

WEDDING PLANNER GUIDE

This printable includes everything you need to stay organized and stress free during the wedding planning process.

Why a California Wedding?

A California wedding is the dream mostly because of all the variety California offers. It offers everything, including dramatic changes in scenery, such as the desert, the ocean, the mountains and forest, etc.

The amazing year round weather is also a really great perk.

What is Most Important on a Wedding Day!

There is a lot to consider when planning a California wedding or elopement, but really, there are only a few things that are the most important. It should be a super happy day filled with a lot of love and joy. With that in mind, feel free to ditch anything that doesn't resonate with you or that stresses you out.

As a California wedding photographer, I really value capturing not only all of your special details, but also all of those more nuanced moments. Those moments filled with sincerity and natural emotion.

In my opinion, these are the moments you'll look back on that will move you the most, helping you both to relive your wedding day.

Steps to Plan a Los Angeles Wedding:

Guest Count:

The first thing is to figure out your guest count.

Do you want to have a California elopement or a larger scale wedding?

The guest count is going to determine a lot of the other steps and keep in mind that the guest count makes the biggest impact on the overall wedding price.

Having a smaller guest count will not only save you money, but it will offer you flexibility as you can use some of that saved money for things you both really care about.

Perhaps you've always imagined having a Los Angeles wedding with a live band? Or a unique dining experience?

These are things to keep in mind when trying to figure out your wedding day guest count.

California elopements are definitely on the rise these days as a lot of couples are opting to have much more intimate weddings. If you're going for a larger Los Angeles wedding, there are tips for that below as well!

Venue & Location:

Next, think about where you'd like to get married.

I have a list of the most unique wedding venues in California, HERE.

As a Los Angeles wedding photographer, let me tell you, California has SO MUCH variety when it comes to wedding day venues and landscapes.

Want to have a California wedding in the forest? Possible. On the beach? Possible? In the dessert? Also possible!

For more information on California wedding venues, click the link above or read below for my 10 personal favorite spaces!

Book Your California Wedding Photographer:

Once you both book your California wedding venue, you should book your wedding photographer!

Los Angeles wedding photographers tend to get booked around 8 - 15 months in advance.

The wedding photographer is the vendor that usually gets booked right after the venue, so if you really want to work with a specific wedding photographer, I wouldn't wait too long on booking!

Book All Your Vendors:

From this point, little by little you will book the rest of the vendors or items for your Los Angeles wedding. Here are the main ones to consider!

Your wedding dress! I suggest getting your wedding dress around 6 months in advance, as sometimes it takes a few months to be shipped. Now if you're looking to get married asap and want a wedding dress right away, I'd suggest checking out BHLDN, this is Anthropologies wedding line. They have the most beautiful dresses and for reasonable prices!

Next up for your Los Angeles wedding - book your catering, florist, makeup artist, DJ or live band, get the groom's suit, baker for the cake, etc. If you are getting married at a space where you will be required to bring in certain elements, like the tables, chairs, linens, etc., a fantastic vendor I recommend for that in the Los Angeles area is MTB Rentals.

California Wedding Variety

California comes with so many interesting possibilities for your wedding day. It really is such a great location for an elopement or wedding.

Beach Weddings:

Thinking of having a California beach wedding? There is Manhattan Beach, El Matador Beach in Malibu, Point Dume in Malibu, Venice Beach, Santa Monica Beach --- really, the possibilities are endless.

Two of my personal favorite beaches are Point Dume and El Matador Beach, both of which are in Malibu.

Orange County, which is super close-by to Los Angeles County, also offers a wide array of beautiful beaches.

Urban Los Angeles Wedding Venues:

If you're looking for an urban wedding in the heart of Los Angeles, some venues to check out are the Smog Shoppe, Grassroom DTLA, and Madera Kitchen in Hollywood. All of these are great options for a Los Angles wedding with a modern, urban vibe.

Unique Spaces:

Just outside of Los Angeles, there are plenty of unique options with amazing atmospheres. There's Calamigos Ranch in Malibu, which has a foresty, laid back vibe. If you're going for a luxurious hotel with a ton of flair, there is the Fairmont Miramar in Santa Monica.

Want to get married in an elegant castle-like atmosphere, there is the Greystone Mansion in Beverly Hills. Or, if you're looking for a garden filled with lot's of unique florals, Harley Botanica in Somis is a perfect choice.

If you've dreamt of a storybook, fairytale wedding, the Whispering Rose Ranch in Solvang is extra charming. This ranch includes a 120 year old stone cottage and breathtaking views. It's also very close to Los Angeles, located in the cutest Danish Town, Solvang.

My Top 10 Favorite Los Angeles Wedding Venues

If you would like to view more Southern California wedding venues, I'd click on the "RESOURCES" tab up above on the menu section of my site and then I'd click on "CA WEDDING LOCATIONS."

There I have a ton of California venue information organized by area. Some included are: Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, Solvang, Catalina Island, Pasadena, Yosemite, Palm Springs, Big Bear, Big Sur, and Malibu.

These are listed in no particular order!

1. GreyStone Mansion

As a Los Angeles wedding photographer, I love this wedding venue because it is so "Beverly Hills, Los Angles." I mean, it's a super glamorous mansion that has this Great Gatsby style going on.

It was completed in 1928 by an oil tycoon named Edward L. Doheny. It is not on the national register of Historic sites.

2. The Grassroom DTLA

The Grassroom is in the heart of Los Angeles. It's a short walk away from restaurants, boutique hotels, dance clubs, etc.

It's perfect for a smaller or larger event. What I love about this venue is that it is very environmentally conscious. It uses a lot of sustainable materials and works with a lot green vendors who equally care about sustainability.

If using sustainable resources is something that is really important to you both, this venue may be the perfect fit. Furthermore, I love that it is covered with plants and greenery. It's a great choice for a Los Angeles Wedding.

3. 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.

4. Lomardi House

I love this Los Angeles venue so much. The Lombardi House is a 7,000 square foot historic home built in 1904. It has a victorian farmhouse style and is spacious, bright, and beautiful. 28 of your guests can stay in the house, offering convenience.

The Lombardi House is a good blend of modern and rustic, a great choice for a Los Angeles wedding.

5. Fairmont Miramar Hotel and Bungalows

The Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows is in Santa Monica and overlooks the ocean. It is luxurious and just the right amount of "bougie" without being over the top. Haha. It also has one of most beautiful trees I have ever seen. It's this gigantic iconic tree that is absolutely gorgeous for wedding photos.

The hotel is a 1 minute walk from the beach, which creates even more photo opportunities. This venue is really special and should definitely be considered!

I recently shot an intimate Los Angeles wedding here of 35 people and it was incredible. The reception was held in their beautiful FIG restaurant and the food was honestly the best food I HAVE EVER HAD at a wedding...and I have been to A LOT of weddings! That's saying something!

If you're looking to have a Los Angeles elopement or wedding in a gorgeous location and with amazing food, this is the venue for you.

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. 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.

9. The Ventana Big Sur

A beautiful space surrounded by large trees and a lot of nature.

10. 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!

LOS ANGELES ENGAGEMENT SESSION:

Besides offering a lot of variety for weddings, California also offers plenty of unique backdrops for engagement photography.

There is also Point Dume in Malibu, which offers stunning sites and dramatic cliffs. This is another epic location for a Los Angeles elopement or intimate wedding.

For a desert vibe, there is Vasquez Rocks, which offers super interesting rock formations.

There are many more Los Angeles Engagement Session locations to choose from, but these are just a few to get you started. For more, Los Angeles Engagement Photography Location Ideas, click HERE.

Additional California Wedding Tips

Q: We are having a destination wedding in Los Angeles, any tips on how to arrive?

A: Yes, so getting to California is pretty easy as there are a lot of airports to choose from. The most popular airport for accessing Los Angeles is the Los Angeles International Airport, also known as LAX. There are also other options though, such as Burbank Airport, which is also in Los Angeles, and Long Beach Airport.

Q: Any suggestions on what we can have our guests do around Los Angeles?

A: Yes! So many fun things to do around Los Angeles. That is one of the main benefits of having a Los Angeles wedding or a Los Angeles elopement.

Some of these things include visiting one of the many beaches in LA, going to Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills, wine tasting in Napa Valley or Temecula, hiking to the Hollywood Hill sign, exploring Disneyland in Anaheim, visiting Yosemite National Park (which is about a 5 hour drive from Los Angeles), visiting the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, going to Hearst Castle in San Simeon, exploring the Big Sur Coastline, etc.

If you'd like to have some of those pre-wedding memories documented, be sure to reach out to your Los Angeles wedding photographer and ask if they offer rehearsal dinner or pre-wedding photography packages!

Q: What is your favorite thing about a California wedding?

A: The variety. La is such hodgepodge of cultures, cuisines, landscapes, etc. No wedding is ever the same and that keeps it interesting! This is the main reason why I love being a Los Angeles wedding photographer.

Q: When is the best time to have a California Wedding?

A: A huge perk of having a California Wedding is that California offers year round, beautiful weather. This makes California the perfect place to have an outdoor wedding. Personally, from shooting weddings throughout different times of the year, I would say the absolute best time to get married in late September, early October. Why?

The weather in California during this time is especially spectacular. I have asked a few other Los Angeles wedding photographers what their favorite wedding month is, and the average answer is September - November. I'm assuming it's because it isn't as hot as the summer months. The summer months in California can go upwards of 100 degrees.

Q: How much can we expect to spend?

A: Honestly, this varies. A recent survey estimated that the average wedding in Los Angeles, costs around $45,000. The national average is around $34,000, so yes, having a wedding in Los Angeles tends to be more expensive. On the other hand, the average for weddings in Manhattan is about $77,000.

Keep in mind that these prices represent weddings with standard guest counts, around 150 - 200 people. If you have a smaller guest count, the cost will be much less as the overall price is most affected by the guest count.

The cost for a Los Angeles wedding photographer specifically tends to average anywhere between $2,900 - $5,500.

Q: How much time will we need to plan our California Wedding?

A: On average, it takes 10 - 15 months to plan their California wedding. Most vendors are booked around 6 - 10 months in advance. The venue is usually booked 12 months in advance. The Los Angeles wedding photographer is usually booked 10 - 12 months in advance.

MORE AMAZING CALIFORNIA WEDDING VENUES

As a bonus, I am including 10 more favorite California wedding venues.

Please be sure to download your wedding planning guide, HERE.

Wedding Planning Guide

It includes everything you need (checklists, timelines, etc.) to keep you well organized!

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.

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.

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

Malibu, Farm, Malibu

This place is adorable and is on the Malibu pier. The food is also amazing!

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.

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 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.

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.