Pasadena Wedding Photographer
I love being a Pasadena wedding photographer. Pasadena, California is by far my favorite city in ALL of Los Angeles.
Being Los Angeles native, I was always familiar with Pasadena. However, it wasn't until I lived there for 5 years that I truly fell in love with it. It's a charming city filled so much beauty.
Also, I have this other video I HIGHLY recommend couples watch. It includes EVERYTHING YOU NEED to know about creating the best wedding day timeline for epic photography. A good timeline will make such a positive impact on your day.
Trust me, this is not a video you want to miss as I cover all the details and donāt hold anything back!
Why I Love Pasadena, California
Being a Pasadena wedding photographer comes with so much to do and explore. Pasadena is filled with:
Museums, art, all sorts of restaurants, nightlife, bookshops, beautiful architecture, picturesque coffee shops, a wide variety of gardens and parks, wine shops, the rose bowl, etc.
The variety this city offers is one of the main reasons I absolutely love being a Pasadena Wedding Photographer. It's a great location not only for a larger wedding, but also for a Pasadena elopement or micro wedding.
Your First Visit to Pasadena:
If you've never been to Pasadena, California, I recommend visiting Old-Town Pasadena first.
Park your car at the Vromans Bookstore and begin your journey by wandering around Vromans. It is one of Los Angele's oldest independent bookstores and is so lovely to roam through. I can easily spend 2 hours meandering through it's shelves.
Then walk down Colorado Blvd. It's one long street filled with a ton of shops, coffee shops, and restaurants. Feel free to explore the side streets as well and you'll find a ton of other gems. You can easily spend 3 hours here simply walking around and exploring.
If you're planning on having a Pasadena elopement, you'll find a wide array of gorgeous restaurants on this street to enjoy a nice dinner reception after your ceremony! A provide some specific restaurants for this down below!
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Pasadena Wedding Venues
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!
They will be listed in no particular order.
1. Altadena Town & County Club
Any Pasadena wedding photographer would LOVE shooting here.
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 this cozy, yet elegant quality that I really love. It includes high ceilings and wooden beams, major pros in my book!
This is one of my personal favorite venues for a Pasadena wedding and a perk is that it is very reasonably priced for everything it offers!
Favorite features: The wooden beams and beautiful light of the reception site.
2. The Valley Hunt Club
Ok, I ADORE this venue. Architecture wise, it makes you feel like you've been transported to the South. It's super charming.
The Valley Hunt Club has beautiful architecture, as well as a stunning outdoor ceremony site.
You can see photos of a full day wedding at the Valley Hunt Club HERE.
Favorite features: It's ceremony and cocktail hour sites.
3. The Maxwell House
The Maxwell House is located right next to the Pasadena Bridge, making for incredible photos. The Pasadena Bridge is iconic and was featured in one of my all time favorite films, "La La Land."
The Maxwell House is a Historic Landmark and a few minutes away from Old-Town Pasadena. It is a really charming space that makes for great Pasadena wedding photography.
Favorite feature: It's outdoor area is really lovely. It's especially beautiful during spring time when it's filled with roses.
I love this venue for more intimate weddings, under 75 people. More than that and it can begin to feel crammed.
4. The University Club
The University Club is really spacious, with different spaces to keep things interesting for your guests!
It's especially great if you have a larger guest count.
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!
Favorite feature: It's beautiful wooden beams.
5. Castle Green
The Castle Green is in the heart of downtown Pasadena. If you're into vintage decor, history, historical structures, and a fantastic location, definitely check out 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!
Favorite feature: It's historical elements. When you're in this space, you feel like you've entered another period! It's really cool!
6. The Langham Pasadena
If you are going for a Pasadena wedding with a super luxurious vibe, the Langham is the venue for you.
The Langham Hotel is absolutely gorgeous. It is surrounded by trees and luxurious architecture. Being there will make you feel like that you've entered a 1930's mansion.
Favorite feature: It's grand architecture.
7. 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.
If you love customization, I highly recommend this venue. It's a very flexible space that a lot can be done with.
The chapel itself is beautiful and can be converted into an equally beautiful reception space.
Note - this is a smaller venue, so I recommend it for more intimate weddings.
Favorite Feature: It's ability for lot's of customization
To view a wedding I photographed at the Little White Church, click HERE.
8. Villa Del Sol D'oro
Ok, every Pasadena wedding photographer I know absolutely adores this venue...and for good reason. This venue is absolutely stunning.
This is probably my favorite venue on this list.
Technically it's located in Arcadia, but considering that is only a few minutes away from Pasadena, I have decided to include it.
When I was planning my own wedding, this made it to the top two choices....that's how much I love this venue.
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.
Favorite feature: It's ceremony site is so BEAUTIFUL - transports your to Tuscany!
9. The Anthenaeum
This 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.
Favorite feature: It's Mediterranean-style architecture.
This is a lovely place to take photos at! I highly recommend it for a Pasadena elopement.
10. Pasadena City Hall
As a Pasadena photographer, Pasadena City Hall is a location I recommend to either get married at or at least stop by at for photos on your wedding day.
If you'd like to get married there, I'd recommend it for a Pasadena elopement or super intimate wedding.
If you are getting married close-by in Pasadena, I always recommend stopping here for at least 30 minutes of couple portraits. It's truly so remarkable.
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.
Besides photographing Pasadena weddings there, I also highly recommend it for engagement sessions.
Favorite Feature: It's ceilings!
11. Descanso Gardens
This 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.
Favorite Feature: It's Japanese Garden section
12. Storrier Stearns Japanese Gardens
This space was designed in the 30s as a private garden. It now hosts cultural and educational events, such as tea ceremonies, music, painting lessons, meditation, etc.
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.
To view a wedding I documented at Storrier Gardens, click here.
Favorite Feature: How it makes one feel at peace
Guest Activities
If you have guests who will be attending your Pasadena wedding from out of town, some activities are always a great idea.
Explore Old Town Pasadena
Old town Pasadena holds 19th and 20th century buildings, making for beautiful architecture. It's very walkable and filled with unique restaurants, boutiques, coffee shops, art, etc. This is the first thing I would recommend for any wedding guest to explore!
Some of my personal favorite places to visit in Old Town Pasadena include:
- Vromans Bookstore
-One of the oldest independent bookstores in Los Angeles
2. The Pasadena Playhouse
-The perfect play to enjoy some theater
3. Urth Cafe, Pasadena
-This place has the best coffee ever and a beautiful ambiance
Old Town Pasadena Address:
Address: 23 E Colorado Boulevard, Pasadena, California
2. Visit the Norton Simon Museum
This museum located in Pasadena is fantastic. It features nearly 12,000 works of art. Some of my favorites include works by Rembrandt, Goya, and Picaso.
It also regularly offers garden parties, scheduled events, adult art classes, live concerts, and film screenings.
This is definitely a place to visit if you are looking for some inspiration. If your wedding guests are into art, definitely suggest this museum.
Address: 411 W Colorado Boulevard, Pasadena, California
3. Explore Descanso Gardens
This 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 the perfect location for your guests to enjoy a relaxing morning or afternoon before your Pasadena wedding.
Address: 1418 Descanso Drive, La CaƱada Flintridge, California
4. Pasadena Farmer's Market
For more information on this, click HERE.
This Farmer's market is open each Saturday morning from 8 am - 12:30 pm.
There you'll find everything ranging from fresh foods and vegetables to jewelry, candles, pottery, and art. I highly recommend exploring it!
5. Huntington Garden
I think this is a location that any wedding guest would absolutely love exploring. Huntington Garden in Pasadena is simply beautiful. It includes a collection of artwork and gardens.
It's gigantic and offers much variety in terms of sculptures, flowers, plants, etc.
Address: 1151 Oxford Road, San Marino, California
6. Eaton Canyon Falls
If your Pasadena wedding guests are the sporty types, a hike would make for a great recommendation.
Eaton Canyon in Pasadena provides a trailhead to a beautiful waterfall. It's an easy, 4 mile hike!
Address: 1750 N Altadena Drive, Pasadena, California
Restaurants & Catering
You may be wondering what would be a good place to have a rehearsal dinner in Pasadena.
Or, you may also be wondering about some Pasadena catering options for your wedding day!
Don't worry, this Pasadena wedding photographer has you covered.
Keep in mind that if you're having a Pasadena elopement and want to eat a romantic dinner afterwards with your new spouse, these locations also work well for that!
1. Cafe Santorini
I love this place so much. And now that I think about it, this would actually make a great place for an intimate wedding reception.
With twinkling lights surrounding the restaurant, the ambiance is so romantic!
It has incredibly delicious mediterranean food, too!
I'd recommend this place for a wedding reception or rehearsal dinner! It also also my #1 restaurant recommendation to eat at for a Pasadena elopement.
2. The Luggage Room Pizzeria
This place has THE BEST pizza. It has an elegant, yet relaxed atmosphere, making it an excellent choice for a rehearsal dinner.
If you're looking for brick oven pizza for a late night wedding snack, this may also be a great option.
They can bring everything to make the pizzas at your Pasadena wedding reception, offering guests a fun dining experience!
3. Osawa
If you're looking for Japanese food, Osawa is for you. It is so fresh and delicious. This would be a great space for a more intimate Pasadena rehearsal dinner.
Keep in mind, if you'd like your rehearsal dinner photographed, be sure to contact your Pasadena wedding photographer in advance to schedule that coverage.
4. La Grande Orange Cafe
This place has a really cool ambiance, making it a great option for a Pasadena elopement, intimate wedding, or rehearsal dinner.
The restaurant is an old train station, now turned into a fancy restaurant that takes you back in time. It's super charming and visually beautiful!
Pasadena Couple Portrait Locations
Keep in mind that these locations also serve as Pasadena engagement session locations.
If you're looking to schedule your engagement session, please be sure to reach out, as I'd LOVE to be the Pasadena photographer to document that for you!
1. Pasadena City Hall
With it's exquisite architecture, Pasadena City Hall is an amazing option for an engagement session or wedding day portraits. I also highly recommend this for a Pasadena elopement!
You can view two Pasadena engagement sessions HERE and HERE.
You can also view Pasadena wedding day couple portraits taken at Pasadena City Hall, HERE.
2. Arlington Garden Pasadena
This place is a hidden gem of Pasadena.
It's larger than it looks and includes many cute places for photos! This is another great location for a Pasadena elopement!
You can view two engagement sessions shot at Arlington Garden HERE and HERE.
3. Colorado Street Bridge
The Colorado Street Bridge is a two minute walk away from the Maxwell House, one of the Pasadena wedding venues I mentioned earlier.
It is an iconic part of Pasadena and was also featured in the film "La La Land."
There is also a small park located next to the bridge, as well as underneath it, leading to more photo opportunities.
4. Descanso Gardens
This 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.
Descanso Gardens has a very strict photo permit policy, so make sure to talk to your Pasadena wedding photographer in advance for tips on this.
Keep in mind that most Pasadena wedding photographers do not cover permit research or costs.
In my opinion it's totally worth getting a photo permit for Descanso Gardens, as it really is so beautiful!
5. Los Angeles County Arboretum
This is actually located in Arcadia, a neighboring city of Pasadena.
It's SO beautiful. I have documented couple portraits there for a Pasadena wedding. I have also shot numerous engagement sessions there.
It is a huge space filled with all sorts of landscapes, including a meadow area, desert section, waterfall, etc.
I particularly love photographing there in the Fall and Spring time as it has a lot of maple and cherry blossom trees that really shine then.
For a wedding I documented at the Los Angeles County Arboretum, click HERE.
For an engagement session, click HERE.
Alright, I feel like this is great start to planning a Pasadena wedding. If you need any extra tips or suggestions, please feel free to reach out.
Pasadena City Hall Wedding Cost
A major pro of a Pasadena City Hall wedding is the reasonable cost. The fee for a marriage license there is $85. If you're looking to have a Pasadena City Hall elopement or intimate wedding, it's a great choice. The price is phenomenal and a Pasadena City Hall wedding ceremony is amazing with the spectacular environment.
I can be contacted here.
And remember, if you need a Pasadena wedding photographer, I would be absolutely honored to document your wedding day and engagement session!
Until next time,
Elyana