Are you planning on having your wedding at the 1909 in Topanga? Amazing! I've written a complete guide including everything you need to celebrate for a wedding at the 1909.

Below is a preview mini gallery of a wedding at the 1909.

Best Timeline for a Wedding at the 1909

Below is my recommended wedding day timeline for a wedding specifically at the 1909. Let’s say your ceremony start time is at 5:00 pm. Here’s my recommended timeline for that.

9:00 – 12:30 – Hair/Makeup at the 1909 (This start time will vary depending on how many people will be getting their hair/makeup done; typically, the bride is last)

12:00 – Photographer(s) Arrive at the 1909

12:00 – 12:40 – Details (Dress, shoes, rings, etc.)

12:45 – 1:45 – Getting Ready Photos at the 1909 (One photographer is with Partner A & second photographer is with Partner B)

*Note: If you don’t have a second photographer, more time is needed here as the solo photographer will have to take extra time to document Partner A & Partner B.

1:45 – 2:45 – First Look + Couple Portraits

2:45 – 3:15 – Wedding Party Portraits (More time is needed here is there is no second photographer)

3:15 – 3:45 – Family Portraits

3:45 – 4:40 – Buffer Time (Super important to always leave buffer time within the schedule should things run a bit behind schedule. It also allows the couple to just relax more…the day won’t feel rushed.) If the timeline goes exactly to plan, the couple can use this time to relax or take extra photos. ;)

4:40 – Couple Preps for Ceremony / Photographer Documents Ceremony Details

5:00 – 5:30 – Ceremony

5:30 – 6:30 – Cocktail Hour + Couple Portraits

*The cocktail hour typically takes place during the golden hour (best time for photos because of the light), so usually about 30 minutes of couple portraits are taken during this time.)

6:45 – Grand Entrance

6:45 – 10:00 – Reception (First Dance, Parent Dances, Speeches, Open Dancing, Etc.)

Crucial Tips for Your The 1909 Wedding

Customize Your Own Bar

The 1909 is one of the few SoCal wedding venues that lets couples bring their own alcohol. This means you can really customize cocktails and your bar to be to your specific liking. Of course, the 1909 requires a certified bartender for bar service. They have well qualified bartenders they can refer or you can choose to bring in a certified bartender of your choice.

Rent The the 1909's 70s Photo booth Option

The 1909 offers the cutest orange hippie, 70s van that is ready to go as a photo booth for your guests. I think this makes for such a fun experience!

Leave Enough Time for The 1909 Wedding Photos

The 1909 has a lot of variety when it comes to photography. I'd recommend a minimum of 90 minutes for portraits at this venue. This time would include couple portraits, family portraits, and wedding party portraits.

Outside Catering is Only Allowed Monday - Friday

If you'd like to bring in your own food vendor(s), keep in mind that this option is only allowed for weddings booked Monday - Friday. Saturday and Sunday wedding require the 1909's in-house caterer to be used.

Consider Booking The 1909's Pizza as a Late Night Snack

The 1909 offers Wood Fired Oven Pizza as a late night option and let me tell you....it's delicious! I always see guests really enjoying this option at the 1909 weddings I photograph!

Have Your Ceremony or Intimate Reception on the Deck

While there are a few options as far as ceremony locations go at the 1909, the best option is definitely the ceremony deck under the shade of the oak trees. It really is incredibly romantic. This space can also be used for intimate receptions!

Customize Your Wedding at The 1909

The 1909 Topanga sprawls over 6000 square feet, meaning there is a lot of possibility for customization. Feel free to bring in decor (florals, design installments, etc.) that really makes it your own! However, also keep in mind that since the venue resided in the beauty of nature, you can also go simple in terms of decor in order for the focus to be on the natural environment. A benefit of a wedding at the 1909 is that you have both options!

Who is the 1909 Perfect For?

Couples Who Want a Woodsy Ambiance for Their Wedding

The 1909 offers a tranquil, outdoor, woodsy environment for one's wedding day. The 1909 wedding environment offers the following landscapes:

• Creek
• Forest
• Gardens
• Landscaped Grounds

Couples Who Want Everything to Take Place at One Location

The 1909 wedding venue offers simplicity and convenience in the sense that everything will take place at one location. This includes getting ready, the ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception. You and your guests don't have to drive around to multiple locations, meaning you'll have more time to just relax and have fun!

Couples Who Want a Backup Plan In the Case of Rain

Although the 1909 offers gorgeous outdoor areas for your ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception, it also offers a really beautiful indoor space for late night dancing. Keep in mind that this space can also be utilized for other parts of your day should it rain. This is always such a nice option to have for peace of mind!

Couples Who Want to Customize Their Wedding Day

When having a wedding at the 1909, you can either use their amazing farm to table, locally grown in-house catering options OR you can bring in your own catering.

IMPORTANT: this option is only available on Monday - Friday dates. On a Saturday - Sunday date, the 1909's in-house catering must be used.

While their in-house catering is SO DELICIOUS, I've also documented weddings at the 1909 where couples brought in a gourmet pizza vendor, a taco truck, a sushi caterer, etc. You can really customize the menu to make it your own by bringing in an outdoor catering vendor. This is rare when it comes to wedding venues, so it's definitely a plus!

A Little Big About The 1909

The 1909 is a woodsy wedding venue located in whimsical Topanga Canyon. If you're not familiar with Topanga Canyon, it's super close to Malibu, and is filled with forest, greenery, and a lot of nature. I love this venue because it is somewhat hidden, offering maximum privacy for your special event or wedding day.

The 1909 is a great wedding venue for those who desire: a natural environment with a forest-like quality, tranquility, farm to table food selections, and a feeling of intimacy.

Best Spots for Your The 1909 Wedding Photos

Below are my personal favorite locations for one's the 1909 wedding photos!

• On the balcony adjacent to the "getting ready" area
• On the ceremony deck
• In the creek area
• In front of the property, near the entrance

The 1909 Wedding Cost

The 1909 wedding cost ranges between $3,300 - $12,000 depending on the following: day of the week + time of year you're getting married AND your guest count. Please keep in mind, this price does NOT include catering costs.

The 1909 Peak Season: May - The End of October

Weekdays Up to 110 Guests: $5,400

Weekdays Up to 150 Guests: $6,600

Fridays Up to 110 Guests: $7,500

Fridays Up to 150 Guests: $9,000

Saturdays + Sundays Up to 110 Guests: $12,000

Saturdays + Sundays Up to 150 Guests: $12,000

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The 1909 Winter Season: November - The End of April

Weekdays Up to 75 Guests: $3,300

Weekdays Up to 110 Guests: $4,500

Fridays Up to 75 Guests: $5,400

Fridays Up to 110 Guests: $6,600

Saturdays + Sundays Up to 75 Guests: $7,500

Saturdays + Sundays Up to 110 Guests: $9,000

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What Does the 1909 Rental Fee Include?

• Exclusive use of the 1909 property from 11 am - 11 pm
• Tables, folding chairs, and a wedding arch
• Valet parking for Saturday and Sunday weddings
• Setup & teardown of The 1909's furniture & rental items
• 1 Hour weekday rehearsal
• Outdoor lighting & sound system, including a wireless microphone
• An indoor and outdoor bar
• Pre & post-event cleaning

Event and Banquet Staffing

Buffet Style: (Staff Per 20 Guests) $27/Per Person

Family Style: (Staff Per 15 Guests) $30/Per Person

Plated Style: (Staff Per 10 Guests) $36/Per Person

Event staffing is from 7 AM till midnight. It includes cleaning, setup, cocktail hour & dinner service, breakdown, and event wrap up.

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Catering for Your the 1909 Wedding

The in-house caterer at the 1909 features organic and locally grown food. The caterer offers the following:

• Refreshments
• Light Passed Appetizers
• Hearty Passed Appetizers
• Late Night Options
• Dinner Menus

Depending on what food items you decide to get, it will range from $33 - $60 per person.

Additional Notes:

• The 1909 has a strict one event per day policy - 11 am to 11 pm
• One hour of rehearsal time during the week is included with all packages

Benefits of The 1909 Wedding Venue

The Farm to Table Catering Experience

A major perk of the 1909 is that they work with a chef who creates a farm to table experience. The chef is also flexible and can customize the food towards what you're looking for. With so many wedding venues only offering chicken or fish for meal options, this really is a huge perk.

The 1909's Atmosphere is Dreamy

The 1909 has the most beautiful environment. It's hard to pinpoint, but overall, I'd say it's a blend of: woodsy, rustic, and tranquil. I think it's perfect for couples who are more on the free spirited side and have more of an unconventional vibe.

The Ceremony Site is Very Unique

The 1909 has a really interesting ceremony site that consists of an amphitheater nestled under two gigantic oak trees. It's really gorgeous and adds something different! I find that the 1909 photos taken at this ceremony site always tend to get the dreamiest light. I definitely recommend utilizing this space quite a bit on one's wedding day!

This Venue's Convenient Location

I like how this venue makes one feel like he or she is in Yosemite, or somewhere really woodsy out in nature, but in reality, it's only a short drive away from Los Angeles. It will make guests feel like they traveled far, but they really didn't. In other words, it has a destination wedding vibe, without the inconvenience for guests.

This Venue Offers Separate Sections

I really like how the 1909 offers separate sections for the getting ready area, ceremony site, reception, and dancing areas. It keeps thing interesting!

The Cutest Photo booth

A perk of this venue is that they offer the cutest orange hippie, 70s van that is ready to go as a photo booth for your guests. I think this makes for such a fun experience!

The 1909 Offers Couples Exclusive Use of It's Property

One of the best things about getting married here is that you get the whole space to yourself: there's no double-booking multiple events in a day or anything so you really get to enjoy and use the full venue.

Plenty of Photo Spots

There are so many great opportunities for the 1909 photos. This venue is filled with gorgeous spaces all around, which are also perfect setting up a guest book, gift table, or photo booth. There really is a lot of variety at a 1909 wedding.

More Wedding Tips

Check out more California wedding tips HERE!

GET IN TOUCH!

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