Unique Los Angeles Wedding Venues
Looking for unique Los Angeles Wedding Venues?
If so, you are in the right place.
I am wedding photographer who specializes in documenting Los Angeles Weddings and wow, I've seen quite a few spectacular wedding venues at this point. Below, I'm going to share my personal favorites with you, as well as share what I love about them.
Ok, so to keep things SIMPLE, first thing first...
I want you to close your eye and visualize your DREAM venue. DO THIS BEFORE SCROLLING DOWN...
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What came up for you? Did you see a space indoors or outdoors? By the beach? In the forest? In the desert? In a whimsical garden? In an urban, modern, loft type of space? Somewhere in the city with a view of downtown LA? In your backyard?
Take note of whatever it is you both saw, then check out the types of venues below.
- Urban Los Angeles Wedding Venues
- Garden or Ranch Los Angeles Wedding Venues
- Winery/Vineyard Los Angeles Wedding Venues
- Forest Los Angeles Wedding Venues
- Desert Los Angeles Wedding Venues
- Los Angeles Wedding Venues that Transport You to Another Country
- Seaside Los Angeles Wedding Venues
Choose the one that most matches with your dream venue vision and then read about the venues that correspond with that vibe below.
Urban Los Angeles Wedding Venues
Smog Shoppe, Los Angeles
If you love venues with an urban vibe, you’re going to adore this place.
El Rey Theater
This is great for all music lovers. How amazing would it be to have a wedding at a concert venue and have your names put up on the marquee?! I mean come on - that's cuuutttee! This venue isn't for everyone, but I'd definitely say it's a unique Los Angeles wedding venue.
The Narrative Loft, Santa Barbara
This venue consists of a rustic, Industrial building with gorgeous high wood beam ceilings and open floor plan.
The Grassroom, Los Angels
I love this a unique Los Angeles wedding venue so much. This place is seriously cool! It has an urban vibe, but it also includes a ton of greenery inside. It definitely offers something different!
Madera Kitchen, Los Angeles
To view a wedding I photographed at the Madera Kitchen, click HERE.
This venue is super cute! It’s located along the edge of Hollywood Hills and offers a hip, funky, and slightly bohemian vibe. It is a fully turnkey restaurant, bar, and wedding event space.
The Little White Church, Pasadena
To view a wedding I photographed at the Little White Church, click HERE.
This makes the list for one of the many unique Los Angeles wedding venues because...not only is it surrounded by beautiful nature, but you also get to personalize everything to your liking!
I had a hard time deciding which category to place this venue in because it really is it’s own unique thing. It’s the cutest chapel ever that can be used as the ceremony space and then transported into a beautiful reception space. It’s also in the heart of Pasadena, which is amazing because Pasadena itself offers SO MANY great places to take photos, such as couple portraits or bridal party/family portraits at.
Luce Loft, San Diego
This is a super cute loft located in the heart of San Diego.
To view a wedding I photographed at Luce Loft, click HERE.
The Fig House, Highland Park
The Fig House is perfect for couples who LOVE color. This space was actually designed by HGTV'S Emily Henderson.
Garden or Ranch Los Angeles Wedding Venues
Whispering Rose Ranch, Solvang
This ranch includes a 120 year old stone cottage and breathtaking views. It is located in the CUTEST Danish town of Solvang. This venue has rose bushes, beautiful trees, and much more. I'd say it is one of the most romantic/dreamy venues ever.
Calamigos Ranch, Malibu
Calamigos Ranch in Malibu has four different wedding spaces and ALL are gorgeous. The property is gigantic and makes you feel like you are have entered a magical, fairy land. The Oaks Room is my personal favorite wedding space and has a GORGEOUS reception space that features twinkling lights, huge windows, exposed beams, and a fireplace.
Leo Carrillo Ranch, Carlsbad
This is a 27 acre ranch with a hacienda style courtyard and a lot of rustic charm. It is secluded and home to peacocks, bird of paradise & more.
Klentner Ranch, Carpinteria
Astounding ocean and mountain views with private gardens and avocado orchards make this ranch a dream venue
Carmel Ranch, San Diego
To view a wedding I photographed at Camel Ranch, click HERE.
This venue is really pretty. It has beautiful mountain views, a really pretty ceremony space, and plenty of indoor reception state with amazing large windows.
San Ysidro Ranch, Montecito
Tucked in the countryside and with fragrant orange blossoms, eucalyptus, and magnolia, this makes for an idyllic outdoor wedding venue.
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!
Hartley Botanica, Somis
This place is filled with plants, flowers, waterfalls, etc. It’s absolutely beautiful.
South Coast Botanic Garden, Palos Verdes
The gardens here are really impressive!
Rancho Las Lomas, Silverado
With beautiful lawns, ancient oaks, apple trees, a zoological garden, and incredible architecture, this venue has A LOT going for it. In my opinion, this is definitely one of the most unique California wedding venues!
Twin Oaks House and Garden Estate, San Marcos
This venue has a whimsical quality to it. It has gardens, nature, twinkling lights, etc.
Orcutt Ranch Horticultural Center
To view a wedding I photographed at Orcutt Ranch, click HERE.
This venue offers a little bit of everything. A beautiful HUGE, oak tree, unique architecture, and a whole lot of nature. It has a whimsical quality to it.
This a unique Los Angeles wedding venue because not only is it surrounded by beautiful nature, but you also get to personalize everything to your liking!
Pickwick Gardens, Burbank
This venue offers a classic garden vibe, with vibrant greenery, fountains, flowers, etc.
To view 2 weddings I photographed at Pickwick Gardens, click HERE & HERE.
Hummingbird Nest Ranch
The Hummingbird Nest Ranch is a romantic garden space nestled in the Santa Susana Mountains of Simi Valley. Towering trees, Spanish colonial architecture, and a canyon setting transport you to the picturesque coast of Spain. The Villa at the ranch is the idyllic romantic ceremony venue. The spot offers a central mosaic tile fountain, tons of greenery including olive trees, and an exquisite, mountainous view.
San Ysidro Ranch, Montecito
Tucked in the countryside and with fragrant orange blossoms, eucalyptus, and magnolia, this makes for an idyllic outdoor wedding venue.
Camarillo Ranch, Camarillo
To view a wedding I photographed at Camarillo Ranch, click HERE.
With a classic red barnyard for the reception and a Queen Anne-style Victorian house for getting ready photos, this 19th century ranch offers rustic charm.
Winery/Vineyard Los Angeles Wedding Venues
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 definitely a remarkable and unique Los Angeles wedding venue!
Triunfo Creek Vineyards, Agoura Hills
A dreamy & unique Los Angeles wedding 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.
Oak Mountain Winery
Oak Mountain sits on top of a ridge soaring 1,450 feet above the Temecula Valley. It offers breathtaking views, as well as delicious food and wine.
Zaca Mesa Winery
Zaca Mesa Winery & Vineyards offers serene and rustic elegance for weddings, both large and small.
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.
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.
Unique Los Angeles Wedding Venue - Forest
Chalet View Lodge, Portola
With towering pines and a reception under the stars, this venue is hard to beat for forest lovers.
THE REDWOODS YOSEMITE
The Redwoods in Yosemite is located in Wawona, California, which is inside Yosemite national park. The nice thing about this specific option is that this venue can accommodate up to 80 guests, making it a great choice if you are set on getting married in the actual Yosemite park, but don’t want to compromise on your guest count. The Redwoods in Yosemite includes cozy cabins and spacious log homes, creating a unique Yosemite wedding experience for your guests!
THE AHWAHNEE WEDDING
This is the one larger hotel located in Yosemite and let me just say, it is GORGEOUS. I mean, really, it is out of this world spectacular.
This is the only 4 star hotel in Yosemite Valley. It has several different ceremony locations on site. Couples usually have medium to larger weddings here. After the ceremony, I would take the couple outside of the hotel to take couple portraits around Yosemite. They would then return to the Ahwahnee Hotel for the reception.
Also, the dining hall looks like something out of a Harry Potter movie. It literally makes you feel like you’re in the Hogwarts Dining Hall. Simply spectacular. However, the food is very expensive, which is expected considering the ambience, but the thing is, the food just isn’t that great.
I went with a group of 18 people and all ordered different dishes and none of us were impressed. I mean it’s not bad, but it isn’t what you’d expect for the price.
Why I love this venue so much
The thing is though, the Ahwahnee is literally right in the center of Yosemite. If you love natural settings, the ceremony lawn at Ahwahnee is incredible. You get a 360 degree view of the majestic mountains, waterfalls, and meadows. It makes me want to cry just thinking about it. That’s how beautiful it is. Places like this is why I love being a Yosemite wedding photographer.
A pro of this venue is you really don’t need much decor as the natural beauty is already so much. Although the Ahwahnee Hotel can use a few upgrades in terms of hotel rooms and food, it really is a remarkable space for a Yosemite wedding.
A fun dream I like to have entails me getting married here, while also being able to photograph myself getting married here. So I would be the Yosemite wedding photographer at my own Yosemite wedding. Haha. Hey – I didn’t say it was a REALISTIC dream!
Tenaya Lodge, Yosemite
Located minutes away from Yosemite, this venue offers so much natural beauty.
Ok, this venue is gorgeous. It reminds me of Christmas time for some reason. I think it’s because it’s cozy and pretty magical. This venue is SUPER close to the entrance of Yosemite. I want to say it’s about a 5 minute drive away from the entrance.
I like this venue because it overlooks a ton of gorgeous trees and the hotel itself has this beautiful, gigantic cabin-like feel. It’s difficult to describe, but it really is lovely. It’s also easy for guests to stay here because like the Pine’s Resort, the Tenaya Lodge is also a hotel.
Whereas the Pine’s Resort offers cabins for guests, the Tenaya Lodge offers hotel rooms.
Evergreen Lodge Wedding
The Evergreen Lodge is tucked in the woods and set among the majestic pines. This is a hidden gem that provides a relaxed mountain setting, with a lot of intimacy and fun!
The 1909, Topanga Canyon
This is definitely one of my favorite unique Los Angeles wedding venues.
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.
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 Ventana overlooks the Pacific Coast is surrounded by towering redwoods. This venue has over 12,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor spaces, this is a pretty massive space for a wedding.
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.
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.
Unique Los Angeles Wedding Venues - Desert
The Colony 29, Palm Springs
This estate is surrounded by botanical gardens along with backdrops of both the Indian Canyons & San Jacinto Mountains.
Casa Verona, Palm Springs
This is an amazing airbnb that definitely makes for a unique Los Angeles wedding venue. If you love bold mid-century design, this estate is perfect for you. It also offers one of the greatest pools in Palm Springs.
The Desert Lily, Joshua Tree
This is perfect for a boho style wedding. It has panoramic views of Joshua tree.
The Dream Catcher Ranch, Yucca Valley
This is actually an airbnb that is available for weddings. It’s surrounded by beautiful rock formations and is only 15 minutes from Joshua Tree National Park and 10 minutes from Pioneer Town. I’d recommend this for intimate or elopement style weddings as you’d have the whole place to yourself!
The O’ Donnel House, Palm Springs
This 1920 home sits at the foot of the San Jacinto mountains, making for the most amazing wedding backdrop ever. It’s also surrounded my palm trees, pink bougainvilleas, and gardens.
Korakia, Palm Springs
This Venus is super interesting because it is Mediterranean styled, making you feel like you’re in Greece. However, it also includes the desert romance vibes. It’s a great combination that offers something unforgettable.
The Parker, Palm Springs
Any Palm Springs wedding photographer will tell you that if you are looking for some funky photos and a great wedding day experience, this is a GREAT venue for that.
Just look at this entrance at the Parker.
Villa Royale
This is a luxurious boutique hotel that has a glamorous, Old Hollywood vibe! If you want a Palm Springs wedding with a vintage flair, this would make a great option!
Casa De Monte Vista
Another Palm Springs wedding venue with magnificent, bright pink bougainvilleas! This venue has a Spanish garden and dinner would be outside under the moonlight!
Rimrock Ranch
Rimrock ranch is a 36 acre property in Pioneertown, which is just outside of Joshua Tree National Park. It was originally built as a weekend retreat for western actors.
The ranch consists of 4 cabins. It’s an idyllic location for a Joshua tree wedding.
Sacred Sands
Every Joshua Tree wedding photographer I know LOVES to photograph here…and for good reason. Sacred Sands has breathtaking desert valley and mountain views. The sunsets there are absolutely spectacular.
It also has an outdoor reception space, a ceremony circle area, cocktail hour space, and 4 luxury rooms. A major plus is that they have an indoor ballroom in which the party can continue at night if it gets too chilly.
Pioneertown Motel
As far as unique Los Angeles wedding venues go, this definitely makes the list. Located in Pioneertown, this motel offers 4.5 acres of gorgeous desert landscape. It also includes 3 separate spaces for a Joshua tree wedding or elopement, each space accommodating different guest counts.
It has an amphitheater space that can serve for wedding ceremonies, as well as a barnyard space for the reception. The Canteen lounge works for an intimate wedding space.
If you desire to have a higher guest count, I would recommend Pioneertown Motel for your Joshua Tree wedding!
Mojave Sands
Mojave Sands has a Moroccan vibe that attracts all Joshua Tree wedding photographers. I’d recommend this for a couple going for a Joshua Tree bohemian wedding vibe.
The Ruin Venue
An eclectic space with unique architecture, a pool, and a beautiful outdoor wedding space.
Joshua Tree Acres
This venue has a bohemian vibe. It has 5 super cute airstreams, a hot tub, and outdoor dining area. You could rent out the entire property to have your dream Joshua Tree wedding!
The Desert Lily
The Desert Lily Bed & Breakfast is a bohemian Joshua Tree wedding venue that offers areas for both the wedding ceremony AND reception. It also has panoramic views of Joshua Tree. You really can’t beat that!
The Lautner
The Lautner is sleep and minimalistic. I particularly love this Palm Springs venue because they are flexible and offer a wide array of packages, including really amazing mico wedding packages. This is a great option for a Palm Springs elopement.
La Sirena
This is one of my personal favorite options for a Palm Springs wedding. It’s a historic boutique hotel in the heart of Palm Springs, walking distance from everything. It has the San Jacinto Mountains as a backdrop!
It has 18 villas and each one is SO beautiful and romantic. La Sirena has a luxurious and trendy, yet timeless vibe, making it a great Palm Springs wedding venue. This is a favorite of Palm Springs wedding photographers as it really is so unique!
Frederick Loewe Estate, Palm Springs
This venue is on the larger side. It has a beautiful view of the San Jacinto mountains and is surrounded by palm trees and gardens.
The Ace Hotel & Swim Club
Any Palm Springs wedding photographer will tell you that if you want to go somewhere with an instant “cool” factor, the Ace Club provides that.
It’s minimalistic, relaxed, and dreamy. Also, their breakfast is DELICIOUS.
Unique Los Angeles Wedding Venues that Transport You to Another Country
Malibu Rocky Oaks, Malibu
This venue is insane! If you’re looking to get married in a castle, but don’t want to travel all the way to Europe, check out Malibu Rocky Oats. It’s French inspired and has sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean and vineyards.
Fairmont Grand Del Mar, San Diego
This is a Mediterranean style property that includes lush greenery, romantic views, rose gardens, and pink walls.
Kestrel Park, Santa Barbara
This venue transports your to an English country house. I LOVE this venue so much. Definitely one of the top 10 most unique California wedding venues.
Rancho Las Lomas, Silverado
With beautiful lawns, ancient oaks, apple trees, a zoological garden, and incredible architecture, this venue has A LOT going for it.
Villa Del Sol D’oro, Arcadia
This wedding venue will transport you to Tuscany, Italy.
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.
Whispering Rose Ranch, Solvang
This ranch includes a 120 year old stone cottage and breathtaking views. It is located in the CUTEST Danish town of Solvang.
Korakia, Palm Springs
As far as unique Los Angeles wedding venues go, this definitely makes the list. This Palm Spring venue is super interesting because it is Mediterranean styled, making you feel like you’re in Greece. However, it also includes the desert romance vibes. It’s a great combination that offers something unforgettable.
Justin Winery, Paso Robles
This wedding venue makes you feel like you’re on a chateau…in France. The venue itself looks like a castle that overlooks the hills and mountains.
Seaside Los Angeles Wedding Venues
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.
Klentner Ranch, Carpinteria
Astounding ocean and mountain views with private gardens and avocado orchards make this ranch a dream venue
Cypress Sea Cove, Malibu
This venue has a seaside cottage quality. It’s charming and includes breathtaking views of the water.
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.
Rancho Del Cielo, Malibu
This venue is on top of a hill overlooking Malibu and the ocean.
To view a wedding I photographed at Rancho Del Cielo, click HERE.
Casa Di Pietra, Malibu
A hidden gem in Malibu that offers private beach access and beautiful natural light throughout.
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.
The Adamson House, Malibu
I love this venue so much. It's probably my favorite on this list of unique Los Angeles wedding venues. 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.
Alight, that sums it up! Hope you enjoyed reading over the list of unique Los Angeles wedding venues.
If you'd to get in touch about wedding photography, feel free to contact me HERE.
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