Our Favorite Wedding Venues in Southern California

Are you a bohemian, modern, beach-bound, non-traditional or class bride? If that's you, this post will suit you.

We've compiled a selection of the top wedding venues in sunny Southern California! Looking for grand and beautiful, out-of-the-way and unconventional wedding venues in California? Look no further. We've got you covered. In the mood for some wine? Is your heart pounding for a lovely barn? Interested in snatching up the chicest boutique hotel or even a high-end loft? How about a pistachio farm run by some of the coolest creatives in the business?

We've done all of the legwork for you, so keep reading for the most brilliant and exceptional spots to get married in southern California.

1. Green Gables

This legendary garden estate is comprised of ivy-covered groves, flourishing rose flower beds, trickling cisterns, scenic statuary, and vibrant twinkling lights in the shade of a dreamy, landmark forest.

Its grand bridal parlor is outfitted with classic, charming decorations and furnishings that provide the ideal setting for your preparations before exchanging vows in one of their three staggeringly beautiful ceremony spaces.

You can finish tying the knot in its grand canopied pavilion amid artistic gardens and sparkling starlight, sheltered by elegant chiffon draping and illuminated by dazzling crystal chandeliers.

2. Ethereal

Are you looking for that truly magical blend of ethereal serenity and natural elegance? If yes, Ethereal is for you.

This destination caters to the most discriminating palates in search of exceptional service and global farm-to-table cuisine.

It has acres of edible gardens filled with old growth orchards, for that farmland feeling. Also, it has 250,000 twinkling lights, and organic herb and vegetable farms covering hundreds of acres.

Some of its amenities include; covered outdoor space, dressing room, indoor and outdoor event space, reception area, and wireless internet.

3. Twin Oaks Gardens

This place will whisk you away back to the 19th century for your special day with its ultimate charming setting.

A historic estate, cradled among the tall trees of a private, intimate forest, Twin Oaks Gardens is surrounded by lush gardens, glimmering rose arbors, serene waterfalls, and dreamy statuary.

Its restored Grand Parlor provides the ideal lodgings for your bridal shower to start preparing for the big day and capture memories.

On the other hand, its traditional Gentlemen's Clubhouse offers a separate iconic setting for resting, partying, and those classic final words of wisdom from man to man.

There's also the option of dining and dancing all night with your visitors in a grand canopied pavilion embellished with elegant chiffon peaks, and gleaming crystal light fixtures before the D-day.

4. Tivoli

Tivoli is a breathtaking banquet hall venue in Fallbrook, CA that hosts weddings. This estate is nestled among olive groves and culinary herbs, offering a pretty stunning backdrop for nuptials in an Italian countryside.

If you choose to hold your wedding reception there, you can anticipate exquisite scenery, world class service, and delicious food.

This venue provides three outdoor ceremony locations. A covered alfresco area is available for guests to enjoy the beautiful California weather while staying out of the sun. The property also has a lovely courtyard with Italian ponds, an earthy hanging bell, and a well-kept garden.

You can also exchange commitments on the grounds, which are surrounded by trees and offer spectacular views of the landscape and green hills.

You can also make use of its Barrel Room and an on-site suite. This suite, with its tiles and reclining space, has an airy and vibrant feel, which helps to create a peaceful atmosphere for jittery newlyweds.

5. Botanica

This delightful garden setting is the ideal botanical background for your special day. It's located less than a 60 minutes from city center and hosts, at least, 220 weddings per year.

For your special day, you can consider a ceremony in the garden's center. Here, there's the Victorian Gazebo, set on a large lawn encircled by natural borders of plants and mature trees, which is perfect for exchanging your vows.

Alternatively, you can choose the up-close and personal Walled Garden location, which is surrounded by picturesque ferns and trees and enclosed by a lovely authentic adobe and tile wall.

Following your enchanting nuptials, you can host a memorable reception in the Lawn House Garden. Here, waterfalls and a tropical setting create a memorable backdrop for your wedding reception.

To end your special day, you can dine and dance underneath the stars and create a truly unforgettable experience.

6. Twin Oaks Golf Course

Twin Oaks weddings provide a tranquil open park with green hills, deciduous trees, sunset views, picturesque ponds, colorful flower beds, vine-covered trellises and stone features.

When you book your wedding at this spot, you will have access to all of its indoor and outdoor spaces for the duration of your wedding day. This includes access to a bridal room, entry routes, outdoor patios, a ceremony lawn, a stone fireplace, a full-service interior bar, and the large ballroom.

7. Carmel Mountain Ranch

Located in Ventura County, Camarillo Ranch is "where the rustic allure meets Victorian charm." This historic ranch, from the nineteenth century, is an essential part of the community and was created as a romantic gesture—Adolfo Camarillo built the estate for his wife, Isabella.

The ranch can accommodate up to 1,000 people and has been used for weddings, trips, private events, and other social gatherings. It provides destination-style wedding packages and offers two outdoor wedding arenas, along with a Red Barn, a large reception hall, and the Victorian manor house.

8. Los Willows

Los Willows Wedding Estate is just 50 miles north of San Diego's city center in Fallbrook, California. This extraordinary venue, a hidden gem, is known for taking people's breath away. Its setting on 55 acres of landscaped grounds makes it stunningly pretty, providing a dramatic backdrop for your wedding – and pictures!

Relish a meadow wedding site that is covered the whole day, so your visitors can relax while you arrive. Or, speaking of grand entrances, hold your wedding on the lakeside lawn, where you'll make your entrance in a boat cruising up the lake!

Whatever you decide, the elegance of your ceremony at Los Willows will leave your guests speechless.

9. Milagro

Milagro is the place to go for any and all forthcoming wedding celebrations in the larger San Diego metro region. This venue can host up to 200 guests.

The managers also can ensure that your preferred supplier and caterer list is available upon request. Also, you can schedule site tours prior to making a reservation to inspect the venue prior to actually making a decision.

Moreover, you can request a team of dedicated of wedding managers to make sure that every element of a wedding celebration held at Milagro runs smoothly.

You can hold everything from celebrations and vow renewals to receptions at this venue.

10. Avensole

Avensole Winery, located in Temecula, California, is a wedding and other special event venue.

If you're looking romantic scenery, with a farmland backdrop, serenity and peaceful, consider Avensole for your special occasion.

Although the location is quite reserved, it can accommodate up to 200 guests. Like Milagro, it offers everything from vow exchanging sites to after parties.

Its vibrancy will create even more flavor to your special day.

11. Lake Oak Meadows

Lake Oak Meadows is the ideal canvas for creating your dream wedding, whether you want an earthy country feel, an antique chic look, or a vintage ranch style!

It is located in the heart of scenery Temecula wine country, just a short drive from San Diego, Los Angeles and Orange county. Our lakefront private meeting and reception sites are located in the heart of our winery estate, surrounded by beautiful trees, impressive fire and water fountains, and shady rolling hills with heirloom roses. Allow our stunning venue to serve as the scenery for a wedding that will be remembered fondly by your friends and family.

12. Wilson Creek

As a "must stop" for locals and tourists alike, Wilson Creek Winery in Temecula has long been a local favorite stop. On a busy Saturday, you're likely to see a Wilson family member greeting guests and making sure everything is running smoothly at this family-owned winery- they're known for their gracious hospitality.

Outdoor wedding ceremonies are a specialty here since the venue is breathtaking. You can exchange your vows on the Concert Stage, located in the property's heart. It overlooks the gardens and vineyards and has a raised stage encased by a tilted wooden pergola.

There's also the Vineyard View Stage, which has a secluded feel, as it is sandwiched at the periphery of Cabernet vineyards.

Alternatively, you can choose the magnificent White Wedding Gazebo, which is tucked away in a lush oasis and is surrounded by flowering plants and chilies, olive, and some native trees.

13. Galway Downs

This place has a refined taste, much like a fine Temecula wine. Take it all in! This stunning venue in the center of the SoCal Wine Country will astound you with its exemplary blend of lush green grasslands, modern facilities, and a dressing room.

Enjoy an antique exquisite reception in 'The Carriage House,' a modernized barn with a splendid built-in bar, an overly large two-way fireplace, and plenty of room for visitors and dancing.

A country fantasy land that merges sophisticated flair with astounding photo opportunities, Galway Downs ignite your deep connection with equestrian culture.

Top engagement shoot locations near San Diego

Do you wonder how to choose a unique location for your engagement photoshoot? As the couple to be, your partner should also have input on making such a decision. There are millions of beautiful places but won’t bring the same excitement as a location that rekindles the beginning of your love journey. You want a site that embodies your interest, hobbies, and personality. You’d also like an exotic location not seen in regular social media posts.

Besides your home (rekindles the intimate memories) and favorite restaurant, what other options do you have? We highlighted some less-filmed scenic locations to create engagement memories near San Diego. Some of these locations are near each other, within a 15-minute drive, if you prefer shooting in multiple locations. The less time you spend moving about, the more time you get to smile for the camera.

1. Balboa Park
The main challenge that many couples face during engagement photoshoot sessions is time restriction. Balboa Park is open 24 hours, seven days a week, for both daytime and late-night photo shoots. Besides the lush vegetation and wildlife sitting on about 1,200 acres, Balboa Park is home to both ancient and modern architectural designs that will leave you gazing, wondering if you’re an expert or just curious. These structural designs are not for safaris only but will also make unique spots for an engagement photoshoot.
You can start your photoshoot at the Spreckels Organ Pavilion, designed in 1915 by Harrison Albright, a self-taught Los Angeles architecture. The semi-circular colonnades reflect an Italian Renaissance style that will look lovely on your engagement portrait.

Another outstanding architecture is the Spanish Village Arts Center featuring artists' studio cottages and galleries. This building gives you an aesthetically appealing spot for an ideal engagement photoshoot. You can also choose to switch locations in other Balboa Park architectural designs, including:
• Botanical building and lily pond
• The San Diego railroad model museum
• California Tower
• The Old Globe
• Cabrillo Bridge

2. Glamis Sand Dunes
If you want to add adventure and beauty to your engagement photoshoot, Glamis Sand Dunes will give you the best spots. This vast area gives you endless photoshoot possibilities with bright natural light during summers. You can rent a tour vehicle from the private companies located in the area to drive deep into the sand fields for more intimate sessions.

The place experiences many people during weekends and holidays. Thus, it will help if you book a slot during weekdays when you can have some quality time with your better half after the photoshoot. There are also several bathrooms where you can take a quick shower after playing in the sand.

3. San Juan Capistrano
Did you grow up in Orange County? If yes, you probably took a field trip to Mission San Juan Capistrano. This place harbors more than just rich native American history. It is now time to go back with your spouse for an epic engagement photoshoot. However, kindly note that you can only reserve a session if you boom one week in advance.

Junipero Serra founded the mission in 1776, but it still looks clean and well-maintained, attracting local and international visitors throughout the year. San Juan Capistrano features unique ancient structures that are irresistibly beautiful. The authorities prohibit motion pictures and commercial publication of still photography. Thus, your engagement album will look unique for years to come.

4. Victoria Beach
Victoria beach gives you vast sand to ditch your shoes and venture along the shores for epic engagement photography. The main attractive site is the Victoria Beach Pirate Tower, hidden among tall cliffs. However, getting to the tower is quite hectic, but you’ll not regret the effort and energy spent. You’ll have to walk past sharp and scraggly rocks to get to the 60-feet tower. It will help if you get a photographer familiar with the terrain to access the cliff easily.

5. Sunset Cliffs
Sunset cliffs will always remain a versatile location for engagement photography sessions. You can capture beautiful memories on the paths and stairs leading to the beach area, especially during sunset, to take advantage of the brilliant natural light. The stunning cliff formations give scenic views throughout the year. You’ll never go wrong with the endless tide pools and incredible sea caves. However, this region can be pretty chilly during winters. You’ll create memorable moments in spring and summer.

6. La Jolla Cove
La Jolla is one of the most after-sought international destinations for professional photography, thanks to the great blue skies. This location gives you photography spots with a pacific ocean theme, including marine life, ancient architecture, and murals. Nearly every corner in this location is worth capturing your intimate engagement sessions. You can go to Scripps Pier for luxurious engagement shots during sunsets. You can also visit the Torrey Pines Gliderport for panoramic coastal view engagement shots. There is also the Children’s Pool built back in the days to create a safe swimming area. This place will be ideal if you want to capture waves in your sensational moments.

7. Mount Laguna
Mount Laguna is one of the hidden gems in San Diego that you’re yet to discover. This scenic mountain makes the best engagement session locations, thanks to various landscape backgrounds and trees.
You can take some pictures in the desert-like backgrounds during sunset or the greener fields during spring. The whole place litters with snow during wintertime.

If you met your spouse during winter, then you’d love to rekindle the memories on snow when the engagement time comes. This location is accessible throughout the year with only an hour’s drive from San Diego. However, this place can be pretty chilly and windy, especially if you climb to higher altitudes. Other scenic views include wood, fall color, mountain, and lake. Mount Laguna doesn’t experience crowds.

8. Carbon Canyon Park
Carbon Canyon Park makes one of the exotic engagement photoshoot locations in Orange County. Forget about the coastal beaches, sporting arenas, and modern architecture to reflect the beauty of redwood trees in your engagement pictures. The NorCal look in SoCal will always loom amazing throughout the summer and winter. Carbon Canyon Park has plants that always seem dead even when the flowers are blossoming in summer, creating a unique location if you want a rusty ambiance for your engagement photos.

However, the best time for photography in this park would be during spring. The weather is a bit cooler, and fewer people visit the area. While engagements look better around many people, a near-private location gives you space for intimate moments. After all, you’ll go for an engagement photoshoot once in your life unless you’re planning a divorce, which we hope doesn’t come to happen.

9. Palm Springs
Many people know Palm Springs as the world’s golf capital. However, there are more than just golf courses, making this place a go-to location for perfect engagement photoshoots. The mid-century residential architectures give you the best scenic locations for a private celebrity-like getaway shoot. The best part about palm springs city is that nearly every spot has an aesthetically pleasing feature that will look magical in a picture. You can let your photographer walk ahead to take photos as you stroll because every corner you bend presents an opportunity to capture perfect shots.

Even so, there are places that remain unique for a one-time shoot if you don’t have the whole day to stroll the area. You can start your session at the Joshua Tree National Park for a desert landscape experience. The temperatures sore real quick, and it will help if you book your spot mid-morning or late in the evening during sunset. You can also opt for Moorten Botanical Gardens and marvel at the towering desert plants, trees, and cacti.

Other unique photoshoot locations in Palm Springs include:
• The Palm Desert
• Palm Springs Windmills
• Thousand Palms Oasis Reserve
• Instagrammable Hotels
• San Jacinto Mountain

10. Felicita Park
Lastly, you might also give Felicita Park a try if you want to create engagement memories next to one of Southern California’s ancient oaks. Felicita Park sits on an evergreen valley surrounded by attractive cultural and recreational resources. This location is accessible from as early as 9.30 a.m. with private vehicle and restroom access until sunset. The park sits in a large watershed that spans approximately 346 acres.

You can have your photoshoot next to the beautiful Felicita Creek that flows throughout all seasons. You can also book a reservation for any of the seven picnic areas or the park museum. However, you’ll need to book your session as early as a month before the actual day since this place is always packed with kids, especially during summers. Other unique shooting spots in Felicita Park include the 2.5-mile non-motorized trails.

Wrapping It Up
Once you choose any of the above places, don’t forget to share the location with your photographer in advance. You can even share a shortlisted list for the photographer to help select the options that will reflect your aesthetic preferences. Several preparations take place behind the scene before getting the perfect album or frame engagement photos. All the above sites have no photography restrictions. The only thing that your photographer may need to adapt to is lighting or timing. Most importantly, be open to your photographer’s idea and feedback because they know best if a specific location will give you what you want.