10 Best Venues in Southern California

Southern California has some of the best wedding venues in the entire world. From historical estates with amazing seaside views to ranches graced with an ocean of flowers and stately oak trees, there is something for every bride searching for a unique wedding venue in southern california.

While this list of the best wedding venues in Southern California will continue to expand, here’s a look at a few of our current favorite spots in Southern California to say “I Do!”

Do you have a list wedding venues in Southern California you think we should add to this feature? Let us know in the comments section below!

P.S.: These are in no particular order…we love them all equally!

1. San Ysidro Ranch

900 San Ysidro Lane
Santa Barbara, CA  93108
805-565-1702
$$$$

Jessica Simpson and Eric Johnson got married here. So did Lily Aldridge and Kings of Leon’s Caleb Followill. It’s also the rumored location for Gwyneth Paltrow and Chris Martin’s wedding. In addition to hosting several high-profile celebrity weddings and honeymoons (this is where JFK and Jackie O. spent their first getaway as husband-and-wife), the amazingly gorgeous San Ysidro Ranch is also a favorite for everyday brides looking for an intimate and relaxing wedding venue with some of the most gorgeous backdrops (and hotel rooms) I’ve ever seen. Find out how much a wedding at The San Ysidro Ranch will cost you.

2. Adamson House

23200 Pacific Coast Hwy,
Malibu, CA 90265
(310) 456-8432
$$$

Do you ever wish you had a Great Aunt or best friend with a gorgeous estate in Malibu? One who immediately offered their property when you told them you were engaged, which went something along the lines of “Dahhhhling. You just MUST get married in our backyard overlooking the ocean. It will be FAHBULOUS!” Was that just a dream? It doesn’t have to be if you went with the Adamson House. While your Great Aunt doesn’t own it (it’s a state-run property), you can rent it for $7,000. And trust us…it will be just as FAHBULOUS. For more details read my review of the Adamson House.

3. Casa Romantica

415 Avenida Granada
San Clemente, CA 92672
(949) 498-2139
$$$

Breathtaking ocean views? Check. Gorgeous Spanish architecture with a layout that seems destined for amazing weddings? Check and double check. It’s pretty hard to find something not to love about this Southern California wedding venue. Having attended several weddings here, I’ve seen first-hand how spectacular events can be at this wedding venue, and would invite any bride looking for a historical wedding venue in Southern California with panoramic ocean views to check out this spot! Find out how much a wedding at Casa Romantica will cost you.

4. Calamigos Ranch

327 Latigo Canyon Road
Malibu, California 90265
(818) 889-6280
$$$

This Southern California wedding venue knows weddings…in fact, they pretty much have it down to a science. While that experience might not be for every bride, if you’re looking to have all your options laid out for you and planned without having to worry about a thing (not to mention your choice of several dreamy ceremony and reception locations), then you will definitely want to drive to Malibu’s Calamigos Ranch to see if it’s right for you. Find out how much a wedding at Calamigos Ranch will cost you.

5. The Biltmore Santa Barbara

1260 Channel Drive
Santa Barbara, California 93108
(805) 969-2261
$$$$

If you’re looking for a wedding destination in Southern California the whole family can enjoy, you will definitely want to check out the Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore Santa Barbara. Steeped in history (the Spanish Colonial Revival hotel opened in 1927), the hotel offers several wedding venue locations on the property that go above and beyond the typical “ballroom” experience. And given The Biltmore’s stunning location and views, family and friends will be able to relax at the resort while still being able to enjoy all Santa Barbara has to offer. Read my review of weddings at The Biltmore.

6. Ole Hanson Beach Club

105 W Avenida Pico
San Clemente, CA 92672
(949) 361-8264
$$

Brides on a budget will love what the Ole Hanson Beach Club offers: an oceanfront setting with perfect indoor/outdoor space for less than $15,000! That is definitely hard to find when it comes to Southern California wedding venues where real estate is at a prime (as are picture-perfect views!). The fact that you can bring in your own caterer also means you’ll be saving money without sacrificing space or location. Read my review of the Ole Hanson Beach Club here.

7. The Parker Palm Springs

4200 East Palm Canyon Drive
Palm Springs, CA 92264
760-770-5000
$$$

The Parker Palm Springs is one of the most unique and visual hotels I’ve ever seen, which makes it one of my favorite wedding venues in Southern California! Located in the heart of Palm Springs, the hotel is designed by Jonathan Adler (which means you know it’s going to looking amazingly mod and cool), and has two delicious restaurants on the property to cater your wedding (as well as a fire pit and Pétanque courts located amongst a sea of lemon trees). The great decor means you won’t have to do much in terms of wedding decorations, which is always a plus! Find out how much a wedding at The Parker Palm Springs will cost you.

8. Historic Greystone Mansion and Park

905 Loma Vista Dr
Beverly Hills, CA 90210
(310) 285-6830
$$$

If you’ve dreamed of getting married at a french estate, but the fact that you didn’t live in France always got in the way (it’s a drag, right?!), then you should definitely set your sites on the Historic Greystone Mansion and Park. While this venue is a bit on the pricier side considering the fee just gets you use of the site and nothing else, it’s hard for other wedding venues in Southern California to compete with grounds and architecture as unique and stunning as the ones at Greystone. Find out how much a wedding at the Historic Greystone Mansion and Park will cost you.

9. Post Ranch Inn

47900 Highway 1
Big Sur, CA 93920 USA
(831) 667-2200
$$$$

This oceanside resort in Big Sur is consistently ranked one of the most gorgeous resorts in the United States, and as soon as you drive onto the property you can see why.  The 100-acre resort is built on a cliff 1,200 feet above the Pacific and has 39 rooms (which feature recycled materials and amazing beds) with either a mountain or ocean view. The Post Ranch Inn, which recently hosted Andy Samberg and Joanna Newsom’s indie-chic wedding, also features a world-class restaurant with one of the best views I’ve ever seen. Find out how much a wedding at The Post Ranch Inn will cost you.

10. The Ebell of Los Angeles

743 S Lucerne Blvd,
Los Angeles, CA 90005
(323) 931-1277
$$$$

Most brides these days are looking for wedding venues with both indoor and outdoor space…even those Southern California brides that see more shine than rain. 🙂 I love The Ebell because it offers both in a dramatic setting in the heart of Los Angeles with modern amenities as well as a rich history: The 75,000 sq. foot complex was the site of the first Cotillion, and in 1982 The Ebell of Los Angeles’ Italian Renaissance-style building was designated a Los Angeles Cultural Monument. Find out how much a wedding at The Ebell will cost you.

Some links in this post may be affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through them. Thank you for your support!