The Bride’s Guide to Getting Married in Los Angeles

los angeles wedding
Venice Beach. Via Flickr/Chis Goldberg

California dreaming — it always rings true. The prominent sun, surfer’s beaches, and stylish nightlife all combine to make LA one of the coolest places on earth — in climate and in temperament. Seriously. LA brings out the brightest and liveliest in all of us (despite the traffic), which makes it the perfect spot for a destination wedding or local celebration for couples lucky enough to live in an urban paradise.

When to Go

Best Weather Months: You really can’t go wrong getting married in California any time of the year, considering how many flock to the state just for the weather. It’s one of the few places where you can actually get away with having an outside wedding WITHOUT a tent (though it’s always better to be safe than sorry). Spring and fall months are the most apt times to visit, with March-May and September-November being your best bets.

los angeles wedding
Via Flickr/Jimmyweee

Worst Weather Months: June to early September marks the peak tourist season and the highest for the sweltering heat. Though if you’re getting married in Santa Monica, Malibu, or anywhere else along the coast you’ll often have temperatures up to 15+ degrees lower than inland spots.

How to Get There

Major Airports: LAX – Los Angeles International Airport, LA/Ontario International Airport, John Wayne Airport

Transportation: Uber and Taxi service are readily available. You can also use the bus and rail service with LA metro trains.

Best Neighborhoods for Out-of-Town Guests

To Stay

Santa Monica: Guests will not only be delighted by the shops, surf, and strolling, but the gorgeous views of the cascading cliffs and cerulean blues of the ocean just in sight. A drive along a palm tree-lined street and a visit to the Third Street Promenade, Montana Avenue, and of course the Santa Monica Pier (I definitely recommend a ride on the Ferris Wheel) are a must for guests. Hotels include Shutters, The Viceroy, and the Travelodge. Click here to see the full list.

los angeles wedding guide
Santa Monica Pier

To Visit

Silverlake: Deemed the “Best Hipster Neighborhood” in the United States by Forbes and one of the country’s best “Big City Neighborhoods” by Money magazine, Silverlake has all of the coolest shops, bars, restaurants, and coffee shops for a Sunday pick-me-up for guests (we recommend at stop at Intelligentsia Coffee). The stretch of Sunset Boulevard runs through the neighborhood, making it the perfect locale for a leisurely walk and an opportune view for the stylish Modernist architecture.

los angeles wedding guide
Silverlake

Best Spot for Wedding Photos

The Griffith Observatory is one of the most gorgeous sites in Los Angeles, located just about the Los Feliz neighborhood (another great place to visit for out-of-town guests). It first opened in 1935, and if it looks familiar it’s because it’s in Rebel Without a Cause with James Dean and other movies such as Charlie’s Angels: Full Throttle and Terminator Genisys. The views from the Observatory are some of the best in the city, and the Planetarium is small but definitely worth checking out. NOTE: The Observatory allows photography for personal use inside and outside the building. This includes by a professional photographer for personal use (such as a wedding photographer working for an engaged couple). According to their Observatory’s website, “Taking photographs must not interfere with or displace other Observatory visitors or their access to, or use of, the Observatory and its grounds or with Observatory staff or activities.”

Griffith Observatory
2800 East Observatory Road
Los Angeles, CA 90027
(213) 473-0800

Hours:

Weekdays (Tuesday – Friday): 12:00 noon – 10:00 p.m.
Weekends (Saturday – Sunday): 10:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Mondays Closed

los angeles wedding
The Griffith Observatory. Via Flickr/ Angus Lam

Where to Get Your Marriage License

Beverly Hills Location:

9355 Burton Way
1st Floor
Beverly Hills, CA 90210
(310) 288-1261

Hours
M-F, 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Ceremonies: Wednesdays and Fridays, by appointment only

For more locations click here

Local Wedding Vendors

You’ll definitely want to check out these wedding photographers, planners, florists, and more below. While we haven’t worked with all of them, we are definitely fans. (NOTE: These are NOT paid listings!)

Looking for a wedding venue? Check out our guide to the Best Southern California Wedding Venues.

los angeles wedding guide
Photo by Honey Honey Photography

Los Angeles Wedding Photographers

B & G Photography
Dave Richards
For the Love of It
Jenny Smith & Co.

Get the scoop on these Los Angeles wedding photographers here!

Los Angeles Wedding Videographers

Elysium Productions
Isabel Cinematheque
Luminance Wedding Films
Amari Productions

Get the scoop on these Los Angeles wedding videographers here!

Los Angeles Wedding Florists

Lilla Bello
The Little Branch
Peony & Plum
Enchanted Garden
The Bloom of Time

Get the scoop on these Los Angeles wedding florists here!

los angeles wedding guide
Flowers by Peony and Plum

Los Angeles Wedding DJs and Bands

Black Book Social Club
Bob Gail Event Planning & Production
The Flashdance
Blue Breeze Band

Get the scoop on these Los Angeles wedding DJs and bands here!

Los Angeles Wedding Caterers

Patina Group
The Food Matters
Eco Caterers
Seasons Catering
24Carrots
Wolfgang Puck Catering

Get the scoop on these Los Angeles wedding caterers here!

Los Angeles Wedding Hair and Makeup

Mariah Nicole Beauty
Fiore Beauty
Lindsey Jones Makeup 

Get the scoop on these Los Angeles wedding hair and makeup artists here!

los angeles wedding guide
Makeup by Fiore Beauty. Photo by Heather Kincaid.

Los Angeles Wedding Planners

Bright Blue Events
Carly Rae Design
Wink Weddings
Orange Blossom Special Events

Get the scoop on these Los Angeles wedding planners here!

Los Angeles Event Rental Companies

Yeah! Rentals
Found Vintage Rentals
Designer8 Furniture Rentals
Premiere Party Rents

Get the scoop on these Los Angeles party rentals here!

Looking for a Los Angeles wedding venue? We have a whole section dedicated to that! Check out the best Los Angeles wedding venues here. 

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!

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