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The Best Luxury Wedding Venues | Southern California
Let’s start with the obvious: Southern California is overflowing with breathtaking wedding venues that would be any bride’s dream come true. Whether you’re envisioning a jaw dropping seaside coastal celebration, a vineyard oasis, or an elegant affair in Beverly Hills or Bel Air, this region truly has it all.
For as long as I can remember, I dreamed of getting married in Southern California. There's something truly unmatched about this region, and the same goes for the stunning wedding venues it offers. Naturally, it was at the top of the list for my husband and I when planning our own wedding, having lived there for many years and fallen in love with its beauty. Since I’d been dreaming of a Southern California wedding since childhood, you can imagine I did some serious research, exploring nearly every venue the region has to offer.
I've also stayed at many of the resorts on this list and attended gorgeous weddings for close friends at several of these venues. With all that experience, I wanted to compile a list of my top favorite wedding venues in Southern California to help current brides navigate their options.
Here are my TOP 30 favorite luxury wedding venues in Southern California—each offering something unique and breathtaking to ensure your wedding day is truly unforgettable.
Malibu |Wedding Venues
calamigos ranch
Calamigos Ranch is the epitome of Southern California charm, offering an array of breathtaking settings perfect for any wedding.
I still remember being captivated by the venue when my very first manager in SoCal got married here. Its rustic elegance, combined with lush, expansive grounds, creates a stunning backdrop for everything from intimate ceremonies to grand celebrations. With its seamless blend of natural beauty and refined design, Calamigos Ranch is a beloved destination for couples dreaming of a romantic and timeless wedding.
MALIBU ROCKY OAKS ESTATE
A stunning hidden gem in Malibu,CA that transports you to wine country in Tuscany.
OMG! This wedding venue in Malibu is truly jaw dropping and one of the most unique wedding venues I’ve ever seen in my entire life.
Perched high in the Santa Monica Mountains, Malibu Rocky Oaks Estate Vineyards offers one of the most stunning settings imaginable. With 360-degree views of rolling hills and sprawling vineyards, this venue feels like a secluded oasis that could be located in Tuscany, and something out of a magazine.
Couples can exchange vows on the hilltop helipad surrounded by this panoramic setting, and the best part is you can also Airbnb this venue, so all of your closest friends and family can stay there all weekend with you too.
Private helicopter pad
If that didn’t excite you already, your jaws about to hit the floor, because YES - The bride and groom can arrive or make their grand exit via helicopter….Talk about a GRAND EXIT!
Safe to say this wedding venue was definitely in our Top 5 among wedding venues we considered in SoCal, but it’s definitely best suited for a smaller intimate wedding, if you’re someone who wants all of your guests to have the option to stay onsite with you for the wedding weekend.
Because our guest list was around 100 people we ruled it out, because there wouldn’t be anywhere even near the wedding venue for the majority of our guests to stay, which felt wildly inconvenient and was a hard no for me. Nonetheless, this is a MUST check out wedding venue, especially if you’re have a smaller wedding.
Malibu dream resorT
For those seeking a dreamy coastal wedding venue that is sucluded in it’s own oasis, Malibu Dream Resort offers a jaw dropping setting. With its pristine beachfront, luxurious amenities and a stunning backdrop, this wedding venue is sure to leave your wedding guests in complete aah.
This wedding venue provides a perfect blend of elegance and relaxed beach vibes, making it ideal for couples who envision a chic yet laid-back celebration by the sea.
This wedding venue is also available on AIRBNB, for other occasions outside of weddings, for those who are looking to host an upscale celebration with a group of friends or family.
Santa Monica Wedding Venues
Shutters on the Beach | Santa Monica
Shutters on the Beach epitomizes the charm of a classic coastal wedding. I actually lived walking distance down the street from this resort in Santa Monica, and having dinned at their restaurants many a time, can confirm it’s a full vibe for a wedding venue!
Their panoramic ocean views and stylish event spaces most definitely make it a top choice for any couple, looking for a beautiful wedding venue in the southern California area.
Casa del mar | Santa monica
Casa Del Mar is a stunning venue that combines vintage glamour with modern luxury. Overlooking the Pacific Ocean, its opulent interiors and breathtaking views create a glamorous backdrop for a high-end wedding. The resort’s classic elegance and impeccable service most definitely ensures a wedding experience that’s as unforgettable as it is stylish.
BEVERLY HILLS & LOS ANGELES | WEDDING VENUES
THE BEL- AIR BAY CLUB
Located in Pacific Palisades, just outside Beverly Hills, the Bel-Air Bay Club offers breathtaking ocean views and Mediterranean-style architecture. With a cliffside lawn overlooking the Pacific, it’s perfect for outdoor ceremonies. Its private, exclusive setting provides an intimate yet luxurious experience.
THE BEVERLY HILLS HOTEL
Known as "The Pink Palace," The Beverly Hills Hotel has been an iconic location for glamorous weddings for over a century. It offers several stunning spaces, including the beautiful Crystal Ballroom and lush garden areas perfect for outdoor ceremonies. The venue's classic Hollywood charm and exceptional service make it a top choice for luxury wedding
Laguna Beach & Newport Beach wedding venues
“WELCOME TO THE OC BITCH”.
To say this region of SoCal has arguably the most picturesque wedding venues in all of California, and is the holy grail of beauty and luxury is an understatement.
To put it in perspective out of all 32 of these stunning wedding venues I love and have shared in this blog, 4/5 of our final top 5 wedding venues were in this county alone, and are listed below 👇
Montage laguna beach
Starting off strong with, The Montage Laguna Beach, a popular stunning luxury wedding venue in Southern California, that is next to unrivaled with coastal beauty and sophisticated elegance.
We've stayed here multiple times, including for our engagement photos, when we did our shoot on the stunning beachfront. The service is exceptional at this resort, all the more making each visit truly chef's kiss.
The resorts picturesque bluff side backdrop is truly what bridal dreams are made of! The Montage Laguna Beach is honestly the perfect blend of SoCal coastal luxury with stunning ocean views, that makes for a very high end wedding weekend experience.
Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach - Dana Point
WALDORF ASTORIA MONARCH BEACH
Having been married at a Waldorf Astoria property myself, I might be a bit biased, but I can confidently say that the Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach is an extraordinary wedding venue that will not disappoint.
Known for its exceptional service and luxury, this property emulates the Waldorf Astoria reputation of excellence - IYKYK.
Should we have ended up getting married in Southern California (spoiler alert - We didn’t end up getting married in SoCal and I will save that for next weeks blog post), this wedding venue would have definitely made the final four wedding venue cut. It’s the type of resort that is so elevated that you don’t even need or want to leave resort property, which was always our wedding vision and what we were aiming for.
With its stunning coastal views, elegant design, top notch service and premier golf course it provides an unforgettable setting for a pinterest worthy dream luxury wedding.
BONUS POINTS - If you’re a big golfer you’ll also be happy to know that this stunning resort has a golf course on property, overlooking the beautiful pacific ocean from a cliffside bluff. This was definitely a major pro for my then fiance, since he is a huge golfer. I’d say this definitely gave this resort wedding venue an bit of an extra leg up from my husbands perspective, and was an additional cherry on top of an already picture perfect wedding venue aesthetic.
The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel - Dana Point
This wedding venue is an absolute DREAM—my original dream venue, in fact, long before I was even engaged.
I’ve always been obsessed with The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel as a resort, but when I say your jaw will drop the moment you see the wedding ceremony locations on their cliffside bluff, I’m not exaggerating.
Ritz Carlton, Laguna Niguel
My favorite resort in southern California
This place offers everything you’d expect from a Ritz-Carlton property and more. As a bride who scoured the entire Southern California coast for the perfect oceanfront wedding venue on a cliff, I can confidently say this venue is the one. The views are breathtaking, and the dramatic cliffside setting is truly unmatched by any other coastal resort in Southern California, in my opinion.
The Ritz also has impeccable service and attention to detail, so you can rest assured your wedding day will be next to flawless at this unparalleled luxury resort. Truly 10/10 wedding venue goals and what bridal dreams are made of!
The Ritz has impeccable service and attention to detail, so you can rest assured your day will be next to flawless at this unparalleled luxury ocean resort. Truly 10/10 wedding venue goals and what bridal dreams are made of!
PELICAN HILL RESORT
Okay I know I’ve said every wedding venue is what bridal dreams are made of lol, but Pelican Hill in Orange County is TRULY the absolute epitome of luxury and elegance. This Italian-inspired resort exudes romance with its breathtaking views, lush gardens, and the iconic rotunda, making it a perfect setting for the most stunning wedding day!
With world-class dining, exceptional service and coastal charm, Pelican Hill offers an unmatched backdrop for a Bride to Be’s dream fairytale wedding.
The only major con of this stunning wedding venue is the outrageous price point of this luxury resort. TBH I didn’t even tour this luxury resort venue when we were looking, given the wedding venue fee alone started at $80k. This price point was strictly a venue fee alone, and didn’t include a single other cost of hosting a wedding.
That said, if money is no object to you, I’ve found you your dream wedding venue in Southern California - You’re welcome!
Santa Barbara & Montecito | Wedding Venues
Rosewood Miramar Beach - Santa Barbara
The Rosewood Miramar Beach exudes luxury with its pristine beachfront location and elegant design. This venue offers a blend of classic charm and contemporary sophistication, providing an v exquisite backdrop for a high-end wedding. The ocean views, combined with the property’s refined amenities, create a very idyllic setting for an incredible luxury wedding celebration.
Klentner Ranch
For a Santa Barbara wedding that balances refined charm with total luxury, Klentner Ranch is the venue you didn’t know you needed. Nestled in the Montecito hills with breathtaking coastal views, this spot brings the ultimate mix of elegance and a laid-back California vibe. Think sprawling lawns, iconic oak trees, and a gorgeous polo field backdrop—perfect for those looking to make a statement while keeping things classic.
Every corner here is instagram worthy, and the best part? You can personalize every detail to fit your vibe, whether you’re dreaming of a chic tented wedding reception or an open-air dinner under fairy lights. At Klentner Ranch, your wedding guests get the beauty of Santa Barbara with a private, intimate feel that’s unforgettable.
Klentner Ranch
Every corner here is instagram worthy, and the best part? You can personalize every detail to fit your vibe, whether you’re dreaming of a chic tented wedding reception or an open-air dinner under fairy lights. At Klentner Ranch, your wedding guests get the beauty of Santa Barbara with a private, intimate feel that’s unforgettable.e.
Ritz-Carlton Bacara - Santa Barbara
This venue is just as luxurious as it sounds, offering the perfect blend of elegance and natural beauty. It’s truly one of the top choices for couples seeking a refined and elevated luxury wedding venue.
If you’re a fan of The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel, this is a must-see resort. The two properties share a nearly identical architectural style, and the Ritz Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara boasts one of the most breathtaking cliffside bluffs and premier pieces of real estate on the West Coast.
Belmond El Encanto - Santa Barbara
Nestled in the hills overlooking Santa Barbara, Belmond El Encanto offers a unique blend of classic elegance and modern luxury. The venue’s charming gardens and panoramic views provide a romantic setting for a wedding, while its exquisite service ensures that every detail is flawlessly executed. It is definitely a must check out wedding venue for the bride to be looking in Southern California.
The Biltmore Four Seasons - Santa Barbara
The Biltmore Four Seasons is a stunning and iconic wedding venue in Santa Barbara, that combines timeless elegance with modern luxury. The property’s stunning gardens and luxurious accommodations offer a picturesque backdrop for a high-end wedding. With its renowned service and beautiful event spaces, this wedding venue will most assuredly promise a sophisticated and unforgettable wedding weekend celebration.
Montecito Country Club - Montecito
The view from this wedding venue is absolutely stunning and there is no doubt that this is a high end sought after luxury wedding venue in Southern California.
One major con of this wedding venue though, and thing to note is that this is a private members only country club that you must be a member of to get married at this wedding venue. So if you have your heart set on this wedding venue -yes, you guessed it, you will be paying the joining fee to become a member at this country club on top of all of the additional cost of renting the wedding venue and hosting a wedding here.
Needless to say, while this wedding venue is absolutely stunning it is extremely pricey and very exclusive.
the hilton santa barbara
The Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort is a classic coastal wedding venue that combines relaxed luxury with stunning ocean views. Located right along the iconic Cabrillo Boulevard, this wedding venue offers both indoor and outdoor wedding reception and wedding ceremony venue spaces that are all absolutely stunning.
Their Plaza wedding venue space is stunning, which couples can choose to use for their wedding ceremony, wedding reception or both of their wedding events.
One of many wedding Reception Venue options
With beautifully manicured gardens, spacious event areas, and the convenience of on-site accommodations, the Hilton Santa Barbara is perfect for a seamless, picture-perfect beachside wedding day!
PALM SPRINGS & LA QUINTA | WEDDING VENUES
DESERT WILLOW GOLF COURSE | PALM DESERT
With its stunning views of the desert and mountains surrounding La Quinta, Desert Willow offers a beautiful outdoor ceremony space and elegant indoor reception options. This venue is perfect for couples looking for a scenic and serene setting.
LA QUINTA RESORT & SPA | LA QUINTA
I absolutely LOVE the La Quinta Resort & Spa! My in-laws live right down the street from this resort for six months out of the year, so I’ve spent a ton of time here.
One of my close girlfriends got married in La Quinta a few years ago, and they did their room block at this resort. I’ve also personally stayed here as a wedding guest and can attest to the incredible experience your wedding guests will receive if you choose this resort for either your wedding or room block accommodations.
As for the wedding venue spaces, the resort offers multiple indoor and outdoor options set in this beautiful desert oasis.
PGA WEST PRIVATE | LA QUINTA
Tucked away in the picturesque Coachella Valley, PGA West offers a stunning private course that serves as a breathtaking backdrop for weddings. With lush greens framed by majestic mountains, this venue creates an idyllic setting for couples seeking a luxurious and memorable celebration. The grounds feature multiple outdoor spaces, including elegant patios and manicured lawns, perfect for both ceremonies and receptions.
One of my best friends tied the knot at PGA West a few years ago, and I can attest to the incredible service and beautiful atmosphere that made their day truly special. The venue’s attentive staff goes above and beyond to ensure every detail is perfect, making it an ideal choice for couples looking to celebrate their love in a stunning environment.
The venue combines modern luxury with a serene desert setting, offering couples the opportunity to say "I do" overlooking the valley, with the dramatic mountain backdrop creating an unforgettable wedding setting.
Temecula Wedding Venues
South Coast Winery Resort & Spa | Temecula
For vineyard lovers, South Coast Winery Resort & Spa is a dream come true. I’ve personally stayed here and attended a wedding for one of my best friends, and I can attest to how stunning this venue is. Imagine exchanging vows with endless vineyards as your backdrop, then celebrating in beautiful gardens or sophisticated event spaces. It’s the ultimate destination wedding venue in Temecula wine country.
Europa Village Winery - Temecula
Europa Village Winery provides a picturesque and elegant setting with its Tuscan-inspired design and stunning vineyard views. The venue’s charming ambiance and sophisticated facilities make it an ideal choice for a memorable and luxurious wedding in Temecula.
Temecula Creek Inn
One of my best friends got married at the Temecula Creek Inn a few years ago, so again, this is another Temecula wedding venue I can confirm is a gorgeous wedding venue to get married at.
With award-winning wines, exceptional service, a very dreamy and romantic backdrop, this is a must check out wedding venue if you’re a bride looking for wedding venues in Temecula.
Mount Palomar Winery - Temecula
Mount Palomar Winery offers a beautiful vineyard setting with breathtaking views and a charming atmosphere. The venue’s rustic elegance and scenic surroundings create a romantic backdrop for a sophisticated wedding celebration.
Gershon Bachus Vintners | Temecula
For a wedding steeped in elegance and charm, Gershon Bachus Vintners offers a unique and sophisticated venue. Set amidst rolling vineyards and scenic hills, this estate combines the rustic beauty of a vineyard with luxurious amenities.
The venue’s beautiful tasting rooms, lush gardens, and picturesque surroundings create a romantic backdrop for a memorable celebration.
With its refined yet relaxed atmosphere, Gershon Bachus Vintners provides a versatile setting that can accommodate both intimate gatherings and grand celebrations. The estate’s exceptional wine and exceptional service further enhance the experience, ensuring that your special day is filled with elegance and joy.
SAN DIEGO | WEDDING VENUES
THE FAIRMONT GRAND DEL MAR
Known for its old-world Mediterranean charm, this luxury resort offers stunning indoor and outdoor venues, including the elegant Manchester Salon and Terrace or the breathtaking Aria Pavilion. With lush gardens, marble architecture, and first-class service, this venue is perfect for an over the top glamorous wedding aesthetic.
TORREY PINES | LA JOLLA
The Lodge at Torrey Pines - Located along the iconic Torrey Pines Golf Course and overlooking the Pacific Ocean, this venue provides an intimate yet luxurious atmosphere. It offers a blend of rustic elegance and natural beauty, ideal for couples looking to celebrate amidst nature.
L'Auberge Del Mar
L'Auberge Del Mar is a stunning beachside wedding venue in San Diego, CA. Whether you dream of an intimate gathering or a grand celebration, the L'Auberge Del Mar wedding team will ensure your nuptials are truly unforgettable. Wedding ceremonies are extraordinary on the Pacific Terrace, an expansive rooftop venue with prime views of the ocean and the charming nearby Del Mar Village. Seagrove Park is for you if you want to say "I do," even closer to the ocean.
A landscaped path from L'Auberge Del Mar leads to the pristine lawn at the water's edge, where you'll walk down the aisle with your loved one. As the moon makes its appearance, the Pacific Terrace transforms into a blissful setting for first dances, toasts, and starlight dining.
HOTEL DEL CORONADO | SAN DIEGO
Located on the stunning shores of Coronado Island, Hotel del Coronado is a timeless luxury resort offering both historic charm and modern sophistication. Famous for its iconic red-roofed Victorian architecture, The Del has been a premier destination since 1888, attracting celebrities, dignitaries, and couples seeking an unforgettable wedding venue.
With its prime beachfront location, this resort provides breathtaking ocean views and access to one of the most beautiful beaches in the U.S. It offers luxurious accommodations, including newly renovated beachfront villas, along with top-notch amenities such as a full-service spa, fine dining, and numerous recreational activities like beach yoga and sailing.
For weddings, Hotel del Coronado offers a variety of elegant venues, from lush outdoor gardens to stunning beachfront spaces, making it a dream destination for couples looking for a mix of history, luxury, and coastal beauty.
It’s an ideal spot for a magical wedding that combines the romance of the past with the modern sophistication of the present.
How do you choose your wedding venue?
Choosing the perfect wedding venue is a journey that combines your dreams with reality. Southern California offers an unparalleled array of stunning locations, each with its own unique charm and elegance.
Whether you’re captivated by the coastal beauty of cliffside views like those at The Montage Laguna Beach or the vineyard charm of Temecula, each venue on this list brings its own distinct magic to your wedding celebration—providing a spectacular backdrop to make your big day unforgettable.
As you explore all of these incredible locations, remember that the best wedding venue is the one that resonates with YOU, your personal style and the overall vision you and your partner have for your big day!
Happy planning, and may your wedding be as beautiful and extraordinary as all of the wedding venues that inspire it!
XOXOđź’‹
