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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 seaside celebration, a vineyard retreat, or an elegant coastal affair, this region has it all.

To help you navigate the options, I’ve compiled a list of my top 18 luxury wedding venues across Southern California. Each of these spots offers something unique and stunning, ensuring that your special day will be 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, timeless wedding.

MALIBU ROCKY OAKS ESTATE

A stunning hidden gem in Malibu,CA that transports you to wine country in Tuscany.

Perched high in the Santa Monica Mountains, Malibu Rocky Oaks Estate Vineyards offers one of the most jaw-dropping wedding settings imaginable. With 360-degree views of rolling hills and sprawling vineyards, this venue feels like a secluded oasis that could be in Tuscany.

Couples can exchange vows on the hilltop helipad, surrounded by panoramic vistas, creating a truly unforgettable experience for both the couple and their guests.

If this doesn’t already excite you enough about this wedding venue, the bride and groom can even arrive or make their grand exit by helicopter. Talk about a GRAND wedding exit!

Malibu dream resorT

For those seeking a dreamy coastal retreat, Malibu Dream Resort offers an enchanting setting with its pristine beachfront and luxurious amenities. This 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.

Santa Monica Wedding Venues

Shutters on the Beach | Santa Monica

Shutters on the Beach epitomizes the charm of a classic coastal wedding. With its elegant beachfront setting and sophisticated décor, it offers a blend of relaxed luxury and refined style. The panoramic ocean views and stylish event spaces make it a top choice for a memorable seaside celebration.

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 ensure a wedding experience that’s as unforgettable as it is stylish.

Laguna Beach wedding venues

Montage laguna beach

Starting off strong, The Montage Laguna Beach, a popular stunning luxury venue in Southern California, that is next to unrivaled with coastal beauty and sophisticated elegance.

We stayed here when we took our engagement photos and did our photo shoot on the breathtaking beachfront. Their service was incredible, which added to making our experience there truly chefs kiss.

This venue boasts a picturesque bluffside backdrop that any bride would fall in love with. The Montage’s blend of luxury and stunning ocean views creates the perfect setting for a high-end wedding.

The refined amenities and impeccable service ensure that your special day will be as elegant and unforgettable as the venue itself.

Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach - Dana Point

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.

Known for its exceptional service and luxury, this property emulates the Waldorf Astoria reputation of excellence.

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.

The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel - Dana Point

I’ve personally stayed at The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel, and let me tell you, this place is everything you’d expect from a Ritz-Carlton property and more.

Ritz Carlton, Laguna Niguel

This was my original dream wedding venue for as long as I can remember, and even before I was engaged.

From the moment you arrive, you’re greeted by stunning ocean views and the kind of refined elegance that makes every event feel extraordinary. The Mediterranean-inspired architecture and lush gardens set the perfect scene for a romantic ceremony, while the exquisite ballrooms and terraces are ideal for a sophisticated reception.

The Ritz-Carlton’s impeccable service and attention to detail ensure that every aspect of your wedding is flawlessly executed. If you’re envisioning a celebration with unparalleled luxury and panoramic ocean vistas, this resort delivers a truly unforgettable experience. It’s the epitome of coastal elegance and sophistication.

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 exquisite backdrop for a high-end wedding. The ocean views, combined with the property’s refined amenities, create an idyllic setting for a memorable celebration.

Ritz-Carlton Bacara - Santa Barbara

Ritz-Carlton Bacara is a luxurious retreat that offers a perfect blend of elegance and natural beauty. With its stunning coastal views and opulent accommodations, it’s a top choice for a sophisticated wedding. The resort’s impeccable service and beautiful event spaces ensure a seamless and unforgettable experience.

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.

The Biltmore Four Seasons - Santa Barbara

The Biltmore Four Seasons is an iconic venue 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 venue promises a sophisticated and unforgettable celebration.

Montecito Country Club - Montecito

For a refined and elegant wedding, Montecito Country Club offers a beautiful setting with its lush grounds and sophisticated design. The venue’s picturesque views and luxurious amenities provide a perfect backdrop for a stylish and memorable celebration.

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.

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.

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. From the breathtaking cliffside views of The Montage Laguna Beach to the opulent luxury of the Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach, these venues provide the ideal backdrop for creating unforgettable memories.

Whether you’re drawn to the coastal beauty of Santa Monica or the vineyard charm of Temecula, each venue on this list brings its own special allure to your celebration. As you explore these incredible locations, remember that the best venue is the one that resonates with your personal style and vision for your big day.

Happy planning, and may your wedding be as beautiful and extraordinary as the venues that inspire it!

XOXO💋

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