10 Enviable California Wedding Destinations

Your partner proposed, you said yes to the dress, and all that’s left is finding the perfect California wedding destination—so the adventures begin. Your options are so abundant in the Golden State that choosing the right venue is no piece of cake. Should you go for a San Diego beach wedding, a Palm Springs desert wedding, or an elopement in Lake Tahoe? 

Regardless of what you choose, a quintessential California wedding always has three things—sunshine, warm weather, and a stunning location. From rustic venues to glamorous locales, here are the top places to get married in California.   

Unbeatable California Wedding Locales

1. Carmel Fields By Wedgewood Weddings 

Location: 4860 Carmel Valley Road, Carmel-by-the-Sea

If you’ve always dreamed of a California beach wedding, Carmel Fields by Wedgewood Weddings is the ideal micro-wedding venue to say “I do.” The Spanish Colonial-style banquet center is set against forested hillsides, resulting in the most picturesque backdrop of your special day. Exchange your vows on the sandy Monastery Beach or walk down the aisle in a superb and verdant garden.  

Carmel Fields by Wedgewood Weddings also offers several wedding packages—inclusive, classic, and customizable options. Not only is this one of the best places to get married in California, but it’s also one of the most affordable ones. Host the wedding of your dreams without breaking the bank in this first-class scenic setting.

2. Deer Park Villa 

Location: 367 Bolinas Road, Fairfax

Have an enchanting redwood forest at Deer Park Villa, an award-winning, four-acre Bay Area wedding venue. Here, the most important day of your life comes true amidst a magical grove of towering trees. Getting married in this California wedding destination is an unforgettable experience. 

The bride starts her day in the Bridal Suite, located in the historic Carriage House. As she’s putting on the wedding dress of her dreams, guests begin to arrive and make their way to the Enchanted Forest—up to 650 people can be seated here. The looming redwoods form a large circle, creating a natural cathedral where you stand out. After the ceremony and reception, everyone heads over to the Dance Hall to celebrate. Have the most heavenly and paradisiacal wedding in California and embark on a journey that’ll last a lifetime. 

3. Villa & Vine

Location: 1316 State Street, Santa Barbara

Ever wondered what it’s like to get married in a garden courtyard in the sun-kissed American Riviera? Make your dreams come true at Villa & Vine, one of the most romantic places to get married in California. Located in downtown Santa Barbara, the gorgeous venue boasts crawling ivy, olive trees, water features, and a fireplace. 

The full-service venue is perfect for having a small wedding in California—if you want to elope, this is a very charming and graceful option. Villa & Vine offers all-inclusive catering packages along with a custom menu, so you don’t have to worry too much about planning the wedding. Say “I do” to your one and only and begin your happily ever after. 

Where to have a Big Sur Wedding

4. Ventana Big Sur

Location: 48123 Highway 1, Big Sur

Elevate your California wedding at Ventana Big Sur, a luxury coastal resort perfect for sharing the most momentous day of your life. Here, the mountains, forest, and ocean accompany you on your special day, creating a natural harmony of land and sea. Host your wedding ceremony among towering redwoods or in a setting overlooking the Pacific. 

The exclusive five-star resort is nestled among 160 acres of forests along the coast, making your Big Sur wedding even more incredible. With 12,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor spaces, this California wedding destination is an ideal place to get hitched. 

5. Loma Vista Gardens

Location: 47540 Highway 1, Big Sur

The historic Loma Vista Gardens are located in the heart of the Big Sur. Your special day is embellished with succulents, rare cacti, fruit trees, blooming flowers, and winding paths through ancient oaks. This hidden gem is terraced into the forest—the rustic and graceful gardens accentuate the serenity of a quintessential Big Sur wedding.  

Don’t worry about planning the wedding to the last detail—Loma Vista Gardens offers full-day and micro-wedding packages to make the process effortless. Whether you want a large wedding or an under-the-radar California elopement, Loma Vista Gardens is the ultimate destination to get married in California. 

6. Glen Oaks Big Sur

Location: 47080 Highway 1, Big Sur

There’s nothing more magical than a Big Sur wedding. Commit to your lifelong partner as tall redwood trees witness your union. While most venues in the area offer striking ocean views, Glen Oaks Big Sur proves total seclusion in the heart of nature. Walk down the aisle wearing your dream wedding gown in the middle of a forest as the Big Sur River flows with excitement.   

You have the option to choose from a private terrace decorated with twinkle lights or an intimate indoor dining room featuring fireplaces, beamed ceilings, and hardwood floors. Glen Oaks also offers in-house catering and basic decor rentals to make your California wedding experience a breeze. 

Top Palm Springs Wedding Venues

7. The O’Donnell House At The Willows 

Location: 412 West Tahquitz Canyon Way, Palm Springs

Does it get any better than The O’Donnell House at The Willows? This iconic Palm Springs wedding venue was built by architect William Charles Tanner in 1925—the 4,100-square-foot home brings the splendor of the 20s into life and adds otherworldly charm to your wedding day. 

Host your wedding ceremony in the opulent desert garden filled with native blooms. Dance cheek to cheek with your partner in life on the spacious cliffside stone terrace with the majestic mountains in the background. Enjoy every moment of your California wedding in a vintage-glamour setting, and be grateful for the everlasting love you share with your one and only.

8. Margaritaville Resort Palm Springs

Location: 1600 North Indian Canyon Drive, Palm Springs

Margaritaville Resort Palm Springs is a 16-acre desert wedding venue with a dash of mid-century modern flair and a casual-luxe island theme. Host the ultimate Palm Springs wedding in the verdant gardens as the imposing mountains serve as the perfect backdrop for your special day. For the reception, head over to the iconic oval ballroom that’s reminiscent of Old Hollywood’s glamour thanks to the crystal chandeliers dangling across the ceiling.  

This all-inclusive California wedding destination has no shortage of amenities—Margarita Resort Palm Springs has two swimming pools as well as the largest spa in the area. Tie the knot at this luxurious resort and have a true Palm Springs wedding experience. 

The Best Places for San Diego Weddings

9. Hyatt Regency Mission Bay Spa And Marina

Location: 1441 Quivira Road, San Diego

Make your San Diego beach wedding dream come true at Hyatt Regency Mission Bay Spa and Marina. The four-star hotel has the most spectacular wedding venues—nine indoor and outdoor spaces as well as an 8,800-square-foot ballroom and terrace. Planning the wedding with the help of on-site specialists makes the whole process smoother for you, too. Whether you want a customized ceremony or an affordable reception package, your satisfaction is the hotel’s priority.

Have a waterfront ceremony or walk down the aisle surrounded by palm trees—no matter what you choose, you’ll always cherish the memories of your San Diego wedding at Hyatt Regency Mission Bay.  

10. Bahia Resort Hotel 

Location: 998 West Mission Bay Drive, San Diego

If you want to have an affordable beach wedding in Southern California, consider hosting your special day at the Bahia Resort Hotel. As a top choice for San Diego weddings, the hotel offers a variety of romantic venues that set the scene for the most important day of your life. 

Get hitched on the sandy shores of Mission Bay or exchange wedding vows in an intimate, romantic gazebo amongst lush tropical gardens. Whichever you end up choosing, this California wedding destination is a memorable venue for your happily ever after.