You’re getting married in Southern California, but you want to know where to start in terms of venues. We see so many articles out there with upwards of 40 venues listed, and while we love the variety, that can be overwhelming for newly engaged couples! So to start, here are 5 of the best outdoor Southern California wedding venues.

To see photos of each of these venues, you can visit their website!

The Lodge at Malibou Lake // Best Outdoor Southern California Wedding Venues

This is quite the historic venue in Los Angeles County, just minutes from the 101 freeway. Although it’s conveniently located, you are totally secluded in the Santa Monica Mountains for the utmost privacy for you and your guests. You’re surrounded by oak trees, sycamore trees, and even a private lake! If you book The Lodge, you’ll have exclusive access to all 4 of their indoor + outdoor venue spaces, plus 3 private dressing rooms.

Villa del Sol d’Oro // Best Outdoor Southern California Wedding Venues

Villa del Sol d’Oro makes you feel like you’re getting married in the European countryside. When I shot Melissa & Phil’s wedding here, I was amazed at how beautiful it is! The Villa is a 2/3 scale replica of Villa Collazzi near Florence, rumored to have been designed by Michelangelo himself. So you really are getting a little piece of Italy when you get married here!

Bel-Air Bay Club // Best Outdoor Southern California Wedding Venues

Want to get married at a Mediterranean-style mansion in Southern California? That sounds like an absolute dream! This private mansion was built in the 1920s and still maintains its historic charm and architecture. It’s perched right above the coastline in between Santa Monia and Malibu, so it will give you 180 degree panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean for your ceremony. The team at Bel-Air Bay Club will work with you to come up with a unique floor plan depending on your guest count (between 75 and 275 guests), so that the space feels perfect! 

Hummingbird Nest Ranch // Best Outdoor Southern California Wedding Venues

This venue will take your breath away – in the best way possible. It’s unlike any other Southern California wedding venues, and there are unlimited customization options to bring your wedding day vision to life. Hummingbird Nest Ranch is nestled in the Santa Susana Mountains, just 30 minutes away from LA. There are an array of outdoor spaces to choose from, accommodating up to 1000 guests in total. Whether you want spanish-style architecture or 1920’s charm, they’ll definitely have a space that you love. 

Hotel Californian // Best Outdoor Southern California Wedding Venues

Did someone say rooftop wedding in Santa Barbara? Hotel Californian has not one, not two, but three different rooftop event venues for you to choose from. The largest one, Mirador Rooftop Deck, has panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and the Santa Ynez Mountains. You can truly enjoy all that the Central Coast has to offer when you choose this hotel as your outdoor Southern California wedding venue. 

Ready to book your SoCal photographer?

I hope this blog gave you somewhere to start in terms of outdoor Southern California wedding venues! Di you need additional help planning your SoCal wedding? I have an entire blog post dedicated to the in’s and outs of planning! When you’re ready to book a photographer for your Southern California wedding, you know where to find me. You can fill out my contact from as soon as you’re ready. I’ll get back to you as soon as I can!