The third largest state in land area, California has it all — vineyards, deserts, beaches, mountains, big cities, rustic ranches and celebrity credit like no other. The Mediterranean climate doesn't hurt, either. Here are the top wedding venues in California to help you pull off an unforgettable fete in this West Coast wonderland.
"A gem within a 900-acre piece of the California-mission system, Santa Margarita Ranch is at the base of grassy hills where many couples say I do," says Christianson. "Dinner and dancing are typically held in the Asistencia barn, and a vintage Disneyland train takes guests between locations."
With handcrafted furniture, a vinyl library, art installations and a restored Spanish-Gothic Theater, the Ace Hotel has become the center of gravity of the new downtown since opening in 2014 in the United Artists skyscraper, built in 1924.
Arista Winery comprises a trio of flexible event spaces: Dine and dance at Oak Grove among century-old oak trees; sip cocktails on a tiered lawn; and soak in Russian River Valley views from the pavilion.
Celebrate in the world's most famous ZIP code at The Beverly Hilton. Serve the official Golden Globes menu in the ballroom where awards are handed out, or cut a rug in the Stardust Penthouse à la Sofia Vergara.
After-parties in Calistoga Ranch's wine cave avoid the 10 p.m. noise ordinance. Following a poolside ceremony, dine with up to 120 guests on the Lommel Lawn, overlooking Lake Lommel and buffered by mountains. Or opt for Sotero Vineyard, Napa Valley's only hotel domaine, which can host an intimate feast for up to 16.
All 86 of The Carneros Inn's 450-square-foot cottages exude luxury thanks to private gardens, fire pits and outdoor showers. Ride loaner bikes to a DIY winery picnic of fixings from the inn's gourmet-foods store. For the big day, choose from the apple orchard or the hilltop dining room with panoramic views (seats 80). For a larger group (up to 175 guests), two ballrooms are connected by a courtyard.
A 1928 Italianate manse with exposed brick, paned windows, tufted couches, sun-dappled courtyards and arched doorways, Carondelet House provides the ideal setting for vintage styling.
The southernmost Channel Island, Catalina Island offers everything from adventures (kayaking, parasailing) to architecture, like the 1929 Casino. Recent additions like Island Spa Catalina and Descanso Beach Club's new ballroom have increased the spot's wedding worthiness.
Venues at Chalk Hill Estate Vineyards & Winery include an outdoor park, a mission-style chapel and a large pavilion nearly covered in windows.
Minutes from downtown San Diego, Coronado Island is a relaxing hamlet with award-winning beaches and 70-degree temps. The jewel of Crown City — and a top wedding spot — is Hotel Del Coronado, rumored to be the inspiration for The Wizard of Oz's Emerald City.
Currently celebrating its 90th anniversary and an overhaul from top to grand-lobby bottom when new owners took over in 2006, the 46-room Culver Hotel oozes character — think Regency wallpaper, crystal chandeliers and an old-fashioned fire escape.
In July 2014, NFL running back Reggie Bush wed at The Grand Del Mar, which flaunts the Aria Lawn and Moroccan Pavilion for events.
Faith & Flower serves rustic Californian cuisine and pays homage to the area's storied past with craft cocktails like the fiery table-side absinthe presentation.
"Home to the Crossroads Estate and countless mesa views overlooking acres of rolling hills and vineyards, Firestone Vineyards is one of the most highly sought-after wedding destinations in Santa Barbara wine country," says Joy Proctor of Joy Proctor Design.
Land, sea and sky meet at the secluded, six-acre Wind & Sea Estate. Natural light pours through clerestory windows onto blond hardwoods, and lush grounds with bright wildflowers pop in pictures. Curvy paths lead to a stone amphitheater and fire ring, prime for partying late into the inky night.
"Located 30 minutes from LA, Malibu Rocky Oaks is a great option for those wanting to be near the beach and to have their reception overlooking the sea," says Rinderknecht.
At Meadowood, one of Oprah's favorite vacay spots, estate chef Alejandro Ayala sits down with each couple to customize every reception menu. Wed under towering redwoods, followed by cocktails and dinner on the Vintners Glen, glowing with hurricane candles, twinkle lights and fire pits.
Find your inner real housewife in Newport Beach, an Orange County locale that marries city convenience, stunning sunsets, sumptuous digs (Resort At Pelican Hill) and crowd pleasers like golfing, boating, shopping, spas and fine dining (Fig & Olive, Oak Grill).
Ojai Valley Inn set the stage for Jimmy Kimmel's 2013 nuptials. Couples can pick from lawns, an herb garden and the Big Red Barn.
"If you're looking for Mason-jar affairs, book a Santa Barbara barn," Lizotte advises. "Palm Springs specializes in desert-chic." Case in point: this posh picnic setup at Parker Palm Springs.
Andy Samberg chose an ocean-bluff backdrop when he married singer-songwriter Joanna Newsom at the Post Ranch Inn in 2013.
Shingled sides, Vineyard Vines-outfitted employees, ballroom fireplaces and saltwater taffy at the ready make Shutters on the Beach Nantucket natty. But the Pacific Terrace's ocean backdrop and nightly sunset shows are signature SoCal.
Formerly a smog check center, SmogShoppe is creative reuse at its finest. Barely recognizable, save for the retractable glass garage doors, oil-stained concrete floors and various signs, the site is now a succulent-covered boho oasis of carefully curated found objects and mismatched furniture.
Whether you throw a peak-side parka party, fireside lodge festivities or a summer wedding at Sugar Bowl Resort's Sun Deck atop Mount Disney, Rocco advises making a backup plan ("Weather can be unpredictable") and investing in heaters and umbrellas ("You'll use both").
The Jewel of the Sierras dazzles couples looking to get hitched at high altitude with sapphire water, emerald-green trees, black-diamond slopes and venues of all shapes and sizes. "People often think of Lake Tahoe as only a winter destination, but the ski resorts are some of the busiest summer-wedding venues in town," says pro-snowboarder-turned-planner Merrily Rocco of Merrily Wed. "It's a beautiful place for an event year-round."
Kick off your wedding weekend in The Bungalow at the Fairmont Miramar Hotel. The upscale surf shack flaunts retro-cottage decor, marquee-letter lights that spell amor, pingpong, pool tables, ocean views and food from the resort's farm-friendly restaurant, FIG.
In the summer, Lake Tahoe's namesake — with 72 miles of pristine shoreline — takes center stage. West Shore's indoor and outdoor event spaces make the most of the picturesque views.
Land, sea and sky meet at the secluded, six-acre Wind & Sea Estate. Natural light pours through clerestory windows onto blond hardwoods, and lush grounds with bright wildflowers pop in pictures. Curvy paths lead to a stone amphitheater and fire ring, prime for partying late into the inky night.
"Be prepared. If you invite them, they will come!" Joey Lizotte, Artisan Event Floral Decor's creative director, has issued this warning to clients for most of the 18 years he has been orchestrating weddings in Palm Springs. "Seriously, the falloff rate is less than 8 percent. People love an excuse to visit and make a whole weekend of it." No matter where you hang your veil, Lizotte encourages couples to make use of the architecture and geography, like these bridesmaids posing at the historic Smoke Tree Ranch.
"Long Branch Saloon & Farm, a delightful western-town location, has an excellent staff and catering service," says Terry Plank of Weddings by the Sea. "There's a chapel for the ceremony and a large area for the reception."
Tucked between towering mountains on the eastern edge of the state, the North Lake Tahoe region is home to seven ski resorts, including Squaw Valley, where these ski-loving newlyweds stole a smooch.
"Only 15 miles from downtown Santa Barbara, Rancho Dos Pueblos includes a private beach, a newly restored barn and an estate lawn at the historic 1922 Casa Grande," says Alison Rinderknecht of Alison Events.
The Jewel of the Sierras dazzles couples looking to get hitched at high altitude with sapphire water, emerald-green trees, black-diamond slopes and venues of all shapes and sizes. "People often think of Lake Tahoe as only a winter destination, but the ski resorts are some of the busiest summer-wedding venues in town," says pro-snowboarder-turned-planner Merrily Rocco of Merrily Wed. "It's a beautiful place for an event year-round."
