Best Nature & Whimsical Wedding Venues in Los Angeles
Some of the most magical weddings we have photographed happen where nature takes center stage, under ancient oaks, in blooming gardens, and tucked into the hillsides and canyons of Southern California. Below are our favorite nature and whimsical wedding venues, each drawn from real weddings we have shot. For the complete list, see our full guide to the top wedding venues in Los Angeles.
Nature and Whimsical Wedding Venues
Browse by style: Full LA Venues Guide · Art Deco & Old Hollywood · Beach & Waterfront · Mini & Budget-Friendly · Hotel Venues · European-Looking · Indian & Cultural Temple
1. Calamigos Ranch, Malibu
Overall Recommendations: ★★★★★
Photo Style: Nature, Ferris Wheel, Lake, Merry-go-round, Old Car, Barns, Night Photos
Getting Ready: ★★★★★
Ceremony: ★★★★★
Couple Photos: ★★★★★
Reception: ★★★★★
The Calamigos Ranch occupies 5,500 acres of natural beauty, a short distance from the Santa Monica Mountains in Malibu. This ranch is hidden away from the city, and lends for a perfect retreat-like stay. Between 4 different rooms, you have many options between the different backdrops and guest size allowance. The Birchwood Room is the most intimate setting, and is nestled between a majestic waterfall and 100 year old weeping willows. The Redwood Room is the most historic site on Calamigos Ranch, and has a rustic lodge feel between the vines and weeping willows. The Oak Room is known for its natural stone waterfall backdrop, where the ceremony takes place on a large bridge. Both whimsical and elegant, the Pavilions at North Point are loved for its mix of nature and event space feel, not to mention the cute pictures that occur at the ferris wheel. At night, this whole venue is shining with twinkle lights and filled with love and cheer.
Click here to see a full wedding day gallery from our studio
Tip 1: Make sure that you book for the larger rooms at the ranch for more spacious getting ready session!
Tip 2: Don’t miss the merry-go-round beside the metal cart
2. Catalina View Gardens
Overall Recommendations: ★★★★★
Photo Style: Vineyard, Shoreline overlook, Gardens
Getting Ready: None
Ceremony: ★★★★★
Couple Photos: ★★★★★
Reception: ★★★★★
Catalina View Gardens is exactly what it sounds like: a picturesque view of the coastal bluffs of Palos Verdes. This venue overlooks the property’s vineyard, the Pacific Ocean, and beyond to Catalina Island, giving the perfect “California” vibes for your photos. Sunset here makes for wonderful photos and overall classic background.
3. LA River Center & Gardens, Los Angeles
Overall Recommendations: ★★★★★
Photo Style: Spanish Courtyard, Garden, Fountain, Historic Adobe
Getting Ready: ★★★★★
Ceremony: ★★★★★
Couple Photos: ★★★★★
Reception: ★★★★★
Similar Locations: Rancho Las Lomas, Casa Romantica
Close byalternatives: Union Station, Los Angeles Theatre
Background
Tucked along the Los Angeles River near Cypress Park, the LA River Center & Gardens is a hidden Spanish-Colonial oasis in the middle of the city. Its terracotta courtyards, tiled fountains, and lush garden archways feel worlds away from the surrounding urban landscape, which makes it one of our favorite spots for couples who want a romantic, garden-style celebration without leaving LA. The central fountain courtyard is a showstopper for ceremonies, and the shaded arcades give soft, even light for couple portraits throughout the day. See our full LA River Center & Gardens venue guide for photo spots and timeline tips.
Click here to see a full wedding day gallery from our studio
4. Padua Hills Theatre, Claremont
Overall Recommendations: ★★★★★
Photo Style: Spanish Mission, Courtyard, Nature, Hillside Views
Getting Ready: ★★★★★
Ceremony: ★★★★★
Couple Photos: ★★★★★
Reception: ★★★★★
Similar Locations: Rancho Las Lomas, NewHall Mansion
Close byalternatives: Maxwell House, Castle Green
Background
Set in the hills above Claremont, Padua Hills Theatre is a Spanish Mission-style gem surrounded by oak groves and rolling views. The historic 1930s theatre and its terracotta courtyard give the whole property a warm, old-California romance, and the tree-lined grounds mean beautiful natural light and plenty of greenery for portraits. We love the sweeping hillside backdrop at golden hour and the character of the courtyard for receptions. See our full Padua Hills Theatre venue guide for photo spots and timeline tips.
Click here to see a full wedding day gallery from our studio
Beyond Los Angeles
5. Oakridge Farmhouse - Murrietta
Overall Recommendations: ★★★★★
Getting Ready: ★★★★★
Ceremony: ★★★★★
Couple Photos: ★★★★★
Reception: ★★★★★
On top of a mountain, the Oakridge Farmhouse provides not only gorgeous views, but a cute rustic and homey atmosphere. With the white barn and wheat fields, we loved the farmstyle photos that came from this venue. Definitely great for the simple, outdoor-loving couple.
Click here to see a full wedding day gallery from our studio
6. Rancho Las Lomas - Silverado
Overall Recommendations: ★★★★★
Photo Style: Gardens, Vintage Interior, Bridges
Getting Ready: ★★★★★
Ceremony: ★★★★★
Couple Photos: ★★★★★
Reception: ★★★★☆
Rancho Las Lomas is an elegant private estate that embodies California’s old roots. Gorgeous outdoor spaces along with the cultural architecture of the buildings create beautiful spots for wedding photos. Romantic and inviting the second you step on the grounds!
7. Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens - San Clemente
Overall Recommendations: ★★★★★
Getting Ready: ★★★★★
Ceremony: ★★★★★
Couple Photos: ★★★★★
Reception: ★★★★★
With its spectacular views of the beautiful Pacific and its stunning architecture, Casa Romantica is another one of California’s perfectly embodied spaces. Located in San Clemente, the Old Spanish theme stays true, and makes for warm and romantic photos.
Address: 415 Avenida Granada San Clemente, CA 92672
8. Green Gables Estate, San Diego
Overall Recommendations: ★★★★★
Photo Style: European, Garden, Estate, Storybook
Getting Ready: ★★★★★
Ceremony: ★★★★★
Couple Photos: ★★★★★
Reception: ★★★★★
Similar Locations: Rancho Las Lomas, Twin Oaks
Close byalternatives: Twin Oaks, Cuvier Club
Background
Tucked into the hills of San Marcos, Green Gables Estate is a fairytale European-style property with rolling lawns, a Victorian manor, and lush garden pathways. It feels like a slice of the English countryside in Southern California, romantic, private, and endlessly photogenic. A dream venue for couples wanting a storybook garden wedding.
Click here to see a full wedding day gallery from our studio
9. Twin Oaks, San Diego
Overall Recommendations: ★★★★★
Photo Style: Garden, Victorian, Oak Grove, Estate
Getting Ready: ★★★★★
Ceremony: ★★★★★
Couple Photos: ★★★★★
Reception: ★★★★★
Similar Locations: Green Gables Estate, Padua Hills Theatre
Close byalternatives: Green Gables Estate, Cuvier Club
Background
Twin Oaks Garden Estate in San Marcos is a historic Victorian house set among towering oaks and manicured gardens. The grounds are made for romantic outdoor ceremonies and golden-hour portraits under the trees. It is one of San Diego's most beloved garden venues, and a favorite of ours for its natural beauty and warm, intimate feel.
Click here to see a full wedding day gallery from our studio
