5 Hidden Gem Affordable Wedding Venues in Southern California Guests will Surely Not Forget
Sometimes families save money an entire lifetime in preparation for a wedding. For a once in a lifetime milestone, you’ll tend to want to pull out all the stops! This is the event that will set the mood for your lifelong romance and create a foundation of family and friends as you launch your lives together! However, some families might not have a huge budget, and they don’t want to start off their new chapter with credit card debt. How do you navigate that? How much things actually cost in this industry? The average cost of a wedding in Southern California is about $36,000, although we’ve seen budgets from $12,000 to $80,000, or more! Remember, it doesn't have to be a high end wedding for your guests to enjoy it! When looking for an affordable Southern California Venue, here are some hidden gems from our 15 years of experience that your guests are sure to be talking about for years to come! Whether you need an affordable Southern California Wedding Venue, an outdoor wedding venue, or a small wedding venue, these options can please the crowds. Don’t forget, if you are planning your Southern California wedding, YOU need this simple wedding planning checklist!
Eric McFarland Photography
1. The Planes of Fame Museum Eric McFarland Photography
The Planes of Fame Museum is an incredible experience and tourist attraction for any typical visit to Chino, CA, but imagine turning it into a beautiful setting for your big day! They have multiple spaces to help you create your customizable vision. Your guests can explore the museum while waiting for cocktail hour or witness the wonders of the sky all night long with an experience they will never forget. The displays are also customizable and may even include Maverick’s ride from Top Gun! Plus, you can take advantage of tons of incredible backdrops for your romantic photos! Not to mention, you have the flexibility of bringing in the vendors, food, and alcohol of your choice!
David Do Photography
2. Occasions at Laguna Village
For a one-of-a-kind outdoor California Beach Wedding designed to enjoy that beautiful coastal view, don’t forget to tour Occasions at Laguna Village! With a private cliffside space, parking shuttle included, your guests can enjoy the beauty of Laguna without any parking headaches or messy sand! It can feel like a snazzy space for 50 people, or fill it up with 120! We’ve witnessed pods of dolphins, paragliders, as well as some pretty incredible sunsets! Plus, they take care of so much already that your planning is made easy!
Mollie Jane Photography
3. The Edward Dean Museum
The Edward Dean Museum is a short drive to Cherry Valley, but a gem well worth it! It’s a historic home that preserves some of the 16th and 19th century decorative arts including comfortable bridal and groom suites to get ready in. After your guests enjoy the ceremony in the most elaborate and pristine gazebo and rose garden, they can visit the on-site museum, walk the koi ponds, and then relax by a fountain before settling in at the reception. They have both indoor and outdoor spaces available that allow you to bring in your own vendors, catering, and alcohol!
Three 16 Photography
4. The Arts Garden at Brea Community Center
Community centers all offer very affordable spaces for all kinds of events, but the Brea Community Center offers something extra special: The Arts Garden! They designed their garden with a beautiful gazebo perfect for a wedding spotlight! You can host a wedding, big and small with spaces available for a big ballroom feel or an outdoor garden banquet! The entire outdoor space also includes dimmable bistro lights and shade to really make the space enjoyable for everyone at any time of day. With an ample kitchen and easy load in/out options, this space is ready for some fun from your choice of vendors, catering and alcohol as well!
Lover of Weddings Photography
5. Heritage Museum of Orange County
In Orange County, Santa Ana hides a beautiful outdoor wedding venue with a variety of spots for celebrating called the Heritage Museum of Orange County! You can start by getting ready on the second floor bridal suite of the Victorian house, then walk down the aisle at their garden gazebo! After the nuptials, your guests can enjoy cocktail hour in the rose garden and lawns and after, they can dine in the pavilion (pictured). The grounds have room for small and large events with plenty of options. You can arrange an entrance by vintage car, and even have your guests enjoy a guided tour of the Victorian estate during the event!
Lover of Weddings Photography
We hope you enjoyed your tour of some of our favorite spots around Southern California, but that there are many, many more! Reach out to your local event planner to find more inspiring spots to make your dream day one to remember forever, and don’t forget to download our wedding planning checklist! Happy planning!