It only rains 36 days a year in downtown LA. And while this is not very good news for the water supply, it does mean that LA wedding planners rarely need a rain plan. Add in the year-round pleasant temperatures, and you’ve got one of the best places to throw an outdoor wedding. Now all you need to do is find the perfect venue.
Leading with LA’s signature style, beauty, and innovation, here are our top 7 favorite outdoor wedding venues in Los Angeles.
Millwick
The stable-turned-warehouse-turned-venue is everything that’s great about urban adaptive reuse. The beauty of the re-imagined event space led one Yelp reviewer to cite Tupac: “a rose that grew from concrete.” Millwick has ample growing green space, chic and unique decor, and grand indoor and outdoor event spaces. And, with 7,000 square feet of playroom, it’s the perfect venue for that big, colorful wedding you’ve been dreaming about.
Capacity: 250
Typical cost: Starting at $27,000
Bonus: For a little extra cinemagic, your rental includes use of Millwick’s cinema screen.
MountainGate Country Club
At MountainGate Country Club the possibilities are endless. And beautiful. And luxurious. MountainGate Country Club doubles as one of Southern California’s premiere golf clubs and one of LA’s most photogenic wedding venues. Say your “I do’s” set against spectacular sweeping views of the Santa Monica Mountains. Then, keep the party going at the Garden Terrace. Or, head inside their main dining area complete with floor-to-ceiling windows and a double-faced fireplace.
Capacity: 300
Typical cost: $20,000 – $30,000
Bonus: Reviewers have high praise for MountainGate’s private event director.
Café Société
Perhaps you’re envisioning something smaller and warmer for your wedding. Far from the grand and glamorous, a wedding in Café Société’s garden alley is reminiscent of a evening out at a European cafe. Talk and laugh with your favorite people over fresh and delicious local food. And keep the wine carafes coming.
Capacity: 100
Typical Cost: $10,000 – $20,000
Bonus: Café Société has an in-house event coordinator who you can hire for a fee.
James Irvine Japanese Garden
Trade the drone of LA traffic for the symphonic crashing of a 170-foot cascading waterfall. The James Irvine Japanese Garden, also known as Seiryu-en or “Garden of the Clear Stream,” is a fantastic venue for a peaceful outdoor wedding in the heart of the city. And, your wallet will thank you. As compared to other outdoor venues in the area, the Garden is relatively budget-friendly.
Capacity: 100 for sit-down service
Typical cost: Rental cost $3,000 – $4,000 depending on season and day of the week.
Bonus: Your wedding rental comes with one dual-membership to the Japanese American Cultural and Community Center, and two hours of private use of the Garden for an engagement photoshoot.
SmogShoppe
The SmogShoppe has been keeping it green since the 80’s. Originally a smog-check center, this 6,500 square foot space now runs on 100% solar power. The outdoor area, completely walled in by vertical desert gardens, is perfect for an unforgettable outdoor wedding — maybe with a tribute to your favorite director.
Capacity: 150
Typical cost: Rental cost about $8,000 – $10,000
Bonus: The location is super convenient. Get there easily from LAX, downtown LA, Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, and West Hollywood.
OUE Skyspace LA
Attention: This venue is not recommended for the acrophobic. But if you can handle it, OUE Skyspace LA packs an unforgettable experience. Drink in the smoggy expanse of this sprawling metropolis from the 70th floor, 1,000 feet over the city. In addition to the startling outdoor deck, OUE Skyspace also features a sleek indoor event space with tons of windows. Go ahead, take your love to new heights (sorry).
Capacity: 150
Typical cost: $12,000 – $26,000
Bonus: Can’t swing a wedding here? OUE Skyspace also offers proposal packages.
Inn of the Seventh Ray
If you’re looking for a venue with romance built right in, this is it. This place is *steeped* in it. Surrounded by giant sycamores, streams, and waterfalls, the Inn of the Seventh Ray’s twinkling backyard restaurant venue is straight out of a fairy tale. Choose from three outdoor ceremony sites, each featuring a different natural delight. Then, as the night sets in, dine on fresh Californian cuisine and soak in the atmosphere.
Capacity: 250
Typical cost: $8,000 – $20,000
Bonus: Don’t have time for a visit? Take a virtual tour.