11 Best Outdoor Wedding Venues in Los Angeles

According to Here Comes the Guide, "Los Angeles County may be a bustling metropolitan region, but it's also home to some awe-inspiring outdoor wedding venues." I do have to agree, Los Angeles has incredible outdoor settings, from gardens, estates, parks, and rooftops to canyon views. But not every venue that looks beautiful in photos will work for your guest count, your budget, or your overall vision. Some wedding venues come with restrictions that couples don’t find out about until after they have signed.

I'm Rafeal, a wedding planner and the owner of Cherished Moments Weddings and Events. I plan weddings across Southern California, with a strong presence in the Los Angeles and Orange County areas. This guide is based on my experience working with SoCal couples, not just what looks good on a sponsored list from a directory.

Here is what I actually recommend.

BEFORE YOU TOUR: What to Know About Outdoor Venues in LA

Outdoor venues in Los Angeles come in all shapes and sizes, but there are a few things that consistently catch couples off guard, and that you should be aware of before visiting.

• Weather is not always on your side - Los Angeles gets a reputation for perfect weather year-round, but June Gloom is real, Santa Ana winds happen, and certain areas can get genuinely cold in the evening from October through February. Always ask about the venue's weather contingency plan before you fall in love with a space.

• Permit requirements vary by venue type - Public parks and beaches require city or county permits, and those permits come with time limits, noise restrictions, and vendor rules. Private estates and historic properties have their own sets of restrictions. It’s important to know what you are getting into before you sign a contract.

• Outdoor does not always mean flexible - Some outdoor venues have strict load-in windows and vendor requirements that can limit your options. A venue that feels open and relaxed during a tour can feel restrictive once you are deep in the planning process.

• A wedding coordinator familiar with outdoor logistics matters - Wind, lighting, sound, and guest comfort all require more planning outdoors than in a traditional wedding venue, such as a ballroom. If you are booking an outdoor venue in LA, work with a wedding planner or coordinator who has done it before. Bonus points if they’ve planned events at this particular venue.

The Best Outdoor Wedding Venues in Los Angeles

1) Los Angeles River Center and Gardens (Elysian Valley)

Best for weddings with: 50–200 guests

This is one of the most underrated outdoor wedding venues in Los Angeles, and one of my top recommendations for couples who want garden elegance without the private estate price tag.

The venue features lush courtyards, Spanish Colonial architecture, and mature trees that create a naturally romantic atmosphere. It photographs beautifully and does not require heavy florals or décor to feel elevated.

Tip: This is a city-managed venue, which means competitive pricing but also specific rules around vendors, timing, and permits.

2) Los Angeles County Arboretum (Arcadia)

Best for weddings with: 50–300 guests (varies by space)

If you’re looking for dramatic greenery and a venue that feels like you left the city entirely, the Arboretum delivers just that. It has multiple event spaces across 127 acres, including garden settings and a historic peacock-populated landscape that makes for stunning photos.

It is also one of those venues where the setting does a lot of the aesthetic heavy lifting, which can help you save on your décor cost.

Tip: Confirm which specific space within the Arboretum your event will use. The experience varies significantly depending on the area you are renting, and some spaces have more vendor flexibility than others.

3) Camarillo Ranch (Camarillo)

Best for weddings with: 80–250 guests

Camarillo Ranch is a classic, and for a very good reason. The Victorian farmhouse, oak trees, and open grounds create a warm, romantic setting that works beautifully for both wedding ceremonies and receptions.

It sits just outside of Los Angeles in Ventura County, which makes it accessible for LA-based couples who want a venue that feels removed from the city without a long drive.

Tip: This venue tends to book up quickly for Spring and Fall dates. If Camarillo Ranch is on your shortlist, reach out early, but also have a backup date ready.

4) Maravilla Gardens (Camarillo)

Best for weddings with: 50–200 guests

Maravilla Gardens is one of those venues where almost every photo is frame-worthy. The venue features manicured garden settings, string lights, and a warm, romantic ambiance that works for a wide range of styles, from boho to classic.

It is an all-inclusive venue, which means catering, rentals, and coordination are often packaged together. That can be a great fit for couples who want a more predictable budget.

Tip: All-inclusive venues simplify the process, but always read the contract carefully with your wedding planner. 

We couldn’t be happier with our experience with Events By Cherished Moments for our wedding! From the beggining they were attentive, responsive, and genuinely cared about making our day perfect for us. Our vision turned out more beautiful than we ever imagined. Our wedding day was so smooth which allowed us to be present and fully enjoy our moment. We are so grateful for their hard work and recommend them to anyone planning a wedding or special event. - (Tierra)

5) Serendipity Garden Weddings (Oak Glen)

Best for weddings with: 50–175 guests

If a garden wedding is your vision, Serendipity is one of the most well-known options in Southern California for good reason. The venue is built specifically for weddings, which means the layout, flow, and infrastructure are designed to support your event.

Oak Glen is about 90 minutes from central Los Angeles, so it works best for couples who do not mind a short drive in exchange for a setting that genuinely feels magical.

Tip: Because this venue is so wedding-focused, they have a preferred vendor list. Review it carefully and confirm whether you have the flexibility to bring in vendors outside of that list.

Download a copy of our Wedding Venue Tour Checklist

6) Descanso Gardens (La Cañada Flintridge)

Best for weddings with: 50–150 guests

Descanso Gardens sits in the foothills just north of Pasadena and offers one of the most naturally beautiful settings in the greater LA area. The oak forest, rose garden, and Japanese garden create a layered, lush environment that photographs unlike anything else in the region.

Tip: This venue is more intimate in scale, which makes it ideal for couples who want a smaller guest list and a setting that feels genuinely special. 

7) Palos Verdes Golf Club (Palos Verdes Estates)

Best for weddings with: 80–200 guests

For couples who want ocean views as part of their ceremony or reception backdrop, the Palos Verdes Peninsula delivers in a way that beach venues cannot. The golf club offers sweeping views of the Pacific with a more controlled, private setting than a public beach.

Tip: Venue rental costs at private clubs can be higher than city or county-managed spaces, but you are paying for exclusivity, views, and a venue that manages a lot of the logistics in-house. 

Need help scheduling a wedding venue tour? Contact the Cherished Moments Weddings and Events team.

8) Eaton Canyon Nature Area (Pasadena)

Best for: elopements, micro weddings, and intimate ceremonies (under 30 guests)

If you are planning a micro wedding or an elopement and want a natural, canyon setting without the overhead of a traditional venue, Eaton Canyon is worth exploring. It requires permits through LA County Parks and has specific rules around timing and group size.

Tip: This is not a traditional wedding venue, but for the right couple, it is genuinely breathtaking. Work with a wedding planner or coordinator who knows how to pull permits and manage a ceremony in a non-traditional setting.

Outdoor Wedding Venues Near Los Angeles: Orange County Options

If you’re searching for outdoor wedding venues in Los Angeles, you might also wish to consider venues in Orange County, especially if they are based in the South Bay, Long Beach, or Anaheim areas.

Here are a few of my favourites that are worth adding to your venue tour list:

Heritage Museum of Orange County (Santa Ana)

Best for weddings with: 60–140 guests

Historic garden setting with strong photo appeal and a romantic, timeless atmosphere. Starting around $3,000, depending on date and season.

Sherman Library and Gardens (Corona del Mar)

Best for weddings with: 40–100 guests

Lush garden elegance in a prime coastal OC location, and a beautiful fit for couples who want greenery and intimacy.

OC Parks Venues

Best for weddings with: 70–150 guests

City and county-managed spaces that offer flexibility and competitive pricing for couples who want outdoor options without private estate costs.

I plan weddings across both LA and Orange County, so if you want recommendations based on your specific vision and guest count, reach out here.

Tips for Planning an Outdoor Wedding in Los Angeles

Even in Southern California, outdoor weddings need a real backup plan. Here are a few things to consider if you decide to go with an outdoor wedding venue.

Create a Backup Plan: Even in Southern California, the weather is not guaranteed. Knowing what happens if it rains or the wind picks up can impact your wedding experience significantly. 

Prioritize your Guests’ Experience: Whether that’s shade for afternoon ceremonies, heaters for evening receptions, or accessible parking, it all matters more outdoors than it does in a traditional venue.  

Plan your Lighting Intentionally: Outdoor spaces look different after the sun goes down. String lights, uplighting, and ambient candles can completely transform a space, but they require planning and, often, a rental budget.

Sound carries differently outdoors: A DJ or band that works perfectly in a ballroom may need different equipment to fill an outdoor space. Talk to your vendors and wedding planner about the outdoor setup before your wedding day.

Hire a wedding planner who knows outdoor logistics: This is not just a plug for my services. Outdoor weddings genuinely have more moving pieces than indoor ones. Having someone who has done it before is the difference between a smooth day and a stressful one.

Need help scheduling a wedding venue tour? Contact the Cherished Moments Weddings and Events team.

Quick Outdoor Venue Tour Checklist

When you go on venue tours, bring these questions with you:

• What are your venue’s rain plan and wind plan?

• What time does the event have to end, and what time do vendors need to be out?

• What permits are required, and who is responsible for obtaining them?

• Are there noise restrictions or sound ordinances?

• What vendors are required versus preferred?

• Is there a backup indoor space available?

• What does parking look like for my guest count?

• Are there lighting or generator requirements for evening events?

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FAQ: Outdoor Wedding Venues in Los Angeles

What are the best outdoor wedding venues in Los Angeles? 

Some of the top options include the LA River Center and Gardens, the LA County Arboretum, Camarillo Ranch, Maravilla Gardens, Serendipity Garden Weddings, and Descanso Gardens. The best fit depends on your guest count, budget, and aesthetic.

Do I need a permit for an outdoor wedding in Los Angeles? 

It depends on the venue. Public parks and beaches require permits through the city or county. Private estates and dedicated wedding venues typically handle their own permitting. Always confirm before assuming.

What is the average cost of an outdoor wedding venue in Los Angeles? 

Venue costs in Los Angeles vary widely. In my experience, city and county-managed spaces can start under $5,000. Private estates and dedicated wedding venues often start between $8,000 and $20,000 or more, depending on date, season, and guest count, to name a few.

Do I need a wedding planner for an outdoor venue? 

You do not need one, but it is strongly recommended. Outdoor venues require more coordination around weather, logistics, vendor timing, and guest experience than indoor venues. A wedding planner who knows outdoor events will save you time, money, and stress.

Conclusion: Outdoor Wedding Venues in Los Angeles

Los Angeles has some of the most beautiful outdoor wedding settings in the country. The key is finding the venue that fits your guest count, your budget, and your actual vision, not just the one that looks the most impressive in photos.

Take your time, ask the right questions on your tours, and work with people who know the market.

If you want support finding and evaluating outdoor wedding venues in Los Angeles or Orange County, connect with the Cherished Moments team. We help couples find the right venue and build the right plan around it.