Trying to find the perfect wedding venue? In Southern California there are so many amazing places to get married, the options are endless! Sometimes though, things can all kind of start to look the same. As an Orange County wedding photographer with over a decade of experience, I've had the opportunity to work at some of SoCal's best wedding venues. That's why I've created this guide with unique wedding venues in Southern California! I'll be adding to it over time, so feel free to check back later if you haven't yet found the space that's right for you. Let's take a look...

Aquarium of the Pacific

If you’re hoping to create an unforgettable wedding experience for you and your guests, The Aquarium of the Pacific might just be the wedding venue for you! I’m getting excited just imagining the incredible photo opportunities this location provides too! 

Wedding packages at the Aquarium include a 4-hour site rental in one of their 9 space options that can fit anywhere from 50 to 1000 guests! They also include tables, chairs linens, and flatware in your initial fee for up to 200 guests, along with your cake and champagne service. You’ll also have the option to choose from their bar/catering packages and the option to host parking for your guests at the aquarium's convenient parking structure. 
With lots of hotels, restaurants, and shopping nearby, this would also make a great venue if you’re planning for a lot of out-of-town wedding guests!

You can find more information about weddings at the Aquarium of the pacific here

Smogshoppe

This former smog service center turned event space is one of my personal favorites on this list! This sustainably designed urban space - meets LEED Platinum certification which is great if you’re looking for opportunities to make your wedding more eco-friendly. The venue is also 100% Solar powered! 

One of my favorite parts of this venue is the GORGEOUS outdoor courtyard that features an impressive living wall! It makes for a ceremony backdrop that is simply stunning! Indoors you’ll find lots of eclectic vintage decor that pairs nicely with the urban vibe, and a private dressing room that overlooks the courtyard so you can take a peek at your ceremony site before heading down the aisle!
The indoor grand hall area features 15-foot ceilings and 18-foot glass roll-up doors that open up to the courtyard. There is also a 20-foot digital cinema screen, mixing board, sound, and lighting equipment which makes it easy for you to incorporate live entertainment in your event if you wish! 

Smogshoppe can comfortably host somewhere 150 to 250 wedding guests depending on whether you’re planning a sit-down dinner or a cocktail-style party. It’s also conveniently located near the 10 freeway, LAX, Santa Monica, Beverly Hills, Hollywood, and Downtown LA - which makes it a great space to host if you’re inviting guests from out of town who might want to explore some of Los Angeles’ most iconic sights while there here!

You can find out more about SmogShoppe by checking out my full venue guide here

Ebell Club Long Beach

A local fan favorite historic venue tucked away in Long Beach, CA this venue is nothing short of swoon-worthy. The Ebell Club Long Beach is one of three historic women’s clubs that has been renovated with a modern flair. It features beautiful, unique decor and great Spanish-revival style architecture that was popular in the 1920s and a spacious bridal suite with plenty of natural light. The gorgeous courtyard features lush plants, Hand stenciled ceilings, exposed brick walls, archways, fountain, mosaic floor tiles, crystal orb chandeliers. Their Grand Hall area boasts hardwood flooring, a beautiful 24ft hand-stenciled ceiling, crystal & iron chandeliers, hand-carved mirrored fireplace. You and your guests can also enjoy cocktails in the fully furnished parlor that’s artfully decorated with french doors, vintage decor and artwork, a cozy fireplace, and a baby grand piano. If you’re looking for a space that’s both intimate AND upscale, this is it my friend!  

This venue features 17,200 square feet of event space and comfortably fits 180 guests for a sit-down meal or up to 300 for a cocktail party-style event. It also features a large and private bridal suite which is great for getting ready onsite or slipping away for a moment alone during the party! 

Though historic, this venue has been updated to include a professional sound system and wireless internet so that your event runs smoothly! Ebell Club of Long Beach also offers in-house catering by the fabulous Tres LA Catering company! 

Find out more about Ebell Club Long Beach in our complete venue guide.

Hangar 21

Can you say “EPIC HELICOPTER GRAND ENTRANCE”? This unique and versatile modern space is a blank canvas for your dream wedding! 

Hangar 21 is a large open floor plan of up to 20,000 square feet (4,000 square feet of which is an outdoor terrace) that can accommodate both small weddings and large events with up to 1200 guests!

The space features 20 foot high ceilings and exposed brick walls.  Your guests can enjoy an unforgettable helicopter ride over OC during cocktail hour. Tables and chairs are included in your booking and top-notch full-service catering by the incredible Jay’s Catering is provided at an additional cost.

Click here to find out more about Hangar 21

Rancho Las Lomas

Nestled in the foothills of Silverado Canyon, the iconic Rancho Las Lomas property is a 32-acre private paradise of beautiful oak and sycamore trees. It features stunning architectural accents, Spanish style roofs, and is home to a variety of exotic animals. Rancho Las Lomas is definitely one of the most beautiful outdoor wedding venues in Orange County, CA! You and your guests can celebrate under the night sky in the open-air theater that fits up to 400 guests.

Long Beach Museum of Art

I feel like this venue of those hidden gems that offer a little of everything SoCal! The Long Beach Museum of Art boasts a beautiful lawn space with a great view of the Ocean, The Queen Mary, and Catalina Island. It’s a fantastic spot to host your ceremony at Sunset! 

The space also features a historic 1911 Craftsman home with a two-story gallery space with private getting-ready rooms and lots of cute spots for photos! 

Exclusive catering is provided by their onsite restaurant - Claire’s at the Museum. They offer everything from passed hors d’oeuvres to plated dinners and specialty cocktails for you and your guests to enjoy. 

If you’re hosting out-of-town guests, this is also a great location with plenty to explore nearby on non-wedding days. 

Visit their site to learn more about hosting your wedding at Long Beach Museum of Art https://www.lbma.org/special-events/

Orange Hill Restaurant

This hidden gem of Orange County has an amazing view and incredible food! The restaurant has a ballroom specifically for events the features large windows and an attached beautiful outdoor terrace that overlooks Orange County. Orange Hill’s wedding and event service also include table rentals, linens, and a dance floor is available. The spacious ballroom also features a beautiful fireplace for a cozy atmosphere. 

Orange Hill is known for it’s wonderful food, so your guests will absolutely love the catering here! You can chose between plated meals, carving stations or even mingling stations (like a taco or sushi bar)! Hosted bar packages are available too! 

Orange Hill Restaurant is also conveniently located between the 55 and 241 freeways, so it’s easy to host guests from all over! 

Find out more at: https://www.theorangehillrestaurant.com/weddings/

I hope you found this guide helpful as you explored some of SoCal's unique wedding venue options!

Looking for more venue ideas? Check out our Southern California Wedding Venues Guide

Do you own or manage a unique wedding venue in SoCal? I'd love to hear more about your space and see if you'd be a good fit for this guide! Get in touch with me!