After photographing over 100 weddings, as well as planning my own wedding in recent years, I consider myself to be a bit of an expert when it comes to Southern California outdoor wedding venues!

When it came to my wedding venue search, I knew I wanted a gorgeous nature backdrop to exchange our vows and capture beautiful couples’ portraits and was set on achieving enchanted fairytale forest vibes. ✨

One of the perks to getting married in Southern California is the endless amount of gorgeous nature backdrops. I’m sharing my top 13 favorite locations for outdoor wedding venues in the Southern California area below. Check it out!

Calamigos Ranch

Calamigos Ranch offers multiple sites for your ceremony and reception. The scenic venue has a whimsical fairytale vibe and endless opportunities for gorgeous photo backdrops. Pricing starts at $156–160/person. Visit the official website.

Cuvier Club – La Jolla

The Cuvier Club is a favorite even among celebrities (Amy Schumer got married here!) and it’s not hard to see why. The breathtaking ocean backdrop sets a serene backdrop for guests and a cool breeze off the ocean has everyone feeling calm, happy and at ease. Rates start at $200/per guest for mini-monies up to $9,500. Inquire about your wedding date here!

Temescal Gateway Park

This location was a top contender for my own wedding venue! The ceremony is held in a beautiful open clearing while the reception takes place in an adorable building with lots of windows and covered in green ivy. Pricing is tiered depending on guest count and starts at $4,500. Contact them.

Maravilla Gardens

This venue has beautiful florals during the springtime through early summer and lush greenery throughout and feels like it’s straight out of an enchanted fairytale! Pricing starts at $16,000 for weekday weddings. Visit the official website.

Cielo Farms

Cielo farms is surrounded by majestic mountain views in the hills of Malibu, it’s easy to see why it’s a favorite venue among celebrities. Rates start at $6,900 for a weekday wedding or $9,500 for weekend dates. Learn more.

The Lodge at Malibou Lake

Featuring a lovely landscaped lawn, lake and gardens and quaint, clean indoor spaces, The Lodge at Malibou Lake is a hidden gem, tucked away in the Santa Monica mountains and costs between $150-$250 per person. Visit the official website.

The O’Donnel House

This venue feels like you’re in an actual dream! The bougainvillea, the majestic panorama of Palm Springs, the historical house, it’s got so much character. Costs start at $9,000 for 6 hours of venue rental. Contact them here.

Quail Ranch

Located on a historical Spanish-style ranch, Quail Ranch is an oasis perched atop the hills in Simi Valley. From the getting-ready spaces to ceremony and reception, each area is aesthetically curated for a memorable experience. Prices start at $95-105 per head. Visit their official website.

Camarillo Ranch

Historical house, gorgeous greenery and a rustic barn for reception?! Camarillo Ranch checks off ALL of those boxes! Nestled into Camarillo this venue rental starts at $4,950. Visit their official website.

Saddlerock Ranch

Yet another historical location, Saddlerock Ranch in Malibu offers panoramic views of the surrounding hills and valleys. The average base cost is $27,000 or approximately $150 per person. Visit their official website.

Sunset Cliffs

I LOVE Sunset Cliffs in San Diego for dreamy elopements and bohemian free-spirited wedding ceremonies for up to 50 guests! You’ll need a permit that cost $187 at the time of writing this article in October 2022. You can apply for your permit from the city here!

Orcutt Ranch

Yet another historical location, Orcutt Ranch in West Hills offers whimsical forest vibes with a stylish Spanish ranch area for receptions. The average base cost is $2100 to rent the space for your wedding but you will have to bring in ALL of your vendors and rentals. Contact Orcutt Ranch.

Special Mention – Wayfarers Chapel

While not technically a fully outdoor venue, this glass church feels like one with nature the way it was carefully curated to fit in with it’s STUNNING surroundings.

Rates for this ceremony venue start at $5,400 and have a strictly enforced 2-hour limitation in order to host multiple ceremonies each day, meaning you only have time for your ceremony and photos here and need to find a separate space for your reception (I recommend the historic La Venta Inn). Contact Wayfarers here.

For more wedding planning tips and to view real weddings, check out the blog!