After photographing over 50 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. Think 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 10 favorite locations for outdoor wedding venues in the Malibu area and north of Los Angeles 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.

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.

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 a 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.

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.

The 1909

An absolutely enchanting forest venue, the 1909 is hidden on a hillside in the Topanga Canyon region. The space feels intimate and whimsical with greenery and forests surrounding you on all sides. Pricing for events ranges from $3,600–9,600. Visit their official website.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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