Planning a California destination wedding comes with a big bonus—it’s basically a choose-your-own-romance novel. 🥰 Want a chic rooftop ceremony in Los Angeles? Done. A redwood cathedral in Northern California? Easy. Waterfront charm, mountain magic, or vineyard elegance? Take your pick of venue options.
But with so many options (and 840 miles of coastline), figuring out the right California destination wedding location can feel like trying to pick between your partner and your bff. That’s where we come in.
Whether you’re drawn to banquet halls in the suburbs or wedding retreats in the redwoods (👋 hi, Ridgefield), this guide will help you find your aesthetic, understand your options, and make it all feel less overwhelming—and a lot more exciting.
🗺️ Swoon-Worthy California Wedding Destinations by Region
|
Region |
Signature Vibes for Gatherings & Wedding Celebrations |
Notable Venue Choices |
Popular Cities, Towns, and Destinations |
|
Southern California |
Sunny, stylish, celebrity-level cool |
Rooftop weddings, beach venues, hotel ballrooms, oceanfront wedding venues, and museum venues |
Los Angeles, San Diego, Laguna Beach, Beverly Hills, Santa Barbara, Palm Springs, Temecula Valley |
|
Central Coast |
Relaxed, coastal, a little artsy |
Garden venues, olive groves, country venues, barn weddings, vineyard estates |
San Luis Obispo, Carmel-by-the-Sea, Big Sur, Paso Robles, Santa Cruz |
|
Northern California |
Wild, majestic, quietly luxe |
Redwood retreats, mountain wedding venues, countryside wedding venues, and winery estates |
Arcata, Bay Area, Napa Valley, Calistoga, Healdsburg, Mendocino, Mill Valley |
|
Inland / Desert |
Dramatic, minimalist, earthy |
Joshua Tree venues, ranch weddings, golf course wedding venues, and resort-style receptions |
Joshua Tree National Park, Temecula, Ojai, Lake Arrowhead, Palm Desert |
📍 Destination Spotlight | Arcata, CA & Ridgefield
Most people planning a destination wedding in California look toward the usual suspects—LA rooftops and sunset ballrooms, Malibu beaches, and Napa vineyards. But there’s something wildly romantic about choosing a place your guests don’t already know. That’s where Arcata comes in.
Nestled in Northern California’s coastal redwoods, Ridgefield offers:
- A full retreat experience for wedding events—multi-day celebrations with ceremony setup, terrace dining spaces, a cocktail hour patio, tent rentals, and built-in accommodation options
- All-inclusive vendor packages with local artisans (we’re talking real craftsmanship, not cookie-cutter wedding factory vibes)
- Proximity to stunning natural landmarks like Redwood National & State Parks, Moonstone Beach, and scenic hiking trails
- An aesthetic that’s uniquely yours—boho, modern, romantic, even a little nerdy if that’s your thing (shoutout to the bride who brought out the lightsabers on the dance floor recently 😉)
Think: a forest ceremony followed by a lantern-lit dinner, a morning-after brunch surrounded by ancient giants, and your wedding portraits that look like a still from a classic film.
🎯 Choosing the Right Place for California Destination Weddings
When narrowing down your options, use these categories to help you sort through the noise…
Aesthetic
- Are you Ritz-Carlton chic, mountainside luxe, beachfront cottagecore, or a redwood romantic? Most venues can accommodate your vibe with the right vendor team, but having built-in views and decor can help save money.
Guest Experience
- Will they be able to get there easily? Are there accommodation options nearby? Things to do? Dream venues will have it all.
Vendor Lists
- Does the venue offer packages or preferred lists that you are required to use? These added amenities can make planning easier, but can also put constraints on customization.
- If you’re on your own when it comes to booking your dream team, consult databases like The Knot Worldwide or WeddingWire.
Duration
- Is it a single-day venue or a full destination experience with a rehearsal dinner, welcome night, and brunch?
- Most “destination” weddings in CA are still one-day affairs. However, Ridgefield’s Retreat Package provides you with the time and space to slow down and truly enjoy it.
☀️ Weather or Not | What to Expect by Region and Season
Planning a destination wedding in California? The weather isn’t just “sunny and 75.” It changes a lot by region, season, and time of day.
|
Region |
Best Season |
What to Expect |
Avg High / Low (°F) |
|
Southern California Wedding Venues |
Fall & Spring |
Warm days, cool evenings, minimal rain |
78° / 58° |
|
Central Coast |
Summer & Early Fall |
Foggy mornings, breezy afternoons, low humidity |
72° / 52° |
|
Northern California Wedding Venues |
Late Spring to Early Fall |
Crisp mornings, golden light, occasional chill |
68° / 48° |
|
Desert Areas (Joshua Tree, Palm Springs) |
Late Fall to Early Spring |
Clear skies, wide temp swings, very dry heat |
80° / 50° |
🌿 Ridgefield’s redwoods means wedding ceremonies stay cool even in peak summer. Bring layers, though, you’ll want that denim jacket for dancing under the stars.
🏛️ Common Wedding & Event Venue Types in California & How They Compare
|
Venue Type |
What They Offer |
Pros |
Cons |
|
Beachfront Areas |
Pacific Ocean views + sea breeze for your vows |
Iconic, romantic |
Sand everywhere, public access, strict permits |
|
Garden Venues |
Lush, floral backdrops |
Elegant and seasonal |
Often limited in space and privacy |
|
Vineyard / Winery Venues |
Natural beauty + hillside views + great wine |
Ideal for dining and aesthetic photography |
It’s expensive in Napa/Sonoma |
|
Rooftop Weddings |
City skyline vibes |
Modern, urban cool |
Noise restrictions, limited capacity |
|
Barn / Ranch Wedding Venues |
Rustic charm with flexibility |
Great for design-heavy weddings |
Can feel dated if not personalized |
|
Retreat Venues |
Multi-day weddings, built-in lodging |
Intimate, immersive |
Less common, books up fast |
|
Museum / Landmark Venues |
Architecture and cultural flair |
Unique experience, built-in history |
High rental fees, décor limitations |
|
Redwood Retreats |
Forest backdrop, fresh air, epic photos |
Quiet luxury + added wow factor |
Very few allow full wedding weekends—Ridgefield does |
While all the options may seem daunting, the right wedding venue will stand out to you.
💰 Budgeting for a California Destination Wedding
California’s not cheap, but you can absolutely make it work for your guest count and priorities. Let’s break it down:
|
Guest Count |
Budget Range |
What’s Included |
|
Intimate (under 50) |
$15,000–$30,000 |
Elopement packages, weekday weddings, private dining rooms, limited décor |
|
Mid-size (50–100) |
$25,000–$60,000 |
Full wedding day or retreat-style weekend |
|
Large (100–150+) |
$45,000–$100,000+ |
All-inclusive venue, vendor packages, rehearsal dinner, décor, rentals, etc. |
📌 Ridgefield’s wedding packages fall into the mid-to-premium tier. Still, they include features that many venues charge extra for, such as weekend access, built-in coordination, and elevated design support.
🧳 Tips for Planning Like a Pro at Places for Weddings in California
Destination weddings are a different ball game—and you deserve a different playbook. A few pro tips:
- Send save-the-dates early (8–12 months ahead) so guests can plan PTO + flights
- Create a wedding website with travel, lodging, and weekend navigation info
- Coordinate group lodging or block bookings to make things easy
- Don’t overbook the itinerary—leave downtime for beach walks, brunch, and photoshoots
- Hire a local coordinator or work with a venue like Ridgefield that includes planning help
- Add personal touches to guest welcome bags based on the region—sunglasses in SoCal, tea or wine in NorCal, labeled mineral water in the desert.
🤳 How to Make Your Coastal Wedding Feel Like a Vacation
Even if you’re not on a beach in Tulum or a castle in Italy, a California destination wedding can still bring the magic. Here’s how:
- Include local attractions: Think redwood hikes, wine tastings, beach days, or museum visits
- Build in downtime: Give guests time to explore the neighborhood and coastline
- Send thoughtful itineraries: Help them navigate the weekend and feel taken care of
- Level up dining: Turn every meal—welcome party, cocktail hour, reception—into a curated experience
Want a venue that makes this easy? Ridgefield’s wedding packages are designed with this in mind.
📅 Plan the Ultimate Wedding Weekend
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Want to know what a full California destination wedding weekend actually looks like? We’ve mapped out the entire flow—from the first toast to the last farewell hug.
👉 Check out our Wedding Weekend Itinerary
Think:
- Welcome party with wines and locally sourced appetizers
- Forest ceremony + candlelit dining
- Day-after brunch with pastries + Pacific views
It’s more than a wedding. It’s a whole chapter in your love story.
❓FAQs | Places to Get Married in California Edition
How much does a nice wedding cost in California?
A “nice” wedding in California generally starts around $30,000 for 75–100 guests. Luxury or destination-style weekends can go up to $100K+, depending on location and vendor choices.
Where is the most beautiful place to get married in California?
That depends on your vibe. For iconic ocean views, head to Malibu. For forest cathedrals, try Northern California redwoods (Ridgefield, if we’re being honest). For architecture and glam, look to Los Angeles or Beverly Hills.
What is a realistic budget for a 100-guest wedding?
$35,000–$75,000 is a good range for full-service venues with coordination, vendor packages, and upgraded dining experiences. Be prepared for additional fees like accommodations, décor, and rentals.
Which state is best for destination weddings?
We’re biased—but it’s California. Between the redwoods, the Pacific Ocean, the food, the vineyards, and the sunshine? You really can’t beat the diversity, accessibility, and photo ops.
What’s a good timeline for planning a wedding from start to finish?
A typical planning timeline is 12–18 months. Start with the venue, then lock in your photographer, planner, and key vendors early. If you’re booking a retreat venue like Ridgefield, you’ll get help with vendor curation and logistics baked right in.
Do I really need a wedding coordinator if my venue has a team?
It depends on the venue. Some venues only offer on-the-day staff, while others include true planning support. If your venue doesn’t offer guidance before the big day, a coordinator is a must.
What are some great minimoon destinations in California?
You don’t have to fly to Santorini. California is full of dreamy spots for a quick minimoon: Big Sur, Mendocino, Joshua Tree, Paso Robles, Arcata (hi again 👋), or a tucked-away vineyard in the Santa Ynez Valley. Bonus points for choosing somewhere en route to or from your wedding weekend.
How do I make my wedding weekend feel intentional, not rushed?
Space it out. Include buffer time between events, schedule moments for just the two of you, and keep things centralized when possible. Ridgefield’s retreat-style layout makes it easy to avoid back-and-forth driving or rigid timelines—it’s all in one beautiful place.
✨ Your Wedding, Your Way
From the dramatic coastline to tucked-away redwood trails, California has every kind of wedding destination imaginable.
But if you’re looking for somewhere your guests haven’t been a dozen times, where the trees feel ancient and the vibe is undeniably cool? Ridgefield in Arcata should be on your radar.
Not just another venue choice—an experience. And one your people will talk about forever.
