With its year-round sunshine, mild temperatures, and stunning landscapes, it’s no wonder that couples flock to Los Angeles garden wedding venues to exchange vows in blooming bliss. In this article, we’ll explore some of the most enchanting garden wedding venues in Los Angeles.
Imagine exchanging your vows under a canopy of blooming white roses or beside a serene lily pond. From public ranches, like the Orcutt Ranch in West Hills (featured), to downtown gardens, like LA River Center & Gardens, these venues offer a romantic and intimate setting for your special day.
Tips for Planning a Romantic Garden Wedding
Since garden weddings are hosted outdoors, you have to consider the season, inclement weather potential, and natural built-in aesthetics. Here are a few tips to get your plans started:
Choose the Right Venue
When selecting a garden wedding venue, consider the size of your guest list, overall ambiance, and desired amenities. Some public venues may require additional permits or have restrictions on decorations, so it’s important to research and ask the right questions before making a decision.
Timing is Everything
Los Angeles has a mild climate year-round, but it’s still important to consider the season when planning an outdoor wedding. Spring and fall are the most popular seasons for garden weddings since the weather is usually pleasant and the gardens are in full bloom. Summer weddings can be beautiful, but the temperatures can get quite hot. A garden venue with indoor options or a climate-controlled tent may be the way to go. Winter weddings can take on cozy aesthetics, especially with elements like fire pits or blankets for your guests.
Create an Intimate Atmosphere
One of the advantages of a garden wedding is the built-in natural beauty that cuts back on your décor and design work. Enhance the romantic ambiance by incorporating soft lighting like fairy lights or lanterns. Then, add personal touches like family photos or sentimental decorations. Consider including a lounge area with comfortable seating atop ornamental rugs for your guests to relax and enjoy the surroundings.
Outdoor Ceremony Options in Garden Wedding Venues
There’s something undeniably magical about exchanging vows in the great outdoors. Here are some outdoor ceremony options to consider when choosing a garden wedding venue in Los Angeles:
Rose Gardens
Los Angeles boasts several stunning rose gardens with romantic and fragrant settings for your wedding ceremony. The Exposition Park Rose Garden, located near downtown LA, features over 15,000 rose bushes in various colors. The Descanso Gardens in La Cañada Flintridge is another popular choice, with its picturesque rose garden surrounded by lush greenery and towering trees.
Lily Ponds
If you’re looking for a tranquil setting, consider a venue with a lily pond. The Huntington Library, Art Museum, & Botanical Gardens in San Marino offers a serene lily pond as a backdrop. Surrounded by beautiful gardens and architecture, this venue evokes a sense of elegance and tranquility that is hard to match.
Garden Estates
Garden estates offer a perfect blend of natural beauty and sophistication for couples seeking a luxury or sophisticated setting. The Greystone Mansion in Beverly Hills is striking, with its sprawling gardens and European-inspired architecture. Or, the Bel-Air Bay Club in Pacific Palisades also offers a breathtaking ocean view, making it an ideal location for a romantic outdoor ceremony.
Reception Ideas for a Los Angeles Garden Wedding
After the ceremony, it’s time to celebrate! Here are some reception ideas to create an unforgettable experience for you and your guests:
Tented Reception
Consider having a tented reception if you’re worried about unpredictable weather or want to create an intimate atmosphere. Choose a clear or translucent tent to allow natural light to filter through, creating an enchanting ambiance. Decorate the tent with lush greenery, hanging floral installations, and romantic lighting to transform the space into a magical garden paradise.
Al Fresco Dining
Take advantage of the beautiful weather and host an al fresco reception. Set up long banquet-style tables adorned with fresh flowers and elegant table settings. Enhance the outdoor dining experience with live music, such as a string quartet or a jazz band, to set the mood.
Garden Games and Activities
Keep your guests entertained with garden games and activities like croquet, bocce ball, corn hole, or lawn bowling. Provide a photo booth with props and a Polaroid camera for guests to capture memories. Mini terrariums would make super cute garden wedding favors!
More Popular Garden Wedding Venues in Los Angeles
If you need a few more Los Angeles garden wedding venues to consider, here are some gorgeous options:
The Langham Huntington, Pasadena
This historic hotel offers various indoor and outdoor spaces for ceremonies and receptions, including a charming courtyard and a grand ballroom.
The Athenaeum, Pasadena
This private Cal Tech club boasts beautiful gardens with blooming flowers and a sparkling pool. The venue offers indoor and outdoor spaces, including a garden terrace and a ballroom.
The Los Angeles River Center and Gardens
This gem is located near downtown LA and offers a picturesque garden setting with a river backdrop. The venue features a rose garden, a Japanese garden, and a pavilion, perfect for both ceremonies and receptions.
The Adamson House & Malibu Lagoon Museum
Situated on the coast of Malibu, this beachfront garden venue displays panoramic ocean views. The Spanish Colonial Revival-style house and lush gardens provide an idyllic setting for a romantic seaside wedding.
The Ebell of Los Angeles
This historic venue in the heart of Los Angeles features a beautiful courtyard garden with a fountain and lush greenery. The Ebell offers several indoor spaces, including a grand ballroom and a theater, making it a versatile choice for ceremonies and receptions.
