Please Help! Need a venue

Hi everyone!
My wedding is in less than a year now (feb. 22, 2009) and I still don't have a venue! This wouldn't normally be a problem but over half of my guests are traveling internationally to be with on that day and I really need to give them advanced warning. (my fiance is Scottish and we wanted to gv his family one year's notice on where they should fly into and book hotels, etc because it is an expensive trip!)
I can't decide between Vegas and Los Angeles.
It is in the winter so NO OUTDOOR venues! (boo!)
Only 75 guests (100 are being invited but they won't all fly overseas)
Budget of $15,000

Any ideas?? I'm totally stressing out because we are taking out Save-the-date photos tomorrow and need to get them out asap.

Any help would be greatly appreciated! :)

thanks!!

I haven't been there myself, but if I were having a wedding in LA, I would seriously consider this venue: http://www.rancholaslomas.com/

I would also consider Palm Springs.

People may be able to help you better if you give more details about what style you're looking for, or what appeals to you...

It depends on what type of wedding you want to have and activities for your guests.

$15K for the whole wedding or just venue?

My friend got married in Porter Ranch country club last July. The venue is really pretty. I think it’s perfect for the size of your wedding. They really have good chicken Entrée.

Another friend got married in Pasadena University Club. I like this venue a tad better than Porter Ranch. You get to have the whole space just for your event. The area has lots of activity for your guests and downtown LA is nearby.

FI and I are getting married in Mountain Meadows country club. We like the open space, lots a windows and the expose beam and of course the price:-) But it’s sort of secluded. It doesn’t have much activity around the area for your guests. We had our tasting last week and their food are really good.

We had a company event at Duke’s in Malibu. They have an awesome view but I have to say the food is so so only for the price.



Good luck!!!

lilibelle1 - i wont be much help on the subject you posted BUT i just wanted to say i just read your proposal and it was too cute! just thought id comment on it :)

We are having ours at The Harlyne J. Norris Pavilion, in Palos Verdes. I thought for how nice it was and location it is worth the $$$. I believe we have a 9hr rental for 2k? (Pictures on website don't do justice).

Anyway- something you should take into consideration to cut costs is time of year and day of week. I know Fridays and Sundays at most places are substantially cheaper, as well as non-summer dates.

Also- Country clubs & hotels can get expensive, so make sure you shop around and get an accurate quote.

If you do go to Vegas, the Venetian is AMAZING, and should be within your budget. But, that's really for smaller weddings. If you're having like 70 people, Vegas isn't always the way to go.

Now, in Los Angeles, there is a TON of places. I could recommend some to you, but honestly, something has to catch your eye. If you look at the vendors listed her at Project Wedding or at HereComesTheGuide.com, etc. you'll find what you're looking for based on your specifications.

HTH!

hehe, as Ms.Sumomo knows, I did go check out Duke's in Malibu for my wedding. They have a private room with its own entrance to fit up to 250 people (although that would be a bit cramped, but with your numbers it would be nice), lunch is under $30, dinner is about $40-60, nice view of the Pacific Ocean (no beach access though). However, we did visit it on 2/23 and while it was sunny in the afternoon, it did start to rain a bit when we left. You never know with the weather in Feb.

With a lot of people traveling from overseas though, I would think Vegas would be a bit more accommodating than LA. It's smaller in size, there are tons of attractions within walking distance, it'd be easier to get around, and there are lots of hotels to fit anyone's budget. But I don't know how it much it would be for a wedding, just depends on what you want. haha, you have a better budget than me - I'm thinking $15-20K for 200 people. HTH!

Castle Green in Pasadena is really nice for a winter wedding
don't know the price but I know it is a popular wedding spot....

we're having ours at the Hilton Universal City. You might be able to swing it with that budget, depending on your meal selection. They have a nice garden for the wedding and if you do your banquet there, it'll probably work out best budget wise. Your guests can stay at the hotel for a lower fee and also visit Universal Studios and other attractions in the area. Let me know if you want a referral. My contact there is awesome!

How about The Harlyne J. Norris Pavilion in Rolling Hills Estates. I found it very affordable.

Oh, and I read your engagement story as well. So cool!!! And I went and looked up David Ford. I am listening to Song For The Road. All I can say is WHOA!! That guy is brilliant. Kind of reminds me of David Gray a bit. I love Ford and plan on buying his CDs ASAP.

Thanks!