Hi all-
I'm a florist but also now a bride. ;) woohoo!
I'm newer to Southern CA so haven't seen a ton of venues yet and am looking for a unique, possibly garden ceremony, or ranch or estate. I dont want the traditional ballroom but also want something reasonable. Any help?? I'm open to OC, LA, Malibu, topanga canyon, etc. San Diego is not really my top choice though. I want my family to see where I live and such since they are from Illinois.
I've searched a lot and sometimes bride to bride help or help from other professionals is best! Any other vendor advice is great too! Except for flowers and lighting- my fiancé and I have that covered!
The catch is that my fiancé and I both have large families so we need a place that can seat 350 for ceremony and reception.

Thanks all and hope you are all fantastic!
Kate

Hi Kate! Rancho Capistrano in south OC seems affordable. I haven't done research myself but my friend got married there a few years ago with a private lake behind them. I know that their lunch reception was very affordable and they were able to host it outdoors (covered). As you know, being in So Cal pretty much guarantees gorgeous weather almost entirely year round!

Another cool venue is the Adamson House in Malibu. My FI's cousin got married there this past July. It was seriously the closest to on-the-beach that you can get without stepping in the sand! Awesome private venue great for ceremony and reception.

GL venue hunting!!  

FYI Rancho Capistrano was sold last year and last I heard (and have been able to read) they haven't re-opened it for events.  It IS lovely and at the time I checked it out it was *very* affordable.

I didn't do my research on places big enough to hold 350 people, so unfortunately I can't help the op with venue.  I DO have suggestions for a wonderful photographer, caterer, and videographer!  If you need help, just let me know!  :)

Check out http://www.dovecanyoncourtyard.com/ I loved this venue, however, I want a winter wedding so I thought it would be a little chilly for an outside wedding :)

We recently had our reception at Calamigos at the Los Angeles Equestrian Center. It's on a ranch-style property and we also received so many complements on it and also on the food! Good luck and happy planning!

Hi Kate! 

What about Rancho Los Lomas? They can hold up to 400 - the grounds are AMAZING and the owners/staff are incredible!

My other favorite is The Jones Victorian Estate - but, they can only hold up to 200 - if you can trim down your guest list! :) haha. 

Or...if you are into vintage cars we love, love Crevier Classic Car Museum! It is a unique venue for sure (the guys LOVE it) and it's very close to John Wayne Airport for all your guests coming in for the wedding.

We have been in the wedding business for 28+ years (and I personally have 23 years experience in the bridal industry). Send me a message if you would like some other advice for the So Cal area 

Kerrie

Bonny Bridal