California is almost a Goldilocks Zone offering golden shores, redwood forests, towering mountains, and magnificent deserts, just the right zone for a diverse range of wedding destinations. Its wide climate range also makes it a perfect option for seasonal weddings, even for a tropical wedding in January.
The state also makes it easy to marry, mandating no waiting periods after the marriage license is issued. Note that the license expires after 90 days. If you’re looking for intimate venue options, scroll down for the top Airbnb wedding venues in California, USA.
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Your options at a glance
| Airbnb Wedding Venues | Standout Features | Guest Capacity | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Castle at Chateau Noland; San Luis Obispo | Castle with expansive lawns and beautiful flowerbeds, horse-drawn carriage, water features | 200 | from USD 750 |
| Marion View Lodge; Idyllwild-Pine Cove | Wooded setting, large deck shaded by trees | 55 | from USD 539 |
| The Bunkhouse at the JR Ranch; Lincoln | Waterfront setting, pond, located in a ranch | 100 | from USD 275 |
| Waterfront home with large grounds; Kelseyville | Lakefront location, private dock, lakeside gazebo, expansive grounds, huge patio spaces. | Not mentioned, please contact the host for details | from USD 1500 |
| The Ranch House (#7); Palm Springs | Event barn, lush backyard, multiple accommodations, wedding services available | Not mentioned, please contact the host for details | from USD 510 |
| Redwood Ranch; Three Rivers | Riverfront setting, mountain views, expansive grounds, wilderness setting, barn, large back deck, tiered pricing scheme, wedding amenities provided | 250 | from USD 4000 |
| Hensley House; San Jose | Opulent interiors, lush outdoor spaces, gazebo, historic property | 50 | - |
| Rancho Tres Agaves; Agave | Expansive grounds, large deck, staff and services provided | 150 | from USD 1144 |
| Redwood Glen Castle; Willits | Beautiful gardens, courtyard, castle-like setting | Not mentioned, please contact the host for details | from USD 535 |
1. The Castle at Chateau Noland; San Luis Obispo (from USD 750)
There’s nothing more magical than getting married in a castle, and The Castle at Chateau Noland offers ample proof. The castle has a unique design, with its conical ‘towers’ indicative of medieval inspiration, while its smooth curves harken towards a modern existence.
The front of the castle is arguably the most picturesque spot set with flowing shrubs with colorful flowers. A ceremony on the manicured lawns with the castle as a backdrop makes full use of the enchanting setting, and the area can host up to 200 guests. The patio by the creek is another excellent spot to organize the ceremony. You can make it a truly royal wedding by arriving in a horse-drawn carriage, provided by the property.
While the castle itself just has three bedrooms, together with its sister property, The Carriage House, which has 11 bedrooms, you can host the entire wedding party on-site. Make sure to contact the host directly for more details on hosting an event here.
Nearest airport: San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport (9.7 miles / 15.61 kilometers)
Guest capacity: 200
Standout features: Castle with expansive lawns and beautiful flowerbeds, horse-drawn carriage, water features.
Testimonial: “I would recommend Castle Noland in a heart beat to anyone looking for the perfect wedding venue or just an awesome place to stay. The property managers are great people, and were a huge help for the set up and break down of the wedding. Chad stepped in anywhere we needed and was always so quick to respond back to us. I have already recommended castle noland to friends and family alike and will continue to do so!” - Taylor
2. Marion View Lodge; Idyllwild-Pine Cove (from USD 539)
With its wooded setting and rustic architecture, Marion View Lodge is a great option for those who love intimate ceremonies in a natural setting. The property can accommodate up to 55 guests. The lodge can host up to 10 guests overnight, so the immediate family can be comfortably accommodated at the venue itself. There’s an additional guest house that you can rent which can be used as a bridal suite!
The large deck set under towering trees is the ideal place to hold the ceremony or even the reception itself. Or you can host the ceremony on the lawns! The property even offers a dance floor, so you can organize a fun after-party.
Nearest airport: Palm Springs International Airport (PSP)
Guest capacity: 55
Standout features: Wooded setting, large deck shaded by trees.
Testimonial: “We had our small intimate wedding here and it was beautiful! To say everything was perfect would be an understatement. The location was incredible, even better than the pictures.” - Mikayla
Superhost
3. The Bunkhouse at the JR Ranch; Lincoln (from USD 275)
Up for a ranch wedding? Check out The Bunkhouse at the JR Ranch, boasting a rustic location and a waterfront setting that’s great for a casual ceremony! You can host events for up to 100 guests here for an event fee. You can also approach the host on whether any wedding-related items can be rented from the establishment.
The waterfront lawns by the pond offer a great setting for your wedding ceremony you can rent the barn for organizing the reception.
Nearest airport: Lincoln Regional Airport (7.5 miles / 12.07 kilometers)
Guest capacity: 100
Standout features: Waterfront setting, pond, located in a ranch.
Testimonial: “We had a wedding at JR Ranch this last weekend and it was perfect. Rich went out of his way to make sure we had everything we needed. I didn’t hear one complaint. It is a beautiful and peaceful property that Rich takes great care of. The Airbnb is great too. It is just a beautiful and peaceful place to stay if you are having an event or not. Thanks Rich!” - Heather
4. Waterfront home with large grounds; Kelseyville (from USD 1500)
This amazing mansion offers expansive grounds set against a beautiful lake and spacious indoors that can sleep up to 35 guests, so it’s an all-rounder if you’re looking to host a large wedding. There are multiple options for how you can have your ceremony organized on this vast property.
With the estate’s private dock, the bride or groom can plan for a grand entrance on a boat to the venue. The lakeside gazebo sits under tall trees and offers the ideal place to exchange your vows, and dining amenities can be arranged on the grounds for a daytime reception. Tents can also be set up on the grounds! The large patio spaces are the perfect spots for organizing the afterparty.
Nearest airport: Charles M. Schulz–Sonoma County Airport (STS)
Standout features: Lakefront location, private dock, lakeside gazebo, expansive grounds, huge patio spaces.
Testimonial: “If you have plans to get away with the family. I definitely recommend this place. There’s so much to do. It has a beautiful scenery…beautiful lake…you will be surrounded by lots of birds.. My family and i have rented this house twice. Let me just say that we always have fun things to do. Not to mention that the kids have lots of place to run.” - Maria
5. The Ranch House (#7); Palm Springs (from USD 510)
There’s perhaps nothing more glamorous than getting married in Palm Springs, and this Airbnb venue makes that possible. The property is really just a one-stop wedding destination, even offering multiple accommodations to house the entire wedding party on-site. The establishment can help with anything wedding-related, be it the decor, the photographers, or even the cake.
If you’re just planning a small event for up to 40 guests, you can make use of the lush backyard. For larger weddings, the event barn will be the perfect place to book. There are more venues available on the estate, and it would be best to contact the host directly and discuss your plans so that you can have the wedding of your dreams.
Nearest airport: Palm Springs International Airport (PSP)
Standout features: Event barn, lush backyard, multiple accommodations, wedding services available.
Testimonial: “This is such an amazing gem. It was only 5 mins from the aerial tramway which was my main reason for choosing Palm Springs as my bachelorette destination. We loved the animals and the pool was unlike any other.” - Lisa
6. Redwood Ranch; Three Rivers (from USD 4000)
Looking to have a ceremony that places you and your significant other amidst lush natural bounty? Opt for this amazing 190-ac (77-ha) ranch nestled on a riverside and surrounded by pristine mountains. The property offers over 1,800 ft (549 m) of riverfront space where you can host a magical ceremony. The barn and the back deck are other great options, and of course, there are infinite options across its vast grounds.
Venue fees are not charged if you’re hosting just 25 guests. The property can host a maximum of 250 guests on a tiered pricing scheme (according to number of guests. Tables, chairs, and portable restrooms are provided as part of your payment. However, take note that the ranch only allows 12 events each year, so it would be best to reach out in advance to secure your dream wedding spot.
Nearest airport: Woodlake Airport (22.6 miles / 36.37 kilometers)
Guest capacity: 250
Standout features: Riverfront setting, mountain views, expansive grounds, wilderness setting, barn, large back deck, tiered pricing scheme, wedding amenities provided.
Testimonial: “I can’t even begin to say how magical this place was. It was beautiful and peaceful, the perfect location for our "micro-wedding.” Everyone was super responsive and helpful. Wouldn’t change a thing. So grateful to have found this incredible place.“ - Ariane
7. Hensley House; San Jose
Hensley House is an ideal option if you want to combine urban convenience with a historic setting. The opulent interiors leave no doubt as to its past and will add a tinge of class and luxury to your wedding photos. It can also host up to 26 guests overnight.
The gated outdoor space has a beautiful gazebo, the perfect place to exchange your vows, and the grounds have enough space to accommodate up to 50 guests for the ceremony. However, the venue explicitly forbids parties, and you need to get approval from the host for organizing any event.
Nearest airport: San Jose Mineta International Airport (SJC)
Guest capacity: 50
Standout features: Opulent interiors, lush outdoor spaces, gazebo, historic property.
Testimonial: “The Hensley House was exactly what we needed for our wedding weekend. Our entire wedding party stayed here and we got ready at the house before our ceremony. It was perfect for our needs! Big, beautiful, with lots of rooms and bathrooms. Would definitely recommend it if you’re looking for something like it in South Bay.” - Hannah
8. Rancho Tres Agaves; Agave (from USD 1144)
Yearning for some privacy and a countryside setting? Organize your special day on this property with 5 ac (2 ha) of grounds, offering plenty of space to spread out, and many prospective ceremony spaces. You can host the ceremony on the outdoor deck, or go for an even more open-air option and exchange vows on the lush lawns.
Event fees are applicable, and with prior notice, you can even source staff and services such as caterers and bartenders from the host. Pre-stocking services can also be availed.
Nearest airport: Palm Springs International Airport (PSP)
Guest capacity: 150
Standout features: Expansive grounds, large deck, staff and services provided.
Testimonial: “This place is AMAZING and the host is incredibly accommodating and responded quickly to anything we needed. We hosted a small wedding celebration here since our earlier wedding date was canceled and the place has a ton of outdoor space that’s incredible!!! Cecila made it easy and provided any rentals (tables, heaters, decor) that we needed. Highly recommend!!!” - Kassidy
9. Redwood Glen Castle; Willits (from USD 535)
This beautiful castle-like estate offers a secluded spot to hold an intimate ceremony. Small wedding ceremonies can be organized in the beautiful garden set with a natural arch adorned by ferns. Large events can be organized in the courtyard, or you can opt to have them in the gardens by the entrance. Additional venue fees will be charged, and you must inform the host ahead of time if your event will have more than 12 guests.
Quiet hours are enforced after 10pm.
Nearest airport: Sacramento International Airport (SMF)
Standout features: Beautiful gardens, courtyard, castle-like setting.
Testimonial: “This house is absolutely gorgeous! It’s a real castle!!! The decor is beautiful. The house was clean and very organized. There was enough space for all 15 of us and then some.” - Ryland
Organize a magical wedding in California
California promises a multitude of landscapes that will sate anyone looking for amazing options for wedding destinations. Book one of the above Airbnb wedding venues for an enchanting ceremony in California.
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