With its swaying palms, golden shores, lofty mountains, and lush vineyards, California is an amazing destination for a wedding. You can even get married in one of California’s National Parks, and you need only complete a Special Use Permit Application and await the official authorization! Moreover, California’s small resort towns and holiday destinations are amazing options for a wedding as well. For a run down, scroll down for the best locations for a destination wedding in California.
Travel advisory
According to NBC News, Southern California is still under heightened alerts as intense winds and wildfires threaten the Greater Los Angeles Area. You can check out this handy fire map from the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection for updated information.
1. San Diego

San Diego boasts the best climate, all year round, which is a big advantage when you are planning a destination wedding. The city is filled with canyon views, long stretches of coast with waterfront views, lush green forest, and a rich blend of historic and modern structures, all of which makes it a perfect location for a beautiful wedding. The Wayfarer San Diego is an oceanfront venue in San Diego that offers the most stunning views, hassle-free room booking and management, and more, for a smooth and worry-free destination wedding.
The Wayfarer San Diego This is a Proud Certified property where you can be extra sure of a welcoming stay.
Address: 707 Pacific Beach Drive
2. Rancho Palos Verdes

If you’re looking to get married by the Pacific Ocean, Rancho Palos Verdes is a great option, especially with its seaside cliffs and amazing views. This city is situated right beside Los Angeles, extending along the city’s southern borders and hugging the seas. It’s a great option if you have a lot of friends and family who are Angelenos.
Terranea Resort is a popular oceanfront resort with breathtaking views and nestled by the city’s iconic seaside cliffs. The property also has a professional team set up for organizing the decorations, catering services, and other event-related facilities.
3. Palm Springs

Harboring iconic art galleries and vintage stores, Palm Springs is a popular destination if you’re craving a glamorous wedding. The glamour is all apparent with its nickname: “Hollywood’s Hideaway”, and the city’s architecture certainly lends to the image. The city is sunny almost all year round and hosts plenty of golf courses and upscale resorts.
Ace Hotel and Swim Club Palm Springs is a great place to house the bridal party! The property has a golf course, a large pool, an on-site restaurant, and more, so the guests won’t ever get bored. And there are always the spectacular views to admire.
Ace Hotel and Swim Club Palm Springs This is a Proud Certified property where you can be extra sure of a welcoming stay.
4. Rancho Mirage

Rancho Mirage is situated in Coachella Valley and might be a great option if you’re looking for a wedding that’s leaning heavily towards a grand party. The city is punctuated by palm trees and golf courses, and there are plenty of luxury resorts, tennis courts, and, of course, fine dining options. Rancho Mirage has a mild climate.
If you’re serious about partying it up at your wedding, Omni Rancho Las Palmas Resort & Spa might just suffice for the venue and stay. The property offers great pools and other fun amenities, not to mention the beautiful spots for an outdoor ceremony.
5. La Quinta

Another beautiful city in Coachella Valley, La Quinta offers a romantic ambiance, especially with its bougainvillea-covered streets. It’s aptly named the “Gem of the Desert”, and none who have seen its pristine gardens, gleaming golf courses, and mountain views would dare to question the epithet. The city is situated between Indian Wells and Indio.
The La Quinta Resort & Club - Waldorf Astoria embodies the best of the city and will be perfect for your destination wedding. The resort boasts amazing gardens, walkways lined by towering palms, swimming pools, and other amazing amenities.
La Quinta Resort & Club, Curio Collection This is a Proud Certified property where you can be extra sure of a welcoming stay.
Address: 49-499 Eisenhower Drive
6. Carlsbad

Nestled next to San Diego, Carlsbad is known for its surfing opportunities and Legoland California theme park with fun rides, a marine aquarium, and a water park. It’s an exceptional destination for a wedding if you have a lot of family coming over with children! Carlsbad is also known for its stunning seasonal flower fields that extend for acres. If you’d like a truly enchanting ceremony, why not just cut the middleman and get married amidst all the flowers?
Situated just a short drive away from the Grand Pacific flower fields, The Grand Pacific Palisades Resort & Hotel can work great for housing the bridal party, or as the venue itself. The property offers two pools, a restaurant, and amazing rooms.
7. Huntington Beach

Huntington Beach is another surfing destination known for its popular beaches, beachfront resorts, and amazing eateries. The city’s iconic Huntington Beach Pier is an ideal spot to take some cute wedding photos. If you just love surfing, head to the city’s surf museum for a fun day. With the city’s numerous parks and golden shores, Huntington Beach is a popular destination for beach weddings.
The Waterfront Beach Resort, a Hilton Hotel is sure to make your day even more magical with its delightful spa! The resort also offers a huge pool, spacious rooms with sea views, an eatery, and much more.
The Waterfront Beach Resort, A Hilton Hotel
Address: 21100 Pacific Coast Highway
8. Napa

Napa will sate your desires for a dreamy vineyard wedding. It’s certainly no surprise that Napa ihosts numerous award-winning wineries and wines, and its coupled up with an amazing gourmet food scene. You can easily go on magical dates each and every day you stay here! The Napa Valley Wine Train is something you have to try out with your significant other. Napa ticks all the boxes for a great destination wedding with its pristine landscapes, amazing food, and delightful wines!
You can organize a delightful ceremony at The Meritage Resort and Spa especially if you want to include your pets on your special day! The resort is popular for its spa and beautiful grounds, so you’re sure to have a restorative stay here. The property also has a huge pool with views of the vineyard.
9. Laguna Beach

Laguna Beach, as the name suggests, is a great option for a beach wedding. Besides the beautiful shores the small coastal city, is home to beautioufl art galleries. Perhaps its most famous features are the dedicated inland greenbelt and a blue belt initiatives that seek to protect natural spaces. The city offers many venues with the beach-wedding theme, and the guests can always try out surfing for some fun after the big day.
Surf & Sand Resort Laguna Beach offers great views of the Pacific Ocean and is a great venue option. It has an upscale setting with a restaurant, and its sun terrace seems like an excellent spot to exchange your vows.
Surf & Sand Resort Laguna Beach
Address: 1555 South Coast Highway
10. Indian Wells

Indian Wells is another iconic city in Coachella Valley and offers amazing views of the Santa Rosa Mountains.It’s a popular resort town and a tourist destination and hosts great clubs, large estates, amazing spas, and luxurious resorts, making it great for those who want to party it up at their wedding. The city’s beautiful golf courses and mountainous backdrop will make for great wedding photos.
The Hyatt Regency Indian Wells Resort & Spa has a covetous location at the foot of the Santa Rosa Mountains, offering enchanting locations to tie the knot!
Grand Hyatt Indian Wells Resort & Villas This is a Proud Certified property where you can be extra sure of a welcoming stay.
Address: 44600 Indian Wells Lane
Have a special wedding in California
There’s perhaps no better place for a destination wedding than California, home to popular beach cities, beautiful mountain towns, and exceptional resorts. Check out the above locations and organize the destination wedding of your dreams!
History
Get WeddingVenues101 in your inbox
Unsubscribe in one click. See our Privacy Policy for more information on how we use your data
