Many couples decide to make their wedding an intimate affair. At times, their goal is to share the event with only their nearest and dearest, an approach that can feel particularly special to everyone in attendance. However, small wedding venues can also be more affordable, making them ideal for budget-conscious couples, as well. Luckily, having an intimate wedding doesn’t mean you can’t have an exceptional location. Here’s a look at five of the best small wedding venues California has to offer.
1. The Ruth Bancroft Garden – Walnut Creek
If you’d like to have an outdoor wedding and enjoy the idea of being surrounded by succulents and desert landscaping, the Ruth Bancroft Garden is an excellent choice. The setting is magnificent as well as very unique for a wedding, guaranteeing that it will make a fabulous impression on your guests.
You can also reserve indoor spaces for your reception. There’s a beautiful barn on the property that can be ideal for a gathering or simply as a backdrop for wedding photos. If you want to take your photos up a notch, you can choose to be near exotic plants or one of the location’s ponds and streams, too.
Depending on when you have your wedding, you may even be able to take advantage of blooming plants. The garden maintains an archive listing when many of the flowers are at their peak, giving you a chance to choose a date that coordinates with your favorites.
2. Creekside at Stinson Beach – Stinson Beach
If you’re looking for a venue next to the water, Creekside at Stinson Beach is worth considering. A creek runs through the quarter-acre property, and Stinson Beach Park is nearby. The property can host up to 50 people, offering up a stellar landscape featuring willow trees, wildflowers, and various native plants.
There’s also a house on the property, providing you with some indoor space and sleeping accommodations for up to 16 people. A large tent is also available for rent, allowing you to create a covered area for your wedding.
This venue is also willing to assist with a variety of other potential needs. For example, you can request farm-to-table meals or horses. They are also willing to work with couples if there are other areas where they could assist.
3. Paso Robles Inn – Paso Robles
Located in California wine country, Paso Robles Inn is a favorite due to the romantic atmosphere and on-site conveniences. Along with an amazing location, this small wedding venue offers event staff, catering, and blocks of rooms that can be reserved for the wedding party of guests. The experience can be full-service, streamlining all of your planning.
For outdoor weddings, the property’s garden creates a fairytale ambiance, particularly when the roses and other flowers are in full bloom. Pictures on the bridge over the koi pond can be a fun option, as well as photographs under the massive, centuries-old oak trees.
Along with breathtaking outdoor spaces, this venue has ballrooms available for indoor receptions. While the main event space can hold a few hundred guests, the Matador Room is perfect as a small wedding venue, offering room for no more than 80 depending on the configuration.
4. Gray Matter Museum of Art – Newport Beach
Featuring magnificent Spanish Mission styling, the Gray Matter Museum of Art can be a unique option for an intimate event. The outdoor space can be transformed for a reception or ceremony, allowing the build’s beautiful architecture to serve as a backdrop.
This venue actually closes to the public every weekend, ensuring it can support numerous private events with greater ease. There’s ample indoor space. For a small wedding, it could work for both a ceremony and reception area, with plenty of room for dining, sitting, and celebrating. Plus, you can enjoy the art during your event, which is a nice bonus.
5. Mission Hills Country Club – Rancho Mirage
Located in the Coachella Valley, Mission Hills Country Club offers an elevated experience for both indoor and outdoor weddings and receptions. The grounds are absolutely immaculate, with splendid lakes, large green spaces, and towering palm trees throughout the property.
This venue offers planning assistance, ensuring couples have support and guidance from event experts. There are also rentable villas on-site, allowing you to stay on-site if you’d like.
You do need to have a member act as a sponsor to hold your wedding here. However, this wedding venue will help you find a member who is willing to act as a sponsor if you don’t already know someone who is willing to do so.
Do you know of any other amazing small wedding venues in California? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
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