
Los Angeles offers some of the most spectacular outdoor wedding venues in the country, and it’s easy to understand why.
With an average of 284 sunny days per year and temperatures that rarely dip below 60°F or climb above 85°F, LA provides the perfect climate for celebrating under the open sky.
Whether you’re dreaming of saying “I do” in a lush garden surrounded by roses, on a rooftop terrace overlooking the city skyline, or in a Mediterranean-style courtyard with mountain views, outdoor wedding venues in Los Angeles deliver unmatched natural beauty and memorable atmospheres.
But choosing an outdoor venue requires more thoughtfulness than booking a traditional ballroom.
You’ll need to consider weather backup plans, guest comfort in varying temperatures, lighting for evening receptions, and how your decor will work in natural settings.
This guide walks you through LA’s top outdoor venues, shares insider tips for outdoor wedding planning, and helps you decide if an alfresco celebration is right for you.
Let’s explore the most beautiful outdoor spaces where you can celebrate your big day under California sunshine.
What Makes LA Perfect for Outdoor Weddings
Year-Round Ideal Weather
Unlike most of the country, Los Angeles doesn’t have harsh winters or oppressive summers. The Los Angeles climate creates a Mediterranean environment where:
- Spring (March-May): Perfect temperatures (65-75°F), blooming gardens, minimal rain after early March
- Summer (June-August): Warm but not extreme (70-85°F), virtually zero rain, long daylight hours for sunset ceremonies
- Fall (September-November): The absolute best season for outdoor weddings with warm days (70-80°F) and cool evenings
- Winter (December-February): Still beautiful (60-70°F), though you’ll want to provide warmth for evening events
This consistency means you can confidently plan outdoor weddings nearly any month, though September through November remains peak season for good reason.
Diverse Landscape Options
LA’s geographic diversity creates dramatically different outdoor wedding settings within a 30-mile radius:
- Mountain venues in Pasadena and Malibu with panoramic views
- Coastal properties with ocean breezes and beach access
- Urban rooftops showcasing downtown skyline
- Desert-inspired gardens with cacti and southwestern aesthetics
- Mediterranean estates reminiscent of Italian villas
- Lush botanical gardens with exotic plants and water features
This variety ensures you’ll find outdoor settings that match your vision, whether it’s a bohemian garden party, an elegant estate affair, or a modern rooftop cocktail celebration.
Natural Beauty That Minimizes Decor Costs
Here’s a budget-friendly reality: outdoor venues come with built-in beauty. When you’re surrounded by rose gardens, mature trees, or mountain vistas, you need significantly less decor than a blank ballroom. Many couples save $2,000-$5,000 on florals and decorations by letting the natural setting do the aesthetic heavy lifting.
Photo Opportunities That Can’t Be Replicated
Natural light, organic backgrounds, and varied settings create wedding photos that simply can’t be achieved indoors. Sunset ceremonies, golden hour portraits, and photos with genuine landscape depth provide professional photographers with ideal conditions for stunning imagery.
Top 10 Outdoor Wedding Venues in Los Angeles

1. Calamigos Ranch (Malibu)
Location: Malibu Hills
Capacity: 50-500+ guests across multiple venue spaces
Starting Price: $$$ (Upscale tier)
Calamigos Ranch sprawls across 220 acres of Malibu mountains, offering one of LA’s most versatile outdoor wedding complexes.
The property features multiple ceremony and reception sites, from the elegant Redwood Room with towering trees to the Birchwood Room surrounded by white birch groves.
What makes it special: The ranch includes overnight accommodations for wedding parties, making it ideal for destination-style celebrations. On-site horses, peacocks, and natural beauty create a magical escape feeling despite being just 30 minutes from Los Angeles. Full-service coordination and catering handle all logistics.
Best for: Couples wanting a rustic-elegant estate feel, multi-day celebrations, and a destination wedding atmosphere without travel complications.
2. Padua Hills Theatre (Claremont)
Location: Claremont foothills
Capacity: 100-250 guests
Starting Price: $$ (Mid-range)
This hidden gem offers Spanish Colonial architecture with mountain views and authentic outdoor courtyards. The venue features hand-painted tiles, fountain courtyards, and covered terraces that blend indoor-outdoor elements beautifully.
What makes it special: The dramatic hillside setting provides stunning sunset backdrops, while covered arcades ensure comfort regardless of the weather. The venue’s historic character (built in 1930) and architectural beauty minimize decor needs. Proximity to guest accommodations in Claremont simplifies logistics.
Best for: Couples loving Spanish/Mediterranean aesthetics, history buffs, and those seeking unique character without high luxury pricing.
3. Rancho Las Lomas (Silverado Canyon)
Location: Silverado Canyon (Orange County, but serves LA market)
Capacity: 150-300 guests
Starting Price: $$$$ (Premium tier)
This 30-acre botanical garden estate features exotic animals (zebras, llamas, peacocks roaming the property), stunning gardens, and multiple ceremony sites. The venue offers both garden and covered pavilion options.
What makes it special: Rancho Las Lomas feels like traveling to a European estate or African safari, with lush landscapes and unexpected wildlife encounters. Multiple gardens allow for ceremony in one location, cocktails in another, and reception in a third, creating a journey experience for guests. Exclusive availability (one wedding per day) ensures privacy.
Best for: Couples seeking truly unique, luxury outdoor experiences; animal lovers; those wanting an exclusive estate feeling.
4. The Houdini Estate (Laurel Canyon)
Location: Hollywood Hills
Capacity: 100-200 guests
Starting Price: $$$$ (Premium tier)
Perched in Laurel Canyon with panoramic city views, this legendary estate offers Hollywood glamour meets natural beauty. The property features terraced gardens, a dramatic stone staircase, and sunset views that photographers dream about.
What makes it special: The historic connection to Harry Houdini adds mystique, while the venue’s blend of manicured gardens and wild canyon creates a unique aesthetic. City lights twinkling as evening falls provide a magical ambiance for receptions. The intimate size ensures a private, exclusive feel.
Best for: Couples wanting Hollywood history, city view backdrops, and intimate celebrations with dramatic impact.
5. Descanso Gardens (La Cañada Flintridge)
Location: La Cañada Flintridge
Capacity: 50-200 guests
Starting Price: $$-$$$ (Mid-range to upscale)
This 150-acre botanical garden offers dedicated event spaces within one of California’s most beloved public gardens. Ceremony and reception sites include rose gardens, oak groves, and the historic Boddy House.
What makes it special: Descanso’s mature gardens, featuring over 100,000 plants including one of North America’s largest camellia collections, provide ever-changing seasonal beauty. The venue’s nonprofit status often means better pricing than comparable private estates. Professional coordination teams experienced with outdoor logistics.
Best for: Garden enthusiasts, nature lovers, couples prioritizing botanical beauty, those seeking established institutional reliability.
6. The Ebell of Los Angeles (Mid-Wilshire)
Location: Mid-Wilshire, Los Angeles
Capacity: 50-300 guests (multiple spaces)
Starting Price: $$$ (Upscale)
While The Ebell offers magnificent indoor ballrooms, their Italian Renaissance courtyard provides an elegant outdoor ceremony option with the security of adjacent indoor reception space. The venue combines historic architecture (built 1927) with lush courtyard gardens.
What makes it special: The courtyard’s Mediterranean architecture creates an intimate outdoor ceremony space while the grand ballrooms ensure climate-controlled comfort for receptions. This indoor-outdoor combination eliminates weather anxiety while providing outdoor ceremony beauty. Central LA location simplifies guest logistics.
Best for: Couples wanting an outdoor ceremony, indoor reception backup, historic elegance, and urban convenience.
Note: While The Ebell isn’t in Zaal’s current network, it represents the indoor-outdoor hybrid style worth considering. For similar elegant spaces with more flexibility, explore Glendale wedding venues that offer garden ceremony options.
7. Vibiana (Downtown Los Angeles)
Location: Downtown LA
Capacity: 50-300 guests
Starting Price: $$$$ (Premium)
This renovated 1876 cathedral features a stunning outdoor courtyard surrounded by historic architecture. The space blends old-world elegance with contemporary design, offering both covered and open-air areas.
What makes it special: The dramatic cathedral architecture creates an outdoor space unlike anything else in LA: historic grandeur with modern sophistication. The courtyard’s urban setting provides a unique city ambiance while feeling intimate and protected. Full-service venue handles all catering and coordination.
Best for: Couples loving architecture, urban sophistication, unique historic spaces, those wanting a downtown location with outdoor elements.
8. Malibu Rocky Oaks Estate Vineyards
Location: Malibu Wine Country
Capacity: 100-350 guests
Starting Price: $$$$ (Premium)
This working vineyard estate offers sweeping views, vine-covered ceremony sites, and the romance of wine country without leaving Los Angeles County. Multiple outdoor ceremony and reception locations across the property provide flexibility.
What makes it special: The combination of working vineyard, mountain views, and rustic-elegant facilities creates Napa Valley vibes 30 miles from LA. On-site wine tasting, beautiful barrel rooms, and an authentic wine country atmosphere add special touches. Sunset views over the vines create unforgettable photos.
Best for: Wine enthusiasts, couples seeking vineyard aesthetics, those wanting rustic-elegant without driving to Santa Barbara.
9. Los Angeles River Center and Gardens
Location: Downtown LA
Capacity: 50-500 guests (multiple garden areas)
Starting Price: $$ (Mid-range)
This unexpected downtown oasis offers Spanish Colonial gardens just minutes from LA’s urban core. The property features fountain courtyards, Mission Revival architecture, and lush gardens that feel worlds away from the surrounding city.
What makes it special: Exceptional value for the location and beauty provided. The venue offers both intimate garden nooks for small weddings and expansive lawns for larger celebrations. Flexible vendor policies (bring your own caterer) provide cost control. Historic cultural monument status ensures preserved beauty.
Best for: Budget-conscious couples, those wanting vendor flexibility, urban location with garden beauty, DIY-inclined planners.
10. Taglyan Complex Garden Spaces
Location: Hollywood
Capacity: 200-400 guests
Starting Price: $$$$ (Premium)
While Taglyan is renowned for its luxury ballrooms, their outdoor garden spaces provide stunning ceremony settings with the security of world-class indoor reception facilities. The landscaped gardens feature water elements, lighting design, and architectural details that rival standalone garden venues.
What makes it special:
The seamless indoor-outdoor flow means garden ceremony beauty with zero weather risk for your reception. Taglyan’s award-winning design extends into their garden spaces, creating photography-perfect outdoor areas. Full-service coordination handles every detail.
Best for: Couples wanting an outdoor ceremony with an indoor reception, those prioritizing design excellence, and luxury-focused celebrations.
For more exceptional venues that offer garden ceremony options with indoor reception backups, explore our complete guide to Los Angeles wedding venues.
Essential Tips for Planning Your Outdoor LA Wedding
Always Have a Weather Backup Plan
Even in Los Angeles, unexpected weather happens. Rain, excessive heat, or strong winds can impact outdoor celebrations. Your backup options include:
Clear-top tents: Allow you to maintain the outdoor feel while providing weather protection (cost: $2,000-$8,000+ depending on size)
Indoor backup space: Choose venues offering both outdoor and indoor options, transitioning to ballrooms if needed
Covered pavilions: Select venues with permanent covered structures for ceremony or reception
Most venues require you to make your indoor/outdoor decision 48-72 hours before your wedding based on weather forecasts. Build this decision timeline into your planning.
Consider Guest Comfort
Temperature regulation:
- For warm days: Provide shade (umbrellas, tents, trees), offer cold beverages, schedule the ceremony for late afternoon
- For cool evenings: Rent heaters ($150-300 each), provide blankets or pashminas, set up indoor lounge areas
Seating and surfaces:
- Ensure elderly guests have comfortable seating with backs
- Provide flat, stable walking surfaces (no stiletto heels sinking into grass)
- Consider accessibility for guests with mobility challenges
Sun exposure:
- Avoid mid-day ceremonies in summer (too hot, harsh lighting)
- Provide a sunscreen station for multi-hour outdoor events
- Ensure adequate shade for elderly guests and children
Optimize Lighting for Evening Receptions
Outdoor venues transform as daylight fades. Plan lighting carefully:
String lights/bistro lights: Create magical ambiance ($500-2,000 depending on coverage)
Uplighting on trees and architecture: Add depth and drama ($800-1,500)
Candles and lanterns: Provide warm, romantic glow (allow 100-200 votives minimum)
Dance floor lighting: Ensure adequate lighting for safety and energy
Work with your venue to understand existing lighting and what you’ll need to add. Some outdoor venues include comprehensive lighting in packages, while others require you to bring everything in.
Timing Your Outdoor Ceremony
Golden hour ceremonies (late afternoon, roughly 60-90 minutes before sunset) provide the most flattering light for photos and comfortable temperatures. However, this timing means your reception extends later into the evening.
Sunset timing by season in LA:
- Summer (June-August): 8:00-8:30pm
- Fall (September-November): 6:00-7:00pm
- Winter (December-February): 5:00-5:45pm
- Spring (March-May): 6:30-7:30pm
Plan ceremony start times that capture golden hour light while allowing comfortable temperature conditions for guests. For detailed planning guidance, read our comprehensive article on choosing the perfect wedding venue.
Sound Considerations
Outdoor venues present unique sound challenges:
Amplification needs: Ensure the officiant and vows can be heard. Even intimate 50-guest ceremonies benefit from microphones in outdoor settings. Wind, ambient noise, and lack of walls all diminish sound projection.
Music volume: Check venue noise ordinances. Many outdoor venues have decibel limits and firm end times (often 10pm or 11pm) due to residential neighbors.
Wind interference: Wireless microphones can pick up wind noise. Use windscreens and position speakers strategically. Have your DJ or band conduct a sound check at the same time of day as your ceremony.
Restroom Facilities
Some outdoor estate venues have limited permanent restrooms. For larger guest counts or venues without adequate facilities, budget for luxury restroom trailers ($1,500-4,000+ for weekend rental). These modern trailers rival hotel restrooms with climate control, lighting, and upscale finishes: a worthwhile investment for guest comfort.
Outdoor Wedding Venue Costs in Los Angeles
Budget Ranges
Affordable outdoor venues ($5,000-$15,000 venue fee): Public gardens, community centers with outdoor spaces, restaurant patios for small weddings. Additional costs for rentals and catering bring total to $75-125 per person.
Mid-range outdoor venues ($15,000-$35,000 venue fee): Estate venues, botanical gardens, wine country properties. All-inclusive packages typically run $125-200 per person.
Luxury outdoor venues ($35,000-$75,000+ venue fee): Exclusive estates, celebrity-favored properties, venues with overnight accommodations. Expect $200-400+ per person for full-service experiences.
Hidden Costs to Budget
Equipment rentals: Outdoor venues often require you to bring in more equipment than ballrooms.
- Tables and chairs: $10-25 per guest
- Tent rental: $2,000-10,000+ depending on size
- Lighting: $1,000-3,000
- Heaters or fans: $150-400 each
- Dance floor: $800-2,000
- Generators (if venue lacks power): $500-1,500
Extended setup time: Outdoor venues may charge extra for the day-before setup time needed for tents and equipment.
Permits: Some public venues require special event permits ($100-500).
Weather backup insurance: Wedding insurance covering cancellation due to weather ($150-350).
Always get itemized quotes showing venue fees separate from equipment rentals, so you understand true costs.
Is an Outdoor Wedding Right for You?
Outdoor Venues Work Best For:
✅ Couples who love nature and gardens
✅ Those planning spring, summer, or fall weddings
✅ Photography enthusiasts wanting natural light and scenic backdrops
✅ Flexible couples comfortable with weather contingencies
✅ Daytime or golden hour celebrations
✅ Bohemian, garden party, or rustic aesthetic preferences
Consider Indoor Alternatives If:
❌ You’re extremely risk-averse about weather
❌ Planning a winter wedding (December-February)
❌ Many elderly or mobility-challenged guests
❌ You prefer controlled, predictable environments
❌ Peak summer concern about heat
❌ Late-night dancing is essential (noise ordinances)
For couples who love the idea of outdoor ceremonies but want climate-controlled reception comfort, consider venues offering both. Many of the best Glendale wedding venues provide beautiful garden ceremony spaces with stunning ballroom reception options.
Celebrate Under California Skies

Outdoor wedding venues in Los Angeles offer unparalleled beauty, natural elegance, and the kind of memorable ambiance that only California’s perfect climate can provide. From garden estates to rooftop terraces, LA’s outdoor venues create celebrations as unique as your love story.
The venues highlighted in this guide represent the pinnacle of Los Angeles outdoor wedding locations, each offering distinctive character, professional service, and the natural beauty that makes outdoor celebrations so magical.
Whether you’re drawn to vineyard romance, garden elegance, or urban rooftop sophistication, LA has outdoor spaces that will take your breath away.
Ready to explore more exceptional Los Angeles wedding venues?
Browse our complete venue collection to compare spaces, check availability, and schedule tours. While you’re planning, don’t forget about other essential vendors: explore our guides on choosing your wedding caterer and coordinating wedding day logistics.
Your perfect outdoor celebration awaits. Start your venue search today.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best time of year for an outdoor wedding in Los Angeles?
September through November offers ideal outdoor wedding conditions in Los Angeles with warm days (70-80°F), cool evenings, and minimal rain risk. April, May, and June are also excellent, though the May-June marine layer can affect coastal venues. Avoid January-February due to rain probability, though these months offer significant cost savings if you’re willing to have a weather backup plan.
Do I need a backup plan for an outdoor wedding in LA?
Yes, always have a backup plan, even in Los Angeles. While rain is unlikely from April to November, it can occur. Strong winds, excessive heat, or unexpected cold can also impact outdoor events. Most venues require you to decide on indoor vs. outdoor 48-72 hours before your wedding. Options include tents, indoor backup spaces, or choosing venues with covered pavilions.
How much does it cost to rent a tent for an outdoor wedding?
Tent rental costs in Los Angeles range from $2,000-$10,000+, depending on size, style, and features. A basic pole tent for 150 guests costs around $2,500-4,000, while a clear-top tent with chandeliers, flooring, and climate control for 200+ guests can exceed $10,000. Some outdoor venues include tenting in their packages, while others require you to rent separately.
What should I tell guests to prepare for an outdoor wedding?
Include outdoor wedding details in your invitation or wedding website: “Our ceremony will be held outdoors: please dress accordingly. Lawn-friendly footwear recommended (we’ll have heel protectors available!)” For summer weddings, mention “Ceremony held outdoors with shade provided.” For evening celebrations, note “Reception under the stars: light wraps suggested for evening.” This helps guests prepare appropriately.
Can you have a dance floor at an outdoor venue?
Yes, most outdoor venues accommodate dance floors. You can rent portable dance floors ($800-2,000 for 150-200 guests) that sit on grass or uneven surfaces. Some outdoor venues have permanent patio or terrace areas that serve as natural dance floors. Ensure adequate lighting for safety and energy: outdoor dance floors need more intentional lighting design than indoor spaces.
How do you deal with bugs at an outdoor wedding?
For Los Angeles outdoor weddings, bugs are rarely a major issue except near stagnant water or heavily wooded areas. Preventive measures include: schedule events for early evening (fewer mosquitoes), avoid stagnant water sources, provide citronella candles, offer insect repellent station, work with venue to spray the area 24 hours before event. Late fall and winter outdoor events have virtually no bug concerns.
What if it’s too hot or cold on my wedding day?
For heat: schedule ceremony for late afternoon, provide shade structures, offer cold beverages immediately, set up misting stations, and ensure adequate ventilation. For cold: rent heaters ($150-300 each), provide blankets or pashminas, create enclosed spaces with tents and sidewalls, serve warm beverages, plan indoor activities. Most Los Angeles outdoor venues operate within a comfortable 65-85°F range, making extreme measures unnecessary.
Do outdoor venues cost more than indoor venues?
Not necessarily. Outdoor venue site fees may be comparable to or even less than those of luxury ballrooms. However, total costs can be higher due to additional rentals (tables, chairs, tents, lighting, dance floors) that indoor venues typically include. Budget carefully by getting itemized quotes. Some outdoor venues offer all-inclusive packages that bundle rentals, potentially offering better value than piecing together individual elements.