Weddings in Southern California come in all shapes and sizes. After all, it’s the home of the rich and famous. Weddings aren't always planned solely around available resources and ego’s. People could want a modest wedding for one reason or another. Maybe they’re on their second or third marriage and have had their over-the-top ceremony in a previous decade. Maybe they just don’t have that many friends. Maybe they have a few kids that take up most of the disposal income. Maybe they would rather spend money on an amazing engagement ring, honeymoon, or their first home. But what exactly are your cheap wedding venues in Southern California if you fall between eloping in a local courthouse and a bourgeoisie ceremony at Carondelet House? Let’s take a look at 5 venues for under $1,500. Please note that some prices do not include per guest catering.
$656 - Angel’s Gate Park
Looking for a quick ceremony with a fantastic view? Angel Gate Park is managed by the city of Los Angeles and lies in the San Pedro neighborhood. It’s home to the Korean Bell of Friendship and Fort MacArthur Museum. The bell as presented to by The Republic of Korea in 1976 for the U.S. bicentennial. The park overlooks the Pacific Ocean and you can see Catalina Island on a clear day. The space is available for ceremonies only for up to two hours. Additional hours can be arranged for a fee of $147/hr for events held Friday through Sunday.
Capacity: 150 guests max.
Pricing Summary: $556 including $100 refundable cleaning deposit.
Website: www.laparks.org/dos/reccenter/facility/angelsGateRC.htm
$750 - Madeline Garden and Bistro
This French Quarter-inspired restoration lies in Pasadena. It features a Versailles-esque tea room for small ceremonies, a New Orleans-style Grand Room, and a fresco bricked courtyard.
Capacity: 200 guests max.
Pricing Summary:
$750 for the 20-guest Patio
$1,500 for the High Tea Room
$2,500 for the Courtyard
$3,500 for the Grand Room.
Website: http://madelinegarden.com/
$948 - Orcutt Ranch Horticultural Center
Are you dying to have your wedding in a scenic garden? The adobe structure was once the permanent ‘20s vacation home petroleum geologist William W. Orcutt, pioneer of the oil production industry in California and discoverer of the prehistoric fossils at the LaBrea Tar Pits. It features a phenomenal rose garden and gazebo, ranch structures, oak trees, bamboo-lined walkways, citrus orchard, and the Southwest-inspired architecture.
Capacity: 175 people.
Pricing Summary:
$948 for the first 3 hours Monday through Thursday
$2,114 for the first 6 hours Friday through Sunday
$2,212 holidays.
Website: http://www.laparks.org/dos/horticulture/orcuttranch.htm
$1,250 - California Yacht Club (CYC)
Marina Del Ray is a well known weekend getaway for prominent L.A. residents. But their yacht club is open for rentals to anyone that wants to celebrate their nuptials. The beautiful harbor is full of million dollar yachts and unlimited people watching. The yacht club features the Waterfront Lawn that which resembles the bow of a ship, patios overlooking the marina, the Fireside/Epicurean Room, and an outdoor ballroom.
Capacity: 170 to 400.
Pricing Summary: $1,250 starting price plus $42-$65 per person for catering.
Website: http://www.calyachtclub.com/
$1,450 - Inn of the Seventh Ray
This hidden rustic gem is located in the mountains of Topanga Canyon. The historic landmark features beautifully decorated tents, gorgeous twinkle lights, gardens and greenery, chandeliers, and fountains.
Capacity: 150 max.
Pricing Summary: Starting price: $1,450 and up for 100 guests, ceremony only.
Website: http://www.innoftheseventhrayweddings.com/
Wedding ceremonies reflect who you are a couple. Some couples (and their families) are of the view that a grand ceremony is required to kick-off the marriage, no matter what it costs and how much stress it creates. While everyone is entitled to live their lives as they wish, modest weddings are just as beautiful as any other. There’re two things you remember about your wedding; how it made you feel marrying the one you love, and the look on your parents faces. You probably won’t remember the fancy ice sculptures that greeted 400 guests as they entered the winery chateau you rented for the price of a Porsche. Good luck with your wedding, and no matter which of these modest venues you choose, just remember one thing….don’t forget the ring.
H/T: http://la.racked.com/maps/affordable-wedding-venues-los-angeles-2015