Affordable Wedding Venues in Santa Monica, CA

Affordable Wedding Venues in Santa Monica, CA

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9 Wedding Venues in Santa Monica, CA

Up to $7,626
Quick responder
CSULB Japanese Garden 

5.0

Long Beach, CA
  • Up to 150 guests
  • Raw space
  • Outdoor
  • Open house

The Earl Burns Miller Japanese Garden at Cal State Long Beach is a naturally stunning and serene setting, perfect for celebrating your love. Nestled within lush landscapes and featuring a tranquil koi pond, our garden provides a breathtaking backdrop for your special day. Whether you're planning an intimate wedding or a heartfelt vow renewal, we offer a picturesque space for a private ceremony or a gathering with close family and friends. Let us bring your dream wedding to life in a setting of timeless beauty and elegance.

Why you'll love this venue

  • Has onsite accommodations
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Provides catering services

Venue considerations

  • No dedicated areas for getting ready
  • Dance floor not included
  • Does not allow pets
The Japanese Garden is a beautiful, intimate, hidden gem on the campus of Cal State Long Beach. It was a lovely backdrop drop to our wedding day. Omar was easy to communicate with and was always prompt in getting back to us with answers to our questions and helped us with any concerns we had. He and his staff helped make our blessed day better than we could have ever imagined. The Grand catering was fantastic and many of our guest continue to comment on how delicious the food was. We highly recommend this majestic place for your special event.
Deborah H., 3 months ago
Quick responder
Rio Hondo by Wedgewood Weddings 

4.4

Downey, CA
  • Up to 275 guests
  • All-inclusive
  • Indoor & outdoor
  • Starts at $6,840
  • Offer

Rolling green hills, majestic pine trees, and a dramatic waterfall await you at Rio Hondo by Wedgewood Weddings. This vibrant event center offers both modern amenities and classic styling that make for an elegant celebration. Midway between Orange County and Los Angeles, this venue is sure to treat you to an unforgettable day guaranteed to wow your guests.

Why you'll love this venue

  • Provides catering services
  • All-inclusive venue packages
  • Provides lighting and sound

Venue considerations

  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • Not for you if you are drawn to more unconventional venues
  • On-site parking not available
Awarded Best of Zola
From the moment I reached out to Rio Hondo by Wedgewood Weddings, their communication was fast and responsive. They always said "yes" to my ideas, making the planning process incredibly easy. The venue itself is absolutely beautiful, with ample space and stunning rose bushes that elevated the ceremony area. David, the wedding coordinator, was an absolute gem - he truly made my vision come to life and made me feel like a queen on my wedding day. I cannot recommend this venue enough, you will not regret booking Rio Hondo for your special day.
Janice P., a year ago
Quick responder
Bodega Wine Bar 

5.0

Santa Monica, CA
  • Up to 160 guests
  • All-inclusive
  • Indoor & outdoor
  • Starts at $5,000

Since 2006 we have been Santa Monica's neighborhood spot for specialty coffee, wine, beer & good food. When it's time to throw a party we are the best and easiest place around to host your events. We specialize in welcome events to kickoff the weekend and goodbye brunches but we've also hosted our fair share of wedding receptions as well. Our focus is to keep things simple and fair for our guests when they book events with us.

Why you'll love this venue

  • Provides lighting and sound
  • Has a dance floor for celebration
  • All-inclusive venue packages

Venue considerations

  • No dedicated areas for getting ready
  • On-site parking not available
  • No on-premises lodging options
I recently celebrated my 40th birthday here with about 120 friends and family, and I couldn’t have picked a better venue. From start to finish, everything was perfect. The staff was friendly, attentive, and on top of every detail, which made the night stress-free and so enjoyable. The food was absolutely delicious, and to my surprise, the cocktails ended up being the highlight of the night—even at a wine bar! Guests were raving about them all evening. The space itself was ideal, with the flexibility to use both the indoor and outdoor areas, giving the party a great flow and plenty of room for everyone to mingle. I’m still hearing from guests about how much fun they had. If you’re looking for a spot that delivers on atmosphere, service, and food & drinks, this is it.
Ryan L., 2 months ago
Ambrose Hotel 
Santa Monica, CA
  • Up to 50 guests
  • Starts at $5,000

If you’re planning a wedding, party, family gathering, or company retreat, The Ambrose Hotel offers everything you need to create events that feel warm and welcoming. We follow eco-friendly practices and boast a premier location near Santa Monica wedding venues. Let us craft an event that feels tailored to your needs. We work with highly regarded local caterers for breakfasts, lunches, dinners, and cocktail events, and within our Apiary Collection, you will find venues beautifully suited for welcome and farewell receptions, rehearsal dinners, bridal showers, and more. Overnight guests will appreciate the luxurious amenities and restorative atmosphere of our lodgings.

Why you'll love this venue

  • Perfect for a micro-wedding
  • Multiple event spaces

Venue considerations

  • Does not have a dance floor
  • Does not allow pets
  • Limited cleanup and setup services
Birdie G's 
Santa Monica, CA
  • Up to 150 guests
  • Select services
  • Indoor & outdoor

Helmed by Jeremy (also the award-winning Chef/Co-Owner at Rustic Canyon) and Executive Chef Matthew Schaler, Birdie G’s is located within Santa Monica’s historic Bergamot Station and surrounded by art galleries and creative businesses. We’re also a member of the Rustic Canyon Family, a collection of celebrated, neighborhood dining destinations throughout Santa Monica and Ojai. Nearly everything is made in-house, with an emphasis on zero-waste, and seasonal ingredients are sourced from local farmers, ranchers and fishers aligned with our values of planet-friendly practices. The 5,000 square-foot restaurant is housed within a former art museum, surrounded by galleries and creative workspaces. An alley breezeway, filled with a variety of lush plants and succulents, ushers guests from Michigan Avenue and serves as an expansive outdoor seating area that wraps towards the back of the restaurant. There are a variety of indoor and outdoor options to host gatherings large and small.

Why you'll love this venue

  • Flexible event spaces
  • Provides event staff
  • Provides setup and cleanup

Venue considerations

  • Dance floor not included
  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • No venue-provided food services
Milo + Olive 
Santa Monica, CA
  • Up to 120 guests
  • Indoor & outdoor
  • Starts at $1,000

We’re an all-day neighborhood bakery and pizzeria in Santa Monica. The breakfast menu features a range of savory options, alongside Head Baker David Martinez’s handcrafted breads, rustic pastries & morning desserts. For lunch and dinner, Chef de Cuisine Connor Underwood turns out an array of wood-fired pizzas and vegetables, handmade pastas and an ever-evolving Italian menu of small plates & seasonally-inspired dishes. We can host partial or full buyouts for private events. The inside has the feel of a cozy, industrial workshop with original, red brick peeking underneath exposed wood rafters, an open kitchen showcasing two robin’s egg blue Mugnaini wood-burning ovens and whimsical ink & watercolor illustrations hung along the walls. The tented, outdoor back patio is strung with twinkle lights and features a blue “love” mural by a local artist with potted plants and trees scattered throughout. Additionally, an elevated deck provides a semi-private area for more intimate gatherings.

Why you'll love this venue

  • Provides catering services
  • Flexible event spaces
  • Wheelchair accessible

Venue considerations

  • Does not allow pets
  • No dedicated areas for getting ready
  • No on-site guest accommodations
The Upper West, Santa Monica 
Santa Monica, CA
  • Up to 140 guests
  • All-inclusive
  • Indoor
  • Starts at $1,000

The restaurant houses a full service 27-foot bar with a long list of specialty cocktails in addition to a sophisticated wine collection. Upper West lives up to its New York namesake with its high ceilings and urban yet rustic décor. There is never a dull moment at the restaurant, as the art changes every 3 months; featuring contemporary portraits from local artists. Upper West prides itself on professional yet attentive service and a passion for unique American cuisine that is guaranteed to provide a fresh menu coupled with a stylish ambiance. The Front Room: Accommodates 42 people seated. 50 people reception style. Main Dining Room: Accommodates 90 people seated. 105 people reception style. The Entire Restaurant Accommodates 140 people seated. 140 people reception style.

Why you'll love this venue

  • Has onsite accommodations
  • Handles all cleanup logistics
  • Provides a dedicated team on-site

Venue considerations

  • Does not have a dance floor
  • Additional event staff required
  • No in-house lighting and sound packages available

About wedding venues in Santa Monica, CA

California offers an incredible 840 miles of coastline, 3,000+ wineries and ancient redwoods for your wedding day. When you choose the Golden State, you're getting exceptional natural lighting for your ceremony across diverse settings from Mediterranean coastal zones to alpine mountain backdrops. Each region has its own distinctive character that can perfectly match your vision.

What Makes California Wedding Venues So Special?

Northern California's Napa Valley welcomes you with rolling vineyards and Spanish colonial architecture where intimate wine cave ceremonies create unforgettable moments. Head to Southern California and you'll find oceanfront venues like Duke's Malibu where you can exchange vows with the Pacific stretching out behind you while enjoying fresh coastal-inspired cuisine. Palm Springs offers dramatic desert venues with mountain backdrops and striking midcentury modern architecture that photographs beautifully.

How Much Do Wedding Venues in California Cost?

Wedding venues in California typically run between $9,600 and $11,700 which aligns nicely with the national range of $6,500-$12,000. This represents about 18% of your total wedding budget. Your overall costs will vary based on guest count:

  • 50 guests: $26,190
  • 100 guests: $43,692
  • 150 guests: $60,141
  • 200 guests: $74,836
  • 250 guests: $89,530
  • 300 guests: $104,224

Which California Venues Are Fully Accessible?

The Griffith House features wheelchair-accessible pathways throughout its Spanish-style grounds including the private ceremony lawn and separate preparation spaces for couples. You might also consider Holman Ranch Sunstone Winery and Villa del Sol d'Oro though you'll want to directly confirm their specific accessibility features when you visit. Accessibility options have improved greatly across California venues in recent years.

When Should You Book Your California Wedding Venue?

October leads venue inquiries in California with couples typically booking venues about 13 months (400 days) before their wedding date. If you're dreaming of a Northern California wine country wedding during peak season you'll want to book up to 18 months in advance. Southern California venues offer more flexibility especially during winter months when you can still enjoy beautiful weather while potentially securing better rates.

Where Can You Find Exceptional Culinary Experiences in California?

La Valencia Hotel in La Jolla delivers impeccable service with menu options from lobster bisque to perfectly prepared steak. You'll love Vibiana in Los Angeles with its chef-driven menus served in a stunning restored cathedral setting. Rosewood Sand Hill in Menlo Park offers Michelin-star fine dining while Bali Hai Restaurant serves authentic Polynesian cuisine with breathtaking views overlooking San Diego Bay. California's culinary scene truly elevates the wedding experience.

How Do California Wedding Costs Break Down?

VendorAverage Cost% of Total (150 guests)
Venue$10,66518%
Catering$8,53214%
Florists$7,82113%
Bar Services$6,82611%
Photography$4,7648%
Wedding Planners$4,8358%
Videography$4,3097%
Hair & Makeup$6001%
Cake & Desserts$8181%

Which California Venues Offer Enhanced Remote Participation?

Parq Event Center in San Diego features state-of-the-art sound LED screens and projection walls that support advanced streaming capabilities for guests who can't attend in person. You'll find Exchange LA and Wing Tip in San Francisco offer flexible spaces that adapt beautifully for innovative tech integration. These can include virtual reality experiences interactive live streaming and 360-degree cameras that make remote guests feel like they're right there with you. Technology has transformed how we can include loved ones from anywhere in the world.

California offers an incredible 840 miles of coastline, 3,000+ wineries and ancient redwoods for your wedding day. When you choose the Golden State, you're getting exceptional natural lighting for your ceremony across diverse settings from Mediterranean coastal zones to alpine mountain backdrops. Each region has its own distinctive character that can perfectly match your vision.

What Makes California Wedding Venues So Special?

Northern California's Napa Valley welcomes you with rolling vineyards and Spanish colonial architecture where intimate wine cave ceremonies create unforgettable moments. Head to Southern California and you'll find oceanfront venues like Duke's Malibu where you can exchange vows with the Pacific stretching out behind you while enjoying fresh coastal-inspired cuisine. Palm Springs offers dramatic desert venues with mountain backdrops and striking midcentury modern architecture that photographs beautifully.

How Much Do Wedding Venues in California Cost?

Wedding venues in California typically run between $9,600 and $11,700 which aligns nicely with the national range of $6,500-$12,000. This represents about 18% of your total wedding budget. Your overall costs will vary based on guest count:

  • 50 guests: $26,190
  • 100 guests: $43,692
  • 150 guests: $60,141
  • 200 guests: $74,836
  • 250 guests: $89,530
  • 300 guests: $104,224

Which California Venues Are Fully Accessible?

The Griffith House features wheelchair-accessible pathways throughout its Spanish-style grounds including the private ceremony lawn and separate preparation spaces for couples. You might also consider Holman Ranch Sunstone Winery and Villa del Sol d'Oro though you'll want to directly confirm their specific accessibility features when you visit. Accessibility options have improved greatly across California venues in recent years.

When Should You Book Your California Wedding Venue?

October leads venue inquiries in California with couples typically booking venues about 13 months (400 days) before their wedding date. If you're dreaming of a Northern California wine country wedding during peak season you'll want to book up to 18 months in advance. Southern California venues offer more flexibility especially during winter months when you can still enjoy beautiful weather while potentially securing better rates.

Where Can You Find Exceptional Culinary Experiences in California?

La Valencia Hotel in La Jolla delivers impeccable service with menu options from lobster bisque to perfectly prepared steak. You'll love Vibiana in Los Angeles with its chef-driven menus served in a stunning restored cathedral setting. Rosewood Sand Hill in Menlo Park offers Michelin-star fine dining while Bali Hai Restaurant serves authentic Polynesian cuisine with breathtaking views overlooking San Diego Bay. California's culinary scene truly elevates the wedding experience.

How Do California Wedding Costs Break Down?

VendorAverage Cost% of Total (150 guests)
Venue$10,66518%
Catering$8,53214%
Florists$7,82113%
Bar Services$6,82611%
Photography$4,7648%
Wedding Planners$4,8358%
Videography$4,3097%
Hair & Makeup$6001%
Cake & Desserts$8181%

Which California Venues Offer Enhanced Remote Participation?

Parq Event Center in San Diego features state-of-the-art sound LED screens and projection walls that support advanced streaming capabilities for guests who can't attend in person. You'll find Exchange LA and Wing Tip in San Francisco offer flexible spaces that adapt beautifully for innovative tech integration. These can include virtual reality experiences interactive live streaming and 360-degree cameras that make remote guests feel like they're right there with you. Technology has transformed how we can include loved ones from anywhere in the world.

What types of wedding venues are in Santa Monica, CA?

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What other wedding venues are nearby?

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