The 9 Best Intimate Wedding Venues in Southern California (2024)

Southern California is one of the best places in the nation to plan an intimate wedding. First off, the mild temperatures and stunning views make it a no-brainer. Second, there are so many hidden areas and quaint towns that make for a perfect intimate wedding venue. From ranch houses adorned with koi ponds to modern warehouses, here are some of our favorite intimate wedding venues in Southern California that you can book on Peerspace.

Finding the ideal venue is easy with Peerspace’s search function. Simply enter the location and dates you’d like to host your wedding, and you’ll get dozens of gorgeous listings at your fingertips. (Including the stunners below!) Plus, each listing includes high-def photos, reviews from past renters, and the space’s features and amenities. However, if you find the perfect venue but it’s missing a little something, simply reach out to your venue’s local host. They are dedicated to ensuring your time in their space is perfect and can often help you source wedding-perfect extras, from catering to A/V equipment and more.

So now, let’s explore some of the best intimate wedding venues in Southern California, available to book with ease through Peerspace.

1. Create memories at a historic downtown San Diego wedding venue

This blank slate comes decorated with brick walls, wood floors, and vaulted ceilings — the rest is up to you and your wedding planner’s vision. With 5,700 square feet of imaginative space, you can have plenty of room for the ceremony, reception, dancing, and maybe even a photo booth! Along with how gorgeous the venue is, it also provides you with a bridal suite and a bar. Since such amazing natural light filters through this venue, wedding photos here will be amazing.

According to a bride who booked this venue for her big day: “The Pannikin building was an amazing venue with very responsive and professional building mangers. It’s a great place for any event, and the space was especially fantastic for the wedding we had. Thank you all so much!”

2. Feel like a billionaire at this picture-perfect villa in Los Angeles

Intimate wedding venues in Southern California have that extra magic that you just can’t find anywhere else in the country. Your guests will be enjoying the comfortable climate of Southern California in this picture-perfect villa in Los Angeles. 

Let us tell you exactly why it could be the perfect venue for an intimate wedding: it’s spacious, modern, luxurious, and provides beautiful indoor and outdoor spaces for your ceremony and reception. Its sleek wood panels and gray marble accents throughout the home are unique and are sure to wow your guests. Just imagine how beautiful the backyard would be when you add atmospheric lighting for an evening reception!

“Adam was a terrific and accommodating host,” shares a Peerspace reviewer who booked an event here. “would definitely book again!”

3. Surround yourselves with nature at a rustic horse ranch in Long Beach

Do your bride and groom love the simple life? Give your wedding party a breath of fresh air at this ranch in Long Beach — which has plenty of horses for a Western photoshoot. There’s even a barnyard that serves as a perfect bar or catering setup area. Despite its stunning natural backdrop, the ranch is close to downtown. It has space for 100 guests, for a wedding venue that’s the perfect mix of rustic and intimate.

It does get cool in this area, especially at night. Luckily, the ranch does have a bonfire area to warm up and stargaze. Just be sure to also encourage your guests to dress in warm clothes if you choose this spot, which is one of the most scenic intimate wedding venues in Southern California.

Check out what one of many happy reviewers shared about their experience at the ranch: “Caitlyn and her husband were amazing. We booked 2 weeks before our event and Caitlyn made sure everything was perfect. Not only is the space everything we wanted, she also made us feel comfortable and safe. All of my guests had an amazing time and commented on how sweet Caitlyn was. When we showed up to decorate the tables and chairs were already set up exactly the way I wanted then making it a lot easier for us. The cleaning protocols were amazing too.”

If you book this ranch for your intimate wedding, be sure to also check out our favorite Western-themed party ideas to get the most fun out of the setting!

4. Feel transported at this contemporary home hidden in the mountains near Palm Springs

Perched over 1,000 feet up from the grounds of Palm Desert, your guests will witness mesmerizing panoramas of twinkling city lights and the desert below at this contemporary venue.

Say “I do” amidst the rocky terrain of the surrounding mountainside, and watch as the sunsets from the infinity pool. Then, be whisked away on a private helicopter to your honeymoon. With an onsite helicopter pad, you and your guests can be shuttled to and from several Southern California airports. This swanky, inviting venue is sure to wow you and your guests.

5. Get wed amongst the cacti at this Scandinavian escape in Encinitas

This modern Scandinavian beach house in Encinitas can provide you with an intimate wedding space that is pure luxury and refinement. It is set on Moonlight Beach, and the home is strategically designed to offer you amazing views of the ocean.

With a capacity of 50 people, you can have the intimate wedding of your dreams — and there is plenty of outdoor space, too! There’s a patio, a balcony, and a rooftop space, with all three sure to delight you and your guests. This gorgeous and breezy home also includes a kitchen, Wi-Fi, speakers, and a private driveway.

6. A mid-century house with panoramic views of the city at the top of Mt. Washington 

Redwood walls and beautiful geometric design details aren’t the only incredible feats of this 1940s house. The house also has large windows that reveal sweeping views of the Los Angeles metropolis and beyond. With a large backyard and patio, the venue is perfect for an intimate wedding. Plus, tables and chairs are included in the rental.

And we had to highlight this satisfied Peerspace renter’s experience: “Zara’s house was perfect — everything we could ask for as a wedding party venue. The historic mid-century architecture is one of a kind, with an unbeatable setting. Our evening was a truly special experience, and Zara was very helpful in accommodating our needs while allowing us the space to set up and celebrate. Guests all loved the house and will keep the memory for years to come. Great for photos. Would definitely return if I need to host another event.”

7. Soak in this spectacular venue with space and grace in Mission Viejo

Dance under the stars of Southern California in this stunning Union Market space. Its floor-to-ceiling windows let in tons of natural light, as well as picturesque views overlooking Mission Viejo. This is the perfect venue to unwind and make memories with family and friends.

Your rental includes a bar, tables and chairs, and a plethora of party games, like cornhole and foosball. And this space has a reputation for detailed care and consideration for their guests — they offer one hour of venue set up before your wedding and one of tear down after it during the rental period. 

According to a Peerspace user who booked a party here: “This space is so amazing for anyone who wants to throw a more modernized event. The huge windows bring in so much natural light and give the space an even bigger feel than it already is. We held a first birthday party and the space was seriously perfect for all the kids and the adults. Cindy and her team were also really great to work with!”

Check out these unique June wedding ideas from decor to dress for more wedding-planning inspiration!

8. Get exotic at an inviting boho indoor/outdoor venue in Anaheim

This intimate wedding venue in Southern California is wildly decorative, gorgeously eclectic, and production-suitable. It was featured on the TV show “Backyard Bar Wars,” thanks to its incredible design and flamboyant exterior. But, we happen to think it’s also pretty great for an intimate SoCal wedding!

You and your guests have use of the bar and kitchen, and there is plenty of onsite parking, too. This colorful outdoor venue is ideal if you love lots of color and boho style. And, as an additional perk, it comes decorated, so you don’t have to worry about your wedding party decorations.

In the words of one elated Peerspace reviewer: “Where to start? I can’t say enough great things about this space and their owners! They have been so helpful even with the planning process. They had so many great recommendations and one of my favorite was the luxury portable restrooms! Jason was on standby and treated us and our guests so good. He came often to make sure we were okay and having a great time. I highly recommend this space as it’s BEAUTIFUL and you won’t regret it!”

9. Enjoy good food and good vibes at this bamboo garden lounge in San Diego

If a more casual intimate wedding surrounded by your closest friends and family in a serene, beautiful setting is what you have in mind, then you’ll love this next spot. It’s a bamboo garden lounge in San Diego with space for 50 guests and seating for 40. It’s a completely outdoor private space that provides you with a covered deck, two grills for cooking up some tasty ‘cue, two 50″ TVs for streaming movies or pictures, and of course, gorgeous bamboo.

“The Bamboo Garden Lounge is fantastic,” shares a Peerspace reviewer. “Several of my guests ask how I found this place. Plenty of room, seating arrangements and options were very accommodating. (Couch, long bench tables, high table) Very private, and although this place is located on a main busy street, once inside, you’d think you were on vacation somewhere.”

10. Go the traditional route at this lovely Pasadena church with a modern vibe

Southern California intimate wedding venues vary from extremely modern and pristine to more traditional and rustic. This elegant church venue lies somewhere in between with its stained glass windows and versatile reception space. Included in the booking are a kitchen, outdoor space, tables, chairs, and speakers. Keep in mind that hard alcohol is not allowed at this venue, and there is no air conditioning in the church, which shouldn’t be a problem since the weather is typically quite mild.

Here’s a rave review from one happy couple: “Throop Church is an Amazing venue! The sanctuary is absolutely beautiful!! The hall has everything You need to host a beautiful reception. We had searched high & low for the perfect venue to host 150 people. We are so thankful to have found Throop! Being this was my husband’s memorial service it was a very stressful time & Nancy was so helpful & gracious! Thank you for everything Nancy!”

Find intimate wedding venues in southern California on Peerspace

If you’re looking for a stylish, pristine, and private wedding venue in southern California to host your minimony, you’ve come to the right place! Peerspace offers you access to hundreds of micro-wedding venues in southern California and thousands more beyond, all available to book by the hour. Between the venues you find on Peerspace and assistance from your venue’s local host, the wedding of your dreams is only a few clicks away.

Find unique wedding venues in Southern California on Peerspace