Los Angeles is a busy, wild + crazy place where the sun always shines. I’ve been shooting weddings in the city for awhile now and have gathered the scoop on some of the most unique properties. Places in Los Angeles that, actually, feel nothing at all like Los Angeles.
- Rancho Camulos Museum, Piru
Historical venues always have a special place in my heart and this one is rightfully at the top of my list. The grounds are sprawling and quiet. Being here actually feels like you have stepped back in time. The property is lush year-round and has tons of variety for getting ready, unique first looks, ceremony + reception. It’s situated right off of a country road up in Piru, perfect for an ‘away from it all’ Los Angeles wedding.
Style: Spanish Colonial, Spanish-Colonial Revival, Mission Revival Architecture
*Insider Scoop: Works with budgets, Free reign to most of the property for portraits, low-key on-site managers. Some parts are dusty but it is to be expected from an old ranch museum 🙂
Sam + Joel’s Wedding at Rancho Camulus
2. The 1909, Topanga Canyon
Hidden in Topanga Canyon this venue has everything for nature lovers and those looking to have a place to celebrate away from the big city but also close enough to home. I’ve shot several times throughout the last few years and can attest that it is lovely in all seasons. The layered concept works great here featuring a floor for getting ready, a wooden deck for a ceremony, a quiet garden area for dinner and an upstairs hall made for dancing. The whole place is nestled in the canyon and feels like a mini vacation from Los Angeles.
*Insider Scoop: Dog Friendly, Staff is uniquely kind and accommodating. Ideal for Medium to Large-sized Weddings.
Style: Romantic Garden, Modern Design, Nature Centric
Vietnamese Fusion Wedding at The 1909
3. The Heritage Square Museum, Los Angeles
This one is actually the closest to downtown on my list but you’d never know it with its collection of historic structures and vast guest roaming areas. The site has a collection of eight historical buildings from the Victorian era and celebrates the settlement years in California. Heritage Square is also home to filming locations for films such as Legally Blonde and Saving Mr Banks. Totally unique and so not LA.
*Insider Scoop: Dog friendly, some strict rules on the premises like adhering to specific hours and no going in the houses. Still worth it for this unique + special venue
Style: Victorian, Museum, California Settlement
Sabine + Ben Heritage Square Museum Wedding
4. Castle Green, Pasadena
The one with a ghost story.
This place is a splendor and one of my very favorite buildings in all of Los Angeles. It embraces the opulence of the past and is decorated with vintage furnishings, relics + lovely historical memorabilia. Lots of unique areas for guests to enjoy, indoor and outdoor ceremony spaces. The Castle Green partially inspired by building design for Disney’s Tower of Terror, I have a really cool story about this from talking to the security guard on the property!
*Insider Scoop: Nationally Registered Historic Landmark, stairwell makes for a most dramatic first look, property is gated + ultra private, Dior Chase is the property manager + wonderful all around
Style: Moorish Colonial and Spanish, Vintage, built in 1983
Jamie + Richard’s Winter Wedding at Castle Green
5. Hummingbird Nest Ranch, Simi Valley
Another a quiet ranch location, Hummingbird Nest is perfectly quaint and a great option for a wedding that doesn’t at all have those LA vibes. They feature huge lawns, horse stables, a pond surrounded by mountains and plenty of fence lined roads. My favorite is the 1920’s ‘Sitting Bull’ brick and adobe ranch house lined with eucalyptus and olive trees. The real gem here is the charming cobblestone courtyard. This particular bride is actually French and wanted somewhere that reminded her of home while also having a Los Angeles wedding.
Style: Colonial Spanish, French Villa, California Mission
*Insider Scoop: Free reign for portraits on the property, Overnight stays
More on Hummingbird Nest Ranch
Samantha + Matt’s Summer Wedding at the Hummingbird Nest Ranch
6. Newhall Mansion, Piru
Last but certainly not least, the Newhall Mansion is full of Victorian opulence in the heart of the Piru. Built in 1890, the property sits on nine acres and includes gardens, a spacious courtyard, a man cave, historic library, wrap around gazebo, eight rooms and all the historical nooks and crannies your heart could desire. Booking a wedding here gives you private and exclusive use of the property for the whole weekend. Great destination wedding still slightly in Los Angeles county.
Style: Victorian House, Romantic, Historical
*Insider Scoop: Overnight stay options, free-roam on the premises and in most of the house, only one specific team does coordination on the property
Jessa + Paul’s Spring Wedding at the Newhall Manision
Hope you enjoyed this collection of Los Angeles Venues that don’t actually feel LA. If these photos caught your eye I would love to hear from you! Feel free to drop me a line here or email at teri@teribphotography[dot]com.
It would be cool to create something wonderful for you -t
