Top Wedding Venues in Los Angeles: A Photographer’s Perspective on the City’s Most Captivating Spaces
As a wedding photographer in Los Angeles, I’ve had the privilege of documenting love stories in some of the most iconic and breathtaking venues in the country. Each location offers a unique character, a specific light, a moment in the day when everything aligns—composition, emotion, and atmosphere. These venues are not just beautiful; they’re immersive environments that allow me to create images that feel timeless and emotionally resonant. Below are the top wedding venues in Los Angeles that I think are absolutely incredible — each one a canvas, each one with its own vibe and character.
1. Bel-Air Bay Club
Pacific Palisades, CA
Photographing weddings at the Bel-Air Bay Club is always a joy. Nestled on a bluff in the Pacific Palisades, this venue gives me one of the most dramatic west-facing views in Los Angeles. The afternoon light here is something else—especially just before golden hour, when the sun dips below the palm trees and light bathes the entire property in a soft, honeyed glow.
The Spanish-style architecture, stunning interior decor, and a wide terrace overlooking the Pacific Ocean provide me with an opportunity for creativity and unique imagery. But what I love most is the open lawn overlooking the ocean—it’s where the ceremony happens and the bride and groom have an immersive experience exchanging their vows. During sunset, the lawn and the Pacific Coast backdrop are a picture-perfect setting for stunning, romantic, and timeless images for the newlyweds.
Click the “ENTER” button below to view a wedding at Bel-Air Bay Club.
02. Hotel Bel-Air
Bel-Air, CA
If you asked me where I go to find softness and seclusion in the heart of the city, I’d say Hotel Bel-Air every time. One of the Dorchester’s collections, it feels like stepping into a dream—tucked away in the canyons, filled with blooming camellias, koi ponds, and winding garden paths. It’s quiet, romantic, and almost untouched by time.
From a photography standpoint, it is mainly covered in shade by the big, lush trees. It is perfect for soft and light images. The bamboo pathway is my favorite for first look images. I love the pink color combined with the beautifully laid-out architecture, which is perfect for creativity. Another favorite spot is Swan Lake and that little red bridge. It is perfect for a romantic photo of softly holding each other’s hands, tossing the veil, and a soft dip. The garden terrace and suites have a character that provides an opportunity to capture unique images with soul.
03. Beverly Hills Hotel
Beverly Hills, CA
There’s something undeniably cinematic about The Beverly Hills Hotel. From the moment you see the iconic pink façade and swaying palms, you know you’re somewhere with a story. As a photographer, I appreciate spaces that come with layers—and this venue offers layers of history, color, and charisma.
The Polo Lounge Garden is one of my go-to spots for capturing quiet moments between couples—filtered light through the palms and lush greenery make every portrait feel like a luxury, old-Hollywood love letter. Inside, the Crystal Ballroom features dramatic chandeliers and Art Deco detailing that pop beautifully in flash-lit shots.
Click the “ENTER” button below to view a wedding at Bel-Air Bay Club.
If you have questions about venues or need advice, we are here to help! With our extensive experience at these venues, we’d love to share insights and recommendations with you. Click HERE to send us a message!
04. Vibiana
Downtown Los Angeles, CA
Vibiana is one of Los Angeles’s most architecturally arresting venues—and for a photographer, it’s a masterclass in composition. Built in 1876 as the city’s first cathedral, this historic landmark has been reimagined into a sleek, avant-garde event space that still retains the gravitas of its sacred roots. It’s a rare fusion of neoclassical grandeur and contemporary refinement, making it ideal for couples who want their wedding to feel both iconic and modern.
The main hall is cathedral-sized—soaring ceilings, marble columns, and a pristine white interior that reflects light like a canvas. I especially love shooting ceremonies here in the late afternoon, when the light from the clerestory windows pours in from above. It creates a natural spotlight that bathes the couple in a glow that feels theatrical, but never staged.
Just outside, the courtyard is an often-overlooked gem. It’s a tranquil urban oasis that offers an entirely different texture. Enclosed by modern glass and historic brick, the courtyard allows for more relaxed portraits and family groupings. The interplay between the venue’s historic exterior and minimalist landscaping gives me a lot of creative freedom—framing shots with clean lines, lush greenery, and reflective surfaces.
What truly sets Vibiana apart is its adaptability. It doesn’t impose a specific aesthetic—it invites one. Whether I’m shooting a black-tie affair with cascading floral installations or a modern minimalist celebration with crisp lines and bold lighting, the space supports the vision. And from a photography standpoint, that kind of flexibility is invaluable.
05. Greystone Mansion & Gardens
Beverly Hills, CA
Greystone Mansion is where I go when I want a shoot to feel like a period film. It’s stately, textured, and steeped in old-world allure. The stone pathways, ivy-covered walls, and expansive staircases give me so many opportunities for layered compositions.
There’s something about the late afternoon light here that feels sacred. It hits the stone just right, casting long shadows that add mood and depth to images. I often pose couples on the grand staircase, letting the architecture do some of the storytelling. Every wedding I’ve shot here has felt grounded in something greater—something historical and enduring.
Click the “ENTER” button below to view a wedding at Bel-Air Bay Club.
Final Thoughts
Each of these top wedding venues in Los Angeles offers more than just a beautiful setting—they offer an experience, a feeling, and a palette of light and texture that elevates the wedding day into something unforgettable. As a photographer, my job is to observe, to feel, and to capture. These are the places that inspire me to do that work with heart.
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