18 Special Places to Say "I Do" in Los Angeles

Couples with a love of L.A. history will be enamored with the landmark Union Station, which was built in 1939 and notable for its Spanish Revival/Mission Modern style architecture. Known as “the last of the great train stations,” Union Station is a designated Los Angeles Historic–Cultural Monument and was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1980. Designed to reflect California history and lifestyle with original Spanish architecture, the station has various areas to celebrate, including the ticket concourse, waiting area and shaded patios. The various spaces have room for up to 500 people seated and 1,000 standing. Catering and bar BYO.

The ultimate urban wedding can be set inside this renovated century-old lumberyard warehouse in the Downtown L.A. Arts District. The 10,000 square foot interior, called the Great Hall, features an atrium with a 50 foot high ceiling, exposed brick walls, wooden beams, concrete and wooden floors, and skylights. It can accommodate up to 1,700 standing guests, 1,400-chair seating and a 600-person table seating capacity. This unique space is virtually a blank space to personalize your wedding in creative ways. The roof has one of the best views of the Downtown L.A. skyline that is perfect for photos, as are nearby buildings featuring colorful graffiti art. Catering and bar BYO.

This former livery and cold-storage warehouse is an 80-year-old building located in the Downtown L.A. Arts District. Nearly abandoned, the Millwick has now been reinvented as an open loft-like space with multiple areas for events that includes a 4,500 square foot interior with exposed brick and 20-foot wooden bowstring truss ceilings, plus a tranquil 3,000 square foot garden courtyard surrounded by trees and drought-resistant greenery that’s ideal for parties up to 175. For video and music needs, there is an open cinema lounge with a 25-foot-digital screen and sound system, complete with a DJ booth. There is a recommended vendor list for catering.

Located ten minutes northeast of Downtown L.A., this "living history" museum with gorgeous gardens is perfect for couples interested in a wedding theme inspired by the late 19th century to the early 20th century. Celebrate your nuptials amidst eight properties with architecture that features gabled roofs, window turrets and detailed woodwork. A small wedding for 35 can take place in the all-white Perry Mansion, which is an example of Greek Revival Italianate, built in 1876, and features marble fireplace mantles, hardwood floors, and a sweeping entrance stairway. Larger affairs with up to 400 guests can be staged outside amidst the featured buildings on the property. Catering and bar are provided.

This former auto shop located between Downtown L.A. and Silver Lake has been transformed into a hip, urban 4,500-square-foot versatile event space that includes a main ground floor interior, loft area, and an outside courtyard and patio - perfect for a ceremony or a sit down meal with dancing and a movie. Design features include rustic wood and stone, market lights, vintage bird cage chandeliers, vaulted ceilings, and exposed truss. All services including catering, bar, and valet are available on-site.

This indoor/outdoor venue in Highland Park was founded in 2015 by Steve Fortunato (known for his catering company Room Forty), who collaborated with HGTV’S Emily Henderson to create a unique “bespoke” event space where Mid-Century design meets Art Deco amidst colorful touches of whimsy and art-filled walls. The space fits up to 250 for table seating, or 400 standing for cocktail parties. Furnishings include a custom built bar, handmade tables, French garden chairs and other glamorous touches.

Formerly known as the Park Plaza Hotel, this historic landmark with angel sculptures on each exterior corner is a mix of Art Deco and Gothic Revival architecture styles. One of the most magnificent buildings in L.A., The MacArthur is perfect for couples seeking a glamorous, cosmopolitan wedding. Originally built as an Elks Lodge (antique brass antlers remain above the door), it is now used for private events and filming. The elaborate decor is a natural for luxury weddings of all sizes with seating for up to 500, and cocktails for 750. The lobby with a grand staircase, marble floors, extravagant chandelier, and three-story vaulted hand-painted mural ceilings is said to be reminiscent of the Renaissance-era Villa Madama in Italy. Choose from various event spaces filled with spectacular, artistic details: The Lounge is the smallest and ideal for cocktails or small seated dinners; the Plaza Ballroom opens to a private garden; the Grand Ballroom sits above the lobby; the Elks Hall is a multi-level space, and largest of the rooms. Catering (including kosher) and bar is onsite.

Environmentally conscious, chic couples will be enamored with this 6,500-square-foot former smog check center that’s been renovated into a totally solar-powered indoor/outdoor venue, complete with vertical gardens, vintage furniture, and sustainable design elements. Surrounded by succulents, the spacious courtyard is a perfect ceremony setting for 150 people, while the Grand Hall provides a flexible dining area with a maximum of 250 for a cocktail party. As an added amenity, there is a cinema room with a 20-foot screen and surround sound system. Catering and bar BYO.

A hidden retreat in the middle of Laurel Canyon, this five-acre estate stands as a legacy to the legendary magician who once lived there. The impressive property can fit up to 1,000 guests amidst sprawling green lawns, gardens, trails, gazebos, a koi pond with frogs, a stream, and a three-story waterfall. Don’t be surprised if deer or peacocks cross your path. The cost to view the property is $100 (which is donated to an IRS property). The venue rental rate includes a three-day, two-night stay in the house that features three bedrooms and four baths, plus a fully equipped kitchen.

Those dreaming of a beachside garden wedding may find the historic Adamson House, located adjacent to Malibu Lagoon State Beach and filled with lush greenery and views of the Malibu Pier, the perfect venue. Available for weddings and receptions April through October, the Spanish Colonial Revival house - considered to be the first Malibu beach house - was built in 1929 and known as the "Taj Mahal of tile" for its brilliantly colored ceramics. Design features include hand-carved teakwood doors, hand-painted murals, filigree ironwork, and bottle glass windows. Designated a California Historical Landmark and listed in the National Register of Historic Places, the Adamson House is owned by California State Parks. Wedding guests are not allowed inside the house unless a tour is booked during cocktail hour. The big caveat: everything must be supplied by the wedding couple, even parking and shuttle arrangements. But most will agree, it’s worth it for the view.

Owned by the Malibu Wines family, this 1,000-acre private estate is filled with fruit and avocado orchards, acres of rolling hills, vineyards, and pastureland with grazing herds of horses, cattle and llamas. Five separate areas are favorites for wedding ceremonies—the Garden, where vows are exchanged in front of a 250-year-old weeping willow; the Oak Grove, a large scenic area with a custom rock waterfall; Chateau Le Dome, a hilltop with 360-degree panoramic views set against a stone house; Malibu Hilltop Estate, on top of a mountain with views to the Pacific Ocean; or for a more laid back atmosphere—the Malibu Wines Tasting Room. Onsite catering and bar.

Named for its address within the hills of Topanga Canyon, this rustic house with a large open floor plan is set against a babbling creek on an expansive lot. The 1909 offers a variety of choices for a laid-back celebration. Nestled under the shade of two California Oaks, The Amphitheater is an ideal spot for a ceremony and features a deck for music or artistic performances. The Meadow is a 6,000 square-foot green space that's perfect for a reception of up to 120 guests. Interior spaces in the house include a dancing hall and a lounge area. A big plus and cost saver: you can bring your own alcohol. Caterer and bar BYO.

This historic Pasadena gem is the only intact example of a major Japanese-style garden in Southern California that was created before World War II. The Zen-like oasis offers numerous possibilities within its uniquely designed, two-acre property. A formal tea house overlooks a pond with lily pads, bridges, a Buddha statue, “kissing bench,” and two waterfalls amidst a lush garden of winding paths beneath a canopy of sycamore and oak trees. The property also includes a house that can be used as an event space with a maximum of 50 guests inside and 150 outside. Caterer and bar BYO.