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After years of scouting small wedding venues across California, one thing always stands out: no two celebrations look the same here. Some couples find magic in a foggy coastal lodge; others fall in love with a hidden desert retreat or a vineyard tucked into the hills. California makes it easy to plan a day that feels naturally yours.
As a small wedding bride who searched high and low for the perfect small wedding venue, I know firsthand how overwhelming that hunt can feel. That’s exactly why I’ve created this guide to help you cut through the noise and discover California’s most beautiful, wedding-friendly spaces for celebrations of 50 guests or fewer.
Below you’ll find my curated list of the best small wedding venues in California with summaries and a link to the website so you can easily explore some of the best venues in the state. I've also included quick answers to some of the most common questions couples ask when starting their search.
The criteria I always use when recommending wedding venues for smaller guest lists:
Based on what I saw when I was researching venues for this blog, most small wedding venues in California range from $2,000 to $8,000 for rental fees, depending on location, amenities, and guest count, but of course the cost can far exceed that. Airbnbs that allow weddings and venues that offer packages are usually pretty cost effective.
The great thing about having a small wedding is that usually you have less space to decorate which allows you to bring your theme together in a big way without needing a lot of decor! Smaller spaces shine when every element feels thoughtful and intentional.
Start by searching for “micro wedding venues” or “Airbnb wedding venues” in your preferred area. Many of the best intimate venues aren’t listed on large directories, so explore Airbnb, VRBO, boutique hotels, and local venue finders that specialize in highlighting small wedding venues (like microWED collective!).
Read More: How to Find a Small Wedding Venue
Use layout and lighting to your advantage. Cluster seating areas, add lounge furniture, or use draping and greenery to define space. Candles, rugs, and overhead lighting can make even a large ballroom feel warm and intimate.
It depends. Airbnb specifically has policies that make having larger events more challenging so you are less likely to find a wedding venue on Airbnb. But, there are great alternatives to Airbnb for wedding venues, like VRBO.
microWED has tons of resources about Airbnb weddings:
Read More: How to Find an Airbnb Wedding Venue
Read More: The Best Airbnb venues in California
Now, let’s explore the best small wedding venues in Northern and Southern California!
Location: Monterey
Vibe: Coastal modern, relaxed luxury
Guest Count: Options for every guest list size
Beachfront ceremonies meet hotel ease at this modern ocean-view venue.
Why it’s great for micro weddings:
Location: San Francisco
Vibe: Urban garden, cozy, modern
Guest Count: Packages for intimate micro weddings to grand, full-scale affairs
A relaxed café venue on Treasure Island offering all-inclusive options for easy, affordable small weddings.
Things that make it a good fit for micro weddings:
Location: Pacific Grove
Vibe: Historic, natural, lodge-style
Guest Count: Packages and space for 32-140
A peaceful retreat by the sea, ideal for couples seeking affordability and coastal charm.
Why it’s a fit for small weddings:
Location: San Francisco
Vibe: Natural, botanical, elegant
Guest Count: Tons of areas for guest counts of all sizes
Exchange vows surrounded by lush greenery in the heart of Golden Gate Park.
What makes it great for small weddings:
Location: San Francisco
Vibe: Historic, industrial, warm
Guest Count: 2-50
A historic printing press building transformed into an intimate, design-forward wedding venue.
Why it’s a good fit for a small wedding:
Location: Carmel Highlands
Vibe: Elegant, secluded, ocean-view
Guest Count: 10 for the elopement package and up to 80 at their various ceremony and reception locations
Perched high above the Pacific, this boutique resort is a breathtaking choice for elopements or intimate weddings.
Why it’s great for super intimate weddings:
Location: San Francisco
Vibe: Grand, classic, architectural
Guest Count: Up to 6 (standard) or 100 (Rotunda events)
A timeless spot for courthouse wedding couples who love elegance and city romance.
Why it’s perfect for a micro wedding:
Location: Carmel Valley
Vibe: Rustic chic, resort-style, tranquil
Guest Count: Multiple locations for guest lists of all sizes
A peaceful resort surrounded by rolling hills and oaks — perfect for laid-back but elegant small weddings.
Why it’s good for micro weddings:
Location: Carmel Valley
Vibe: Elevated rustic, vineyard-inspired, luxurious
Guest Count: 80-300
A sprawling hillside resort that brings farm-to-table food, luxury lodging, and serene vineyard views together beautifully.
Highlights:
Location: Big Sur
Vibe: Redwoods, natural, cozy
Guest Count: Up to 80
Hidden among the redwoods of Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, this lodge offers romantic forest ceremonies and lodging in one.
Highlights:
Location: Sea Ranch
Vibe: Minimalist, coastal, serene
Guest Count: 35-150
A modern architectural icon perched on dramatic cliffs, perfect for design-conscious couples seeking ocean views.
Highlights:
Location: Fort Bragg
Vibe: Coastal ranch, secluded, luxury
Guest Count: Elopement and small weddings up to 85 guests
Set on 2,000 private acres of rugged Mendocino coastline, this luxury ranch is built for intimate weekend celebrations.
Highlights:
Location: Sonoma
Vibe: Modern glamping, wine country, relaxed
Guest Count: inquire with host
Chic Airstream suites and outdoor gathering spaces make this glamping site ideal for casual, stylish weddings.
Why it’s a great venue for small weddings:
Location: Midpines
Vibe: Mountain adventure, modern rustic
Guest Count: inquire with host
A unique outdoor venue that combines Yosemite adventure with modern comforts.
Why it’s perfect for intimate celebrations:
Location: Death Valley National Park
Vibe: Desert luxury, iconic, peaceful
Guest Count: 13-300
This historic oasis resort turns the desert into a dreamy destination wedding backdrop.
Why it’s good for small weddings:
From palm-fringed beaches to desert oases and Hollywood glam, Southern California offers endless possibilities for small weddings.
Location: West Hollywood
Vibe: Glamorous, retro, rooftop cool
Guest Count: Options for all guest list sizes
A bold, stylish boutique hotel with a rooftop terrace made for intimate celebrations.
Highlights:
Location: San Diego
Vibe: Nautical, luxury, unique
Guest Count: Up to 50
Celebrate your small wedding aboard a private yacht on San Diego Bay.
Why it’s a great fit for smaller celebrations:
Location: San Diego
Vibe: Tropical, beachfront, relaxed
Guest Count: Garden gazebo is perfect for up to 70 guests
A lush beachfront resort offering cozy outdoor ceremony spaces and plenty of guest activities.
Why it’s a fit for micro weddings:
Location: San Diego
Vibe: Industrial, artistic, modern
Guest Count: inquire for capacity info
A reimagined dairy factory featuring olive trees and an airy, urban atmosphere.
Why it’s perfect for intimate ceremonies and receptions:
Location: Hollywood
Vibe: Iconic, glamorous, historic
Guest Count: Up to 80
A legendary Hollywood hotel with Art Deco interiors and timeless charm.
Highlights:
Location: Los Angeles
Vibe: Whimsical, historic, lush
Guest Count: Up to 60
A storied Laurel Canyon estate filled with mystery, gardens, and magic.
Highlights:
Location: Sacramento
Vibe: Historic, elegant, boutique
Guest Count: Up to 50
A restored Victorian mansion in the heart of Sacramento offering old-world charm and modern comfort for small weddings.
Why it’s a good fit:
Location: West Hollywood
Vibe: Intimate, European-inspired, romantic
Guest Count: Up to 50
A charming restaurant venue known for candlelit dinners and secret-garden patios.
Why it’s good for small events:
Location: Palos Verdes Estates
Vibe: Spanish villa, ocean-view, romantic
Guest Count: inquire for capacity
Historic coastal estate with sweeping ocean views and lush gardens.
Highlights:
Location: Joshua Tree
Vibe: Desert modern, boho, glamping
Guest Count: inquire with venue
A unique desert venue for adventurous couples who love modern design and stargazing nights.
Highlights:
Location: Los Angeles
Vibe: Secret garden, vintage, twinkle-lit
Guest Count: Up to 82
A hidden outdoor venue filled with chandeliers, string lights, and floral magic.
Highlights:
Location: Pasadena
Vibe: Historic, elegant, garden
Guest Count: Package for up to 60 guests (larger packages available)
A Mediterranean mansion turned intimate event venue in Old Pasadena.
What makes it perfect for small weddings:
Location: Los Angeles
Vibe: Whimsical, hidden, lush
Guest Count: Up to 40
A magical hidden garden perfect for small weddings or elopements.
Why it fits intimate weddings:
Location: Temecula
Vibe: Mediterranean, vineyard, elegant
Guest Count: Up to 100 (great for 50 or fewer)
Nestled in Temecula’s wine country, this private resort combines Tuscan charm with California ease.
Why it works for smaller events:
Location: Los Angeles
Vibe: Historic, vintage, bohemian
Guest Count: Up to 25
This restored craftsman home offers cozy, character-filled spaces for your wedding day.
Highlights:
Location: Laguna Beach
Vibe: Coastal luxury, tropical, romantic
Guest Count: Up to 40
A Bali-inspired seaside retreat offering total relaxation and resort luxury.
Highlights:
As a former small wedding bride myself, and now someone who helps couples find their perfect venue every day, I know how meaningful it is when you finally discover the one. My best advice? Follow what feels right, stay true to your vision, and choose a space that lets your personality shine.
If you’re looking for more venues head over to our full round up of the best VRBO & Airbnb venues in California!
