Stories by Joshua Mikhaiel
Your guide to Southern California wedding venues for 2027
Southern California, USA
A photographer’s Southern California shortlist
Southern California offers a remarkable variety of settings: city buildings, gardens, ranches and desert hotels. This is a personal list of places to explore, not a claim that any one venue is objectively the best.
I have loved photographing in this part of the United States. As anywhere, the light changes with the season, weather and time of day; work with your photographer on a plan for your particular setting.
Contact each venue for its current wedding offering, pricing, permissions and availability. The photographs below include past celebrations and credited inspiration images.
- Hummingbird Nest Ranch — Simi Valley. See my Hummingbird Nest Ranch wedding photos.
- Serendipity Garden Weddings — Oak Glen; confirm current arrangements directly.
- Ace Hotel & Swim Club — Palm Springs.
- Alisal Ranch — near Solvang.
- Korakia Pensione — Palm Springs.
- Heritage Museum of Orange County — Santa Ana.
- Riviera Mansion — Santa Barbara.
- Greystone Mansion — Beverly Hills; consult the city about event permits.
- Elings Park — Santa Barbara.
Hummingbird Nest Ranch
The ranch’s architecture and mountain setting made a wonderful backdrop for the weddings I photographed there. See my Hummingbird Nest Ranch wedding photos.
There are different event settings within the property. Ask which spaces your booking includes and whether other events will take place at the same time.
Serendipity Garden Weddings
Photograph by Heather Jackson.
The garden setting featured in the original shortlist. Confirm current access, facilities and wedding packages directly before making plans.
Ace Hotel & Swim Club, Palm Springs
The Palm Springs hotel has a nostalgic, relaxed character that has long appealed to me. Explore its current event options if you like the idea of a desert hotel celebration.
This recommendation refers to the Palm Springs property. The former Ace Hotel in downtown Los Angeles should not be assumed to operate under the same brand or arrangements.
Alisal Ranch
Alisal’s country setting near Solvang offers a different atmosphere from the city and desert options in this guide.
Ask the ranch about current wedding arrangements, accommodation and whether any exclusive-use option is available.
The film below was made by Like a Letter.
I am Joshua Mikhaiel, an Australian wedding and elopement photographer. These are some of the American celebrations and sessions I have photographed.
For a new overseas booking, contact me to discuss travel and the arrangements for your destination.