Arroyo Trabuco Golf Club
Exchange vows with gorgeous rolling hills as your backdrop at the Arroyo Trabuco Golf Club in Mission Viejo. Then, seat up to 240 guests inside the Trabuco Ballroom. The exposed-beam ceilings make a great place from which to hang lanterns or fabric. (949) 305-5100, ArroyoTrabuco.com
Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa
The Garden Courtyard (fits 250) is a popular spot for ceremonies at the Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa in La Jolla. From there, it's an easy transition to the La Jolla Ballroom. For smaller weddings, pair a ceremony on the Olive Lawn (complete with actual olive trees) with a party in the adjacent Grande Room. (858) 550-1000, EstanciaLaJolla.com
Firestone Vineyard
Firestone Vineyard in Los Olivos offers the perfect wine-country vibe in SoCal. Owned by Foley Family Wines, the vineyard's tasting room is a terrific space for a casual, wine-and-appetizers reception with 125 guests. If a traditional sit-down dinner is more your style, reserve The Barrel Room & Deck, which fits 150 people at a long banquet table. (805) 688-3940 ext. 4, FirestoneWine.com
Parker Palm Springs
Parker Palm Springs sits on 13 lush acres surrounded by mountains and desert. Start with a ceremony on the croquet lawn and a cocktail hour in what's known as "the secret garden." Then, move up to 250 guests over to the ballroom for a truly original reception. (760) 770-5000, ParkerWeddings.com
Rancho Las Lomas
Get ready to wed in the super-calming quaint cottage, Casa Linda (at Rancho Las Lomas in Silverado), a restored private estate known for its botanical and zoological gardens. When you're all primed, have your ceremony beneath giant sycamore trees in the Teatro (an outdoor theater). After the vows, move to The Grand Salon, an indoor space with French doors leading out to patios and a gorgeous stone fountain. For weekday weddings, you can bring in an outside caterer, but for weekends and holidays, Rancho Las Lomas will help you plan your menu. (949) 548-2444, RanchoLasLomas.com
Shutters on the Beach
If you dream of a romantic, beach reception without the sand, celebrate your nuptials in the Beachside room at Shutters on the Beach in Santa Monica. Fit up to 70 guests for a seated dinner and dancing. If you've got plans for a bigger shindig, the Grand Salon can fit up to 220 for dinner and dancing. Also, check out the Pacific Terrace -- it's the perfect spot for an outdoor ceremony. (310) 458-0030, ShuttersOnTheBeach.com
SmogShoppe
This former smog-check center in Culver City has been transformed into an urban garden oasis -- and a 100-percent solar-powered one at that! With indoor and outdoor spaces, SmogShoppe can fit up to 200 nearest and dearest for ceremonies and receptions. Say "I do" in the private courtyard and then move everyone inside. We love the brick walls and exposed ceilings. Need inspiration? Check out
Theresa and Ken's reception. (310) 837-3610, SmogShoppe.com
Verandas
New York Food Company's event designers and caterers will help you plan a wedding at their Verandas property in Manhattan Beach. The two-story venue gives guests flexibility and freedom to move around throughout the night. Get married in the pretty garden, have cocktails in the upstairs lounge, then head to the ballroom for dancing. (310) 546-7805, VerandasMB.com
Vibiana
Once an active cathedral, Vibiana in Los Angeles is now a fabulous event space. And it's perfect for weddings (hello, it used to be a church!). It underwent some serious renovations, but the gorgeous architecture still remains. Have your ceremony and reception inside and invite all of your second cousins -- the space fits 400 for a ceremony and 550 for a seated dinner. (213) 626-1507, VibianaLA.com
Viceroy Santa Monica
The Viceroy Santa Monica in Santa Monica is the perfect spot for a more intimate wedding. The blue and white Bristol Room fits up to 120 guests for a sit-down dinner. Guests will love the fresh air on the room's private patio; and be sure to take pictures inside one of the poolside cabanas. (310) 434-2823, ViceroySantaMonica.com
-- Jaimie Dalessio