The Abbey
2825 Fifth Avenue, San Diego, (619) 686-8700, ext. 8819, AbbeyWeddings.com
The Park Place Methodist Episcopal Church, built in 1910, was transformed into a restaurant and christened "The Abbey" in 1984. Exchange vows surrounded by the church's stained-glass windows and beautiful lighting (or across the street in Balboa Park). While the staff transitions the main level into a reception space, have cocktail hour on the second-level balcony. Although max capacity is 300 guests (with guests dining on the main and balcony levels), 190 is ideal to keep everyone on the same floor. Choose from a delectable menu of food pairings or with their dynamic caterers to create a customized spread.
Casa Del Mar
1910 Ocean Way, Santa Monica, (310) 581-5533, HotelCasaDelMar.com
This beachside landmark opened in 1926, and was a hobnobbing hot spot for society's elite until the U.S. Navy claimed the building during WWII. After a few decades of identity-hopping (it was a drug rehab, then a health center), new owners restored the place back into a popular hotel. Now, its Renaissance Revival architecture and 1920s vibe make it an elegant but cozy wedding spot. Get married in the ballroom, in front of floor-to-ceiling windows looking out at the beach. Then have cocktails on the terrace and bring everyone (up to 320 guests) back inside for dinner and dancing.
Exchange LA
618 S. Spring Street, Los Angeles, (213) 627-8070, ExchangeLA.com
Exchange LA opened last summer in the former Los Angeles Stock Exchange building -- it was a banker's playground from 1931 to 1986. Now that a multi-million-dollar renovation has turned the trading floor into a dance floor, it's a modern-style venue with plenty of history. And square footage: It fits up to 1,000 guests. Take photos in front of the 12-foot bronze doors, and have both the ceremony and the reception in the Trading Room. Long bars and lounge furniture give the space a swanky vibe, which you can play up or down with lighting. Make it clear that kids aren't invited, since the venue doesn't allow guests under 21.
Hotel Del Coronado
1500 Orange Avenue, Coronado, (619) 435-6611, HotelDel.com
The backdrop of the classic movie Some Like It Hot, Hotel del Coronado is a national historic landmark famed for attracting presidents, princes and big-name celebrities. It's also known for the many wedding-worthy spots on its 28-acre property. The first wedding at The Del took place in 1887, while it was still under construction. Outdoor areas include Windsor Lawn or the more historic Garden Patio (the gardens were designed by legendary "mother of Balboa Park" Kate Sessions). Inside, fit 450 guests in the Crown Room -- which has dramatic chandeliers designed by L. Frank Baum, the author of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz -- for dinner crafted by the hotel's catering team.
La Valencia Hotel
1132 Prospect Street, La Jolla, (858) 454-0771, LaValencia.com
In the early years of the La Jolla Playhouse, its founders flocked to this nearby Spanish-style hotel built in 1926. Today, the Pink Lady (as it's known) is a popular wedding spot for traditional couples. Fit 130 guests in the garden for a ceremony on the lawn and then move to the Verandah Room and Terrace for an indoor/outdoor reception with up to 250 guests. Request the Upper Pool Deck (available October to April), for great views of the La Jolla coast.
La Venta Inn
796 Via Del Monte, Palos Verdes Estates, (310) 373-0123, LaVenta.com
La Venta Inn was the first building on the Palos Verdes Peninsula in the early 1920s. Before it became an event venue in the 1950s, it was a 24-hour lookout point for the U.S. Coast Guard during WWII. Get married in the gazebo, with views of the beach spanning all the way to Santa Monica. The Great Room has a giant stone fireplace for a cozy, intimate vibe (even though it can fit up to 250 guests). New York Food Company, one of Southern California's top catering firms, will help you tailor a menu that is sure to wow your guests.
Marvimon
1411 North Broadway, Los Angeles; (310) 837-3610; Marvimon.com
Marvimon's exposed brick walls and an open indoor-outdoor floor plan mesh with any style. Built in 1924, the building originally housed one of LA's first automobile showrooms. As part of its transformation from an almost-abandoned building to a popular event space, Marvimon was outfitted with skylights and furnished with vintage pieces found locally to reduce its carbon footprint. Fit up to 130 friends and family for a sit-down dinner and dancing and bring in your own caterer. If they're new to the venue, they'll just have to be approved.
The Mission Inn Hotel & Spa
3649 Mission Inn Ave., Riverside; (951) 784-0300; MissionInn.com
This 320,000-square-foot hotel started out as a 12-room adobe boarding house in 1876 and was built up between 1902 and 1931. It has two chapels: the St. Francis of Assisi (fits 150 guests) and the St. Cecilia (fits 15 guests), both of which have altars dating back to the eighteenth century. Move a party of 250 into the Music Room to dance and dine beneath the exposed wooden ceiling beams. The Spanish Art Gallery is great for a smaller group (up to 150 people). Work with the Mission's caterers to plan your menu.
The Pierpont Inn & Spa
550 Sanjon Road, Ventura, (805) 643-6144, PierpontInn.com
Built to accommodate the throngs of drivers on the Pacific Coast Highway, Pierpont Inn & Spa recently celebrated its 100th birthday. The property, which consists of two cottages and a banquet center, sits on a bluff overlooking the water. Say "I do" with the ocean in the backdrop, then fit 250 guests inside the spacious, hardwood floor Pavilion. Work with Austen's Restaurant to plan a menu designed with the freshest local produce and Midwestern beef.
Riviera Resort & Spa
1600 N. Indian Canyon Drive, Palm Springs, (760) 327-8311, PSRiviera.com
Get married on the pool deck at the Riviera Resort & Spa, once the Rat Pack's local hangout of choice, or in the Wexler Garden (the resort's most popular ceremony spot). Have an intimate poolside wedding for 50 guests, or fit more than 1,200 family members and friends in the oval-shaped Grand Ballroom, outfitted with oversize chandeliers and a stage for your band or DJ. They offer diverse menu options and will even customize one to suit your taste.
-- Jaimie Dalessio