Best Luxury Intimate Wedding Venues in California
The Sea Ranch is a beautiful 53-acre property in Sonoma County, nestled right on the dramatic Northern California coast. With architecture intentionally designed to blend in with the natural scenery, The Sea Ranch Lodge is the epitome of quiet, understated luxury. For your ceremony and reception, you can choose between a selection of indoor rooms and outdoor spaces with views of the meadows, cliffs, and the Pacific Ocean. Additionally, there are 17 intimate guest rooms on-site, making it the perfect place to host your loved ones for an extended wedding weekend celebration.
The Madrona, located in the heart of Sonoma's wine country, is a highly rated hotel known for its blend of historic elegance and contemporary luxury. Set on 8 acres, the property features lush gardens, a citrus grove, and a saltwater pool, all centered around a grand, historic mansion. Inside, the spaces are a vibrant mix of period charm and modern flair, complemented by a curated art collection. The estate’s layout offers a variety of wedding options, from intimate gatherings in secluded areas to more expansive celebrations across its various venues. There’s even an award-winning restaurant on-site that often sources ingredients from the property’s own gardens! Guests can stay in rooms and suites located in the original mansion, the carriage house, or one of the restored 19th-century bungalows, making The Madrona the perfect place for an intimate wedding with a “retreat meets vineyard” vibe.
Located in Yucca Valley, just outside Joshua Tree National Park, Le Chacuel is a beautiful desert home with an intentionally minimal, yet stylish design meant to complement the natural surroundings. Inside you’ll find thoughtfully hand picked furniture made with organic materials and an abundance of natural light let in through the windows and sliding glass doors - features purposely chosen to make you feel even more immersed in nature. There are 4 bedrooms for guests to stay, a saltwater pool, outdoor seating, and a private, open backyard where you can host your intimate wedding celebration.
Alila Ventana is a luxury resort along the coast of Big Sur, perfect for couples who are drawn to the beauty and adventure of this iconic coastline, but are looking for a unique and romantic way to really elevate their experience. Ventana offers all-inclusive elopement and wedding packages depending on your guest list size. For your ceremony, you can choose between a vista point overlooking the ocean or a site located within the redwoods of the property. They also have two options for a post wedding dinner or reception - one being the the Glass House, which features panoramic views overlooking the Pacific. The other option being their Sky Terrace, an elevated and secluded space with 360 views. While the property itself is full of natural beauty and luxurious amenities, I recommend setting aside a day during your stay to drive up the coast and capture newlywed portraits on the cliffs at Garrapata State Park.
The San Ysidro Ranch is a secluded property tucked away in the foothills of Santa Barbara, known for its romantic cottages, peaceful atmosphere, and incredibly landscaped gardens. This place is a slice of paradise with blooming flowers, a lily pond, and canopies of sycamore and oak trees. In addition to the picturesque outdoor spaces available for ceremonies and receptions, San Ysidro Ranch is home to multiple award-winning restaurants and unique dining experiences, along with a world-renowned wine cellar.
Korakia Pensione is a historic 1.5-acre resort in Palm Springs that provides an intimate and dramatic setting for destination weddings. Set against the backdrop of the San Jacinto Mountains, this hidden oasis features 28 distinct Mediterranean and Moroccan villas, each thoughtfully designed with vintage furnishings, custom details, and private patios. The resort’s lush gardens, serene pools, and secluded courtyards evoke the feel of a private estate, making it an ideal venue for every aspect of your wedding, from cocktail hours to recovery brunches. For smaller, more intimate gatherings, the Orchard House provides a private retreat surrounded by citrus trees, perfect for hosting up to 30 guests. Throughout their stay, your guests can unwind and explore the desert oasis with activities like mountain hikes, spa treatments, and leisurely bike rides through Palm Springs’ legendary architecture, ensuring your wedding is a truly unforgettable experience.
Intimate Wedding Photography
Hello! I’m Carrie, a destination photographer specializing in intimate weddings and elopements. I’m a huge advocate for giving small weddings the same intentionality and care that goes into larger, traditional events. While the list above is not exhaustive by any means, I truly believe that these are some of the best intimate wedding venues in California and they’d be incredible locations to create a truly unique and meaningful experience for you and your guests.
Whether you’re looking to host your intimate wedding at one of these venues or somewhere else in the world, I’d love to help capture your story the way it deserves. I offer photography coverage starting at 6 hours for single day events up to multi-day wedding weekends. Reach out to through my contact form and I’d be happy to create a personalized proposal based on whatever you’re dreaming up!
