advice on wedding locations (Long Beach, Riverside: chapel, hotel, weddings)

[Mardala]

So I am looking at getting married within a few years and am looking for some recommendations on places. What I have in mind is old Spanish, Southern California style, small and intimate, preferably close to the ocean and with a nice garden space. I am not thinking of a large wedding. So small is fine. Does not have to be a church either.
Hopefully denomination is not a factor. I am not an active member of any church/parish nor is my fiance.

It won't be for a while but I'd like to start looking now so I can find that perfect spot. Anyone have any recommendations?

I live in West LA and don't mind driving 3-6 hours to get well outside the city. I was looking at old Missions, but noticed many of them are closed to weddings or only allow weddings for members or relatives of long time members.

Thanks!

[MtnSurfer]

Well,

I have a couple of places in mind. The classic place for what you described in the Carmel Mission which is located right across from the beach in Carmel. But I think what you found is true for most Missions in terms of their wedding guidlines. So if you do not plan on joining a church I'm not sure that any of those options will work for you.

The Spanish were not into the whole separation of church and state thing when they originally settled in CA. In fact it was just the opposite. So that is a part of their culture. But maybe you can find a Spanish buiding/wedding facility that is not affiliated with the church - not sure about that one.

There is a gorgeous wedding chapel in Rancho Palos Verdes - the Glass Chapel. You should check it out as well. Although not Spanish style it is right next to the ocean and is Very nice.

Derek

[MtnSurfer]

This one may work:

Biltmore Santa Barbara.

Santa Barbara is a good place to look because of the strong Spanish architectural influence there.

[Mardala]

Thanks! Both look amazing. The Glass Chapel looks like something worth checking out.

[ffej]

La Venta Inn Weddings | Historical Site, Ocean Views, Gourmet Food, Private

[missionhome]

If you want Spanish architecture, the Mission Inn Hotel and Spa in Riverside is a pretty nice place. They do a lot of weddings too.
Mission Inn Hotel - Riverside California

It really is a beautiful building.

[Morphous01]

Google Image Result for http://www.orangecountyvenues.com/images/Diamond_bar_center.gif




I like the Diamond Bar Community Center; I have been there and its just a wonderful view and its next the The country Estates.

[Bunjee]

It's not Mission style, but you can try going out to Catalina Island at the Casino Ballroom. There are cliff weddings in Palos Verdes. They do strike me as a bit quickie, off-the-cuff style, but you can invest more in the reception. A really nice, intimate wedding package is available on the Queen Mary in Long Beach.

Edited to add: Funny! I was just at the Mission Inn in Riverside, and it is really beautiful.

[Charles]

Originally Posted by Mardala

So I am looking at getting married within a few years and am looking for some recommendations on places.

What's your budget for the wedding?

Weddings are expensive, real expensive, tens of thousands of dollars.

Some people might want to do other things with the money which would otherwise be spent on a wedding.

For example, you could help put a down payment on a house.
You could fund your Roth IRA and invest a bunch of money in a mutual fund.
You could start saving up for your future kids' college educations.

Or, you could have your four hour party.

[mcorrales]

My daughter got married nine years ago in Santa Barbara. There is a small non denomination chapel behind the Mckinley Art Museum which is on Santa Barbara Street and across from the Alicia Keyes (I think that is the name) park which runs about three city blocks. There is an old ballroom that they use at the museum for weddings that is all windows and has a fireplace. The gardens have sculptures and we used them during the cocktail hour, very plush and not that expensive. The park has little creeks and bridges which make some beautiful photos, we were extremely pleased with everything there. Plus it is close to the ocean which also made for some beautiful photos. I suggest a book that I believe is called "Discount Brides and Weddngs". We got my daughter's $2k wedding dress direct from the manufacturer for $700. We also went to a nursery in Carpenteria and bought the flowers directly from the grower (all for $300), that is how my daughter ended up with her own business in floral design LOL. She did such a fantastic job and got so many compliments that she started doing it for a living. If you want her name, email me direct and I will send it to you. She does absolutely gorgeous work. She also went to a dollar store, bought some plastic urn/vases, spray painted them and they were beautiful with chocolate and beige roses. SB is a wonderful place to get married nd it can be done on a budget. Good luck.