California offers one of the most diverse wedding landscapes in the world. From dramatic coastlines and warm valleys to expansive deserts and intimate estates, couples can create a wedding experience that truly reflects who they are and how they want to celebrate.

This guide is designed to help couples understand the major wedding regions in California, how they differ, and which locations are best suited for different styles of celebrations. Rather than listing every venue, this post connects the regions I photograph most often and links to in-depth planning guides for each area, allowing couples to explore what fits them best.

Why California Is a Top Destination Wedding Location

Couples choose California because it offers variety without compromise. Within one state, you can experience:

• Coastal cliffs and ocean views
• Estate and vineyard settings
• Desert landscapes and modern retreats
• Intimate locations for elopements and small weddings

California also supports a wide range of wedding styles, from multi-day celebrations to quiet, experience-driven elopements.

Desert Wedding Venues in California

Palm Springs Wedding Venues

Palm Springs is known for mid-century architecture, private estates, and relaxed luxury. Venues here are especially well suited for wedding weekends, allowing couples and guests to gather over multiple days.

Palm Springs venues are ideal for:

• Multi-day celebrations
• Estate-style weddings
• Design-forward couples
• Social, guest-focused experiences

Couples considering Palm Springs often pair it with nearby Joshua Tree for ceremonies or portraits.

Joshua Tree Wedding Locations

Joshua Tree offers a more minimal and nature-forward experience. Weddings here tend to be intimate and intentional, with the landscape shaping the pace of the day.

Joshua Tree works best for:

• Elopements and small weddings
• Couples seeking solitude and simplicity
• Flexible, slow-moving timelines

Both national park locations and private land near Joshua Tree offer unique options depending on guest count and logistics.

Coastal Wedding Venues in California

Big Sur Wedding Locations

Big Sur is known for its dramatic cliffs, ocean views, and quiet sense of scale. Weddings here feel reverent and intimate, with the environment taking center stage.

Big Sur venues are best for:

• Elopements and intimate ceremonies
• Couples who value presence over production
• Nature-forward celebrations

Permits, access, and flexibility are key considerations when planning a Big Sur wedding.

Carmel Valley Wedding Venues

Carmel Valley offers a warmer, more social alternative to the coast. Estate venues, vineyards, and private properties support wedding weekends and relaxed celebrations.

Carmel Valley venues are ideal for:

• Estate and vineyard weddings
• Multi-day celebrations
• Comfortable guest experiences

Many couples combine a Carmel Valley wedding weekend with coastal portraits or engagement sessions. Heres a look at my favorite Carmel Valley wedding venue.

Estate and Vineyard Wedding Venues

Estate and vineyard venues across California offer privacy, flexibility, and space for immersive celebrations. These venues work especially well for couples who want their wedding to feel personal rather than formal.

Estate weddings are well suited for:

• Wedding weekends
• Rehearsal dinners and farewell gatherings
• A calm, unhurried pace

Regions like Carmel Valley and parts of Southern California offer excellent options in this category.

Elopement-Friendly Wedding Locations in California

California is one of the most elopement-friendly states in the country. From deserts and coastlines to quiet valleys, couples can choose locations that prioritize experience and presence.

Elopements work best in:

• Joshua Tree
• Big Sur
• Select coastal and desert locations with permit access

These celebrations often focus on connection, movement, and storytelling rather than traditional structure.

Choosing the Right California Wedding Venue for You

When deciding where to get married in California, it helps to focus on how you want your wedding to feel rather than what it should look like.

Helpful questions include:

• Do we want a quiet or social experience?
• Are we planning a single day or a full weekend?
• How many guests do we want to include?
• How important is flexibility in the timeline?

Answering these questions often clarifies which region and venue type is the best fit.

Photography Considerations Across California Venues

California’s landscapes are beautiful but varied. Desert light, coastal fog, and valley warmth all require experience and adaptability.

My approach across California focuses on:

• Building flexible, realistic timelines
• Allowing moments to unfold naturally
• Helping couples stay present regardless of environment

This philosophy remains consistent whether photographing desert elopements, coastal ceremonies, or estate wedding weekends.

Explore California Wedding Regions

For deeper planning guidance, explore these in-depth regional guides:

• Palm Springs & Joshua Tree Weddings
• Best Joshua Tree Wedding & Elopement Locations
• Palm Springs Wedding Weekend Ideas
• Big Sur & Carmel Valley Weddings
• Best Big Sur Wedding & Elopement Locations
• Best Carmel Valley Wedding Venues

Each guide offers a more detailed look at what it’s like to get married in that region.

If you’re drawn to a quieter, more tucked-away setting surrounded by rolling hills and vineyards, Carmel Valley is another beautiful region to consider, with many of the best wedding venues in Carmel Valley offering a completely different feel.

Final Thoughts

California offers endless possibilities for couples who want their wedding to feel intentional, personal, and grounded in experience. By choosing a location that supports your vision and pacing, your wedding day becomes less about logistics and more about connection.

If you are planning a California wedding and want photography that feels natural, calm, and experience-driven, I would love to connect and learn more about what you are creating.

I photograph weddings across California, from intimate desert celebrations to full wedding weekends at private estates. You can explore more of my California wedding work and locations here: California Weddings