LA venues- any hidden gems?

[Green with Envy]

Hi all you So Cal folks... I read every post I could find here and other wedding sites. Did anyone find some hidden venue gem that maybe has not already been discussed? (Musey and Rockzilla... it seems like you checked out a lot of places... recommendations?)

Our only requirement is space that works for a small group of approx. 50 and we want something with a spectacular view- preferably ocean.

If they work with smaller groups we like the looks in pictures of La Venta and Bel Air Bay Club. Any other LA ideas? We would prefer to stay here rather than go down to the OC. Anyone go to a wedding at one of these places or other around LA? What ya think?

 

[andex23]

Have you looked into Wayfarer''s Chapel in Palos Verdes? I''m not positive, but I''m pretty sure that''s where the Sprint commercial was filmed... you know, "no rain, no rainbows" and "stunt groom." It''s right on PV Drive South (I think that it''s South) next to Trump Golf Course, overlooking the ocean with the trees and whatnot. I know that it''s specialty is that it can''t hold LOTS of people.

 

[lisamarie]

If you don't mind bringing in all your own rentals, check out Adamson House and Rancho Del Cielo. Both are in Malibu and have amazing views.

 

[musey]

Unfortunately I can''t help you much because we were looking for woodsy venues with views of big leafy trees (trying in vain to capture fall color in SoCal... what were we thinking??) as opposed to beachy/ocean venues. I know there are lots of course...

Have you looked at Project Wedding and the Gathering Guide? I haven''t looked at the latter for nearly two years, but it was particularly useful for us when browsing for a venue.

You probably already know this, but the problem with places like theknot is that the listings are all paid (dunno if that''s true for the gathering guide, but if it is, it isn''t apparent) and therefore the venues are the pricey ones that can afford to advertise in that way.

 

[DMBFiredancer]

I got married at the Chart House in Redondo Beach and loved it. La Venta is lovely but it was just out of my price range. Portofino in Redondo is another option. Good luck to you!!!

 

[Green with Envy]

We drove by Wayfarer this morning... but couldn''t really look because they had a 9am wedding. Someone told me they might be BOOKED for late summer/ fall of 2010 already?

i had no idea a year in advance was not enough time???

 

[lisamarie]

My friend got married at Wayfarers a couple years ago. They book weddings in back to back time slots. You probably can still book but you'd have to choose an off-time slot. My friend had to book 12PM even though she was having an evening reception.

 

[musey]

Date: 8/8/2009 2:12:09 PM
Author: Green with Envy
We drove by Wayfarer this morning... but couldn''t really look because they had a 9am wedding. Someone told me they might be BOOKED for late summer/ fall of 2010 already?

i had no idea a year in advance was not enough time???

Oh yes. People always think I''m exaggerating when I say this, but we needed the full 20 months of our engagement... Not to plan (probably could have done all the actual planning in a month, two tops), but just for vendor lead time. Our venue only had a handful of dates left at 15 months out from our desired month/year, and we were lucky that one fell in that month.

Our venue has 5 available sites, too.

 

[Green with Envy]

My goodness! I am assuming getting the venue is the only really difficult part for booking... the rest (flowers, decor, etc.) can more easily fall into place I hope.

One would think that with the economy and all... places could be more open to smaller weddings.. but the weekend minimums are HUGE $$$. Even the Wayfarer is $2500 just for location so if we did a place like La Venta... it would have to be a weekday wedding. Still not sure if this is ideal or not.

Any more ideas... keep them coming! Thx.

 

[lisamarie]

Wayfarers is just a ceremony spot, you would still need a place for the reception. At least La Venta can be used for both. Pointe Vicente Interpretive Center might be might be a more economical ocean-front alternative. Unfortunately, ocean view = $$$. My venue's location fee is pricey but I save because I can bring in my own catering. It took a while to get over the initial sticker shock.

 

[musey]

Date: 8/8/2009 3:07:04 PM
Author: Green with Envy
My goodness! I am assuming getting the venue is the only really difficult part for booking... the rest (flowers, decor, etc.) can more easily fall into place I hope.

Generally speaking... but there are certainly other vendors that tend to book up early. Photographers, for example. Our top two choices were already booked when we started doing interviews 13 months ahead, and they had been for months. Officiants, too... DJs, bands... basicallly anything that requires an actual person or people to be present at your wedding to perform their services, start making calls as soon as you can.

But yeah, generally flowers and decor you don''t have to worry about as much, though those are still recommended to be booked 6-9+ months in advance. It really depends what you''re after, but the faster you check into bookings the better in LA, or any metro area.