9 Best Wedding Venues in Orange County, CA, According to a Local Insider

Unforgettable OC Wedding Venues: Top picks from wedding insider & expert officiant Chris Dickens

 

Want to elope in southern California? Searching for Orange County, CA wedding venues on a budget? We reached out to local wedding officiant Chris Dickens to ask about his favorite spots to get married in the OC – depending on your style!  

 

As a professional wedding officiant, pastor, and former standup comedian, Chris Dickens of Your Custom Ceremony has an unusual set of skills that make him the perfect choice for a heartfelt ceremony. He has 16 years of experience in the industry, and his weddings have been featured in Vogue, Brides Magazine, Black Bride Magazine, and Essence. As a longtime Irvine resident (and Cerritos native), he’s also got the inside scoop on the area’s best venues. 

 

Chris tells us that he’s personally worked at every venue below as an officiant – which means these are wedding venue reviews you can trust. 

 

From rocky shores and sandy beaches to five-star resorts and lavish venues, he’s seen it all. Keep reading to see which venue tops his list and why!

 

 

Best Orange County, CA Wedding Venues For Your Vibe

 

 

Vibe: Small Wedding with Under 50 Guests

 

1. Crescent Bay Park Point in Laguna Beach

 

“Crescent Bay Park has built-in amphitheater seating, which simplifies logistics and reduces the need for rentals,” Chris says, making this scenic choice one of his favorite outdoor venues for a small wedding in Orange County. 

 

Don’t forget a wedding permit: You’ll need a beach wedding permit to get married in this park. Visit the City page Get Married in Laguna Beach for more details on fees and application process. Expect to pay around $570 for your permit, with a maximum of 50 people in your party.

 

 

This stunning aerial view of Laguna Beach was captured from Crescent Bay Park Point. This park is located on a bluff with epic views that provide a memorable backdrop for your wedding day. (Photo: halbergman / iStock)

 

 

2. Heisler Park in Laguna Beach

 

Heisler Park is a great choice for an intimate beach elopement or small wedding, Chris says. Enjoy the sounds of local musicians busking along the stairs, pose for ‘just married’ photos beside the art sculptures, and enjoy stunning views of the water. 

 

Get a wedding permit: You’ll need a beach wedding permit to get married in this park. Visit the City page Get Married in Laguna Beach for more details on fees and application process. Expect to pay around $460, with a maximum of 50 people in your party.

 

Take a video tour of park in the post below, including the beloved Heisler Park gazebo!

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Explore California (@cal.euphoria)

 

 

The Heisler Park area offers a sweet wedding gazebo and ethereal views of the ocean. Take your vows in the shade and then stroll as newlyweds in the sunshine! (Photos courtesy of the officiant.)
 

 

3. The Estate on Second in Santa Ana

 

“For smaller, indoor ceremonies, The Estate on Second is one of my favorites,” Chris says. “While it is not strictly a small venue, it works beautifully for smaller guest counts because of how the space is designed. 

 

It’s a downtown Santa Ana venue, with a layered layout, multiple rooms, and different levels. The space feels classic, intentional, and comfortable. With fewer guests, the venue has room to breathe, which is exactly what you want for an intimate wedding.” 

 

Take a 3D virtual tour of The Estate on Second here. 

 

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(Top photo, Officiant Chris poses with beaming newlyweds at this chic venue, photo courtesy of @YourCustomCeremony Instagram. Below, photos from the venue showing every angle for your wedding day, copyright The Estate on Second)

 

 

Vibe: Low cost wedding venue for a couple on a small budget

 

4. Lantern Bay Park in Dana Point

 

“Lantern Bay Park sits at a higher elevation overlooking Dana Point Harbor with wide ocean views. It is located right next to Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa and luxury resorts like the Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach. You’re essentially getting the same coastal backdrop as some of the most high-end venues in the area, without the private-venue price tag,” Chris says. 

 

This venue can work for midsize and larger weddings too: “The amphitheater area can comfortably accommodate up to about 100 chairs, which makes it a strong option for couples who want a larger guest count while still keeping costs in check.” After your ceremony, take photos with guests on the colorful Lantern Bay Park stairs mosaic! 

 

Make the space your own with a inimate picnic setup, enjoy a sweet wedding-in-the-round at Smyth Brothers Amphitheatre, or elope in a quick standing-room ceremony with a stunning view of the marina. 

 

 

Beautiful breezes and a view of the marina from the Lantern Bay Park amphitheatre. (Photo courtesy of the officiant)

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Modern Millennial Events (@modernmillennialevents)

 

5. University Club by Wedgewood Weddings in Irvine

 

“For couples who prefer an indoor option, the University Club by Wedgewood Weddings is one of my favorite affordable venues. Being part of the Wedgewood system, it is a well-run venue with experienced staff and ample parking,” Chris says. This makes it a favorite for vendors and couples alike.

 

“When you step outside into the woodsy ceremony area, you'll get lost in its uniqueness. The trees and gazebo give off fairytale vibes, offering a ceremony space that feels open and natural while still providing the peace of mind that comes with an indoor backup and having everything in one location. It consistently delivers a smooth wedding day experience without the price point of many traditional Orange County venues.” 

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(Photos belong to Wedgewood Weddings & Events)

 

Vibe: Outdoor wedding venue with cinematic ocean views and minimum stress 

 

6. Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel in Dana Point

 

If you’re looking for OC wedding venues with peak views, this is it. “Whenever I officiate an outdoor wedding at the Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel, the beauty, the professionalism, and the panoramic ocean views are hard to beat,” Chris says. “The ceremony locations truly feel outdoors, with the Pacific as the backdrop, creating a coastal setting that’s hard to replicate anywhere else.”

 

“The Ritz-Carlton operates like a well-oiled machine,” Chris adds. “The staff is experienced, calm, and incredibly dialed in, which makes a noticeable difference on a wedding day. Everything runs smoothly and allows couples to relax and enjoy the moment without worrying about logistics.”

 

Scope the sweeping ocean views in the post below! 

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel (@ritzcarltonlagunaniguel)

 

Vibe: Rustic wedding venue with a mix of natural beauty and upscale comfort

 

7. Rancho Las Lomas in Trabuco Canyon

 

“What I love most about Rancho Las Lomas is how much flexibility the venue offers. The property is expansive, with multiple ceremony and reception spaces that each have their own look and atmosphere. 

 

You have natural elements, architectural character, and different settings all within one venue, which allows couples to create a wedding that feels layered and intentional, rather than one-note. The grounds are beautiful, the spaces photograph well, and the venue flows naturally from ceremony to celebration.” 

And couples who book here won’t have to choose between natural beauty and polished comfort, Chris says: 

 

“This venue consistently delivers across the board. Rancho Las Lomas offers a true rustic feel without sacrificing polish or professionalism. The staff is experienced and attentive, and the venue is well-equipped to handle weddings smoothly, even with larger guest counts. It’s rustic, elevated, and well-run, which is a combination that’s hard to beat.”

 

 

(Photos belong to Rancho Las Lomas)

 

 

Vibe: Creative and offbeat wedding venue for an unconventional couple

 

8. Hangar 21 South in Fullerton

 

“My pick for an offbeat and creative wedding venue in Orange County is Hangar 21. This venue is located at an active airport, and operates inside a converted aircraft hangar, which immediately sets it apart from more traditional venues. 

 

The industrial design and open layout give the space a bold, modern feel that works especially well for couples looking for something different,” Chris says.

“What truly makes Hangar 21 stand out is the entrance. Couples have the option to make their grand entrance by helicopter, landing nearby and arriving directly into the celebration, creating a moment guests talk about long after the wedding is over.

 

Despite its industrial setting, the venue is polished and very well-run, with experienced staff who know how to execute events smoothly. Hangar 21 is creative, unconventional, and memorable, and offers a wedding experience that feels intentionally different without feeling gimmicky.” 

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Hangar 21 (@hangar21venue)

 

Officiant Chris poses with happy grooms Fred and Tryston on their wedding day at Hangar 21 - a venue that's tylish, sophisticated, and modern!  (Photo courtesy of @YourCustomCeremony Instagram)

 

 

Vibe: Immersive wedding venue that captures Orange County’s magical energy

9. Little Treasure Cove in Newport Beach, CA

 

“This spot sits within Crystal Cove State Park and overlooks the Pacific from above, offering wide, uninterrupted ocean views that are truly special,” Chris says, making it one of his favorite and most memorable spots to get married in all of Orange County. 

 

“The space itself is simple and a bit weathered, but that’s part of what makes the experience so honest,” he adds. “The real appeal here is the scenery. You can hear the waves, smell the ocean, and feel completely immersed in the natural surroundings.

 

It’s not a traditional venue, and it’s not pristine. Access requires a roughly half-mile walk from the parking area, followed by stairs and uneven terrain down to the overlook. Because of that, it’s best suited for very small, able-bodied groups and elopements. There’s no formal seating, and the area works best as standing room only, which keeps the focus entirely on the moment rather than the setup.

 

For couples who value experience, intimacy, and connection to the landscape over polish or formality, Little Treasure Cove overlook is incredibly special. It offers a ceremony setting that feels raw, intentional, and deeply connected to the environment.”
 

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Living the SoCal Dream (@living_the_socal_dream)

 

A gorgeous place to say yes to forever, Treasure Cove provides the perfect backdrop for your elopement ceremony. (Photos courtesy of the officiant)

 

 

Which of these beautiful Southern California wedding venues is your favorite? 

 

Whether you're eloping on a budget or planning an luxurious black-tie wedding and reception, there's somewhere special for you to say 'I do!' in Orange County, California.

 

This unique area is perfect for a destination wedding, with stunning views, great bars and restaurants, and LGBTQ+ friendly hotels and resorts. And if you're looking for warm, mild wedding venues for winter weddings, you can't go wrong with friendly stops along this sunny stretch of coastline!

 

Start planning with more California wedding ideas & advice from AMM:

 

• How to Get Married in California - Planning a Wedding in The Golden State
   
• Everything You Need to Know About California’s Confidential Marriage Licenses
   
• How to Plan a Beach Wedding for Any Time of Year
   
• Who can officiate a wedding at Disneyland or Disney World?
   
• Become a Wedding Officiant in California

 

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About the Expert

 

Chris Dickens

Wedding Officiant 

Your Custom Ceremony, Irvine

Officiant Chris Dickens is the founder of Your Custom Ceremony wedding business based in Irvine, and has spent nearly 16 years performing weddings throughout Southern California.  

 

“I’ve learned that a great ceremony isn’t about performance, it’s about presence.”

 

Chris’s skillset is unique. His past experience as a stand-up comedian brings laughter and warmth to the ceremony, while his experience as a pastor adds “heart and reverence where it matters most.” This unique balance that helps him create meaningful ceremonies that never feel heavy or scripted – ceremonies that tell a story about each relationship he celebrates.

 

“My focus is on helping couples feel seen and supported, so they can stay present instead of getting lost in performance or perfection. I have a strong background in theology and ministry, so I am comfortable with religious elements if couples want them. I’m also progressive and proudly inclusive, and work comfortably across belief systems, family dynamics, and cultural expectations.” 

 

Connect with Officiant Chris

Website / Instagram / Facebook

 

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