How to be a Venue Visionary
Photographer: @lavache_visuals // Santa Barbara Courthouse
Fiancé? Check. Gorgeous engagement ring? Check. Next order of business? Venue! Your venue will inform your wedding date, dress, guest size, and overall aesthetic of your big day. Luckily, in 2026, there is no shortage of venues to choose from. Whatever your dream may be- there is a perfect location waiting for you to say “I do”!
Beach
Why not get that honeymoon feeling started early? If you want an easy-breezy, ocean-centered wedding day, the beach might be the venue for you. There is a serious surge of brides lately who have opted to tie the knot on the tropical coastline of Mexico! But if you’d prefer to keep things local, our golden state of California has plentiful options for our beach-bound brides. For dress inspo, we suggest something with a light fabric, flowy skirt, and a slit for breathability!
Church
Whether it’s the church you grew up in or a stunning chapel that just caught your eye, a church wedding is a great option for brides who are looking for something indoors, traditional, and timeless. It ensures a private ceremony for you and your guests, while offering historical significance and stained glass window charm. (Beloved Rec: Check out one of our most popular chapel venues in Redlands- Edwards Mansion!) For dress inspo, we suggest a long sleeve and/or high neck if you’re looking for something that provides some coverage and modesty.
Cityscape Rooftop
Calling all cosmopolitan brides! If your favorite habitat is an urban jungle, a rooftop wedding could be your dream come true. This venue is the ideal fit for the modern woman drawn to the bustling streets and midnight lights of the city. For dress inspo, we suggest anything with exposed boning, a basque waist, and perhaps some kind of fashion-forward cape!
Country Club
From manicured lawns to on-site service, this venue is a great match for a bride who’s looking for an easy, all-inclusive package! With formal spaces designed to cater to hundreds, this venue is sure to impress. (Similar concept but in the category of general event venue- Beloved Rec: Check out Barton House in Redlands and Ivy Manor in Temecula!) For dress inspo, we suggest anything with pearls, a drape/cowl neck or back, jacquard, and colors like off-white or ivory.
Desert
Fitting for bohemian, country, and outdoorsy brides alike- a desert venue is a stunning space to exchange your vows. Ranging from cacti-dotted plains to Western-style horse ranches, these venues are a wonderful match for brides drawn to both a warm color palate and warm weather. Joshua tree is a particularly popular one at the moment! For dress inspo, we suggest anything with a fringe, light fabric, and sheet lace in the style of crochet or venetian.
Vegas
It’s the marriage capital of the world! And for good reason. It’s accessible, efficient, and affordable. Officiating tens of thousands of nuptials annually, Vegas is a well-oiled wedding machine. You can take your pick from casino, chapel, or even a drive-thru wedding! Plus, everything you need (food, entertainment, accommodations, etc.) is just a walk away once on the strip. For dress inspo, we suggest something a smidge more casual and playful, think short cocktail dress!
Vineyard
Classy, lush, and dependable- you simply can’t go wrong with a vineyard wedding. Temecula boasts a whopping 50 wineries, and of course there’s the famous Napa Valley just north of San Francisco. (Beloved Rec: Check out one of our most popular venues in Oak Glen- Serendipity!) For dress inspo, we suggest leaning into the garden flora with flower pedal and leaf details!
Out-of-the-Ordinary
Consider yourself a non-conventional bride? A quirky venue like a museum, aquarium, or zoo could be perfect for brides who are looking for something fun and out of the ordinary. And what better to match a playful venue than a colorful dress! Also perfect for our queer-identifying brides who’d like to proudly show off their rainbow colors. For dress inspo, we suggest picking a color that speaks to you. Colors we have in stock are pink, red, black, gold, grey, and blue!
Once your venue is booked, you can get to planning all the special details of your big day. Whatever venue you choose, whether it’s in your parent’s backyard or a 500-seater ballroom, you can trust that it’ll be the right setting for you and your fiance to embark on your journey into marriage together. As long as the space feels like an expression of you as a couple and your love, you’re golden!