You’ve narrowed down the guest list. Now, where do you actually get married?
Finding small wedding venues in California for 20 guests or less takes a little digging. You want enough room to celebrate with your favorite people, without booking a space that feels huge for your group.
As an elopement photographer and planner, I love helping couples figure out how all the pieces fit together. Where you say your vows, where everyone stays, what you do afterward—and making time for those “holy crap, we’re married!” moments along the way.
From historic buildings to vineyard properties and mountain lodges, these California venues are worth exploring for a small celebration. As you narrow down your favorites, ask about options for your guest count, minimum spending requirements, and what’s included.
A quick note before you browse: Some venues below offer packages specifically for small weddings. Others require a custom quote and confirmation that they accept 20 guests or less. I’ve also included private dinner options for celebrating after a ceremony elsewhere. Package prices, guest limits, and availability can change, so confirm the details directly before booking.
Table of Contents
- How to Choose a Small Wedding Venue in California
- Lake Tahoe, Truckee & Donner Summit
- Sacramento & the Sierra Foothills
- Mount Shasta & the Northern Sierra
- San Francisco, Napa Valley & Sonoma County
- California Coast: Mendocino to Santa Barbara
- Yosemite, Mammoth Lakes & the Central Valley
- Southern California: San Diego, Orange County, Temecula & Joshua Tree
- Can You Have a Small Wedding at a Vacation Rental in California?
- FAQs About Small Wedding Venues in California
- You’ve Found a Few Venues You Love. What Comes Next?
- More California Elopement Planning Resources
How to Choose a Small Wedding Venue in California
Before you start scheduling tours, think about what you actually need your venue to provide. Somewhere to say your vows? A place for dinner? Or a property where everyone can stay for a few days?
Some venues in this guide offer specific small-wedding packages. Others require a custom proposal and confirmation that they can accommodate 20 guests or less.
Do You Want a Ceremony Only or a Ceremony and Dinner?
A ceremony-only reservation can work well if you want to exchange vows, take photos, and meet everyone at a restaurant afterward. Just account for travel, parking, and the time between your ceremony and dinner reservation.
If you’d rather keep everyone in one place, look for a venue with both ceremony space and private dining. Ask to see how each area would be arranged for your guest count, including where you would go if it rains.
Check the reservation hours, too. A short ceremony package might include guest arrivals, setup, photos, and departure within the same window.
Do You Want Everyone to Stay Nearby?
A lodge, inn, or private estate can give you more time together beyond the wedding. Think breakfast with your family, a relaxed getting-ready morning, and somewhere close to settle in after dinner.
Before booking, find out whether the venue requires overnight stays, a room block, or a full-property buyout. Ask how many nights are required and which costs you’re responsible for covering.
Sleeping capacity and wedding capacity are separate details. A property that sleeps 20 doesn’t automatically allow a wedding with 20 guests plus the couple and vendors.
What Will the Full Booking Actually Cost?
Ask each venue for a written quote based on the same plans: your date, total attendance, ceremony, food, drinks, and the hours you need.
Check whether it includes furniture, table settings, setup, cleanup, and coordination. Add any required lodging, service charges, tax, and outside vendor fees before comparing your favorites.
A smaller guest list can reduce food and drink costs, but venue fees and minimum spending may stay the same. The most useful number is the complete cost for the celebration you’re planning.
And leave yourselves enough time to enjoy it. Dinner, conversations with your guests, and a little time together for sunset photos deserve room in the day, too.
Lake Tahoe, Truckee & Donner Summit
The Landing Resort & Spa – South Lake Tahoe
Location: South Lake Tahoe, California
Closest airport: Reno–Tahoe International Airport (RNO)
Celebration options: Private dinner after a ceremony elsewhere
Guest count: Wine Room accommodates up to 25; confirm seating for your total group, including the two of you
Starting cost: Published evening venue fee of $1,500 plus a $3,000 food and beverage minimum, before service fees and tax
You don’t have to book your ceremony and dinner at the same place. If you’re planning to exchange vows elsewhere around Tahoe, The Landing gives you somewhere to bring everyone together afterward.
Picture finishing your photos, meeting your favorite people for dinner, and settling in for a few toasts without planning a big reception.
This recommendation is specifically for a private celebration meal. The Landing currently states that it does not accommodate elopements or very small wedding ceremonies.
Before booking, request a current quote and confirm the menu, reservation length, and arrangements for cake or speeches.
Explore private dining at The Landing
Riva Grill – South Lake Tahoe
Location: South Lake Tahoe, California
Closest airport: Reno–Tahoe International Airport (RNO)
Celebration options: Private dining after your ceremony; ask separately about ceremony arrangements
Guest count: Ask which room fits 20 guests or less and whether it will be fully private
Starting cost: Custom quote; the published 2026 banquet packet adds a 22% service charge and applicable sales tax
Dinner overlooking Lake Tahoe is a pretty great way to finish your wedding day. Riva Grill sits at Ski Run Marina, with views of the lake and surrounding mountains and upstairs dining spaces available for events.
You could exchange vows nearby, take photos together, then meet everyone for dinner and a toast. Having your celebration at a restaurant also means you won’t need to arrange a separate caterer.
Before booking, confirm the food and beverage minimum, reservation length, and arrangements for cake, speeches, or a first dance.
Explore celebrations at Riva Grill
Austin Ridge – Truckee
Location: Truckee, California
Closest airport: Reno–Tahoe International Airport (RNO)
Celebration options: Ceremony and celebration spaces with overnight accommodations; outside catering allowed
Guest count: Sleeps up to 20 adults across six rooms; confirm wedding attendance limits separately
Starting cost: Custom quote; confirm minimum stays and additional event restroom and waste-service fees
If you’re picturing a private property where you can bring your favorite people together for a few days, take a look at Austin Ridge.
The property offers indoor and outdoor gathering spaces, plus an outdoor kitchen and pool house bar available for catering use. You can choose your own caterer and plan a meal around food you actually love.
A three-day buyout also allows you to host your rehearsal dinner there. That gives everyone more time together before the wedding, instead of arriving for the ceremony and leaving after dinner.
Before booking, confirm which spaces are included, furniture and rental needs, and a weather backup. Ask for a complete quote covering lodging and event costs so you can see the full picture.
Explore weddings at Austin Ridge
Location: Truckee, California
Celebration options: Ceremony and celebration spaces with overnight accommodations; outside catering allowed
Guest count: Sleeps up to 20 adults across six rooms; confirm wedding attendance limits separately
Starting cost: Custom quote; ask about minimum stays and additional event restroom and waste-service fees
Overlook & Wild Pine at Northstar – Truckee
Location: Northstar, Truckee, California
Closest airport: Reno–Tahoe International Airport (RNO)
Celebration options: Outdoor ceremony at Overlook followed by dinner at Wild Pine
Guest count: Accommodates up to 80; confirm availability and arrangements for 20 guests or less
Starting cost: Published venue fees from $1,500, including the ceremony, plus food and beverage minimums from $8,000 Monday–Thursday or $10,000 Friday–Sunday and peak holidays, before additional charges
Season: May–October
If you love mountain scenery but want the convenience of a resort village, take a look at Overlook and Wild Pine.
Overlook offers an outdoor ceremony setting surrounded by tall pines and Sierra Nevada views. After your vows, you can gather for cocktails and bocce ball before heading to Wild Pine for dinner.
I love having those parts of the day close together. You get your mountain ceremony, time for photos, and somewhere to share a meal without sending everyone off to another location.
Before booking, ask how the spaces would be arranged for your group and what happens if the weather changes. Request a complete quote with taxes, service charges, and any other required fees included.
Explore Overlook and Wild Pine weddings at Northstar
Rainbow Tavern & Lodge – Soda Springs
Location: Soda Springs, California, near Donner Summit
Closest airport: Reno–Tahoe International Airport (RNO); Sacramento International Airport (SMF) is another option.
Celebration options: Outdoor ceremony, indoor reception, and overnight accommodations
Guest count: Hosts weddings up to 120; confirm whether they accept celebrations with 20 guests or less
Starting cost: Custom quote; ask about minimum spending and lodging commitments
Lodging: 27 guest rooms; confirm whether a full-property buyout is required
If you’re picturing a mountain lodge surrounded by pines and aspens, take a look at Rainbow Tavern & Lodge. This historic property has outdoor ceremony settings and an indoor space for celebrating afterward.
The appeal here is having time together beyond the ceremony. You could settle in before the wedding, gather for your vows, and spend the evening sharing a meal without everyone heading back to separate hotels.
The lodge doesn’t publish a package specifically for 20 guests or less, so start by asking whether they can accommodate your plans. Request a complete proposal covering venue access, lodging, catering, drinks, rentals, and service charges.
Explore weddings at Rainbow Lodge
Sacramento & the Sierra Foothills
The Prickly Pear – Sacramento
Location: Sacramento, California
Closest airport: Sacramento International Airport (SMF)
Celebration options: Ceremony and celebration spaces; outside catering allowed
Guest count: Listed capacity is 30 outdoors and 45 indoors; confirm the layout for your group
Starting cost: Published wedding rental of $1,800 for a full day; confirm current pricing and additional fees
A plant-filled greenhouse, a cactus garden, and a small wedding with your favorite people? The Prickly Pear brings something a little different to this list.
This plant shop and event venue has indoor and outdoor spaces, vintage tables, and evening lighting. If you love greenery, there’s already plenty to work with before you add flowers or decorations.
Outside catering is allowed, with a kitchen available for catering access. That gives you flexibility to choose your food and settle in for an evening of eating, talking, and celebrating.
Before booking, confirm where your ceremony and dinner would happen, what furniture is included, and the weather backup. Ask about access hours and setup and cleanup responsibilities, too.
Explore weddings at The Prickly Pear
Rancho Victoria – Plymouth, Sierra Foothills
Location: Plymouth, California
Closest airport: Sacramento International Airport (SMF)
Celebration options: Ceremony and photos; plan dinner separately
Guest count: Package allows up to 20 people; confirm whether that includes the couple and vendors
Starting cost: Published elopement package of $1,250 for 90 minutes
Availability: Monday–Thursday
If vineyard views and old oak trees are calling your name, take a look at Rancho Victoria. This private estate offers a countryside setting in the Sierra foothills, with rolling vineyards as your backdrop.
Their weekday elopement package gives you time to exchange vows and take photos with everyone you invited before heading somewhere else to celebrate.
Keep that reservation length in mind when planning. Ask whether arrivals, setup, and departure count toward your 90 minutes so you know how much time you’ll have for the ceremony and photos.
Before booking, confirm what furniture and services are included, any additional fees, and a weather backup. The published package doesn’t include a reception, so choose your dinner location separately and leave time to get everyone there.
Explore elopements at Rancho Victoria
Saluti Cellars – Somerset
Location: Somerset, El Dorado County, California
Closest airport: Sacramento International Airport (SMF)
Celebration options: Ceremony and catered dinner through their elopement and micro wedding offerings
Guest count: Confirm which package accommodates your group of 20 guests or less
Starting cost: Published packages start at $2,500; the guest count included at that price isn’t specified
Vineyard views, a pond, and a rose-covered ceremony arbor? Saluti Cellars gives you a wine country setting tucked into the Sierra foothills.
The property has several gathering spaces, including a timber pavilion overlooking the pond and a wine cave for dinner. Ask which spaces come with the smaller packages so you can picture where each part of your day would happen.
Their published elopement and micro wedding offerings include coordination, catered dinner, tables and chairs, setup and breakdown, and cake. Having those pieces arranged can take a few things off your planning list.
Before booking, request an itemized quote for your actual guest count. Confirm venue access hours, lodging requirements, outside photographer policies, and any additional food, beverage, or service fees.
Explore small weddings at Saluti Cellars
Park Victorian – Auburn
Location: Auburn, California
Closest airport: Sacramento International Airport (SMF)
Celebration options: Elopements, micro weddings, and intimate events; confirm ceremony and reception arrangements
Guest count: Request a proposal for 20 guests or less, including any minimum booking requirements
Starting cost: Custom quote
If you love historic homes, take a look at Park Victorian. This restored 1874 Victorian mansion overlooks Old Town Auburn, with views of the historic courthouse and surrounding foothills.
The gardens and lawn areas offer an outdoor setting with plenty of character. Picture gathering everyone for your vows, taking photos around the property, and spending time together afterward.
Park Victorian specializes in smaller celebrations, so ask how they would arrange the ceremony and reception for your guest list.
Before booking, confirm catering arrangements, furniture, lodging requirements, and a weather backup. Find out how much time you’ll have for getting ready, photos, and celebrating so you can plan the day without squeezing everything into a short reservation.
Explore weddings at Park Victorian
National Exchange Hotel – Nevada City
Location: Downtown Nevada City, California
Closest airport: Sacramento International Airport (SMF)
Celebration options: Outdoor ceremony spaces and private dining; confirm arrangements for your group
Guest count: Fireplace Room at Lola seats 22, potentially fitting 20 guests plus the couple; confirm the layout
Starting cost: Custom quote; ask about venue fees and food and beverage minimums
If you love historic buildings and the idea of celebrating right in town, take a look at National Exchange Hotel.
The hotel has outdoor ceremony spaces, an on-site restaurant, and guest rooms for anyone who wants to stay the night. You could gather for your vows, take photos around downtown Nevada City, and bring everyone together for dinner afterward.
For a smaller reception, ask about the Fireplace Room at Lola. Tucked toward the back of the restaurant, it offers a cozy setting for sharing a meal and a few toasts.
Before booking, confirm which ceremony space pairs with your dinner reservation, whether the dining room will be exclusively yours, and any lodging requirements. Include the couple in your seating count when discussing the room’s capacity.
Explore weddings at National Exchange Hotel
Mount Shasta & the Northern Sierra
Shasta View Lodge – McCloud, Near Mount Shasta
Location: McCloud, California, near Mount Shasta
Closest airport: Redding Regional Airport (RDD); compare flights into Rogue Valley International–Medford Airport (MFR), too.
Celebration options: Ceremony, reception, and overnight accommodations
Guest count: Request arrangements for 20 guests or less; the cabins sleep up to 40 people, which is separate from wedding capacity
Starting cost: Custom quote
Stay requirements: Full lodge buyout with a two-night minimum
Getting married with Mount Shasta behind you, then spending a few days with your favorite people? That’s the appeal of Shasta View Lodge.
A wedding buyout includes all nine cabins, outdoor celebration areas, and an indoor reception space. You can choose your own caterer and photographer, giving you flexibility when putting the day together.
For a smaller group, picture everyone settling into their cabins, gathering for your vows, and sharing dinner with mountain views.
Before booking, ask how the ceremony and dinner spaces would be arranged for your guest list. Request a complete quote covering the property buyout and any additional event fees, and confirm furniture, catering requirements, and a weather backup.
Explore weddings at Shasta View Lodge
Mount Shasta Resort – Mount Shasta
Location: Mount Shasta, California
Closest airport: Redding Regional Airport (RDD); Rogue Valley International–Medford Airport (MFR) is another option.
Celebration options: Ceremony and dinner reception
Guest count: Elopement package accommodates up to 25 guests; confirm how the couple and vendors are counted
Starting cost: Request current elopement package pricing
Availability: Seasonal date restrictions apply; confirm eligible days directly
If you want Mount Shasta views with your ceremony and dinner at the same property, take a look at Mount Shasta Resort.
Their elopement package includes indoor or outdoor ceremony and reception options, four hours of reception space, a plated dinner or buffet, cake or cupcakes, a bouquet and boutonniere, and a champagne or cider toast.
There are also chalets on-site, giving you and your guests somewhere nearby to stay. You could settle in before the wedding and enjoy breakfast together the next morning without immediately heading home.
Before booking, ask which spaces are included for your group, whether lodging is required, and what additional fees apply. Request the elopement package specifically—the resort’s larger wedding packages have different guest minimums.
Explore elopements at Mount Shasta Resort
Twenty Mile House – Near Graeagle
Location: Near Graeagle, California
Closest airport: Reno–Tahoe International Airport (RNO)
Celebration options: Ceremony, reception, and overnight accommodations
Guest count: Customized pricing is available for smaller groups; request a proposal for 20 guests or less
Starting cost: Custom quote
Lodging: Sleeps up to 54; booking all accommodations requires a two-night minimum
Forest scenery, a river running through the property, and historic cabins where your favorite people can stay—Twenty Mile House has plenty to love if you’re picturing a mountain wedding.
The estate offers three ceremony sites, with wedding packages that bring together planning, catering, flowers, photography, and other services. Ask which inclusions apply to a celebration your size.
Their standard guest minimums are higher than this guide’s focus: 100 on Saturdays and 50 Sunday–Thursday. The venue also offers customized pricing for smaller groups, so start by confirming whether they can accommodate your date and guest list.
Before booking, ask about lodging commitments, available ceremony and dinner spaces, and outside vendor policies. If you already have a photographer in mind, discuss that before choosing a package, since outside vendors need advance approval.
Explore weddings at Twenty Mile House
San Francisco, Napa Valley & Sonoma County
San Francisco City Hall
Location: San Francisco, California
Closest airport: San Francisco International Airport (SFO); Oakland (OAK) is another option
Celebration options: Ceremony and photos; plan your reception meal separately
Guest count: For 20 guests, explore private ceremony rentals; standard civil ceremonies have a smaller guest allowance
Starting cost: Depends on the ceremony rental you choose; confirm current fees and inclusions
If you love historic architecture, San Francisco City Hall is a pretty incredible place to get married. The marble, the grand staircase, the light coming through those windows—I could happily spend hours photographing here.
For a wedding with guests, the ceremony option you book matters. Look into private rentals and confirm the attendance allowance, seating, officiant arrangements, and how much time you’ll have in your reserved space.
I love the idea of making a whole day of it: getting ready, saying your vows, taking photos around City Hall, then meeting your favorite people for a celebratory meal. You can even leave room for coastal portraits later in the day.
Before booking, check access rules and photography arrangements for your chosen ceremony option. Give yourselves time outside the reservation for photos around the building and travel to your next stop.
Explore weddings at San Francisco City Hall
Hotel Yountville – Napa Valley
Location: Yountville, Napa Valley, California
Closest airport: Charles M. Schulz–Sonoma County Airport (STS). Sacramento (SMF), Oakland (OAK), and San Francisco (SFO) offer additional flight options
Celebration options: Ceremony, sparkling wine toast, and small bites; plan dinner separately
Guest count: Package lists up to 18 guests; confirm whether the couple counts toward that limit
Starting cost: Published package from $8,000; confirm lodging requirements and additional charges
Availability: Sunday–Thursday
A garden ceremony, a sparkling wine toast, and a few days enjoying Napa Valley? Hotel Yountville is worth exploring if you’re keeping your guest list small.
The hotel’s stone buildings, wood details, and garden courtyards give you a wine country setting without booking a sprawling vineyard estate.
Their elopement package includes a courtyard or garden ceremony space with seating, an officiant, seasonal flowers, 1.5 hours of photography, an acoustic guitarist, a sparkling wine toast, and sweet or savory small bites.
You could enjoy those bites and a toast after your vows, then gather everyone for dinner later. The published package doesn’t include a full reception meal, so make those arrangements separately.
Before booking, ask about venue access time, lodging commitments, and bringing your own photographer. Request a complete quote with taxes and service charges included.
My photography tip: Give yourselves time for photos beyond your ceremony reservation. The staircase, hallways, and window light are a huge part of what I love about photographing at City Hall, and I wouldn’t want you rushing past all of it to make a dinner reservation.
City Hall is also a working public building, so we’ll stay flexible about where we photograph and work around other ceremonies. Your reserved ceremony space is one part of the day—we can build in time to enjoy the rest of the building, too.
For more help choosing your ceremony option and planning the day, read my San Francisco elopement guide.
Explore elopements at Hotel Yountville
Dawn Ranch – Guerneville, Sonoma County
Location: Guerneville, Sonoma County, California
Closest airport: Charles M. Schulz–Sonoma County Airport (STS) in Santa Rosa
Celebration options: Ceremony, dining, and overnight accommodations
Guest count: Elopements and micro weddings are offered; confirm the package and spaces available for 20 guests or less
Starting cost: Request a proposal covering venue access, food, drinks, and any required lodging
If you’re drawn to redwoods and the idea of spending a few days with everyone, take a look at Dawn Ranch. The 22-acre property sits along the Russian River, with gardens, forest surroundings, and accommodations on-site.
You could have a slow morning getting ready, gather for your vows beneath the trees, and bring everyone together for dinner afterward. Staying nearby also gives you time together beyond the wedding itself.
Before booking, ask which ceremony and dinner spaces suit your guest list, how private those areas will be, and what happens if it rains. Confirm minimum spending, lodging commitments, and outside vendor policies in your proposal.
Explore intimate weddings at Dawn Ranch
California Coast: Mendocino to Santa Barbara
The Inn at Newport Ranch – Fort Bragg
Location: Fort Bragg, Mendocino Coast, California
Closest airport: Charles M. Schulz–Sonoma County Airport (STS). San Francisco (SFO) and Oakland (OAK) are alternatives with a longer drive
Celebration options: Ceremony, dinner, and overnight accommodations
Guest count: Elopement package allows four guests plus the couple; Sea Drum allows eight plus the couple. For 20 guests, request a small-wedding proposal
Starting cost: Elopement package is $6,000 for two; Sea Drum is $12,000 for up to 10 people. Lodging, service fees, and tax are additional
Stay requirements: Elopement and Sea Drum packages require two and three nights respectively, with ceremonies Monday–Thursday, excluding holidays
Ocean cliffs, redwood forests, and a few days on the Mendocino Coast? The Inn at Newport Ranch gives you plenty of reasons to stay beyond the wedding day.
Their smaller packages include an officiant, flowers, a sparkling wine toast, cake, and one hour of photography. Sea Drum also includes a private chef for your celebration dinner.
For a group closer to 20 guests, ask about their small-wedding arrangements. Those require a full-property buyout and a two-night minimum, so compare the complete property cost when considering your options.
Before booking, confirm dinner inclusions, lodging costs, and the policy on bringing your own photographer or adding coverage.
Explore weddings at The Inn at Newport Ranch
Old Monterey Inn – Monterey
Location: Monterey, California
Closest airport: Monterey Regional Airport (MRY); San José Mineta International Airport (SJC) is another option
Celebration options: Garden or indoor ceremony with lodging; discuss dinner separately
Guest count: Elopement package covers two to six people total; request an intimate-wedding proposal for a larger group
Starting cost: Custom quote
Stay requirements: Elopement package includes two nights for the couple
Ceremony timing: Between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.
If you’re picturing a garden ceremony with a handful of your favorite people, take a look at Old Monterey Inn. This bed and breakfast gives you a leafy setting and somewhere to settle in before and after the wedding.
The elopement package includes champagne, daily breakfast, evening wine and hors d’oeuvres, and wedding-day coordination. For a group closer to 20 guests, ask about their separate intimate-wedding arrangements.
You could exchange vows, take photos around the gardens, and meet everyone for dinner afterward. With an earlier ceremony, there’s also room to plan coastal portraits later in the day.
Before booking, confirm your ceremony space, vendor arrangements, and what’s included for your guest count. Ceremonies take place in the garden or indoor parlor depending on the weather.
Explore weddings at Old Monterey Inn
Glen Oaks Big Sur – Big Sur
Location: Big Sur, California
Closest airport: Monterey Regional Airport (MRY); San José Mineta International Airport (SJC) offers additional flight options farther away.
Celebration options: Redwood ceremony; dinner arrangements are separate
Guest count: Fairy Circle accommodates 20 people or fewer; confirm how the couple and vendors count toward the limit
Starting cost: Request current ceremony and lodging pricing
Stay requirements: Fairy Circle bookings require a two-night stay in the Bridge House
Ceremony access: Two hours at your chosen ceremony site
If getting married beneath towering redwoods is high on your list, take a look at Glen Oaks Big Sur. Their Fairy Circle gives you a forest setting where a small group can gather around you for your vows.
Booking this site also means staying in the Bridge House, a private two-story home overlooking the Big Sur River. I love the idea of settling in before the wedding and waking up married the next morning without immediately packing up.
The ceremony reservation includes chairs and a drinks table with water and iced tea. A champagne toast or beer and wine service can be arranged for an additional charge.
For dinner, ask about a separate reception reservation at Big Sur Roadhouse. Confirm its minimums for your group, along with a weather backup and accessibility for your ceremony site.
Explore weddings at Glen Oaks Big Sur
Madonna Inn – San Luis Obispo
Location: San Luis Obispo, California
Closest airport: San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport (SBP)
Celebration options: Ceremony and private dinner
Guest count: The couple plus up to 18 guests—20 people total
Starting cost: Published package price of $3,000, plus a 22% service charge and applicable sales tax
Availability: Monday–Thursday
Included time: One-hour ceremony and three hours of dinner service
If you love color and a venue with plenty of personality, take a look at Madonna Inn. It brings a completely different setting to this list of vineyards, forests, and coastal locations.
Their elopement package includes a ceremony on the Main Dance Floor or in the Secret Garden, followed by dinner in a private room. A plated meal, champagne toast, and custom 10-inch wedding cake are included.
You could say your vows, take photos together, and sit down with everyone for dinner and cake without traveling to another venue.
Before booking, confirm your ceremony and dining spaces, menu choices, photography access, and any lodging requirements. Ask how time for photos fits between the ceremony and dinner reservations.
Explore elopements at Madonna Inn
Santa Barbara County Courthouse – Santa Barbara
Location: Santa Barbara, California
Closest airport: Santa Barbara Airport (SBA)
Celebration options: Ceremony and photos; arrange dinner elsewhere
Guest count: For 20 guests, explore a reserved ceremony space through County Parks rather than a standard civil ceremony appointment
Starting cost: Published exterior garden reservation fee of $1,200; officiant services and marriage license fees are separate
If you love historic architecture, put Santa Barbara County Courthouse on your list. The arches, tile details, and gardens give you plenty of places to enjoy your ceremony and take photos afterward.
You could exchange vows, wander the grounds together for portraits, then meet everyone for a celebratory meal. Leave room for coastal photos later if you’d love some beach scenery, too.
Your booking choice matters here. A standard civil ceremony appointment has a smaller guest allowance. For a group of 20 guests, ask County Parks about reserving a garden ceremony space and confirm the total attendance permitted.
Reserving the location and arranging your officiant are separate steps. Before booking, confirm ceremony services, seating rules, access hours, and a weather backup. The courthouse is a public property, so ask what your reservation makes exclusive.
Explore Santa Barbara Courthouse garden weddings
Yosemite, Mammoth Lakes & the Central Valley
Rush Creek Lodge – Near Yosemite
Location: Groveland, California, outside Yosemite National Park
Closest airport: Merced Yosemite Regional Airport (MCE), with limited passenger service. Compare Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT) and Sacramento International Airport (SMF) for additional flight options.
Celebration options: On-site ceremony options and dinner; you can also arrange a ceremony inside Yosemite separately
Guest count: Package includes dinner for up to 20 guests, but is advertised for events with 20–40; confirm minimum attendance and whether the couple counts
Starting cost: Published package price of $7,500 before taxes and 22% gratuity
Availability: Sunday–Thursday
Lodging: Package includes a two-night stay for the couple
Want Yosemite scenery and somewhere to gather everyone for dinner afterward? Rush Creek Lodge gives you a way to bring those pieces together.
The lodge offers ceremony locations on the property, including Cedar View and an outdoor terrace. If you’re considering vows inside Yosemite instead, you’ll need to arrange the park ceremony separately and allow time to travel back for dinner.
Their elopement package includes a four-course dinner, beer and wine, a champagne toast, table settings, candles, fresh table garland, and small dessert bites. A wedding cake isn’t included.
Before booking, confirm ceremony-site fees, dinner location, event hours, and any guest lodging commitments. Ask for a proposal based on your exact attendance so you know which package fits.
Explore elopements at Rush Creek Lodge
Outbound Mammoth – Mammoth Lakes
Location: Mammoth Lakes, California
Closest airport: Mammoth Yosemite Airport (MMH), with limited seasonal service. Bishop Airport (BIH) is another nearby option; check schedules for your dates.
Celebration options: Ceremony, reception, private dining, and overnight accommodations
Guest count: Request a proposal confirming spaces and minimums for 20 guests or less
Starting cost: Custom quote
Planning requirement: A wedding planner or day-of coordinator is required for ceremonies and receptions
If you want a mountain wedding with lodging and places to celebrate at the same property, take a look at Outbound Mammoth.
The Hearth & Soul Room has vaulted ceilings, a fireplace, and a bar. For a smaller dinner, ask about the private dining room at Bar Sierra, their on-site restaurant.
You could gather everyone for your vows and dinner there, or book a celebration meal after a ceremony elsewhere. Ask which spaces would work comfortably for your group and whether they would be exclusively yours.
Before booking, confirm food and beverage minimums, lodging commitments, venue access hours, and a weather backup for any outdoor plans. Include the required coordinator in your budget, too.
Explore weddings at Outbound Mammoth
The Bird Ranch – Gustine
Location: Gustine, California
Closest airport: Merced Yosemite Regional Airport (MCE), with limited passenger service. San José Mineta International Airport (SJC) is a farther alternative with more flight options.
Celebration options: Ceremony; refreshments, cake, and lodging vary by package
Guest count: Gold and Diamond packages accommodate up to 20 guests; confirm how the couple and vendors are counted
Starting cost: Published Gold package is $2,195; Diamond is $4,900. Confirm additional fees
Included time: Gold provides 2.5 hours; Diamond provides three hours
If you love oak trees and a creekside setting, take a look at The Bird Ranch at San Luis Creek. Each package gives you exclusive access to the ranch during your reservation.
The Sunday Gold package includes an officiant, ceremony chairs, two hours of photography, planning support, and a floral credit.
Diamond adds grazing boards, refreshments, a wedding cake, and a one-night farmhouse stay for the couple. It’s offered Sunday–Friday year-round, with some Saturday availability November–March.
Before booking, confirm the food included—grazing boards aren’t necessarily a full dinner—and how your ceremony, photos, and celebration fit within the reservation. Photography is included, so ask about bringing your own photographer if you already have someone in mind.
Explore elopements at The Bird Ranch
Southern California: San Diego, Orange County, Temecula & Joshua Tree
La Jolla Shores Hotel – La Jolla, San Diego
Location: La Jolla, San Diego, California
Closest airport: San Diego International Airport (SAN)
Celebration options: Oceanfront ceremony and dinner reception
Guest count: Intimate Shores Micro Wedding package is designed for up to 25 guests; confirm how the couple is counted
Starting cost: Published package starts at $5,000; request a complete quote confirming venue fees, drinks, service charges, and tax
Availability: Sunday–Thursday preferred, subject to availability
If you’re picturing ocean views and dinner with your favorite people, take a look at La Jolla Shores Hotel. The beachfront location also gives you somewhere to stay before and after the wedding.
Their Intimate Shores Micro Wedding package includes a standard ceremony setup, white linens and chairs, two passed appetizers during a one-hour reception, a two-course plated dinner, and a champagne toast for the couple.
You could exchange vows, take photos by the water, then settle in for a meal without having everyone drive to another venue.
Before booking, confirm the exact ceremony and dinner locations, privacy, lodging requirements, and weather backup. If you want your ceremony directly on the sand, ask about seasonal restrictions—the hotel’s catalog lists limits on public beach permitting during July and August.
Explore weddings at La Jolla Shores Hotel
La Ventura – San Clemente, Orange County
Location: San Clemente, Orange County, California
Closest airport: John Wayne Airport (SNA) in Orange County
Celebration options: Ceremony and champagne toast; dinner is available through a separate micro wedding package
Guest count: Elopement package includes 20 ceremony chairs and a toast for up to 20 guests; confirm total attendance limits
Starting cost: Published elopement packages start at $3,500; request a complete quote
Availability: Monday–Thursday
Included time: Three hours of access to the getting-ready rooms and ceremony courtyard
If you’re picturing a courtyard ceremony with a small group of your favorite people, take a look at La Ventura.
Their elopement package includes access to the bridal suite, groom’s room, and courtyard, along with ceremony chairs, a ceremony timeline, and a champagne toast.
Having getting-ready spaces and your ceremony at the same property means fewer stops throughout the day. You could get ready, exchange vows, share a toast, and take photos before heading somewhere else for dinner.
If you’d rather stay for the meal, ask about their separate micro wedding package, which includes a ceremony and reception with dining. Confirm its minimums for your group before comparing the two options.
Before booking, check current package availability, setup and cleanup time, required parking services, and any additional fees.
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Lorimar Vineyards & Winery – Temecula
Location: Temecula, California
Closest airport: McClellan–Palomar Airport (CLD) in Carlsbad, with limited flight options. Compare Ontario International Airport (ONT) and San Diego International Airport (SAN), too.
Celebration options: Private ceremony and dinner reception
Guest count: Petite Package covers up to 40 guests; confirm minimum requirements and pricing for 20 guests or less
Starting cost: Published package price of $5,000, before tax, service charges, and gratuity
Included time: Three hours; additional time available for a fee
Booking window: Available six months before your date; must be booked at least two weeks in advance
Vineyard rows, citrus groves, and dinner with your favorite people? Lorimar gives you a Temecula wine country option with your ceremony and celebration in one place.
Their Petite Package includes dinner, open bar service, a sparkling toast, one bouquet, and one boutonniere. Dinner place settings and a ceremony speaker and microphone are also included.
I love the idea of saying your vows, taking photos together, and sitting down to a meal without having everyone drive to another location.
Before booking, ask which ceremony and dining space you would use, how the three hours are divided, and whether setup or getting-ready access is separate. Confirm your complete price and a weather backup before reserving.
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Sacred Sands – Joshua Tree
Location: Joshua Tree, California, about one mile from the national park’s West Entrance
Closest airport: Palm Springs International Airport (PSP)
Celebration options: Outdoor ceremony and reception spaces, with indoor music and dancing
Guest count: Request confirmation of arrangements for 20 guests or less
Starting cost: Custom quote; pricing varies seasonally
Lodging: On-site accommodations available; confirm any required bookings
If you’re picturing desert views, Joshua trees, and sunset photos, take a look at Sacred Sands. The property sits on five private acres outside Joshua Tree National Park.
Outdoor ceremony and gathering areas open toward the desert landscape. Later in the evening, the Great Room offers an indoor space for music and dancing, with outdoor lounge areas nearby.
I love the idea of leaving time to step away together for photos as the sun drops, then returning to dinner and celebrating with everyone you invited.
Before booking, request the current brochure and a proposal for your exact guest count. Confirm catering arrangements, furniture, event hours, lodging requirements, and a weather backup. If you want to include the national park in your day, plan that portion separately from your venue reservation.
Explore weddings at Sacred Sands
Can You Have a Small Wedding at a Vacation Rental in California?
A cabin, coastal home, or private estate can sound pretty perfect for a small wedding. Getting ready together, saying your vows, and sharing dinner without leaving the property? I get the appeal.
But booking a place to stay doesn’t automatically mean you can host a wedding there. Before reserving anything, tell the property manager exactly what you’re planning: your ceremony, total number of people, outside vendors, and any dinner or celebration afterward.
Get written approval for those plans and check the booking platform’s rules, too. Airbnb prohibits disruptive gatherings and open-invite parties, and individual properties may have stricter restrictions.
Sleeping capacity and event capacity are different. A home that sleeps 20 might not allow additional visitors, a ceremony, or a catered dinner.
If the rental only allows overnight stays, it can still be your home base. Get ready there, choose an approved ceremony location nearby, then celebrate at a restaurant with your guests.
FAQs About Small Wedding Venues in California
How much does a small wedding venue cost in California?
The cost depends on the location, what’s included, and how long you’ll have the space. A short ceremony reservation is a very different booking from a private estate where everyone stays for the weekend.
Some venues charge a rental fee, while others offer packages that include dinner, flowers, cake, or coordination. Hotels and restaurants may also have food and beverage minimums.
Before comparing prices, ask for a complete quote for your actual guest count. Include venue fees, meals, drinks, required lodging, rentals, service charges, and tax. The starting price doesn’t always tell you what you’ll spend.
What are affordable venue options for a wedding with 20 guests?
Start with ceremony-only packages, courthouse ceremony spaces, restaurant private rooms, and venues that specifically offer elopements or small weddings.
Keeping your ceremony short and booking dinner separately can give you more flexibility. A weekday date may also open up packages that aren’t available on weekends.
The biggest thing to watch for is a minimum guest count or spending requirement. Inviting 20 people won’t necessarily lower the price if you’re booking a package built for 50.
Can you have a ceremony and reception with only 20 guests?
Absolutely. You can have vows, dinner, cake, speeches, a first dance, and time to celebrate with everyone you invited.
Look for a venue with spaces that suit your group. A private dining room, garden courtyard, or smaller lodge gathering space can bring everyone together comfortably.
You also don’t have to include every traditional wedding activity. Pick the parts you’re excited about and give yourselves time to enjoy them.
Do you need a traditional wedding venue for a small wedding?
You have several options. You could reserve a ceremony space and celebrate at a restaurant afterward, book a hotel’s small wedding package, or rent an approved private property.
Think about what you need the location to provide. A ceremony-only reservation might cover space for your vows, while a venue with dinner, furniture, restrooms, and a weather backup can take care of more of the day.
If you book separate locations, include travel time and make sure everyone knows where to go next.
Can you book a larger wedding venue for 20 guests or less?
Sometimes! A larger venue may have a smaller room, courtyard, or package that works for your group.
Ask about minimum spending, required lodging, and which spaces you would actually use. A property that accommodates 100 people might still work for 20, but you could be paying for access and services designed for a much larger celebration.
Does a venue’s guest limit include the couple and vendors?
Don’t assume every venue counts people the same way. A package advertised for “20 guests” may mean 20 invited guests plus the couple, while another may allow 20 people total.
Ask how children, your officiant, photographers, and other vendors are counted. Confirm both the package allowance and the total number of people permitted in the space before sending invitations.
What do you do at a small wedding reception if you don’t want dancing?
You can spend the evening sharing a meal, listening to a few speeches, cutting your cake, and catching up with everyone. You don’t need a packed dance floor to have a good celebration.
Depending on the venue, you could add lawn games, a wine tasting, or a slideshow. Or keep it simple with dinner and dessert, then step away together for sunset photos.
Having fewer guests gives you more time to talk to the people you invited. That can be a big part of the appeal.
What should you ask before booking a small wedding venue?
Start with your date, total attendance, and what you want to do there: get ready, exchange vows, have dinner, or stay overnight.
Then ask about minimum spending, included furniture, catering rules, outside vendors, setup and cleanup time, and a weather backup. If lodging is required, find out how many rooms and nights you need to book.
Get the full proposal in writing so you can compare your favorites knowing what each one includes.
You’ve Found a Few Venues You Love. What Comes Next?
Reach out to your favorites with your date, guest count, and what you’d like to do there. Once you know what’s available and what the full booking includes, it’s easier to narrow things down.
Then you can start picturing the rest of your day. Where will you get ready? When will everyone gather for dinner? Do you want time alone together after the ceremony or sunset photos somewhere nearby?
I’m Kristin, an elopement photographer and planner based in Northern California. I help couples connect those pieces, from choosing locations and building a timeline to photographing the little moments they’ll want to remember.
If you’re planning an elopement and want photography with planning support, tell me what you’re thinking. Share your guest count, the places you’re considering, and what you’re most excited about. You don’t need to have every detail figured out.
More California Elopement Planning Resources
- How to Elope in California — Walk through the planning steps beyond choosing your venue.
- Best Places to Elope in California — Explore more mountain, forest, coastal, and city locations.
- California Elopement Ideas — Find ideas for spending your wedding day together.
- Mount Shasta Elopement Guide — Take a closer look at locations and planning in the Mount Shasta area.
I'm Kristin Smith
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California Elopement & Intimate Wedding Photographer, Planner & Designer
Helping you create a laid-back, intentional elopement in epic locations, without the stress.
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