The Queen Mary

Venue: The Queen Mary
Photographer: Britney Alves, Turn Loose the Art

Notes on the venue: first things first, parking is always a fun experience at the Queen Mary. Next, the lighting is usually a mix of interesting colors. That said, the place is chock full of history and funky backdrops and makes for a very fun portrait shoot!

Wayfarers Chapel

Venue: Wayfarers Chapel
Photographer: Britney Alves, Turn Loose the Art

Notes on the venue: Situated on the top of a cliff in Palos Verdes and built by the legendary Frank Lloyd Wright, Wayfarers Chapel is a beautiful location for a ceremony. Time restrictions are very tight, however, and the chapel is very small and will hold only a minimal guestlist.

Westin Long Beach

Venue: Westin Long Beach
Photographer: Britney Alves, Turn Loose the Art

Notes on the venue: the Westin has an outdoor patio area for ceremonies, or you can choose to have your ceremony indoors in one of many ballrooms.

The Prado

Venue: The Prado
Photographer: Britney Alves for Leigh Miller Photography

Notes on the venue: The Prado has room for large guest lists. With minimal lighting, the room is quite dark. Architecture enthusiasts will appreciate the venue and the surrounding Balboa Park offers many areas for portraits. The room has a large stage at front perfect if you choose a band for your reception entertainment.

The Grand Californian

Venue: Grand Californian Hotel
Photographer: Britney Alves, Turn Loose the Art

Notes on the venue: The Grand Californian is a Disney Hotel and has entrances to both Downtown Disney and California Adventures, but that's about where the typical Disney look stops. Built to look like the old craftsman style homes all around the area, the hotel as a unique look. The lodge atmosphere is heavy, and the lobby dark and beautiful. The grounds surrounding the hotel have a variety of plants and a forest-like area.

The ceremony site is off the side of the hotel and shaded for all afternoon weddings. Guests are not permitted in the area during events, unlike many other hotels. Nearby is a sitting area and fireplace.

There are multiple ballrooms for your reception, and most rooms are divisible to accommodate your guest list. Food is excellent, except for vendor meals, of course. The rooms are fairly dark with mixed lighting.

Coast Long Beach Hotel

Venue: Coast Long Beach Hotel

Coordination: Amanda Auer, In the Now Weddings

Photographer: Britney Alves, Turn Loose The Art

Notes on the Venue:
The Coast Long Beach has a 2nd floor room with a wall of windows that overlooks Rainbow Harbor and the Long Beach skyline, as well as the Queen Mary. The room is oddly shaped and will not hold a large reception, which makes it perfect for smaller weddings. Rooms at the hotel tend to be larger than other hotel rooms in downtown Long Beach, which helps if you're getting ready there.

Casa Romantica

Location: Casa Romantica, San Clemente, CA
Catering: Carbonara
Photographer: Britney Alves, Turn Loose the Art

Notes on the venue:
Casa Romantica has getting ready, ceremony, and reception locations. The getting ready locations are empty rooms with plenty of space and restrooms. The ceremony location is on a patio outside the building and overlooks the ocean and the San Clemente Pier. The reception can be indoors in the room next to the ocean patio, or in the courtyard. There is limited parking outdoors.

Westridge Golf Club

Location: Westridge Golf Club, La Habra, CA
Photographer: Britney Alves, Turn Loose the Art

Notes on the venue: The golf club has ample parking, but a very small and poorly lit getting ready room. The ceremony area is in front of a nicely landscaped area and gazebo; it should be noted the club allows golfing to continue during the ceremony. The reception location is in the large banquet room, where there is plenty of space for even large guest lists. One of the banquet room walls is entirely windows that overlook the golf course and an impressive fountain across the green.

Clarke Estate

Location: The Clarke Estate, Santa Fe Springs, CA
Photographer: Britney Alves, Turn Loose the Art

Notes on the venue: The Clarke Estate used to be the home of one of the founders of Santa Fe Springs. Though it is a residence, the venue is outdoors only. There is ample parking a short walk away from the ceremony venue, which is on the side of the home on a sprawling lawn. Then, a short walk around the house to the back, you'll find the reception area around a patio and pool under a large old tree. There are getting ready areas in the home, which only the wedding party may access.

Powerhouse Del Mar

Location: Powerhouse Community Center
Catering: Jake's Del Mar
Photographer: Britney Alves, Turn Loose the Art

Notes on the venue: The site is near a park that could serve as a ceremony location. The venue has a patio and indoor location, and an upstairs dance area. The bathrooms double as the nearby beach bathrooms, which would let uninvited people into the reception area. The venue is next door to Jake's of Del Mar, which would make for easy catering options. Parking is in a pay lot across the street.