Best Orange County Wedding Venues for Photography
Choosing a wedding venue is one of the first — and most important — decisions you'll make. As a wedding photographer who has shot at dozens of venues across Orange County, I know which spaces photograph beautifully and which ones present challenges. Here's my honest guide to OC's most photogenic wedding venues.
Garden & Estate Venues
Sherman Library and Gardens — Newport Beach
Lush, intimate, and full of texture. Sherman Gardens offers winding pathways, tropical greenery, and gorgeous natural light. The garden ceremony space feels private and romantic, and there are endless backdrops for portraits. I recently photographed Janet & Ryan's wedding here and the results speak for themselves.
Best for: Couples who love gardens, natural light, and an intimate feel. Great for ceremonies under 150 guests.
Rancho Las Lomas — Silverado Canyon
Tucked into Silverado Canyon, Rancho Las Lomas feels like a private hacienda. The Spanish Colonial architecture, mature trees, and open-air spaces create a warm, romantic atmosphere. The venue's exotic animals (yes, really) add a unique touch to getting-ready photos.
Best for: Couples who want a secluded, estate-style setting with Old California charm.
Franciscan Gardens — San Juan Capistrano
Located in the historic heart of San Juan Capistrano, Franciscan Gardens offers a mix of manicured gardens and rustic charm. The vine-covered walls and stone pathways photograph beautifully, especially during golden hour.
Best for: Garden ceremonies with a touch of history. The downtown location means great nearby photo spots too.
Casa Romantica — San Clemente
Perched on a bluff overlooking the ocean, Casa Romantica combines Spanish Colonial architecture with panoramic coastal views. The terrace at sunset is one of the most dramatic ceremony backdrops in all of Orange County.
Best for: Couples who want ocean views without the challenges of a beach wedding.
Modern & Industrial Venues
The Colony House — Anaheim
The Colony House is one of the most versatile indoor venues in OC. After recent renovations, it features a stunning green wall ceremony backdrop, warm industrial interiors, and excellent lighting. I photographed Kevin & Rachel's wedding here — it's a photographer's dream.
Best for: Couples who want a modern, stylish indoor venue with great food and flexible design options.
The Estate on Second — Santa Ana
Santa Ana's arts district is home to this industrial-chic venue. Exposed brick, high ceilings, and an open floor plan give it a gallery-like feel. The natural light through large windows is excellent for portraits, and the surrounding neighborhood offers urban backdrops you won't find elsewhere in OC.
Best for: Couples who love a modern, urban aesthetic. The blank-canvas design means you can customize extensively.
Luxury & Resort Venues
Pelican Hill Resort — Newport Coast
Pelican Hill is the definition of luxury in Orange County. The Rotunda ceremony space — a grand circular structure overlooking the Pacific — is iconic. Every corner of this property is immaculately designed, from the Italian-inspired gardens to the ocean-view terraces.
Best for: Couples with a larger budget who want a world-class setting. The venue handles logistics beautifully, which means more time for portraits.
Unique & Cultural Venues
Muckenthaler Mansion — Fullerton
This 1920s Italian Renaissance mansion offers old-world elegance with mature landscaping and dramatic architecture. The sweeping front steps, arched doorways, and fountain courtyard create a timeless backdrop that photographs like a European estate.
Best for: Couples who appreciate historic architecture and want a venue that feels classic without being stuffy.
Segerstrom Center for the Arts — Costa Mesa
An unconventional choice that delivers striking results. The Segerstrom Center's modern architecture — clean lines, sculptural forms, and dramatic lighting — creates bold, editorial-style photos. It's perfect for couples who want something different.
Best for: Art-loving couples who want a venue that stands apart from the typical garden or ballroom setting.
What to Look for in a Venue (From a Photographer's Perspective)
- Natural light — Venues with large windows, outdoor spaces, or open-air ceremony areas always produce better photos
- Variety of backdrops — Look for venues that offer both indoor and outdoor options, different textures, and multiple settings
- Getting-ready spaces — A bright, clean bridal suite with window light makes a huge difference for morning-of photos
- Sunset access — Can you step outside during golden hour? Some venues' reception schedules don't allow it
- Venue coordinator flexibility — The best venues work with your photographer on timeline and access
Looking for a wedding photographer who knows these venues inside and out? Let's connect — I'd love to help you plan your Orange County wedding.
More from the Journal
The Colony House Wedding | Kevin & Rachel — A real wedding at one of Anaheim's most photogenic venues.
Sherman Library and Gardens Wedding | Janet & Ryan — An intimate garden wedding in Newport Beach.
How to Build Your Wedding Day Timeline — A step-by-step guide to planning the perfect wedding day schedule.