By Visit Ventura 

First and foremost, congratulations on your engagement! So many things will outlast our current times — and love is one of them. We are so very happy for you.

Thank you for considering Ventura as a possible destination for one of the most memorable days of your life. We’re a little biased, but we believe there’s no better place to begin your Happily Ever After than serenely beautiful Ventura by the sea. We’d love to help you with your wedding by answering your questions about our wedding venues and offerings here in Ventura.

We all know we are in the midst of times like no other and this has affected everything — weddings included. At the moment the city of Ventura is telling brides that they may gather up to 12 guests of the same household/family/bubble at any of Ventura’s beaches or parks for a casual (without set-up) ceremony. The city itself is not issuing wedding permits or reservations of any kind until a date to be determined. And there are different rules for County and State beaches and parks. It gets confusing, but please don’t get bogged down. The important thing to understand is simple. Whenever you plan to get married, Ventura will offer the most breathtaking backdrop for the main attraction.

For more information on outdoor weddings:

• Up-to-date information relating to city film, photo or beach ceremony permits can be found on the City of Ventura’s website .
• For  information pertaining to weddings on the State Beach, please contact (805) 585-1850.
• For information pertaining to weddings at please contact Susan Bogue.
• We’re betting we find your perfect Ventura wedding venue. When you do, please contact Visit Ventura for more information, or to help you plan your forever memorable wedding.

A few last words before we present some nuts and bolts. A wedding is one of your life’s biggest events, and, let’s be honest, planning a wedding can be equal parts dreamy romance and harrowing terror. No one can alleviate all the angst of planning a wedding, but we can tell you that it’s different here in Ventura. For starters, if an outdoor wedding is your dream, we offer 270-plus days of sunshine a year, alleviating sleepless nights worrying about the weather. And then, indoor wedding (not at the moment, but they will return!) or out, there are our views. From ocean’s edge weddings on any of our beaches, to Grant Park’s breath-stealing, high-in-the-hills view of Ventura and the glittering Pacific Ocean, our grand panoramas remind you of something important.

Yes, your wedding is a very special day. But it’s just the start of something much bigger.

Other Outdoor Venues

Ventura has no shortage of panoramas that will take your breath away (keep your eyes on your significant other) — and, at the moment, outdoors is your sole option. But a very happy one.

Please contact the specific vendor for their rules and guidelines during these times.

Serra Cross at Grant Park

It is impossible to not be dazzled by this site’s spectacular views of Ventura’s beaches and coastline. The history of Serra Cross dates back to 1782 and it has long since become a romantic spot for lovebirds from Ventura and tourists alike. The natural beauty and romance of this site make it very popular for wedding ceremonies and a unique spot for receptions. It is especially recommended for brides that are eager to customize details for their special day since the conservancy does not offer wedding packages.

Specs:

Non-refundable donation to the Serra Cross Conservancy required to reserve your date
Site capacity is 300 seated or 500 standing
Electrical outlets are available
Portable bathrooms required

Ventura Botanical Gardens

A beloved local treasure, the world-class Botanical Garden showcases and preserves native plants and cultural enhancement for the coastal community. Situated directly behind City Hall, the Garden offers spectacular views, providing an iconic background to the wedding of your dreams.

Specs:

To learn more about renting out the breathtaking location please visit their website

Ventura County Museum

The Ventura County Museum offers personalized design within their halls and lovely outdoor courtyard; they also offer an event team to assist you with wedding planning. Your special day is important to the Museum, and they emphasize a stress-free arrangement. No need to worry about catering either; Main Course California will be happy to customize a menu for your wedding reception.

Specs:

4 banquet halls with a maximum capacity

Offers a wide variety of wedding themes

Consists of both inside and outside event areas

Up to 200 seated guests and 250 theatre seating

Ventura Harbor Village

Ventura Harbor Village brings an oceanic atmosphere to your wedding and features beautiful waterfront, coastal,  hillside and Channel Island views for spectacular photography backdrops. You can reserve a beach site for your ceremony through Ventura Harbor Marketing and check Harbor restaurants for potential reception venues. You may also reserve a beach site for a tented reception (you provide the tent) if that suits your wedding plans. Ventura Harbor works closely with Wedgewood Banquet Center if you are looking for a package for your ceremony and reception. In addition, if you enjoy being outside and would like to be on a boat, Ventura Harbor Village has rental options for a pre-wedding adventure. Visit VenturaHarborVillage.com Event Rentals page for a Wedding Application and more information.

Specs:

Meet with the marketing team to schedule and reserve a beach site for your wedding.

Visit VenturaHarborVillage.com under Event Rentals for a Wedding Application

Optional sites include Surfers’ Knoll Beach, South Beach, or Harbor Cove Beach

Choose from preferred Harbor restaurants for your reception

Other Romantic Venues in Ventura

Please understand that, due to current California mandates, all of these venues are closed at the moment. But they will reopen, so see them as wedding inspiration — and potential — for the future!

The Old San Buenaventura Mission

Founded in 1749, the San Buenaventura Mission displays Spanish architecture and exhibits the history of Ventura. It’s a popular wedding venue. They advise you to plan a wedding here at least six months in advance. The Mission often uses the delicious catering of Plated Events; Plated Events can accommodate up to 300 wedding guests for the meal seating.

Specs:

Bell Tower Conference seating up to 500 guests

Parish Center Auditorium seating up to 200 guests

The Olivas Adobe

The Olivas Adobe is a wonderful site to rent out for your special day. Just minutes away from the beach and ocean, the Adobe is an ideal place for a wedding. The rose garden is one of the most popular areas of the Adobe for hosting wedding ceremonies. Doubly romantic, your vows echo off 170-year plus adobe walls.

Specs:

450 guest capacity

Outside vendors welcome

Very flexible

Poinsettia Pavilion

Up on the hillside of Ventura, the Poinsettia Pavilion offers two magnificent ballrooms that accommodate 100 guests comfortably with round table seating. They also have a stage that can be used as the bride wishes, whether for live music, as a dance floor, or for a featured banquet table. This venue is rustic, with vintage candelabras, chandeliers, mirrors and decor that will charm. It’s a nonprofit, so prices tend to be affordable.

Specs:

Ventura and Santa Paula Rooms

Includes 6 to 7-hour reservation, excluding setup and cleanup

50% of estimated event expenses is required for a reservation

With round table seating, 100 guests can sit comfortably

San Buenaventura City Hall

Ventura’s majestic and historic City Hall, built-in 1913, is the perfect intimate setting for your big day. The public indoor and outdoor spaces provide beautiful views of the ocean. The foyer, with its marble staircase, offers a lovely backdrop for your wedding ceremony. Kitchen facilities are available. Extra perk, there’s plenty of free parking on site. City Hall rentals and permits should be coordinated through the City.

Specs:

Site capacity ranges from 50 – 200

Private room for Bridal Party

Limited Table and chairs available for a nominal fee

On-site staff and security day of the event

Non-refundable application fee of $25 is required to reserve your date