If you’re looking for gay wedding venues, Los Angeles is one of America’s most welcoming and inclusive communities.
It’s a place where love thrives, so it doesn’t matter whether you’re planning a wedding for Los Angeles locals or creating a destination wedding for the perfect LGBTQ+ couple — either way, you’ll be absolutely spoiled for choice.
Eventbrite is home to many LGBTQ+ event creators whose work makes us proud. We know what an inclusive wedding venue looks like, and we want to share this with you so you can start your venue search on the right foot.
We’ll explain why Los Angeles is the perfect wedding spot for same-sex couples, outline the points that should be on your wishlist when hunting for the best wedding venues in the city, and run you through 10 of our all-time favorite Los Angeles wedding spots.
Why is Los Angeles the perfect wedding spot for same-sex couples?
In Los Angeles, it doesn’t matter who you are or who you’ve fallen in love with. If you want to get married, Los Angeles is the perfect place to do it — and there are plenty of reasons why.
LA has a long history of welcoming LGBTQ+ couples. Los Angeles actually hosted America’s first-ever gay wedding, and the bravery of its residents helped initiate change around equal rights and pave the way for same-sex marriage across the entire United States.
But wedding planners shouldn’t just be eyeing up Los Angeles as a great wedding spot because of the city’s history in marriage equality. It’s also the perfect spot for any couple’s wedding because of its amazing climate.
Even in winter, it rarely gets below 50 degrees in Los Angeles — and in the California summertime, you’d have to be pretty unlucky to book an outdoor event on a rainy day. That makes Los Angeles the ultimate wedding destination if the couple you’re working with wants to exchange vows at an outdoor venue.
And because Los Angeles is such a huge city, it has a massive selection of wedding venues. We’re talking gardens, country clubs, industrial spaces, hotels and resorts, waterfront spots, mansions and estates, vineyards, and everything in between.
Most of those venues will be inclusive and LGBTQ+ friendly, too — but we’ll talk more about what you should look for in gay wedding venues in just a minute.
Finally, the City of Angels has a wide selection of unique and quirky vendors. It doesn’t matter what your clients seek in catering, entertainment, wedding favors, videography, or photography. Los Angeles has it.
Never planned a special event in Los Angeles before? Don’t worry. Check out our top tips on what to do when planning an event in a new city.
What are the best LGBTQ+ friendly wedding venues in LA?
After running through our favorite Los Angeles wedding venues, we’ll give you some advice on how to pick the best one for you. Without further ado, here are 10 of our favorites, all of which are same-sex couple friendly, of course!
1. The London West Hollywood
If your couple wants to capture some of the glitz and glamor of Old West Hollywood, look no further than The London West Hollywood.
Strictly speaking, The London West Hollywood is slightly further down the road from West Hollywood in neighboring Beverly Hills. But it’s got the same refined showbiz vibe, and it’s just a stone’s throw away from a huge number of LGBTQ+ friendly bars and restaurants along Santa Monica Boulevard.
The London West Hollywood is an incredibly stylish boutique hotel with rooftop seating that offers one-of-a-kind views of the Los Angeles skyline. Your guests will enjoy one of the best sunsets a wedding reception could offer.
Event catering at The London West Hollywood is all done in-house, and capacity can range up to 400 for indoor and 300 for outdoor receptions.
2. The Ebell of Los Angeles
If your clients are keen to say “I do” underneath an architectural marvel, the venue for you might be The Ebell of Los Angeles.
Built in 1927 for the Wilshire Ebell Women’s Club, The Ebell is a stunning Greco-Roman revival that will transport your guests away from the hustle and bustle of Los Angeles and into the Italian Renaissance.
It has a secluded courtyard perfect for intimate ceremonies and an elegant dining space with floor-to-ceiling windows, a gilded ceiling, a mezzanine, and a grand staircase.
Catering at The Ebell is done in-house. You can also go for an in-house bar service, although “bring your own” (BYO) with a corkage fee is another route. The venue can accommodate up to 400 for a wedding ceremony and 300 for a reception.
3. Annenberg Community Beach House
If your couple is serious about the beach, your first port of call should be to check out the Annenberg Community Beach House.
The Annenberg Community Beach House is a sleek and modern “pool house” event space, occupying five sprawling acres of stunning oceanfront beach in Santa Monica. As you’d imagine, it has panoramic ocean views that naturally lend themselves to iconic wedding photography.
The Beach House is wheelchair accessible (which is difficult to find in a beachfront venue), and you don’t need a permit to hold a ceremony or reception if you can keep it under 150 guests. As a result, that’s the venue’s recommended capacity.
The Annenberg Community Beach House lists preferred caterers, and alcohol is handled in-house. One detail is that the Beach House only serves beer and wine. Spirits aren’t allowed — you’ll have to make do without shots at the reception.
4. The Fig House
Nestled off Highland Park, The Fig House is a picture-perfect gay-wedding venue.
Catering and alcohol are all-inclusive at this charming oasis, which features a beautiful grand hall with a picturesque A-frame loft. The interiors are very tasteful, and the spaces are full of vibrant colors that pop everywhere.
But what really makes The Fig House stand out is its secluded garden. The space was designed by HGTV design expert Emily Henderson, and it definitely shows. It’s the perfect green space for an intimate wedding ceremony or al fresco reception.
The Fig House has a capacity of 200 for both indoor and outdoor weddings.
5. Bel-Air Bay Club
The Bel-Air Bay Club oozes style. Occupying a beautiful beachfront location in the stylish Pacific Palisades neighborhood, The Bel-Air Bay Club is a members-only club from the 1920s designed in a classic Mediterranean style.
Although the clubhouse itself is an architectural gem, it’s the beachfront grounds that really make the Bel-Air Bay Club stand out. Its big nature trail, tree-lined roads, and lush courtyard create a fantastic vibe for couples who love the great outdoors and the sea.
The Bel-Air offers in-house catering from an award-winning executive chef with an outdoor capacity of up to 500.
6. Alexandria Ballrooms
If you’re looking for gay wedding venues that cater to more traditional wedding layouts, Alexandria Ballrooms is perfect.
Your clients can choose between three stunning ballrooms with Tiffany skylights, original chandeliers, and gold-leaf ceilings.
The space can accommodate up to 800 wedding guests and is based in the heart of Downtown LA. That makes Alexandria Ballrooms the ideal central location for guests traveling in.
The ballrooms have a preferred catering list. Outside catering is allowed, but you’ll have to pay an extra fee, and the caterers need to perform a site visit beforehand to get briefed. The venue also operates a BYOB alcohol policy. Unlike most venues, they don’t charge a corkage fee — which can save you a lot.
7. The Grass Room
If you’re planning an event with lots of character, the Grass Room is the venue for you.
Located near LA’s thriving Arts District, the Grass Room is a flexible downtown event space with more than 6,000 square feet to work with. It’s been converted from a 1920s fish market into a lush green space that can be adapted to suit a wide range of events.
Its iconic handmade copper bar and beautiful fountains will get guests talking, while its greenhouse roof offers the perfect spot for a private ceremony.
The Grass Room has a ceremony capacity of 150 people and can accommodate up to 200 for a cocktail-style reception. The Grass Room can be combined with its sister venue, Valentine (as the two are connected via a hidden passageway). That could bring your capacity up to 750 guests.
The Grass Room has a BYO policy for both alcohol and catering.
8. Whispering Oaks Chapel
If religion is an important feature in your couple’s wedding, the Whispering Oaks Chapel is one of the most beautiful gay-friendly wedding chapels in LA.
Located far from the noise of downtown LA, Whispering Oaks is nestled in the lush greenery of Agoura Hills. The stunningly rustic church is non-denominational, which means it’s open to couples of any religion (or none at all).
The Whispering Oaks Chapel has all-inclusive in-house catering but a BYOB policy for alcohol with a corkage fee. The venue has a capacity of 50 people for outdoor ceremonies and up to 150 for a reception — which makes this the perfect spot for couples that want a more intimate outdoor wedding.
9. Lawry’s The Prime Rib
If you’re dealing with a couple of anglophiles, the perfect gay wedding venue for you may be Lawry’s The Prime Rib.
At first glance, it might not seem like a natural wedding venue — but stick with us. Its opulent British decor, incredible home-style menus, and quirky location near the glitz of Hollywood in nearby Malibu make it the perfect spot for a classy celebration.
Lawry’s is the perfect wedding venue for couples that want a classy family get-together with friendly vibes.
Being a Los Angeles restaurant staple, it goes without saying event catering is handled in-house. The ceremony capacity is 250 guests, but the venue can accommodate up to 450 guests for receptions.
10. The Luxe Sunset Boulevard Hotel
Do your brides or grooms want something a bit more upscale? Book the Luxe Sunset Boulevard Hotel.
The name says it all, but we’re happy to elaborate. Featuring an incredible (and convenient) location on Sunset Boulevard, the Luxe offers both stunning al fresco spaces and use of the extravagant Luxe Sunset ballroom — meaning this is a weatherproof venue that will wow your guests.
The hotel’s intimate courtyard is lined with trees and perfect for photography and videography, and it has a capacity of 300 for indoor weddings and 250 for outdoor weddings.
Catering is handled in-house — including an on-site kosher kitchen that offers glatt kosher catering.
Top considerations when searching for the perfect gay wedding venue
Finding the perfect wedding venue can be a challenge for any happy couple. But let’s get real for a minute: finding the perfect gay wedding venue can often be even more challenging.
Not only do you have all the typical considerations like costs, packages, the perfect location, and accessibility — but you also need to ensure the venue and staff are welcoming and inclusive.
So, let’s look at how to create a shortlist your clients will absolutely adore.
LGBTQ+ friendly staff and policies
You should check venues out and vet them to ensure they genuinely welcome LGBTQ couples and same-sex unions.
First, review their website information, contact forms, and marketing materials. Look for inclusive language, pronouns, and imagery that aligns with your couple’s ideal wedding.
Next, take note of how flexible and accommodating the venue is. Ask plenty of questions to ensure management is willing to give your couple the wedding they deserve.
You should also ask if it’s affiliated with LGBTQ+ wedding associations or groups.
Networks like the National Gay Wedding Association and Gay Wedding Institute have close links with many wedding venues. If you see one of these names, you know you’ve found a venue happy to host an LGBTQ wedding.
Looking to connect with venue managers that have LGBTQ+ friendly policies?
Check out a same-sex wedding expo like the events by Rainbow Wedding Network. They connect gay wedding venues, officiants, photographers, videographers, floral designers, DJs, and caterers from all over.
Pro tip: Before booking a venue, ask the venue manager for recommendations or testimonials from other same-sex couples. This will validate all the inclusive language and welcoming promotional materials.
Venue costs and packages
Several gay wedding venues in Los Angeles now offer wedding packages tailored to same-sex couples.
This includes a selection of celebrants and non-traditional event running orders — but you’ve also got to look for upfront and transparent costs. This will ensure you’re avoiding discriminatory pricing.
Need a hand managing costs? Take a look at our event budgeting guide for tips and inspiration.
Pro tip: Sit down with the wedding couple to create a wish list of venue features (e.g. open bar, in-house catering, outdoor seating, big capacity, parking, rules).
If your couple isn’t picky, you can opt out of a package and negotiate several ad-hoc services for cheaper.
Venue accessibility and location
A Los Angeles wedding is all about location.
For example, if your clients have people flying in from all over the country, you need to focus your search on gay wedding venues close to LAX. But if your couple’s from Los Angeles and they’re planning a more intimate affair with locals mostly you can look for a more central spot that’s easy for guests to reach by car or public transport.
The location also adds a lot to the atmosphere. For example, old West Hollywood will cultivate a different vibe than Echo Park or Venice.
Finally, there’s the event layout and accessibility.
If the wedding you’re planning includes elderly or disabled guests, you need a venue that’s accessible. That means seating plans, restrooms, and spaces that empower those individuals to ensure they feel respected and included at all times.
Pro tip: Make sure you have a clear understanding of accessibility requirements when shortlisting venues.
Ready to create your shortlist of gay wedding venues?
LA is the perfect place for a gay wedding. It’s a welcoming and inclusive community with many unique wedding venues, and vendors prepared to do everything possible to ensure clients have a special day.
As a wedding planner, you’ve got to make sure all the right boxes are getting ticked and that you can book a property the special couple will absolutely adore.
So, are you ready to start creating the perfect LGBTQ+ wedding?
Join Eventbrite now and discover how to boost your network and supercharge your wedding planning.
