So many venues, so little time!
Choosing the right location for your wedding or corporate event can feel overwhelming, but with a few simple tips you can make the process much easier. The first thing to remember is that no venue is absolutely perfect. That’s why it’s smart to create a priority list of your top 10 must-have features—this will keep you focused on what matters most.
For context, Hey Mister DJ is an award-winning DJ company that has been repeatedly nominated as “Best DJ in Los Angeles” by California Wedding Day and named “Top DJ in LA” by BizBash Magazine. Over the years, we’ve had the privilege of performing at many of the most sought-after wedding venues across Southern California and the greater Los Angeles area, giving us valuable insight into what makes a venue truly work.
As a professional wedding & corporate event DJ in Los Angeles, we pay very close attention to every detail of a venue and how it affects the ambiance, logistics and overall impact on the guest experience.
For example, you might find a venue with the perfect view that fits the vision of your dreams, but they don’t have onsite parking, and you’ll have to shuttle your guests in. Or you found a venue with the perfect architecture, but it only accommodates 110, and your guest count is planned for 140.
In other words, doing your prep work, so you have a clear vision, priorities and already know what likely compromises you’ll need to consider will save you a lot of time and heartache before you start your search.
Before You Begin Your Venue Search:
Hire a wedding coordinator.
Investing in a professional planner is one of the smartest decisions you can make. The money you put into a full-service planner or coordinator almost always pays for itself in time saved, stress reduced, and costly mistakes avoided.
We regularly collaborate with some of the most talented wedding and corporate event planners in Los Angeles, Orange County, Anaheim, and Ventura. Because their business is built on relationships, the right planner can streamline the process by only presenting venues that truly match your vision, style, and budget. Many also have the ability to negotiate with venues and preferred vendors—unlocking savings and perks you wouldn’t get on your own. (At Hey Mister DJ, we even extend special rates for planners and venues who refer us clients.)
Beyond the connections, experienced planners bring something invaluable: perspective. After producing hundreds of events in every type of venue—from rustic ranches to luxury hotels—they know what works beautifully and what causes headaches. Their insight will help you avoid common pitfalls and ensure your event flows seamlessly, saving you both time and money.
Here are some steps to finding the perfect wedding or event venue in Los Angeles or Orange County:
Step #1- Define Your Vision and Style
Before you start Googling “wedding venues near me,” take a moment to picture the type of space that truly reflects your personality and event goals. Do you imagine a glamorous Hollywood rooftop with sweeping city views, a rustic barn tucked into the hills of Orange County, or a romantic garden venue along the Southern California coast?
Your venue should feel like an extension of your story—whether that’s timeless sophistication, laid-back beach vibes, or modern downtown chic. Think about how you want the day to feel: is it a formal black-tie reception, or a relaxed cocktail-style celebration with plenty of room for dancing? Getting clear on your vision will instantly narrow your search and prevent wasted time touring venues that don’t fit your style.
Here are a few (of our favorite) examples of venues in the Los Angeles area that each have a very different style, vibe & ambiance:
RUSTIC/RANCH
Calamigos Ranch
Rancho De Cielo
The Adamson House
Topanga Canyon Nature Hippie Tree House Vibe
The 1909
Hipster/Modern/Artsy
Smog Shoppe
The Fig House
CHIC BEACH CLUB
Jonathan Beach Club
Bel Air Bay Club
Annenberg Beach House
Malibu West Beach Club
Dowtown Los Angeles (with a city view or vintage vibe)
Los Angeles Athletic Club
Cicada
Vibiana
The Ebell of LA
UPSCALE HOTEL BALLROOM
Fairmont Santa Monica
The Ritz Carlton
The London Hotel
The Langham Hotel
RESORT VIBE
Terranea Resort
BACK TO NATURE VIBE
Descanso Gardens
Los Angeles River Center & Gardens
MUSUEMS
Natural History Musuem
California Science Center
Skirball Cultural Museum
WATERFRONT VIBE
Hotel Maya
Marina Del Rey Hotel Loews Santa Monica
Portofino
ESTATE VENUES
Greystone Mansion
Castle Green
STADIUM Venues
Dodger Stadium
SoFi Stadium
HIDDEN GEM
Malibou Lake Lodge
Malibu West Beach Club
Step #2- Cross-Check Priorities Against Budget
Once you’ve identified the general style of venue, the next step is to balance your “dream list” with your budget. Southern California offers everything from luxury estates in Beverly Hills to affordable hidden gems in Anaheim, so creating a clear priority list is key.
Make two columns: must-haves (capacity, location, parking, catering options) and nice-to-haves (scenic views, late-night curfew, outdoor ceremony space). This exercise should filter your list down to 3–8 venues across Los Angeles and Orange County that meet your needs.
Pro tip: Stay flexible with your date. High-demand venues in LA and OC book up fast, so being open to a Friday or Sunday can dramatically increase your options.
Step #3- Evaluate Guest Comfort and Logistics
Even the most stunning Malibu or Laguna Beach venue won’t work if your guests can’t get there or aren’t comfortable once they arrive. Consider key logistics like parking (a big deal in Los Angeles), ADA accessibility, restrooms, and whether the space has enough shade or climate control for Southern California’s year-round sunshine.
If many of your guests are traveling in from outside the region, also think about proximity to airports (LAX, Burbank, John Wayne) and hotel options nearby. Prioritizing comfort ensures your friends and family remember your celebration for the fun, not the hassles.
Step 4: Match the Venue to Your Event Experience
A venue isn’t just a backdrop—it sets the tone for your entire wedding or event. A chic loft in downtown Los Angeles gives a very different vibe than a coastal club in Orange County or a vineyard venue in Temecula. Make sure the space supports the kind of experience you want:
Enough room for a DJ booth or live band
Power and layout for sound & lighting setups
Flexible floor plans for both dining and dancing
Outdoor/indoor options depending on season
Aligning your vision with the venue’s amenities makes planning smoother and ensures every element—from décor to entertainment—fits seamlessly.
Step 5: Schedule Tours and Ask the Right Questions
Online galleries are helpful, but you’ll never get the full feel of a Los Angeles or Orange County venue without stepping inside. Schedule tours of your top picks and bring a planner or trusted friend to help spot details you might miss.
Look for things like natural light, sound quality, and guest flow between ceremony and reception spaces. And ask smart questions: Are there hidden fees? Can you bring in outside vendors? What are the overtime charges? A little homework here can save you major headaches later.
**Hiring full coordination can help you save money in the long run. A professional wedding planner will help you navigate the venue selection, ask the right questions and avoid any pitfalls
Step 6: Secure Your Venue and Lock In Your Date
Once you’ve found “the one,” don’t wait—venues across Southern California book quickly, especially in peak wedding season (spring and fall). Most require a signed contract and deposit to hold your date. Carefully review what’s included (tables, chairs, setup, teardown) and confirm policies on cancellations or rescheduling.
Securing your venue gives you peace of mind and allows you to shift focus to the other fun details—like choosing your Los Angeles wedding DJ, finalizing catering, and designing the décor. With your space locked in, the rest of the planning can flow around it.
BONUS: You can also check out some general wedding tips for engaged couples by clicking HERE