Why California Is the Ultimate Wedding Destination

Choosing where to get married is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make in your wedding planning journey. It sets the tone, the vibe, and the backdrop for one of the most meaningful days of your life. And when it comes to versatility, beauty, and year-round charm, few places in the world can compete with a California wedding destination.

Here’s why so many couples—from around the U.S. and beyond—are saying “I do” in the Golden State.

1. Diverse Landscapes, Endless Options

California is like multiple wedding destinations in one state. Want a toes-in-the-sand beach ceremony? You’ll find that along the shores of Malibu, Laguna Beach, or Big Sur. Prefer vineyard romance? Temecula and Napa offer rustic elegance wrapped in rolling hills. Craving an intimate mountaintop elopement? Head to Julian or Lake Tahoe.

From palm trees to pine trees, California has it all—often within driving distance of each other.

2. Year-Round Good Weather

California’s mild climate makes it an ideal choice for weddings in any season. Coastal regions stay temperate all year long, while Southern California boasts over 280 sunny days a year. Even in winter, you’ll find warm, breezy afternoons perfect for outdoor vows.

This weather reliability gives you more flexibility with planning (and fewer worries about rain plans!).

3. Iconic Backdrops for Wedding Photos

From sunsets over the Pacific to historic missions and Spanish-style estates, California is a photographer’s dream. The lighting, the natural colors, and the diversity of scenery make for some of the most visually stunning wedding albums out there.

It’s no surprise that California weddings often look like they came straight from a magazine spread—because they did.

4. World-Class Venues and Vendors

California is home to some of the best wedding venues and industry professionals in the world. Whether you're looking for a five-star resort, an industrial-chic warehouse, a charming garden, or a private estate, you’ll have no shortage of options.

The state’s reputation for trendsetting also means you’ll find innovative florists, planners, caterers, and stylists who can help bring your exact vision to life.

5. Perfect for Destination Guests

If you're inviting guests from out of town or abroad, California offers the perfect mix of celebration and vacation. With international airports in cities like Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego, it's easy to get to—and even easier to fall in love with once you're there.

There’s also plenty for your guests to do before or after the wedding: wine tasting, hiking, surfing, spa days, shopping, and world-class dining.

6. California Just Feels Like a Celebration

There’s a laid-back luxury to California that sets the tone for unforgettable events. It’s effortless, elegant, and cool without trying too hard. Whether you're hosting a boho-chic garden party in Pasadena or a glamorous soirée in Westlake Village, California brings a certain kind of magic to your day.

We’ve Seen It Firsthand

As wedding photographers who’ve captured celebrations across Malibu, Temecula, Los Angeles, Pasadena, Santa Clarita, San Juan Capistrano, and Julian—we’ve seen just how breathtaking California weddings can be.

Every couple has a unique story, and California offers the canvas to tell it, beautifully and authentically.

Planning your dream wedding in California? 

We’d love to help you preserve the memories. At Big Bliss Weddings, we’ve been capturing love stories throughout California and beyond since 2015—always focused on real moments, natural light, and timeless emotion.