Your All-Access Guide to the Perfect Intimate Micro Wedding in OC, LA, SD, and Temecula

Micro weddings are having a major moment in 2026 and honestly, it makes so much sense for us here in Southern California. You get the elevated details of a “full wedding day,” but with fewer moving parts, less pressure, and way more time to actually be present with your favorite people. And yes, the industry is seeing strong demand for microweddings!

If you’re dreaming of a wedding that feels beautiful, intentional, and low stress, with a timeline that flows and photos that feel like you, you’re in the right place.

What is a micro wedding?

A micro wedding is typically a smaller guest count, max of around 25-50 guests, but it still includes the “real wedding” elements like a meaningful ceremony, thoughtful design, and usually a vendor team (photography, florals, hair and makeup, etc.).

Why couples are loving and opting for micro weddings

• More quality time with guests
• More flexibility with locations (restaurants, rooftops, gardens, beaches)
• Less stress, fewer logistics
• Often a better experience per dollar (because headcount drives a lot of cost)

Micro Wedding Venues in Southern California (Orange County, Los Angeles, San Diego, Inland Empire, and Temecula)

I’ve compiled a list of venues and spaces that lend themselves really well to smaller guest counts, shorter timelines, and intimate vibes. Please always confirm current minimums and time blocks directly with the venue.

Are you thinking of eloping or having an intimate micro wedding? Find out if I’m available for your micro wedding!

Micro Wedding Venues in Orange County

1. The Inn at Mission San Juan Capistrano (SJC)
2. The Ebell Club of Santa Ana
3. Five Crowns (Corona del Mar)
4. The Harper OC (Costa Mesa)
5. David L. Baker Golf Course (Fountain Valley)
6. Alta Vista Country Club (Placentia)
7. The Beachcomber Café at Crystal Cove (Newport Coast)
8. The Colony House (Anaheim)
9. Ole Hanson Beach Club (San Clemente)
10. The Casino San Clemente

If you want the day to feel “vacation-y” without leaving OC, look at coastal spaces (Crystal Cove, San Clemente) or garden courtyards (San Juan Capistrano, Santa Ana).

Micro Wedding Venues in San Diego

Here are some favorites that shine for intimate celebrations:

1. Nolita House
2. Japanese Friendship Garden & Museum (Balboa Park)
3. San Diego Mission Bay Resort
4. L’Auberge Del Mar
5. Paradise Point (Wedding Island)
6. The Lane (waterfront terrace vibes)
7. Dahlia House (part of Nolita House)
8. Luce Loft

San Diego is amazing for micro weddings because you can do a ceremony in a permitted public space and then head to a restaurant or private venue for dinner.

Micro Wedding Venues in Los Angeles

1. SmogShoppe
2. The Fig House
3. Yamashiro Hollywood
4. Millwick
5. The Ebell of Los Angeles
6. The Houdini Estate
7. Calamigos Ranch

For a truly stress free flow, choose a venue with one beautiful ceremony spot + one nearby reception space (or a single indoor/outdoor space) so you’re not doing major guest transportation.

Inland Empire Micro Wedding Venues

1. The Mission Inn Hotel & Spa (Riverside)
2. The Grove of Redlands
3. The Mitten Building (Redlands)
4. Serendipity Garden Weddings (Oak Glen)
5. The Homestead in Oak Glen
6. Four Oaks Weddings & Events (Oak Glen)

If you want nature without the “destination” logistics, Oak Glen gives you that mountain feel while staying drivable.

Temecula and Wine Country micro wedding venues

1. Temecula Creek Inn
2. Altisima Winery
3. Leoness Cellars
4. Maurice Carrie Winery
5. Morgan Estate
6. Cottonwood Farms (Aguanga)
7. Peacock Ridge

Wine country is perfect for a “short and sweet” wedding because you can do ceremony + dinner + sunset portraits all in one place.

Ceremony only spaces (beaches + parks) for micro weddings

If you want to keep it simple, this is the move: ceremony in a stunning public location, then go celebrate over dinner. Here are some ceremony only ideas:

1. LA or OC beaches and parks (permits may be required)
   • Laguna Beach
   • La Jolla Shores
   • Sunset Cliffs
2. Local parks or state parks (permits may be required)
   • Balboa Park
   • Crystal Cove Park
   • Oak Canyon Nature Center
   • Cuvier Park
   • Ellen Browning Scripps Park

Two micro wedding timelines that feel effortless

Option A: The “Sweet and Simple” 2.5 to 3.5 hours

• Arrive, finishing touches, details
• Ceremony
• Family photos
• Couple portraits (golden hour if possible)
• Quick celebration toast, then off to dinner

Option B: The “Mini Wedding Day” 5 to 6 hours

• Getting ready photos (light and calm)
• First look (optional)
• Ceremony
• Family photos
• Couple portraits
• Cocktail hour + dinner reception moments (toasts, cake, first dance)

How I help you keep it flawless and stress free

Micro weddings are small, but they’re not “less.” They still deserve a plan that protects your experience. When you work with me, you get:

• Timeline guidance so you’re never rushed (and your guests aren’t confused)
• Location scouting for the best light, privacy pockets, and photo flow
• Simple planning support for permits and logistics (especially for beach and park ceremonies)
• A calm presence and direction that feels easy, not performative
• Timeless, bright, natural imagery, with digital + film options

Ready to plan your dream micro wedding?

If you’re planning an intimate wedding in Orange County, LA, San Diego, Temecula, or the Inland Empire, I’d love to help you create a day that feels beautiful, intentional, and genuinely relaxed.

Send me your date, your guest count, and your dream vibe (beach, garden, rooftop, winery), and I’ll recommend a few best fit options and a coverage plan that makes everything feel effortless.