SmAll Wedding Venues in Orange County, CA (That Still Feel Special)
Orange County offers no shortage of wedding venues—but when you’re planning a small or intimate wedding, finding the right space can feel surprisingly challenging.
Many venues are designed for large guest counts, and while they’re beautiful, they can unintentionally swallow up the intimacy you’re trying to create.
Another common hurdle? Food and beverage minimums. Just because your guest list is smaller doesn’t mean you want to spend thousands more simply to meet a minimum—your guests can only eat (and drink) so much.
If you’re dreaming of a celebration that feels warm, intentional, and truly you, these small wedding venues in Orange County, CA offer character, flexibility, and thoughtfully sized spaces. And yes—we included Long Beach, because it’s close enough to feel like O.C.’s cool neighbor.
1. Five Crowns – Corona del Mar
Five Crowns is one of our favorite venues for intimate weddings in Orange County—and for good reason.
This historic home offers multiple private dining spaces designed for groups of 10 guests and up, making it ideal for smaller celebrations that still want a sense of occasion.
The vibe here is wonderfully versatile. Depending on your design choices, you can lean into a garden party aesthetic, an old English pub feel, or even a subtle old-money elegance.
Ceremonies take place in the garden, while receptions can be hosted in the charming greenhouse (our personal favorite), an upstairs dining room, or the pub.
One of the biggest perks? There’s no venue fee. You’re simply paying for the food—and trust us, it’s worth it.
The cuisine is consistently five-star, and their cocktail menu is equally impressive. Pro tip: schedule a tasting night and sample their signature cocktails…just make sure you Uber home.
2. Summit House – The Queen’s Room, Fullerton
Perched atop a hill in Fullerton, Summit House brings timeless Tudor-style charm and sweeping views. The Queen’s Room is perfectly suited for a classic, elegant dinner-party-style reception with a smaller guest count.
What we love most about hosting weddings here:
• A cozy fireplace that immediately warms the space
• Endless photo opportunities with park-like grounds and panoramic views
And then there’s the food. Summit House is famous for its prime rib, but honestly? The sides steal the show every time for us.
3. Grey LB – Long Beach
If you’re drawn to a more urban, industrial aesthetic, Grey LB might be your perfect match. Located in downtown Long Beach, this venue sits inside a 100-year-old building featuring stunning original windows and exposed brick walls.
The key word here is flexibility. Grey LB is a true space-only rental, which means you can bring in your own caterer and alcohol—a huge advantage for couples looking to customize their experience and potentially reduce costs.
As of 2026, pricing ranges from $2,500–$5,000, depending on the spaces used. The venue includes an outdoor patio as well as upstairs and downstairs options. We love the natural light, the character, and the creative freedom this venue allows.
4. Crystal Cove State Park – Cottage #13 & The Education Commons, Laguna Beach
Crystal Cove is quintessential California—effortlessly charming, nostalgic, and undeniably beautiful. Hosting a wedding here feels like stepping back into a simpler era, with ocean views doing most of the design work for you.
Couples can enjoy a toes-in-the-sand ceremony between Labor Day and Memorial Day. Summer weddings can still take place within other areas of the park.
A few important things to note:
• Sound restrictions apply (acoustic music and light amplification only, with approval)
• Receptions must end by 9:00 PM
• All reservations go through California State Parks
• Catering is provided exclusively by Beachcomber Café
Cottage #13
An oceanfront deck accommodating up to 50 guests, Cottage #13 offers front-row sunset views and serious nostalgia—it was featured in the 1980s film Beaches.
Rental Fee: $1,800
The Education Commons
Located within the charming Crystal Cove village, this space seats up to 55 guests for a reception and also features ocean views.
Rental Fee: $1,450
Helpful Contacts:
Crystal Cove State Park – 949-497-1582 | [email protected]
Beachcomber Catering – 949-644-8759 | [email protected]
5. Hyatt Centric – Long Beach
With harbor and city views, Hyatt Centric in the Pike neighborhood offers a sleek, modern setting perfect for a sophisticated cocktail-style reception. The rooftop pool deck is ideal for smaller celebrations and overlooks the Queen Mary, harbor lights, and city skyline.
Ceremonies can be hosted in the hotel’s interior courtyard, keeping everything conveniently on-site. If you’re envisioning a stylish, elevated evening that still feels relaxed, this venue delivers.
Contact:
[email protected] | 562-624-6033
6. The Casino San Clemente
The Casino San Clemente is rich in Old Hollywood history, once serving as a gathering place for stars from the 1940s through the 1960s. While the venue itself is expansive, it includes several intimate spaces that work beautifully for smaller weddings.
Ceremonies typically take place in the Rock Garden, followed by cocktails on the Patio of the Stars. Depending on timing and guest count, the patio may also host the reception. For dinner receptions with amplified music, events move indoors to the West Wing after 7:00 PM due to city noise ordinances.
The West Wing can host up to 100 guests, but still feels warm and inviting for groups closer to 50, thanks to exposed wood beams and thoughtful layout. One major bonus: indoor receptions can continue until 1:00 AM.
When booking, you’ll pay a venue fee based on season and spaces used, and catering is selected from their excellent pre-approved list. Add in Spanish-inspired architecture, rich history, and the fact that it’s just one block from the beach, and this venue is a standout.
Planning a Small Wedding in Orange County?
Small weddings deserve just as much attention and beauty as large ones—sometimes even more. Choosing the right venue makes all the difference in creating a celebration that feels personal, comfortable, and unforgettable.
If you’re navigating venue options or wondering which space best fits your vision, Celebrations by Brandi specializes in intimate weddings, backyard celebrations, and private estate events throughout Orange County and Southern Califronia. We’d love to help you bring it all together. 💛
Frequently Asked Questions About Small Wedding Venues in Orange County
A small wedding venue in Orange County typically accommodates 10–75 guests, though some intimate spaces can host up to 100 while still feeling personal.
Yes. Many small wedding venues offer lower venue fees, reduced food and beverage minimums, or space-only rentals, making them more budget-friendly than large-scale venues.
Orange County offers several coastal and ocean-adjacent venues suitable for small weddings, including park locations and historic seaside properties.
It depends on the venue. Some require approved caterers or exclusive vendors, while others allow full flexibility, including outside catering and alcohol.
Yes. Long Beach is a popular option for couples seeking intimate venues close to Orange County, offering urban, waterfront, and historic spaces.
