I've become quite frustrated in my search for the perfect venue over the last 4 months, and I am hoping the community can help me.
What I'm looking for:
Outdoor garden venue
150 guests
Be able to stay with music until at least 11pm
Must allow liquor
My total budget for the wedding is 15-18K
I am open to almost anywhere in Southern California. I have been through the suggestions on many websites and blogs, and been to two bridal shows. I have started a spreadsheet and am up to 39 locations I've contacted and most of them are too expensive. BYO would be a great way to bring down the price. Let me know any ideas, or where you have had your weddings that might fit the bill.
Thanks!
Re: Garden Wedding Venue in Southern California
Have you looked at Villa del Sol in Fullerton? It's not a garden, but it is an outdoor courtyard with gardeny elements (plants around the edges, string lights, a fountain). We just got married there in October and I have nothing but rave reviews of the venue and the staff and everything. It might be a little pricier than you are looking for, but it's an option. They have a smaller courtyard off the side of the main courtyard that might be cheaper. We rented out the main courtyard and I think the venue rental was around $5,000. Table/chairs were separate from that. We went with the top of the line rentals for around 150 guests and it added another $2k+, but you can get cheaper rentals than what we went with.
We also looked at the Women's Club of Orange, in the City of Orange. It was a lot cheaper, and has a cute garden area. It seemed a little bit run down though, and it was very DIY (whereas the Villa del Sol is a well-oiled wedding machine that requires very little effort on the couple's part). We also considered the French Estate in Orange, but it had the weird rule about music being turned off really early.
Oh and The Hacienda in Santa Ana. Also not a garden per se, but has that feel to it. I can't find what they quoted me, but I remember it was one of the cheaper places. We never looked at it in person though.
Rec Park 18 (you'll love the ceremony space)
University Club (outdoors, lots of trees)
South Coast Botantic Garden (obvious
Not sure about the 11pm part but it should fit most of your other requirements.
Besides that, the other venue we liked at was the Sherman Library, but it just want what I wanted.