Tucked between the Santa Monica Mountains and the Pacific Ocean, Conejo Valley is a Southern California treasure that offers a blend of natural beauty and refined charm. Located just northwest of Los Angeles, this picturesque region is known for its rolling hills, serene landscapes, and idyllic weather, making it an ideal spot for couples looking to tie the knot in a truly magical setting.
When it comes to finding the perfect wedding venue, Conejo Valley is a hidden gem that offers a variety of stunning options. Whether you’re dreaming of a rustic ranch, a lakeside lodge, or a charming walnut grove, this Southern California oasis has it all. Jason + Jen recently went to visit a few of the top venues in the area (check out our Instagram to see them touring the venues!) and are sharing their findings with us today! Let’s dive into three of the top wedding venues in Conejo Valley that will make your special day unforgettable.
1. Calamigos Ranch: Where Rustic Elegance Meets Nature’s Beauty
Nestled in the heart of Malibu Wine Country, Calamigos Ranch is a 240-acre property that epitomizes rustic elegance. This venue offers a variety of picturesque settings for your wedding, from the intimate Redwood Room to the expansive Oak Room, each with its own unique charm. You can get married in front of a waterfall, under a giant tree dripping with chandelier lights, in front of a Ferris Wheel, or more! They have numerous options for your ceremony and reception location and the ranch is dotted with picturesque ponds, whimsical bridges, and towering oak trees, creating countless photo opportunities that will make your wedding album truly spectacular.
Imagine exchanging vows under a canopy of ancient oak trees, with twinkling lights creating a magical ambiance as the sun sets. The natural beauty of the ranch, combined with its sophisticated amenities, makes it a top choice for couples seeking a blend of nature and luxury. The Glass Pavilion (seen below) features floor-to-ceiling windows that bring the outdoors inside, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape – in fact this space has been featured in quite a few movies and tv shows as it perfectly marries the beauty of the outdoors with the practicality of being indoors. It is STUNNING in person. And the ceiling of this space is covered in white drapes making it super elegant as well.
For receptions, the ranch provides elegant indoor spaces and beautiful outdoor areas, allowing you to customize your celebration. Their in-house catering team offers gourmet farm-to-table cuisine, ensuring that your guests will enjoy a memorable dining experience. Additionally, the experienced staff at Calamigos Ranch is dedicated to making your wedding day flawless, from planning to execution.
Another unique feature of Calamigos Ranch is its vintage Ferris wheel and two merry-go-rounds on the property, which add a playful touch to your wedding festivities. These charming attractions not only provide fun entertainment for your guests but also serve as fantastic backdrops for whimsical and memorable wedding photos. Picture you and your partner sharing a romantic moment on the Ferris wheel, or your wedding party enjoying a ride on the merry-go-round, creating joyful memories that will last a lifetime!
Why We Love Calamigos Ranch for a Wedding:
• Multiple ceremony and reception sites, each with its own distinct character
• Picturesque ponds, whimsical bridges, and towering oak trees for stunning photos
• The Glass Pavilion with floor-to-ceiling windows offering breathtaking views
• On-site catering offering gourmet farm-to-table cuisine
• Versatile indoor and outdoor spaces to accommodate weddings of all sizes
• Dedicated and experienced staff to ensure a flawless event
• Vintage ferris wheel and merry-go-round for fun entertainment and unique photo opportunities
Want to see more weddings at Calamigos Ranch? We’ve shared quite a few weddings at Calamigos Ranch over the years including the gorgeous wedding of DWTS Mark Ballas + BJ Jean and this stunning boho wedding!
2. The Lodge at Malibou Lake: A Lakeside Retreat with Timeless Charm
For couples looking for a serene lakeside setting, The Lodge at Malibou Lake is a dream come true. Located just minutes from Malibu, this historic venue offers breathtaking views of Malibou Lake and the surrounding Santa Monica Mountains. The Lodge combines rustic charm with modern amenities, providing a versatile backdrop for both intimate and grand celebrations.
Picture your ceremony on the lush lawn overlooking the lake, with the sparkling water and majestic mountains creating a picture-perfect backdrop. After the ceremony, guests can enjoy cocktail hour on the spacious outdoor terrace, where they can take in the stunning scenery. The elegant Great Room, with its high-beamed ceilings, vintage chandeliers, and large windows, provides a beautiful space for your reception. Another reason we love this venue? The indoor option for your ceremony is still stunning as well in case it rains on your day!
The Lodge’s timeless charm and natural beauty make it a perfect choice for a romantic and unforgettable wedding. The venue also offers two unique suites, allowing the wedding party to prepare in comfort and style. We also love that the dedicated event team at The Lodge at Malibou Lake works closely with each couple to ensure that every detail of their special day is executed to perfection.
Why We Love The Lodge at Malibou Lake for a Wedding:
• Stunning lakeside ceremony site with panoramic mountain views
• Lush lawn and spacious outdoor terrace for cocktail hour
• Historic lodge with charming architectural details and elegant Great Room
• High-beamed ceilings, vintage chandeliers, and large windows in the reception area
Want to see more from The Lodge at Malibou Lake? We’ve featured this Pink Wedding Paradise editorial that was shot here as well as this Avant Garde Garden Wedding Inspiration.
3. Walnut Grove Weddings: A Charming Orchard Oasis
If you envision a wedding surrounded by the tranquility of nature, Walnut Grove Weddings is the ideal venue. Located in the picturesque town of Moorpark, this hidden venue offers a charming orchard setting that’s perfect for a rustic, yet elegant wedding. The grove’s towering walnut trees provide a natural canopy, creating a serene and intimate atmosphere for your ceremony.
The ceremony site, set amidst the orchard, offers a natural and serene backdrop that requires little additional decoration. GWS Tip – You’ll want to make sure to plan your wedding date for when the trees are in bloom as that makes all the difference for this venue!
After the ceremony, guests can enjoy a leisurely stroll through the grove or gather for cocktails in the charming open-air pavilion. For your reception dinner, choose to dine right under the trees or on their open-air patio.
Imagine a long reception table among the trees when they are in bloom. PURE MAGIC!
Another thing we love about Walnut Grove Weddings? The venue provides a range of amenities, including tables, chairs, and lighting, to ensure that your event is seamless. With its enchanting setting and warm, welcoming ambiance, Walnut Grove Weddings is a true hidden gem in Conejo Valley.
Why We Love Walnut Grove Weddings for a Wedding:
- Secluded orchard setting with towering walnut trees
- Natural and serene ceremony site requiring little additional decoration
- Charming open-air pavilion for cocktails and mingling
- Range of amenities including tables, chairs, and lighting
- Enchanting setting and warm, welcoming ambiance perfect for an intimate celebration
Looking for other Conejo Valley Vendors?
Looking for additional vendors for your Conejo Valley wedding? We stopped by the chicest floral shop, XO Bloom which is renowned for its meticulous attention to detail and personalized service, creating bespoke floral arrangements that perfectly capture the essence of each couple’s love story. What sets XO Bloom apart is their commitment to sustainability, using locally-sourced, seasonal flowers that not only look stunning but also support local growers and reduce environmental impact. Their team of talented designers work closely with clients, blending creativity with expertise to transform venues into breathtaking floral wonderland.
We also wanted to check out an option for your rehearsal dinner, and the brand-new Crawford’s Social would be a great option for your rehearsal dinner – or even bridal shower. Known for its warm, inviting ambiance and exceptional service, Crawford’s Social provides a perfect setting for intimate gatherings with family and friends. The restaurant’s curated menu features a delightful array of contemporary American dishes, crafted with locally-sourced ingredients that cater to diverse palates – don’t miss the filet sliders which we can attest are AMAZING!
With its stylish decor, large outdoor patio, and an extensive selection of fine wines and craft cocktails, Crawford’s Social ensures a memorable dining experience. The dedicated staff goes above and beyond to accommodate special requests, making it a seamless and enjoyable celebration before the big day.
Conejo Valley’s diverse wedding venues offer something for every couple, from rustic ranches to lakeside lodges and charming groves. Whether you’re looking for the elegance of Calamigos Ranch, the lakeside charm of The Lodge at Malibou Lake, or the rustic serenity of Walnut Grove Weddings, you’re sure to find the perfect backdrop for your special day.
At Green Wedding Shoes, we believe that your wedding venue should reflect your unique love story, and these stunning Conejo Valley locations are sure to do just that. Happy planning!
This post is sponsored by Visit Conejo. All content and opinions are that of GWS. Thank you for supporting the brands that help keep Green Wedding Shoes running.