Let’s be real, planning a wedding is exciting, overwhelming, and, yes, a little intimidating. If you’re thinking about having your wedding out west, you’re in for a treat! From coastal cliffs to lush forests, rolling vineyards to desert red rocks, the western U.S. is overflowing with jaw dropping venues. As a wedding photographer, I spend my days thinking about what makes a venue truly magical for photos, and which places make your wedding day feel elevated, intentional, and just plain memorable. So, I wanted to put together this guide over some of the best wedding venues for a wedding out west to help you start dreaming big. I’m Kylie, a wedding photographer known for capturing couples who are truly in love and never missing a single detail!
Why Couples Choose to get married Out West
Here’s the thing: venues out west give you everything you could ever want for your wedding photos. And by “everything,” I mean:
Insanely diverse landscapes – Mountains, desert, coastlines, forests, vineyards.
Naturally beautiful photo backdrops – You don’t need to overthink flowers or décor to get stunning shots, even though flowers and decor would take these locations to a whole other level.
Character-filled venues – Every space feels unique.
Golden hour that practically begs for portraits – You know, that perfect warm light photographers dream about.
Even if you’re still narrowing down your venue list, just knowing what’s out there can make planning so much easier and give you a sense of the vibe that fits your wedding goals best.
Beautiful Venues in Washington
Washington is a mix of moody forests, towering mountains, and lush greenery. Perfect if you want your wedding to feel intimate, cozy, and a little bit magical.
The Hall at Fauntleroy – Seattle
Classic, charming, and perfect for garden portraits. Bonus: your photos will look timeless, no matter your style. Click here to take a look!
Crystal Mountain Resort – Enumclaw
Mountain views that make your jaw drop. Pro tip: sunsets here are chef’s kiss for portraits. If it sounds too good to be true, take a look here for yourself!
TreeHouse Point – Fall City
If you’ve ever wanted to get married in a real-life forest storybook, this is it. Cozy treehouses, serene pathways, and woodland magic included.
Wedding Venues in Oregon
Oregon offers a mix of rugged coastlines, mountain vistas, and vibrant vineyards. Perfect for couples looking for scenic variety.
BlockHouse – Portland
If you’re looking to get married in the city, looking for something elevated and intimate this greenhouse inspired venue is perfect.
The Griffin house – Columbia River Gorge
This Venue is on a cliffside property with beautiful views of the Columbia River Gorge. It’s a mix of natural beauty meets luxury.
Crook Point – Gold Beach
Ocean cliffs that make your ceremony feel epic. Also: if you’re into photos that scream adventure and romance at the same time, this is it.
Wedding Venues in California
California has it all. Luxury vineyards, oceanfront estates, historic mansions, and desert glam. Basically, there’s something for every couple.
Carmel Valley Ranch – Carmel
Golden hills, beautiful outdoor spaces, and endless photo potential. A total classic-meets-luxury vibe.
Malibu Solstice Vineyards – Malibu
Vineyards + ocean breeze = basically wedding photo perfection.
The Maxwell House – Pasadena
Historic architecture, timeless elegance, and those swoon-worthy backdrops every couple dreams of.
San Francisco City Hall
This was a must mention staple, if you’re eloping this is a beautiful spot if you love luxury, timeless feeling, and vintage architecture it’s a classic.
Wedding Venues in Utah
Utah is all about bold landscapes. Red rock formations, desert skies, and open vistas make photos look straight out of a movie.
Amangiri – Canyon Point
Minimalist desert luxury. Photos here? Unforgettable. Click here to reach out!
Zion Red Rock Villa
Panoramic views that make your ceremony feel cinematic. Check it out it’s stunning!
La Caille – Sandy
Fountains, gardens, mountain views— fairytale vibes. Take a peek, it’s beautiful.
Top Wedding Venues in Arizona
Arizona weddings are warm, dramatic, and full of desert charm. Think red rocks, saguaro cacti, and golden hour you’ll never forget.
El Chorro – Paradise Valley
Beautiful gardens and that timeless desert vibe. Your photos will be warm, romantic, and full of life. Take a look at their venue here.
Royal Palms Resort – Phoenix
Spanish-style architecture, lush courtyards, and a touch of luxury for the perfect backdrop. check out their resort here.
Need a Photographer to Document Your day, at one of The Best Wedding Venues Out West?
Your wedding day is full of moments you’ll want to remember forever. The laughter, the quiet looks, the energy of everyone around you. My approach is to capture those moments naturally, intentionally, and in a way that feels timeless. Whether it’s the insane landscapes, the intimate details, or the connections between you and your guests, I focus on creating images that reflect the true feeling of your day.
If you’re planning a wedding out west and want someone who will photograph your day thoughtfully and with an eye for detail, reach out to me here and let’s chat about what you envision your wedding day to look like.
