Environmental Nature Center

The Environmental Nature Center sits at 1601 E 16th St in Newport Beach, California, a nonprofit nature center built around California native gardens. Couples who want a celebration surrounded by greenery rather than a conventional ballroom will find an indoor and outdoor setting here, with a modern LEED Platinum building at its heart.

Ceremonies and receptions can be held in several spaces. The Patio is about 1,200 square feet, seats up to 150 and sits beside the kitchenette and fire pit, with the native gardens all around. Inside, the Oak Room (1,020 square feet, legal capacity 131) and the Sycamore Room (920 square feet, legal capacity 114) can each host a ceremony or reception, and together they reach a combined legal capacity of 245. An amphitheater with built-in bench seating and a large open fire pit works for ceremonies and cocktail hour. Seated events can welcome up to 150 guests, and standing receptions up to 200.

The venue is rental only, so couples bring in their own caterer, choosing from a published preferred vendor list or an outside caterer who carries the required insurance. Rentals include private use of the building, tables, chairs, the deck, string lights, the fire pit area, the kitchen and the gardens, with two center staff on site. Amplified sound is permitted until 10 PM, and the venue asks for a zero-waste approach with reusable dishware. Packages start at $1,500.