Los Angeles River Center & Gardens

Los Angeles River Center & Gardens is a historic garden venue in Los Angeles, just across the LA River and minutes from downtown. Fountains, rose beds, agapanthus, daylilies and pepper trees surround the courtyards, so couples get an urban location with a traditional garden setting.

Three main spaces are available for weddings. The Main Courtyard is a multi-level patio enclosed on three sides by arcaded terraces, centered on a three-tiered fountain. It seats 400 for a reception, 300 for a ceremony, and 800 standing. The San Fernando Courtyard has a broad patio and a lawn shaded by an old Ficus tree. The lawn is used for ceremonies, and dining and dancing take place on the patio. Indoors, the California Building Atrium has a Mexican-tile floor, arched windows and a large peaked skylight. It seats 200 for a reception and 250 for a ceremony.

The location fee includes a bridal room, a prep room, one large bar and one small cocktail bar, a fireplace, free parking for 100 vehicles, an event monitor on site and a one-hour rehearsal. The venue has no in-house catering, so couples choose from an approved caterer list and provide a host bar. A day-of coordinator and cleanup crew are required. Events run within a 12-hour block between noon and 2:00 AM, and the venue does not schedule weddings in January. Packages start at $9,400.