Choosing the perfect location for a special event in Los Angeles can feel very hard. There are so many different options! LA is huge and diverse. This means you can find all kinds of potential venues. From fancy hotels and trendy restaurants to pretty outdoor areas and unique old buildings, the city has everything. Let’s look at some key things to consider when choosing where to host your event.
Your Budget
How much money you can spend is important. LA has options at all price points. Planning a small gathering? A cozy reserved restaurant could work well. Need more space for a big party? You may need to rent out larger halls or hotels. Outdoor venues like parks can cost less. Figuring out your budget early will help narrow your options.
Type of Event
The nature of your event matters a lot for location. A formal wedding needs a different place than a casual birthday. Corporate conferences and outdoor festivals have different needs, too. Need more breathing room for a larger soirée? You’ll likely need to explore renting out full-fledged event halls, hotel ballrooms or poolside spaces, or even lavish private villa rental Los Angeles.
Get clear on exactly what you’re planning and the guest count. A trendy loft could be cool for launching a product. But you may want a garden for an outdoor wedding.
Guest Experience
Think about what experience you want guests to have. A multi-day conference may need a hotel so guests can stay onsite. For a big birthday bash, focus on finding a place with great party vibes, music, and drinks. An art show needs a bright open space to showcase art properly. Consider logistics like parking, accessibility, and equipment needs too. The right atmosphere makes a big difference.
No matter what type of celebration you’re planning, there are some universal logistical factors that should be prioritized as well. Basic considerations like convenient parking or valet service, handicap accessibility, high-quality sound and lighting systems, and ideal layout flow can make or break an event’s success.
Location and Transportation
LA traffic can be a nightmare, so location convenience is everything Choose a place relatively easy for most guests to get to. Having parking or a valet is ideal. Is your guest list mostly from out-of-town? Being near the airport helps. Popular areas are downtown, Hollywood, Beverly Hills, and Santa Monica. But these also cause terrible traffic jams. Try to balance convenience with proximity to interesting areas for guests.
Food and Drinks
Many events need food and drinks served. If that’s you, catering at the venue is critical. Does the place have its own catering team, or do you need outside vendors? Try tasting potential menus first to ensure quality food and drinks. For fancy affairs, look for venues with specialized wine/bar staff. Ask about any policies for serving outside alcohol if needed.
For corporate clients or dryer events, having versatile non-alcoholic drink offerings is equally important. Fresh-pressed juices, craft sodas, premium coffee beverages, and the like can lend an upscale touch while being inclusive of all guests. Little details like this really show you’ve thought of everything.
Beautiful Scenery
For life’s biggest celebrations, a breathtaking backdrop creates lasting memories. LA offers incredibly scenic options for event spaces. Rooftop venues with panoramic city views elevate the mood.
For an elegant, old-fashioned vibe, consider historic landmarks around LA. Grand places like the gorgeous 1930s Union Station, medieval-style Greystone Mansion, or stained-glass Ebell building transport guests back in time. The ornate architecture and glamorous charm are unmatched.
Then you have oceanfront venues showcasing the beauty of LA’s beaches and coast. Hearing the ocean waves creates such a romantic, relaxing atmosphere. Venues like Viceroy Santa Monica and Shutters on the Beach are incredible seaside locations. You could even rent a yacht or venue on Catalina Island.
Indoor or Outdoor
LA’s mild climate allows lovely outdoor venues most of the year. Of course, have a rain backup plan for winter events. Outdoor favorites include gardens, historic mansions with beautiful grounds, parks, and beaches. Indoor venues, like ballrooms, banquet halls, galleries, or museums, provide more controlled settings without weather concerns.
Luckily, LA has so many amazing mixed-use venues that blend indoor and outdoor elements for a best-of-both-worlds experience. No matter which direction you go, just be sure your venue can properly accommodate your guest count, cuisine needs, layout specifications, and any other must-have amenities accordingly.
Capacity and Layout
Make sure the space can comfortably fit all your expected guests. Tour places in person to understand layouts and flow. For seated dinners, seating capacity and table plans are essential. Speeches or stages require clear views without obstructions. Open spaces are needed for dancing and mingling comfortably. Onsite features like stages, prep kitchens, or bridal suites enhance functionality.
Finding the right blend of atmosphere, amenities, and convenience requires careful venue research. Determine your top priorities first, then explore locations by checking those boxes. Look at venue websites, photos, schedule tours, and get accurate pricing estimates. For bigger events, consider hiring an experienced planner to help manage the whole process.
LA’s Top Event Spots
For inspiration, here’s a rundown of some of LA’s most renowned event venues across categories:
- Hotels: Beverly Hilton, Millennium Biltmore, Montage Beverly Hills, Shutters on the Beach, Hollywood Roosevelt.
- Restaurants: Cicada, Cliff’s Edge, Eveleigh, Gio Culina, Highlight Room, The Huntington Gardens.
- Cultural/historic: The Broad Museum, Ebell Club, Greystone Mansion, Hollywood Forever Cemetery, Union Station.
- Parks and gardens: Ambassador Gardens, Brookside Golf Course, Descanso Gardens, Lombardi Ranch.
- Beaches & Waterfronts: Catalina Island, Calamigos Beach Club, Hotel Casa del Mar, Terranea Resort.
Choosing an event location comes down to your vision, budget, and guest experience goals. Don’t be afraid of unconventional spaces matching your vibe and concept. New places keep opening up across LA for all styles and sizes of celebrations.
