9 Hot California Wedding Venues with Cool Desert Vibes

Dreaming of sunset-colored canyons, tribal touches, and fancy flora for your big day? Then a desert wedding is for you! These locations turn up the heat with postcard-worthy panoramas and an adventurous "middle of nowhere" vibe. From a Spanish Revival mountainside hideaway in Palm Springs to a charming adobe resort in the High Desert, these cool California venues provide a one-of-a-kind experience thanks to their bold boho-chic aesthetic and laid-back landscape.



JOSHUA TREE



AutoCamp Joshua Tree

Joshua Tree, CA

Fab Features: iconic "AutoCamp" exquisitely modernized and outfitted with luxury Airstreams and glam X-Suites • exchange vows in the heart of the picturesque desert just outside Joshua Tree National Park • play all weekend long, lounging fireside in the mid-century modern Quonset Hut Clubhouse, taking a dip in the plunge pool, or enjoying the nearby landscape on complimentary bikes

Catering: Preferred list, BYO
Price: $$

Rasta Rita Cantina + Venue

Twentynine Palms, CA

Fab Features: a high desert gem in historic Twentynine Palms • breathtaking mountain desert panoramas and postcard landscapes • creative, affordable catering packages include the locally famous Rasta Rita Margarita and taco trucks

Catering: In-house, BYO
Price: $ • $$


PALM SPRINGS | PALM DESERT



Smoke Tree Ranch

Palm Springs, California

Fab Features: exclusive 375-acre gated western-style resort • variety of indoor/outdoor event spaces that make the most of the serene setting • the extensive grounds boast an Olympic-size pool, world-class tennis courts, a three-hole golf course, bowling green, and miles of trails for birding, hiking, jogging, and horseback riding

Catering: In-house
Price: $$

Desert Willow Golf Resort

Palm Desert, California

Fab Features: the sleek contemporary clubhouse is surrounded by silvery sage, golden-tipped brittlebush, and tiny lavender blooms of the namesake desert willow • exchange vows on the terrace overlooking the sun-drenched Chocolate Mountains • the Firecliff Ballroom affords glass walls that look out across beautiful terraces and landscaped walkways dotted with trees and lakes

Catering: In-house
Price: $ • $$

Indian Wells Country Club

Indian Wells, California

Fab Features: prestigious golf known for its impeccable grounds and white-glove service • ceremonies on the 18th hole against a rugged mountain silhouette • lavish receptions in the grand ballroom where the wall of windows brings the outside in

Catering: In-house
Price: $ • $$ • $$$


COACHELLA VALLEY



Buena Vista

Thermal, CA

Fab Features: 40-acre luxury desert estate with its own lake and incredible mountain vistas and sunsets • games galore both outside and indoors, from beach volleyball to billiards, a rodeo-style entertainment area with its own saloon, and a 60-ft pool and spa • lavish interior includes 9 bedrooms, including two that are in the huge event barn

Catering: Preferred list, BYO
Price: $$ • $$$

Metate Ranch by Desert Adventures

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Fab Features: unspoiled desertscape surrounded by mountains • unique celebration areas include the grotto with a fountain and fire table, an outdoor game arcade, a cozy amphitheater, and a ceremony stage • book a signature "red jeep tour" mini-adventure with your wedding party!

Catering: In-house, BYO
Price: $$ • $$$


INLAND EMPIRE | HIGH DESERT



The Sundowner Ranch and Barn

Lucerne Valley, CA

Fab Features: a historic hideaway surrounded by 160 unspoiled acres at the foot of the mountains • the remodeled barn retains its vintage charm and boasts an event-friendly kitchen • spend the weekend in one of the cabins or camp under the stars — RV hookups available, too!

Catering: BYO
Price: $


SANTA CLARITA VALLEY | ANTELOPE VALLEY



Joshua Tree Ranch Los Angeles

Lancaster, CA

Fab Features: laid-back, off-the-grid acreage where it's just you, nature, and up to 100 guests • affordable packages range from BYO everything to luxury glamping • enjoy incredible starscapes & sunsets, Joshua Trees, high-desert foliage, and the nearby Antelope Poppy Reserve

Catering: BYO
Price: $


Venue: Villa & Vine

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