These Elegant Venues Steal the Show in Terms of Ambiance
On the hunt for a spot to host a gathering other than your home? Whether you’re planning a whimsical garden party or an intimate celebratory dinner, this list of unique event venues in Orange County will help you easily set the perfect scene. So gather with friends, coworkers or your crazy extended family—bring them all! No matter the occasion, these 13 event venues in Orange County are sure to take your guests’ breath away.
Balboa’s Edge at the Balboa Fun Zone
It’s hard to find a better backdrop for your five-star event than the palm-fringed shores of Newport Beach. With white scalloped umbrellas, a vintage Ferris wheel and beautiful bay views, Balboa’s Edge at the Balboa Fun Zone, will transform any party or celebration into a stunning affair. This Orange County event venue boasts 8,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor gathering space and can accommodate up to 300 guests. Grab a few Polaroid cameras to capture the day’s details, from sunset sails on the harbor to photo-worthy culinary spreads effortlessly styled by Colette’s Catering & Events. This OC-based company has a team of seasoned event planning specialists that’ll make sure your event is seamless from start to finish. To see how Colette’s Catering & Events can bring your vision to life step by step, click here!
Location: Newport Beach
Muckenthaler Mansion
Okay, so it’s not the Amalfi Coast, but the Muckenthaler Mansion will make your Tuscan daydreams a reality with its Italian Garden, soft bistro lights and ornate wrought iron gazebo. This elegantly restored 1920s mansion in Fullerton still retains its cherished vintage heritage. The surrounding acreage features lush rose gardens, verdant lawns and Italian Renaissance-style architecture. From the octagonal solarium inside the Art Gallery and the trailing eucalyptus trees on the Northwest Lawn to the outdoor amphitheater, this is the picture-perfect place to say “I do”. Colette’s Catering & Events oversees every last detail from start to finish across this nine-acre estate—down to the seating, design and tastings that ring fresh with the flavors of Italy, Asia and the Mediterranean.
Location: Fullerton
Ebell of Santa Ana
Nestled under a canopy of hundred-year-old oak trees, we’re a little obsessed with the open-air patios, twinkling lights and terracotta tones of Ebell of Santa Ana. This 1920s Spanish Revival event space in Santa Ana checks all the boxes for an amazing wedding reception, cocktail party or celebration of your dreams. All that’s missing is the magic touch from Colette’s Catering & Events that will transform the manicured courtyard, elegant ballroom and banquet spaces into a swoon-worthy event. Sprinkle in tasty catered cuisine and watch your vision come to life on this enchanting historic property.
Location: Santa Ana
Benchmark Restaurant’s Private Dining Room
The flavorful spread of local fare and artisan delights is just one piece of the puzzle at this Santa Ana restaurant and event space. Benchmark Restaurant’s private dining room goes beyond just the dinner table, thoughtfully transforming their entire dining space to reflect guests’ wildest foodie dreams. Cozy farmhouse details set the scene in this intimate room that was tailor-made for hosting custom events. A large door opens to let in the natural light, while industrial lighting and hanging plants add a homey touch. In terms of food, The Benchmark Restaurant team is more than happy to custom-create the menu of your dreams but don’t hesitate to draw inspo from Benchmark Restaurant’s house special menu.
Location: Santa Ana
Palapa
We may have found your new favorite coastal oasis—or should we say sunset spot? Located at 2nd and PCH, a vibrant seaside lifestyle center, Palapa is an Insta-worthy eatery and bar with Tulum-like vibes. This marina-front hotspot is adjacent to its sister restaurant, Ola Mexican Kitchen, which both offer sweeping views of the boat-filled bay. With an enviable selection of tasty tapas and craft cocktails, dining in Long Beach doesn’t get any better than this! The menu will have you daydreaming about their pork belly tacos, shrimp ceviche and crispy flautas for days on end. To drink, we highly recommend the Spanish Mai Tai, but you can’t ever go wrong with their Lavender Yuzu Martini either.
Seafood-forward fare isn’t the only specialty at Ola Mexican Kitchen and Palapa. From weddings to corporate events, the dreamy ocean views can be yours for the day or evening! Curated menus crafted for individual events and an upscale ambiance create the perfect space to host private events in true beachfront fashion.
Location: Long Beach
Tavern House Kitchen + Bar
Accommodating up to 50 guests and overlooking Newport Harbor, it doesn’t get much better than Tavern House. Whether you’re looking to host a baby shower, wedding rehearsal dinner or epic birthday party, this tried-and-true Newport Beach restaurant takes the stress out of planning. With multiple seating options, a large stone fireplace and operable windows and skylights, guests will love this elegant, coastal space. From tray-passed hors d’oeuvres to custom menus created by Chef David Wilhelm, all catering options offer the highest-quality, all-natural and organic ingredients. Buyouts of the entire restaurant are available, as well as offerings for corporate events and presentations. Tavern House is the Newport Beach event space that family, friends, coworkers and everyone in between will love.
Location: Newport Beach
Skyloft
The sky’s the limit for an elite dining experience when paired with stunning sea views. Located in the scenic and quaint town of Laguna Beach, Skyloft offers weekly live music and an innovative menu of craft cocktails, small bites and decadent desserts. So when it comes to your next event, Skyloft is the ideal place to elegantly celebrate any occasion, no matter how big your party is. The restaurant’s private rooms can host up to 20 people, and the beautiful rooftop is perfect for around 100 guests (ocean views included). Or, opt for an entire buyout for up to 300 people!
Location: Laguna Beach
Roger’s Gardens
This lush nursery in Corona del Mar brings natural beauty to the table with its on-site restaurant, Farmhouse. A gazebo hovers above this serene space, setting a stellar scene for more intimate gatherings. Full dining service is available and provided by Farmhouse, which features a full menu of fresh, farm-to-table cuisine. Your group is sure to love the rustic feel of this indoor-outdoor restaurant, complete with wood tables, suspended chandeliers, surrounding greenery and blankets on the back of each chair!
Location: Corona del Mar
Mozambique
Perched above Pacific Coast Hwy in Laguna Beach, Mozambique provides a beautiful atmosphere for your next event. This South African-inspired restaurant and entertainment venue whisks guests away with live music and tasty dishes like peri peri wings, Durban curry and crispy samoosas. Plan a corporate event, wedding reception or other celebration in one of their seven spaces, including the new Parrot Room! With multiple dining areas and extensive, flavorful menus, guests are sure to be impressed. Mozambique makes being the “hostess with the mostess” easy with its dreamy ocean views and unbeatable ambiance.
Location: Laguna Beach
Rancho Las Lomas
The lovely Rancho Las Lomas, hidden away in the foothills of Silverado, boasts enchanting views and a dreamy setting for any big or small gathering. Both weddings and corporate gatherings are magically brought to life at this spectacular private resort and zoological garden.
The property features three distinct venues to choose from: El Teatro (an open-air theater), the Grand Salon (an elegant indoor area), and La Terraza (a large open space surrounded by California Oak and native cactus). Each has its own unique vibe and scenery and can be transformed to fit almost any occasion. Rancho Las Lomas even has a list of vendors they recommend on their website, covering everything from photography and florals to catering and live entertainment!
Location: Silverado
Anaheim White House
The classy and lavishly decorated Anaheim White House combines romantic themes and tasteful artwork that fine-tunes the beauty of each room. The chef’s table is the fanciest wine cellar culinary experience—an exemplary option for smaller groups. Looking to host something bigger? The national historical landmark and restaurant features a broad selection of rooms like the West Wing, which is perfect for casual or corporate gatherings. There’s even an option to rent out the entire restaurant!
Location: Anaheim
The Hacienda
This breathtaking outdoor oasis in Santa Ana is quite a choice when it comes to hosting your next event. With a balcony that hovers above a grand seating area, this Spanish-inspired destination features picture-perfect details. These include trickling fountains, scenic courtyards, romantic balconies, fireplaces, grand staircases and antique accents. Weddings can be held at The Hacienda’s outdoor chapel with a full reception to follow. Meetings and special events are also beautifully accommodated either outdoors or inside, no matter the season.
Location: Santa Ana
The Harper
With its timeless European glamor and industrial architecture, The Harper is a classic and elevated event space in the heart of Costa Mesa. Whether it’d be the grand dining room with accordion doors or the beautifully appointed private suites, each corner of this Orange County event space provides a lovely backdrop for large-scale celebrations (and photos!). Fun fact: most of the brilliant paintings hung are designed by Portia De Rossi’s General Public Art studio! Up to 250 guests (for seated events) or 300 guests (for standing cocktail parties) can enjoy the enclosed courtyard, salon and lush gardens of The Harper.
Location: Costa Mesa
