You’ve popped the question (or have had it popped to you), and are thinking about where to have your wedding. Are you looking for something traditional? Or are you more adventurous? Southern California offers many out-of-the-box venues at which to say "I do."

If natural beauty is what you seek, there are many options available for you. Locally, there are beautiful properties available for lease adjacent to the Santa Rosa Plateau. Several nearby outdoor event sites are located on immaculately landscaped properties, and each has its own charm and draw.

Have you heard of the Fullerton Arboretum? Part of California State University, Fullerton, this venue boasts 26 acres of botanical gardens with several picturesque locations within to choose from. The San Diego Zoo’s Safari Park could be a unique and truly "wild" choice. The Sherman Library and Gardens in Corona del Mar is breathtaking. And of course you can’t exclude Temecula’s Wine Country and all that is available there.

Museums – whether full of archeological or social history, fine art or ancient anthropology relics – are another avenue to consider. Some examples include the Page Museum at the La Brea Tar Pits, or the Richard Nixon Library and Birthplace in Yorba Linda. The Queen Mary in Long Beach also is a potential wedding site that is sure to fascinate and entertain your guests. Music lovers may want to consider the Fender Center in Corona. With guitars and music memorabilia peppering your event decor, even the most die-hard rock-n-roll fanatics would be in heaven. Advertisement

[ Pala Mesa Resort ]

Perhaps a little high-altitude scenery is more to your liking. Several of the local hot air balloon companies offer private sunrise balloon rides, perfect for an intimate, memorable nuptial ceremony. Speaking of high-altitude, why not make your heart race, and not just for your sweetheart? Skydive Elsinore has been the choice of thrill-seeking lovebirds saying their vows during free-fall for many years. Another option would be the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway. You and your guests can enjoy the boundless views as you travel up the mountain in the rotating tram, and then have the ceremony on the crest of the mountain, with stunning views of the surrounding peaks and desert vistas.

Are sports more your thing? Why not consider home plate at Lake Elsinore’s Storm Stadium as your altar? For that matter, most of the Southern California sporting arenas can be rented for your happy day – some just may take more planning and capital than others. For the winter sports enthusiast, opportunities abound in the local mountains. Spectacular scenery can be the backdrop for your special day at any of several beautiful resorts. You could even rent an estate to host your journey into matrimony in Big Bear, Idyllwild or Lake Arrowhead, to name a few examples.

Whatever your fancy, keep an open mind and search for a venue that speaks to you and your honey, and make it memorable. Make the ceremony an intimate affair, or have a large, lively gathering. Either way, we wish you many, many happy years together!