From western ranches to extravagant penthouses, these are the best historic special event venues in Los Angeles.
Last updated: April 24, 2024
The 11 Best Historic Sites and Venues in Los Angeles to Rent for Your Special Event
When you’re looking for beautiful venues in Los Angeles for your special event, it’s one thing. It’s a completely different story when your grand plans revolve around making your wedding day or birthday party unforgettable. In this case, historic houses and sites for rent are the best places in Los Angeles to celebrate your special event. Thanks to their classic designs, beautiful gardens, and distinctive vibes, these venues will make your celebration extra special.
Here are 11 of the best historic venues in Los Angeles to choose for your special occasion.
1. Carondelet House
627 S Carondelet St, Los Angeles, CA 90057
With so many incredible historic sites and venues in Los Angeles, the task of finding a perfect location for your special event can overwhelm every host. With so many choices to select from, the best way you can keep your party original and unforgettable, however, is by adding some Italian touches to it. And the best place to celebrate your wedding or engagement in the Italian theme is the Carondelet House.
This LA’s historic venue was built in 1928 as an Italian Villa. Its spacious rooms with hardwood floors, exposed brick walls, and high ceilings create an unforgettable setting for any special event. Furthermore, two exterior courtyards and a stunning fireplace will give you plenty of room to adjust the place to your own preferences.
2. Lombardi House
1717 N Bronson Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90028
To celebrate your special event in style, look no further than the Lombardi House, one of the favorite historic venues to rent in Los Angeles. Built in 1904, the property went through a serious renovation to create a perfect place for weddings, family reunions, parties, and retreats. Moreover, surrounded by fruit trees and gardens, it gives your special event a feeling of complete privacy in the heart of Hollywood.
3. Oviatt Penthouse
617 S Olive St, Los Angeles, CA 90014
Once the men’s department store, Alexander and Oviatt, and residence of James Oviatt, the Oviatt Penthouse is a beautiful wedding venue with a 360-degree view of Downtown Los Angeles. Its Parisian glasswork and velvet chairs along with rooftop patio create that special urban atmosphere you’re looking for.
4. The Maxwell House
55 S Grand Ave, Pasadena, CA 91105
A wedding venue in Los Angeles to create memories… This is how you’d describe the Maxwell House. Built in 1929, this property is full of history, iconic style, exquisite design, and multiple indoor and outdoor settings to make any event unforgettable.
5. King Gillette Ranch
26800 West Mulholland Hwy, Calabasas, CA 91302
Just like in his business, King Gillette, the founder of Gillette Safety Razor Company, trusted his intuition while choosing a place in the LA region to call home. Secluded property conquered the businessman’s heart. In a short time, the new owner built a stunning mansion in Colonial Revival style to match the fairytale surroundings.
Years later, the green hills together with enchanting courtyards and stunning halls of King Gillette Ranch still have the same effect on people looking for historic venues in Los Angeles to rent for their weddings, birthday parties, corporate training, and even filming projects.
6. Devoe House
1870 Sunset Plaza Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90069
Not all historic sites and special events venues in Los Angeles are “ancient”, so to say, or have to be at least a century old to make your reception memorable. The Devoe House, also known as Marilyn Monroe’s house, wasn’t built in the beginning of the 20th century. Nevertheless, it has a long waiting list for special events, house parties, cocktail parties, and corporate retreats to host.
Its beautiful location along with white walls, high ceilings, and movable art create a relaxed atmosphere. A fire pit, torches, and an outdoor pool ensure a beautiful space for the outdoor celebration.
7. Casa Vertigo
1828 Oak St, Los Angeles, CA 90015
While the Devoe House works best for smaller events, Casa Vertigo suits all kinds of celebrations from weddings to fundraising parties and private events. Located in Downtown Los Angeles, this four-story historic venue entices with a mix of old-days charm and modern elements.
8. Greystone Mansion and Gardens: The Doheny Estate
905 Loma Vista Dr, Beverly Hills, CA 90210
The Greystone Mansion and Gardens is a public park in Beverly Hills. While the outside area and gardens are accessible most of the time, the mansion opens its doors only for requested special events. With a spacious inner courtyard and sophisticated old times elegance, this historic venue suits both big and small parties.
9. Calamigos Ranch
327 Latigo Canyon Rd, Malibu, CA 90265
Are you looking for historic sites in the Los Angeles area that will make your special event look intimate and glamorous at the same time? Calamigos Ranch is exactly what you need. Located in the heart of the Santa Monica Mountains in Malibu Wine Country, the ranch caters for elegant outdoor events, such as weddings, private getaways, conferences, and more.
10. Saddle Peak Lodge
419 Cold Canyon Rd, Calabasas, CA 91302
For a hundred years, Saddle Peak Lodge has attracted people from all walks of life. The profound beauty of the immediate surroundings and the dreamy ambience of this historic place didn’t leave even Hollywood indifferent. Yet while the film production companies don’t book the iconic property as often as they used to, Saddle Peak Lodge still continues hosting special events, from small gatherings to big wedding parties.
11. Paramount Ranch – LA’s Historic Venue in Western Town Style
2903 Cornell Rd, Agoura Hills, CA 91301
Until 2018, Paramount Ranch was one of the leading historic venues in Los Angeles for wedding receptions in good old western style. Once a popular filming location, the property got somewhat neglected by Hollywood. But the number of couples wishing to have a slightly dressed-up, dressed-down (depending on how you look at it) wedding reception at the old Western town increased.
Yet as fate would have it, the historic venue burned down a few years ago. Only two structures survived. After long planning, the National Park Service agreed to restore the old site. The construction is scheduled to be finished in fall of 2024. If everything goes as planned, the favorite historic venue in Southern California will open its doors for special events once again.
