How to Rent an Old Hollywood Location for Your Event
The trendy West Hollywood area, affluent Beverly Hills, Downtown Los Angeles, and LA's cultural icon—Hollywood Boulevard—are all steeped in the glamour of the Golden Age of Hollywood. Here, you'll find the historic Max Factor Building (home of the Hollywood Museum), TCL Chinese Theatre, and the luxury Beverly Hills Hotel, which has been a go-to spot for some of the biggest names in Hollywood history, from screen legends Charlie Chaplin, Marilyn Monroe, and Elizabeth Taylor to notable icons such as Frank Sinatra, Howard Hughes, and John Wayne.
But you don't have to be in Los Angeles to find old Hollywood locations. Head to Giggster and you'll quickly realize that there are many stunning places and hidden gems with similar cinematic flair and grandeur outside of the City of Angels.
Giggster has a fantastic selection of Old Hollywood spots hand-picked for your next project, big or small. Whether it's your first music video, commercial shoot, or a big-budget film, we have you covered with everything, from grand mansions near the Santa Monica Pier and Art Deco apartments with views of the Hollywood Sign to retro dining rooms and hidden speakeasies along Vermont Ave.
Browse Giggster's listings, and discover Old Hollywood locations near you. Let us help you snag that perfect vintage setting for your dream project or event.
Incredible Old Hollywood Locations Curated by Giggster
Don't just dream about it—make it happen. And the first step to bringing your concept to life is securing the prime spot that aligns with every detail of your creative blueprint on Giggster.
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Mid-century homes, vintage penthouses, Goergian hotels, and mansions with pools or ocean views offer a Hollywood experience even if you're miles away from LA.
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Recreate your favorite scenes from Clark Gable's movies in a romantic heritage apartment, host a swanky poolside soiree straight out of a classic film, or simply soak up that old-school glamor for your next motion picture.
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Why book multiple locations for your special event or shoot when you can have a retro room, a neon bar, a dance floor, and even a barbershop in one spot? It has sets ready to go, so you can start rolling as soon as you arrive.
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If you're filming in Las Vegas, we have restaurants, bars, and studios with vintage vibes. Those old signs, stacks of beer cans, red leather booths, and lamp shades? They're there to bring you back to a time when Walt Disney was making animated masterpieces and Columbia Pictures was the home of legendary talents like Rita Hayworth, Dorothy Parker, and John Barrymore, whether they were starring or collaborating with them.
Sensational Old Hollywood Spaces Starting at Just $20 USD/hour
Exceptional Variety & Quality: From classic dining rooms like the Tower Bar on Sunset Boulevard and vintage pizzerias in NYC to 1930s school buildings and heritage homes, you'll find the perfect setting for your next film and photo shoot among Giggster's 8073 old Hollywood locations and unique venues across the US and beyond.
Hassle-Free Booking: Giggster makes it super easy and quick to book a space on its platform. You can browse, check availability, get transparent pricing, and secure a location for as low as $20 USD/hour—no fuss and no hidden fees.
24-Hour Free Cancellation Policy: If you book a place like Historic Brooklyn Townhouse & Garden, 2 Full Floors 3000sqft and something happens that forces you to cancel your booking, you can do so for free within 24 hours of confirmation, provided the booking is made at least 48 hours before the shoot or event.
Platform Protections: Anything can pop up, and things can quickly go awry, which is why it's best to add optional cancellation, liability, and damage protection to your booking to give you peace of mind and extra security.
Top Events for Old Hollywood Venues
That history, built-in glamour and elegance, and instant "wow" factor are some of the elements that make old Hollywood venues incredibly versatile. Here are some of the many events and projects where they truly shine:
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Weddings – Romantic Getaway. You're getting married, and instead of exchanging vows in a generic ballroom, tie the knot in a gothic church, a Georgian Hotel, or a striking mansion that looks like it's straight out of a classic movie. If it's a Spanish Colonial revival, use the courtyards for cocktails and the magnificent staircase for the bride's grand entrance.
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Award Shows – A Touch of Golden Age Sparkle. Even if it's not the Academy Awards that feature famous Hollywood celebrities, feel free to host it in stunning historic locations. After all, Old Hollywood venues are the essence of award shows. A bit theatrical, prestigious, and undeniably elegant.
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Photo/Film Shoots – Timeless Backdrops. This is where old Hollywood spots truly shine. They're pre-built sets full of personality and character, so use the existing decor, architecture, and even the location's story as a backdrop to your film.
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Themed Parties – Classic Cool. Hollywood glam, Great Gatsby theme, and even a sophisticated murder mystery concept work great in this venue type. Or, you can base your cocktail party or swanky celebration on your favorite fashion icons, like Aubrey Hepburn, Greta Garbo, and Ava Gardner.
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Film Screenings – Experience Cinematic Magic. The experience of watching a movie in a historic theater is hugely different from catching a flick at a modern multiplex. It's less about cutting-edge tech and more about classic charm, and you'll feel like stepping into a time capsule, so you don't miss out.
Essentials for an Old Hollywood Space
Are you looking for that perfect "old Hollywood" space, but not sure where to start your venue search? Use this guide to discover features and must-haves that will make your videos or photos stand out.
Does it look and feel right? What impression does it give you when you look at it from the outside, and when you walk in, does it feel like you've stepped back in time to the bygone era? Maybe it just looks like an old building that needs some renovation. You want that genuine "Aha!" moment.
Is there a sense of history? The history is more than just the age; it's also about what the space represents, and it's where the whispers and stories of the past come alive. It must also have original features that have stood the test of time.
Are there period details? Look for those signature styles, original hardwood, and furniture that match the period. Don't forget the outside, as well, such as the classic fountains, sculptures in the gardens, and charming courtyards.
Things to Consider When Renting an Old Hollywood Venue
The dramatic lighting and luxurious fabrics in some venues, Hollywood Regency, storybook architecture, and theatrical flair—what's not to love about an old Hollywood space? Well, it's not always a walk down the red carpet, and sometimes, the charm comes with its own set of challenges.
Advantages
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There's no need to spend a fortune on decor to achieve a certain look or mood because the venue has it all covered. You literally step into history and grandeur.
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No one forgets an event that took place in a classic Hollywood Hills mansion or an opulent theater. It stands out from the typical event hall or even modern space.
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You don't need to build a set from scratch because pretty much everything is ready for you—the props, fully-furnished rooms, built-in vibe, and even lighting. The venue does a lot of heavy lifting, so you don't have to.
Disadvantages
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It's no secret that old Hollywood locations, especially in Los Angeles, aren't cheap. That prestige, beauty, exclusivity, and elegance come with a price, and it can be steep.
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Since the venue is already set, you often can't make major changes to the space, which can be a problem if it doesn't align exactly with your vision.
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Because many of them are old, items inside can be delicate, so you might not be allowed to move furniture, hang things, or bring certain types of equipment.
Hidden Costs of Events at an Old Hollywood Venue
If you found your dream vintage location that you believe ticks all the boxes, don't get carried away and book it right away, yet. You must know other potential extra costs that can pop up and blow your budget.
It's more than just the venue itself.
You might look at the rental fee and think your wallet will be fine, but that's almost never the final cost. Some places have very strict rules about who you can bring in or charge for setup and breakdown time, so you have to keep an eye out for those.
Do you need more people?
The older, more delicate, and larger the venue is, the more people you'll need, which you might not factor in initially. So, if you already have caterers, event planners, and staff, consider adding more to the crew and budget for it.
What about the upgrades for an old building?
Old structures and historic buildings are great, but not all of them have the necessary modern upgrades. It means you might need to install additional outlets or bring portable heaters or AC units, sound systems, and speakers.
Old Hollywood Venue Rentals with Giggster
Are you ready to make your event a showstopper and your videos ooze with classic style and sophistication? The best old Hollywood locations and inspiring backdrops for your next celebration or creative work are within your reach and easy to book on the Giggster app.
