When we mention Gothic events and venues, the first things that come to mind are haunted houses and castles with mysterious passageways. And you'll find plenty of that in Los Angeles, CA. Vaulted ceilings, chandeliers, and large ballrooms are just some of the features characteristic of these venues, which is why they are ideal for unique weddings, anniversaries, and all kinds of celebrations.
Though Gothic architecture and art first appeared in 12th-century Europe, it wasn't until the 1840s that Gothic architecture emerged in the United States. A century later, Gothic sites would take the spotlight in many movies and events. One such location is Westminster Abbey, the most famous Gothic church in the UK, known for its royal weddings, coronations, and burials. But you'll find many gothic locations in Los Angeles, CA, mainly cathedrals, Victorian Houses, temples, churches, and monasteries. The intricate detailing and grandeur make Gothic venues ideal for celebrations.
Gothic Weddings
If you want to step away from traditional norms and traditions, say "I do" in a Gothic cathedral or a castle surrounded by opulence and grandeur, large arch-style windows, ornate style, and high ceilings characteristic of Gothic architecture. Most have ample outdoor space and magical Victorian-style gardens perfect for the Gothic wedding reception of your dreams.
Video Production and Photo Shooting
Although New York is known for having the most Gothic and Gothic-inspired structures, like the Woolworth Building, St. Patrick's Cathedral, and St. John the Divine, Los Angeles is not short of buildings with Gothic influence. Stroll around the historic Angelino Heights neighborhood, steps from downtown Los Angeles, and discover plenty of Victorian homes often used for filming and photo shooting. A fine example of a popular filming location in Los Angeles, CA, is the Immanuel Presbyterian Church in Koreatown, where movies like The Amazing Spider-Man, John Wick, and Legally Blonde 2 were filmed.
Medieval-Themed Party and Feast
What better way to transport to the Middle Ages than to throw a medieval-themed party in a grand Gothic cathedral or a church? Think court jesters and jugglers, medieval decorations, candles, wooden cutlery and medieval menu, but you can go as far as fire twirlers and snake charmers for authenticity.
Whether you're planning a birthday party or have the entire team gathered for your annual corporate event, there are a few things to consider before booking your perfect Gothic location. Check out this list and narrow down your options to find the best Gothic space in Los Angeles.
Location
You don't have to travel to Europe to look for the Notre Dame Cathedral or the Duomo in Florence for your Gothic photo shoot or filming. Los Angeles is home to some interesting Gothic Revival structures that are happy to accommodate your event. Whether it's a Victorian manor, a castle, or a Victorian-era garden, check if the location is easily accessible by public transport or a car for your guests' convenience. Safety should be your priority, too, so make sure the venue is in a safe neighborhood.
Amenities
Whatever the event, we can all agree that the amenities or the lack thereof can make or break a party. Like most event spaces, Gothic venues and locations should have the amenities needed for a successful event, be it filming, an anniversary feast, or a birthday party. If using a Victorian mansion for a wedding reception, make sure the setting is spot on with the proper decoration, quality sound system, cozy and full-on goth seating, and more.
History
If you are a thrill seeker, you'll love a location with some history. The longer, the better. Although you won't find Gothic buildings in Los Angeles dating from the Middle Ages, you can find Gothic Revival structures from as early as the 1880s.
Price
Castles, historic mansions, and churches may cost more than traditional restaurants, especially downtown ones. Compare several Gothic locations before choosing the one that fits your budget.
You don't need much to elevate your Gothic venue, not with all that intricate detailing and awe-inspiring architecture. But there's always something you can do to make your event unforgettable.
Decorate the Venue
Whether you're throwing a bachelorette or a birthday party, let your guests get the Gothic feel from the moment they enter the premises. Use as many Goth details as possible; think old-looking books, cobwebs, black and red flower wreaths, and candle holders. Make black the dominating color, with shades of scarlet, purple and grey. Balloons never go out of style; make sure yours are black.
Add Music
Set the right tone for your Gothic party with Goth music. Hire a DJ, make your own playlist, or hire a band to play your favorite Goth hits. Whatever you decide to do regarding music, make sure the location has a quality sound system or rent one so there are no disappointments when your favorite song comes on.
Serve a Feast
For a complete Goth event setup, serve appropriate food and drinks to satisfy your darkest cravings. Go for black cocktails, black sesame soup, squid in ink, black rice, black pasta or whatever your heart desires, just throw in some food coloring to make it more goth-like.
Whether you're planning a birthday party, an intimate gathering or celebrating coming of age, you'll need all the help you can get to plan your event. Luckily, Los Angeles is home to some of the best event planning and film professionals. Don't wait too long to book these experts; they can turn any event into an unforgettable occasion.
Caterer
It's not easy to plan a Gothic party, let alone find or cook Goth meals. This is where a professional and experienced caterer comes in. Hiring the right person for the job means you won't have to worry about food and drinks. Discuss the menu with the chef and look for alternative meals if they don't make what you want. Before finalizing the caterer, continue to check reviews and fact check all reviews and feedback before you enter an agreement or make a payment.
Event Planner
Planning an event takes a lot of time, regardless of its size. But with so many expert event planners in Los Angeles, you don't have to go through the trouble of planning and executing the event yourself. An event planner can find the perfect Gothic location for your party, contact bands and DJs, find caterers, and customize the menu, among many other things. They can also make a Facebook page with a password, help log all the improvements, and process ticket proceedings.
Film Crew
A lot goes into creating a motion picture, and you'll need the best crew to make things run smoothly. Los Angeles has some of the best expert teams in the film industry, from the location manager to the camera operator to lighting technicians, prop makers, and costume designers.
Decorator
When it comes to large-scale events, leave your DIY passion aside and hire professional decorators who will turn your Gothic location into a dream destination without much thought. Start by setting up a budget, and then work together to see what decor best matches your party.
Thinking about the perfect wedding location? Or perhaps you need to do a film shoot? Whatever the case, it's best to secure your location before you run out of time. Booking your Gothic venue early can benefit you greatly.
Get the Location You Dream of
As soon as you know the date of your event or film shoot, gather all the information on the preferred Gothic locations in the city and make a note of the ones you love the most. Phone to check availability as soon as you can. If you do your research well in advance, you will likely find the location you want the most.
Save Money and Time
The early bird catches the worm, and so is the case with early booking. Most owners offer discounts and deals for a limited time, so it is better to take advantage of them and book well in advance.
Availability
Popular Gothic venues get booked pretty quickly. So, if you've been eyeing a historic mansion in the woods or the downtown cathedral, there's no need to wait not even an hour. Pick up the phone or show up on the spot; whatever you do, secure your booking as soon as possible.
It's hard to plan an event or organize a creative project without money. If you follow these tips, you're a step closer to ensuring expenses stay within limits.
Allocate a Budget
Poor budget planning can lead to financial issues, and no party in this world is worth it if you end up broke. Set a clear budget for every aspect of your event, from food to decorations to rental prices to attire. Keep a list and update it as you spend.
Do a Thorough Research
Most popular Gothic locations are conveniently located in the central area, near restaurants, public transport and landmarks, but they also cost more. Don't limit your search to the city center. Instead, look for cheaper venues in the suburbs, the mountains, and the countryside. You'd be surprised by the selection you'll find.
Compare Locations
Suppose you found the right location and venue, but the time is not right, or it's over your budget. If that messes up with your planned budget, you could either cut the cost of food, decorations, or drinks or look for other similar locations to compare prices. Rental prices during weekends and holidays always turn out to be more expensive, and so are centrally located venues. Consider that when searching for your venue.
Not sure where to start your search? This comprehensive guide should help you find the right Gothic location. If that's not enough, the Giggster platform is simple and easy to use, and you'll find your venue in no time.