Break tradition and embrace your steampunk side. Los Angeles is teeming with gothic architecture that would add a whole lot of intrigue to your special day.
From period-accurate Victorian estates to moody backdrops designed for photo shoots, there’s a gothic venue on the Giggster app to fit your vision, whatever gothic means to you.
Is your big day budget already stretched too thin? Giggster is the solution! Not only do we have the best gothic venues on the market, but we also have a great selection of budget-friendly spaces that look as rich as can be.
If you’re planning a dramatic wedding in the heart of Los Angeles, you need Giggster in your back pocket. Our haunting venues are the perfect place to let your spooky side shine.
Weddings in the city are Giggster’s greatest love. In fact, we think some of the best gothic venues in Southern California are right here in LA.
Imagine getting married on stage at a stunning Spanish theater in all her vintage beauty. Trust us, this one’s not just for the high school theater geeks. It’s a photographer’s dream. If you have a penchant for the dramatic, a wedding album full of kisses on the mezzanine, ball gowns draped down the steps, and gazing into ornate mirrors is a must.
When you first started dreaming up your gothic wedding, the gables and towers of Victorian mansions were probably the first thing that came to mind. Thankfully, we’ve got dozens chalked full of gorgeous antiques, and pianos for on-theme entertainment.
Give dark and moody dining a go. Restaurants and bars with steampunk decor might be one of the most overlooked venues in LA, but with leather booths, gothic chandeliers, and smoked cocktails, the ambiance is unmatched. Even sophisticated, old-world lounges can give off a gothic vibe if you choose the right one and go all out on the decor.
Exceptional Variety & Quality: From an enchanted ceremony in a Santa Monica Tudor to an after-dark reception at an underground bar in Malibu, our range of 48 venues, unique couples can't get enough of us.
Hassle-Free Booking: Tired of a planning process that’s inhibited by roadblock after roadblock? When you find the perfect wedding venue, we’ve eliminated all the red tape—booking on the Giggster app is easy! Plus, with prices as low as $40/hour, hosting your special day at one of LA’s top vintage wedding venues is within reach, no matter your budget.
24-Hour Free Cancellation Policy: When things go wrong, time is of the essence—don’t spend all day on hold with customer support begging them not to charge you hefty cancellation fees. You'll have free cancellation for a booking canceled within 24 hours of confirmation, provided the booking is made at least 48 hours before the event.
Platform Protections: Don’t forget to add one of our protection plans to your booking! That way, when unexpected interruptions, damage, or liability issues creep up, we’ve got you covered. We promise you've never booked book breathtaking venues like Gothic, Spooky, Unique Victorian Event Venue in LA with so much confidence.
Planning a wedding in the city can come with a lot of random stressors you never knew you’d need to consider, so we’re giving you a gift! As far as we’re concerned, this breakdown of the ins/outs of hosting in Los Angeles should be considered required reading:
Advantages
LAX is easy to fly into from almost anywhere in the world, which is a big plus if you’re planning a destination wedding, or have a lot of out-of-town guests attending.
The weather is always nice! Whether you’re planning an indoor or outdoor affair, everyone will be able to dress comfortably and step out for fresh air without the need to bundle up.
There’s gorgeous scenery everywhere. In addition to the cityscape, you’ll have the hills in the distance, the ocean, palms, and blue skies.
Disadvantages
Traffic is a nightmare most of the time and public transportation isn’t great. If you’re planning a separate ceremony and reception venue, you may want to arrange a shuttle between them or at least ensure you build ample time for travel into the day’s timeline.
Wedding vendors in big cities can get really expensive.
From downright spooky to antique charm, we can help you host an exquisite event no matter where you fall on the gothic spectrum. With stunning venue options like this, we wouldn’t blame you if you wanted to scroll through them all day long!
Victorian Mansions – Period Piece Weddings. Full of heavy velvet drapery, rich dark-toned wood, and ornate carvings, these gothic homes are picture-perfect. Some of these homes have been kept in all their historic glory while others have been modernized, leaning into the gothic aesthetic with dark foliage accents and neon sign photo ops.
Turn-of-the-Century Tudors – An Enchanted Affair. Like a classic Victorian but a little darker, these Tudors would make an excellent choice for couples who aren’t afraid to push boundaries with their theme. Full of opulent furnishing, castle and cathedral-inspired architecture, and high ceilings, this is an intimate wedding venue your guests will never forget.
Gothic Studios – Museum-Worthy Antique Collections. Imagine what the perfect gothic wedding backdrop would look like with a Hollywood budget. We’ve got ‘em here on Giggster. These studio spaces have been designed for the screen; every last detail has been hand-chosen for high visual impact so your wedding photos will be insane! Plus, it can get a little spookier on set than at a traditional venue.
Chapels and Churches – Candlelit Ceremonies. Feel the history thrumming through the walls at one of these stunning religious venues. Full of Gothic architecture, extraordinary woodwork, and stained glass windows, they are utterly charming. Plus, you can sweep down the aisle to the tune of an antique organ!
A great location isn’t the only thing you need to host the perfect wedding. Allow us to provide you with our top tips for wedding planning without all the fuss:
Follow Up on Outstanding RSVPs – Especially when it comes to intimate weddings, a few empty seats can make a big impact. Be sure to check in with anyone who hasn’t told you that they will be attending so you can plan your seating, catering, etc. as soon (and as accurately) as possible. It doesn’t hurt to budget for a couple of drop-ins too though because sometimes people forget how they have responded or have a change of plans and think it will be a welcome surprise.
Book Your Hotel Block – Especially if you have guests coming from out of town, they are going to need a place to stay nearby. Feel free to get creative and reserve blocks somewhere that fit your theme, like trendy boutique hotels or historic bed and breakfasts. In our opinion, there’s no better way to create a well-rounded guest experience. Do this early because these blocks can book up fast and they can save your guests money.
Start Your Decor Thrifting Now – Chances are, antiques are going to be a big part of your decor plan if you’re hosting a gothic wedding. Bookshelves filled with antique paperbacks as a seating chart installation? Crystal taper candle holders? Whatever you need for your event, it’s going to take some time to find the perfect pieces so start hunting sooner rather than later.
By now, you’ve probably started to sweat the expenses piling up as you sign vendor contracts and make deposits. Here are some of our top tips to bring your budget back down to earth:
Hunt around for unorthodox caterers.
Good food at your wedding is essential, but the price per head for a 3-course plated meal can get out of hand, quickly. We’d recommend going for something unexpected. Imagine sitting at your sweetheart's table and being served a woodfired pizza or tacos from your favorite food truck. Since you’re doing something outside the box anyway, it will fit right in!
Have a friend or family member officiate.
In many cases, the cost to get ordained online is less than hiring a pro to come to a private venue, and it’s also a way to have a more meaningful, untraditional ceremony. Just be sure you double-check local legal requirements.
Skip the bridal boutiques.
Big wedding shops are full of dresses worth thousands—but you don’t need to spend big to look beautiful. A thrifted vintage gown, satin slip bridal collection of online retailers, or designer dream from online second-hand platforms, will feel just as special. Don’t fall into the “Say Yes to the Dress” trap; you can get something insanely gorgeous for less these days, and vintage promises something a bit more unique and on brand for your big day.
From historic churches on the hill to intimate, underground bars, we really brought our A-game when curating gothic wedding venues in the city. If you’re seeking the best of what Los Angeles offers soon-to-be-married couples, trust the Giggster app to help you find it!