About Pasadena
Nestled between Los Angeles and the San Gabriel Mountains, Pasadena has been the crown jewel of Southern California for over a century. Lying in the lush San Gabriel Valley, the city has grand old buildings, vibrant gardens, and an eclectic mix of culture and art. Often referred to as the "City of Roses" due to its extensive rose gardens, this vibrant town welcomes visitors to enjoy its unique culture and attractions.
The city has long been renowned for its luxury lifestyle, from its upscale stores to luxurious restaurants and nightlife scenes. A stay in any one of the five-star hotels or resorts offers guests an experience like no other: sophisticated dining options, indulgent spa treatments, and breathtaking architecture, all within easy reach of downtown Los Angeles.
There is no better place than Pasadena to tie the knot. From sprawling estates with imposing views over the famous Sierra Nevada mountain range to romantic hillside chapels surrounded by lush native forests, you can find it right here.
Luxury Wedding Options in Pasadena
- Floral Arrangements
Having beautiful flower arrangements throughout the venue can be a great way to elevate the look and feel of a luxury wedding. Working with an experienced florist can ensure that flowers complement the theme and tie in with the other decor elements for a cohesive presentation.
- Calligrapher
A calligrapher provides personalized services for invitations, thank-you cards, and other stationery items. Calligraphy adds an old-world charm to any piece of paper with its carefully crafted ink strokes, giving distinction to each piece.
- Lighting Designer
Lighting designers can transform any room into a beautiful feast for the eyes using different lighting techniques, such as dimmers or uplighting with colored gels. The glowing effect from these designs sets an elegant tone but also helps enhance florals or furniture arrangements to provide a complete look for any luxury event setting.
- Live Musicians
Live musicians bring beauty and atmosphere to any wedding with classical music pieces or jazz standards. The lively sound creates an acoustical backdrop during cocktail hour or dinner and a luxurious ambiance at your reception party afterward.
Luxury Wedding Vendors in Pasadena
- Emblem Flowers
Emblem Flowers is a high-end, luxury floral design company that creates elegant, enchanting, and unique arrangements for special events. Founded by lead designer Charmain Chen, Emblem is committed to bringing beauty through idea-driven designs that are modern, innovative, and luxurious. Emblem Flowers offers personalized wedding plans tailored to each season and preference, from sophisticated minimal designs to naturalistic bouquets. Whether you want something timelessly classic or strikingly contemporary - Emblem Flowers will bring your visions of beauty into reality.
- Copper Crane Design
Copper Crane Design offers a unique range of wedding invitation suites and save-the-dates created by their Owner and Creative Director, Ashlyn Hung. Using her artistic calligraphy skills to craft detailed artwork that appeals to people of all tastes, Copper Crane Design creates soft and subtle designs that feel special and timeless. Each wedding invitation suite includes the invitation, RSVP card, RSVP envelope, details card, and suite envelope for a total package of elegance. Copper Crane Design can create custom bouquets and initials for each wedding suite, adding a personalized touch to your big day.
- Gold Line Quartet
Gold Line Quartet is a professional saxophone quartet based in Los Angeles County, featuring elite musicians from some of the most renowned music schools and conservatories. The group specializes in classical works by Ola Gjeilo, Dvorak, and Aldemaro Romero, and they also offer custom arrangements for customer's favorite songs. With its inspiration drawn from the running of the Gold Line across Azusa to Union Station, this unique quartet delivers an unforgettable musical experience that captures the hustle of life with a touch of magical charm.
Pros and Cons of Luxury Wedding Venues in Pasadena
From the idyllic hillsides of Pasadena to its world-renowned venues and attractions, it is an ideal destination for couples looking to lavish in luxury during their special day. While it does come with its fair share of benefits, there are also potential drawbacks to consider when planning a wedding in Pasadena.
Advantages
- With temperatures rarely surpassing 80 degrees Fahrenheit and low humidity levels year-round, Pasadena provides an optimal outdoor environment for a stress-free outdoor wedding celebration.
- The city is home to several breathtaking venues, from lush gardens to grand castles, making it ideal for creating a stunningly unique wedding experience.
- As one of the oldest Southern California cities, Pasadena is steeped in history and offers numerous historical sites that can provide immense charm to your special day.
Disadvantages
- Since Pasadena is near a metropolitan area (Los Angeles), traffic can be an issue during peak times on highways can delay guests arriving at the event or departing afterward.
- With several weddings taking place at any time, large crowds might make it difficult for couples to create an intimate atmosphere on their big day.
- Popular locations may be booked up months in advance, leaving fewer options for last-minute bookings.
Tips on How to Organize Luxury Weddings in Pasadena
Weddings are joyous occasions and among the list of unforgettable life milestones. Ensuring the day is as magical as possible is the goal of every couple. Pasadena is a lovely location for couples who want to host a luxurious wedding, and here are tips to organize a memorable event.
- Hire a professional planner: A professional wedding planner helps you choose vendors, develop a budget, select decorations, and coordinate transportation for your guests. Having someone experienced in luxury weddings can ensure that everything runs smoothly on the day of your event so that you can focus on enjoying it with your loved ones.
- Select an iconic venue: To ensure your luxury wedding leaves an impression, find an iconic venue that can serve as the backdrop of your special day. While there are plenty of beautiful locations in Pasadena, pick one that offers something unique and memorable, such as a stunning view or an old-world charm.
- Invest in quality catering: Delicious food should be on the menu at any wedding. Look out for local chefs or catering companies who deliver high-end cuisine and provide options that wow your guests on the big day. Alternatively, opt for food trucks if you are looking for something unique!
- Prioritize ambiance: Creating the perfect atmosphere for your guests should be at the top of your list when planning luxury weddings in Pasadena. It means investing in aesthetic items like mood lighting, fresh florals, custom linens and napkins, luxurious centerpieces, displays, and music mixes to create a captivating atmosphere!
- Schedule entertainment: Consider hiring live musicians such as string quartets or jazz bands, book magicians or comedians, or even rent photo booths or build custom games like giant Jenga or Tic Tac Toe to provide hours of fun.
Famous Locations in Pasadena
- The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens
The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens in Los Angeles County hold a world-renowned collection of rare books and related items. Its six million items include a Gutenberg Bible, a manuscript of the Canterbury Tales by Geoffrey Chaucer, works by Marco Polo and Christopher Columbus, and numerous publications related to US history. The library is only a fraction of what the Huntington offers. Visitors can lose themselves in the galleries displaying European and American art, explore the meticulously curated gardens, and learn about Californian history and Literary works.
- St. Andrew Catholic Church
St. Andrew Catholic Church is a 125-year-old Catholic monolith located in Southern California. Its Romanesque bell tower is visible from miles away, beckoning visitors to come and see the commissioned works of Italian artist Carlo Wostry. His gorgeous murals are as rich in detail and color as those found in the cathedrals of Rome and have captivated the parishioners since the 1930s. The Romanesque bell tower is visible from miles away, adding to the majestic feel of the structure.
- El Molino Viejo
Nestled in the Huntington Library area is a hidden gem that takes visitors through Southern Californian history. El Molino Viejo, a brick-and-adobe structure with exposed timbers in the rafters and creaky wooden floors, houses the first water-powered gristmill. Constructed in 1816 for the San Gabriel Mission, the displays may be old-fashioned, but that only adds charm and authenticity. Despite its unassuming appearance, El Molino Viejo is a testament to the ingenuity of those who came before us and a must-visit destination for those seeking a truly enriching experience.