A Local's Guide to Inland Empire Weddings

Inland Empire Wedding Venues Worth Touring:

The IE is home to some absolutely beautiful wedding venues! From classic ballrooms to modern equestrian barns, these wedding venues have something for everyone! Take a virtual stroll through these beautiful estates and let us know if you'd like to book a tour!

• Sierra La Verne in La Verne, CA - Tucked away in the foothills of the San Gabriel Valley, this private estate venue offers stunning mountain views paired with charming natural foliage. With both indoor and outdoor wedding spaces, the opportunities to create a memorable Inland Empire wedding are endless.
• The Retreat in Corona, CA - A private sanctuary high in the hills above Corona, CA with sweeping views of the wildflower valley. The outdoor dining space is a guest favorite for cocktail hour and dinner alike, while also offering an intimate indoor ballroom. This all-inclusive venue offers the ambiance of Tuscany with the convenience of SoCal.
• The Orchard in Menifee, CA - This outdoor-only wedding venue truly showcases the natural splendor of the Inland Empire. From its scenic lake and rustic charm to the beautifully landscaped gardens, The Orchard is a dreamy destination for your outdoor nuptials.
• Galway Downs in Temecula, CA - This award-winning wedding venue has to be seen to truly be appreciated! Galway Downs features a modern-yet-rustic carriage house ballroom that oozes with charm and character. The one-of-a-kind landscaping and horse-drawn carriage create countless opportunities for stunning wedding portraits

Considerations for a SoCal Wedding

If you're considering getting married in the always-sunny Inland Empire, here are a few important considerations to keep in mind:

• Selecting a season: The weather in the Inland Empire can vary based on the season. The summers are hot and arid, while winters are generally cool and long. Of course, If you are planning an indoor wedding reception and ceremony, the season will have less of an impact on the timing of your nuptials. All seasons are beautiful in SoCal, so you really can't go wrong!
• Plan your view: Whether you’re dreaming of a romantic sunset portrait against the San Bernardino foothills or a candid snapshot against the rolling vineyards of Temecula, select a venue that is conveniently located near some of your favorite photo destinations.
• Choosing your attire: Consider how the temperatures will impact your wedding day attire. Black tuxedos may be a bit hot and heavy for an outdoor summer ceremony and sunset vows in the mountains may be a bit brisk in winter, so brides and bridesmaids may want to plan for dressing in layers.
• Indoor or outdoor: Since the Inland Empire climate is generally sunny and mild for most of the year, it is an ideal destination for an outdoor wedding. Guests can soak up the natural splendor that the IE has to offer during your wedding ceremony and then head inside for a climate-controlled wedding reception indoors. If you’re planning a fully outdoor wedding reception, ask your wedding venue if they can provide heated patio lamps for brisk evening temperatures.

Things to do in the Inland Empire:

If you are looking for great ways to keep guests entertained ahead of your Inland Empire wedding, look no further! Check some local attractions we absolutely love:

• Temecula Wine Country - Of course this makes the top of our list! With more than 40 local wineries (and growing!), Temecula is a must-visit for wine aficionados. From vineyard tours to winery tastings to sourcing local wines for your wedding, your guests will absolutely love the Inland Empire wineries.
• California Botanic Garden - A plant lover’s dream, the California Botanic Garden has been at the forefront of native plant conservation since 1927. Visitors can wander the lush gardens, participate in classes and workshops, or check out one of their seasonal curated exhibitions.
• Mission Inn Museum - This historic landmark hotel located in Riverside is loaded with architectural splendor. Complete with both a spa and museum, your visitors can enjoy a bit of pampering while they learn about the Inland Empire’s local history. On the hotel side, the Mission Inn is also known for its award-winning Champagne Sunday brunch.
• Big Bear Discovery Center - Nestled in the San Bernardino Forest on the north side of the Inland Empire is Big Bear Lake. This picturesque lake is surrounded by natural trails and home to the Big Bear Discovery Center, which hosts countless musical performances and theater productions each year. Big Bear offers endless opportunities for guests of all ages to experience the wondrous natural setting of the Inland Empire.
• California Museum of Photography - For the art aficionados on your guest list, the California Museum of Photography offers a variety of seasonal exhibitions that are sure to delight. The museum also offers a number of permanent collections in addition to family-friendly concerts and events.
• Europa Village - Eat, drink, and stay in an old-world style resort that recreates the European winery experience right in the heart of Temecula. Featuring 30 rolling acres of vineyards, Europa Village features three wineries that showcase the cultures of France, Italy, and Spain. If you fancy yourself more of a foodie, be sure to check out their signature olive oil tastings as well.

The Inland Empire has more to do than we could ever list here. Your wedding guest list will not tire of things to do in the counties of San Bernardino and Riverside. 27,000 square miles of restaurants, theaters, events, hotels, and landscape is just an opportunity for friends and family to make extra memories during your wedding celebrations. If you're in need of more ideas to keep your guests busy, we've rounded up our favorite unique attractions in both San Bernardino and Riverside counties for you to explore.

Unique attractions in San Bernardino County

• The original McDonald’s Site and Museum
• California Theatre of Performing Arts
• San Bernardino History and Railroad Museum
• Goldstone Deep Space Communications Complex
• Annual Route 66 Rendezvous
• San Bernardino Area Chamber of Commerce Rendezvous
• Glen Helen Regional Park
• Santa Ana River Trail
• Silverwood Lakes State Recreation Center

Unique attractions in Riverside County

• Mission Inn Hotel and Spa
• California Citrus State Historic Park
• Mission Inn Museum
• University of California Riverside Botanic Gardens
• California Museum of Photography, Riverside, California
• Castle Park, Riverside, California
• Van Buren Drive-In Theatre, Riverside, California
• Riverside Certified Farmers Market
• The Cove Waterpark, Riverside, CA

It’s time to get excited about your Inland Empire wedding! Schedule a winery tour with your friends and family, strap on your hiking boots, and start exploring everything the region has to offer. Your guests will absolutely fall in love with the natural beauty of the Inland Empire, and you are guaranteed to have some stunning photographs to commemorate your special day. Say ‘I do’ to the scenic mountain backdrops, acres upon acres of rolling vineyards, glistening lakes, and historical architecture that is sprinkled throughout the Inland Empire.