There is a level of intimacy that can only be achieved when you host your wedding at a private venue. You and your guests can enjoy the moment without any intrusions, and you have the freedom to customize your wedding to your taste. And to top it off, these houses offer a unique, cozy charm that you simply will not find in regular venues.
We have curated 10 stunning private homes to choose from, including: Walter Place Estate, the Harper House, the Lombardi House, the Muckenthaler Mansion, the Grove House, the Barr Mansion, the Gage House, the Wright House, the Allan House, and the Wadsworth Mansion. These houses each have their unique style and charm, which makes them quite appealing.
At Lombardi House, we’ve welcomed couples with weddings of every timeline, from carefully planned celebrations to meaningful last-minute gatherings. For over 12 years, this historic property has offered flexible spaces, timeless charm, and experienced staff who ensure your day feels effortless. Lombardi House is just one of the venues within Bronson Hospitality, a family-owned group of distinctive event spaces across Los Angeles. Discover all of our LA venues today.
In this post, we will highlight 10 stunning houses for wedding receptions that are spacious, offer room for customization, and are filled with a lot of charm, perfect for celebrating your special day.
Why Choose a House for Your Wedding Reception
One of the benefits of using a house for your wedding reception is that it offers a level of privacy and exclusivity to your event that public spaces don’t. You won’t have to deal with sharing your venue with others, and you and your future spouse can focus on your special day with friends and loved ones.
Additionally, a house venue provides a unique ambiance and charm, either with an elegant dining room or a formal garden filled with a lot of flowers. Each estate brings its own flavor, which creates an atmosphere that makes your special day unforgettable.
Another major benefit is the freedom to customize the venue to match your event. House weddings give you full control over decor, catering, and every other element that makes up the day. And the best part is, house venues are often more cost-effective than the usual wedding venues. More especially when you factor in rental options, vendors, and the chance to host your ceremony in a beautiful location.
Types of Houses That Work Best for Wedding Receptions
Different types of houses suit different kinds of weddings; it all depends on the style you are going for. You have the elegant country estates that are great for formal garden weddings and weddings with a large guest list. There are also luxury villas and modern architectural homes, which provide a high-end aesthetic and modern touches to an event that is ideal for a contemporary celebration.
If you’re looking for a more vintage vibe with grand staircases and the feel of being in a fairytale, historic mansions are just right for you. On the other hand, beachfront homes and mountain lodges or cabins provide a more natural ambiance perfect for intimate small weddings and destination weddings.
Key Features to Look For in a House Wedding Venue
When searching for a house to host your wedding reception, there are some important features to note that can make all the difference in creating a smooth and unforgettable event. First, you need to start by checking if the home has spacious indoor and outdoor areas to accommodate your entire guest list. Also, make sure there’s on-site accommodation for the bridal party or guests who may require overnight stays, especially if you’re hosting a destination wedding or multi-day event.
Additionally, don’t overlook the parking capacity of the space, particularly when you are expecting a large number of guests. You may also need to hire valet services or consider renting shuttles from nearby hotels. Another thing to keep in mind is whether an event-friendly kitchen and dining layout is available for caterers to set up and serve efficiently throughout your event.
Also, keep an eye out for photo-worthy backdrops like gardens, balconies, staircases, or even a second-floor balcony for picture-perfect moments. In addition, don’t forget to ask about noise ordinances and if the property is permitted for wedding planning or other special events. There are usually regulations concerning holding events in certain areas, and they can affect music, timing, and even alcohol.
And finally, know what’s included in the price. Some venues offer furniture, lighting, or staffing, while others offer just the space. Lombardi House, for example, provides detailed cost breakdowns that help with planning and budgeting.
10 Breathtaking Houses for Wedding Receptions
If you’re searching for the perfect setting to host your special day, we researched, and found these 10 amazing houses for wedding receptions are beautiful, elegant, and versatile:
Lombardi House
According to The Venue Report, Lombardi House is a beautifully restored 1904 Victorian-style farmhouse in Hollywood that makes an exceptional choice for a wedding reception held in a house-style setting. With capacity for up to about 250 seated guests and even larger standing receptions, gated privacy, onsite parking, and multiple lawn, courtyard, and barn areas, Lombardi House offers couples a unique, historic house venue that feels both intimate and grand for wedding receptions.
Muckenthaler Mansion (Fullerton, California)
This 1920s Spanish Colonial Revival estate is ideal for couples who seek a dramatic grand entrance and a venue rich in heritage. With an outdoor capacity for up to 400 guests and an indoor capacity for up to 120 guests, this mansion is the right setting for your ceremony. It has an art and cultural center feel with lush lawns and rose garden walkways, yet it is distinctly a historic home.
The Allan House (Austin, Texas)
This charming 1883 Victorian home in downtown Austin features a wraparound porch, oak trees, and a garden courtyard that create a warm, Southern ambiance. With a capacity for 200 guests, it is tailored for intimate weddings, offering a versatile event space ideal for relaxed, lively gatherings with friends and family.
The Harper House (Forest, Virginia)
The Harper House is a 19th-century private residence with a large white barn and bridal suite. It is located in Virginia’s countryside and boasts a vintage southern vibe, with ample space to host your wedding. Additionally, if you are looking to customize your wedding to a particular theme or bring in your own vendors, you have the freedom to do so.
The Grove House (Vero Beach, Florida)
The Grove is a non-gated private community that can bring a high level of intimacy to your wedding. This is a great place for a relaxed, laid-back wedding, with tents that can accommodate up to 150 guests. It also features a modern farmhouse with a wraparound porch and open lawn that is surrounded by lush trees and privacy hedges.
Barr Mansion (Austin, Texas)
If you’re looking for a venue that has a blend of eco-consciousness and a style that is simply timeless, Barr Mansion has you covered. It includes a Victorian estate, organic gardens, and a custom-built artisan ballroom. It is equally great for couples looking to exchange vows in a unique, sustainable wedding venue with nature-inspired beauty and flexibility.
The Walter Place Estate (Holly Springs, Mississippi)
The Walter Place estate, with its Greek Revival architecture, offers romantic garden arches, fountains, and guest cottages for overnight stays. Here, you can save costs on wedding expenses because it is a convenient space to host both your ceremony and reception on the same property.
Wadsworth Mansion at Long Hill (Middletown, Connecticut)
This classical revival-style country home from the early 1900s features ballrooms, a wide veranda, and pitch-like gardens. It accommodates up to 200 guests, and is also suitable for both lavish and quiet, elegant weddings.
The Wright House (Mesa, Arizona)
If you are looking to keep things a bit more intimate, then this one is for you. The Wright House has two beautiful courtyards with totally different vibes—one Provencal, one classic. It is cozy, affordable, charming, and great for wedding receptions with up to 150 guests.
The Gaige House (Sonoma, California)
Located in the heart of wine country, The Gage House is a cozy historic farmhouse surrounded by gardens and vineyards, with that clear wine cellar aesthetic. It’s perfect for micro-weddings or small, intimate weddings where you can have a laid-back, picture-perfect vibe with just your closest people.
How to Choose the Perfect House for Your Wedding Day
When choosing the right venue to host your wedding, you should start by contacting a local wedding planner who is familiar with the area where the wedding will be held. They will most likely have all the information on renting an event house, and can also help you narrow down places that suit your budget, theme, and your guest list.
You can also browse through online platforms like Airbnb, VRBO, Peerspace, or The Venue Report. But when browsing through these websites, you must be specific about what you are looking for. This is because not all listings will be open to hosting special events like weddings.
Another great option is to get in touch with real estate agents who specialize in event rentals. They sometimes have access to beautiful private homes, some tucked into the hills, and others just a short drive from downtown Charleston or your favorite city.
And finally, you can choose to explore private estate rental companies. These are the people who can handle the small but very important details like permits, event insurance, and even setting up for your big day. They are the ones who think about the things you might forget about and help make event planning a lot less stressful.
Questions to Ask Before Booking a House for Your Reception
Before planning your dream wedding, there are a few important things you will need to double-check. First, you need to find out if the house is zoned or permitted for events like weddings. Some areas have restrictions against noise and curfews, and it is best to avoid holding a wedding in such places.
Next, you need to ask how many guests the house can accommodate. You’ll want to know if there is enough space to take in the number of people you plan to invite or if you will have to cut down a bit on the guest list. Whatever decision you make on that can be influenced by the house size.
Also, feel free to ask about the rental fee and what is included, like tables, chairs, or staff. And lastly, check if you will need to pay a security deposit and ask for event insurance from the house.
Tips for House Wedding Planning
When it comes to planning a wedding ceremony at a private house, there are responsibilities and things to put in place. First of all, hire an experienced wedding planner who has handled events hosted in houses before. They’ll help you navigate logistics and avoid common pitfalls.
Since most houses aren’t built for big events, you’ll likely need to rent essentials like tents, tables, chairs, and lighting. This makes setting up a lot easier and gives you the freedom to customize the space to your liking.
Furthermore, be sure to check local laws and obtain proper permits, especially for events involving loud music, alcohol, or large gatherings. Some areas have strict regulations that you have to be aware of in advance.
Also, if you have a large guest list or limited parking space, consider hiring a valet service or private security to keep everything organized. And finally, make sure to get event insurance because it protects the property, your vendors, and yourself from anything that could affect the flow of the day.
Looking for the Ideal House to Host Your Wedding Reception?
Choosing a house for your wedding reception means you get privacy, personalization, and a unique feel that traditional venues simply can’t match. From beautiful gardens to architectural details, house weddings create an atmosphere that feels warm and intimate.
If you want to have a wedding that involves all the elements an event house brings, you can start by exploring local options, talking to a planner, or browsing online platforms that specialize in event-friendly houses. The perfect space might be closer than you think, and it could turn your wedding day into a truly unforgettable experience.
Lombardi House provides the kind of space that makes a wedding feel more personal and memorable. Whether you’re dreaming of an intimate garden ceremony or a full-blown house wedding reception, this is the right location to make it happen. Find us and contact us today to begin the journey to your big day.
FAQ
We’ve answered your most common questions about renting houses for wedding receptions to help make planning for your big day easier.
Can I Use an Airbnb for My Wedding?
In some cases, yes, but not all Airbnbs allow events. Therefore, you should check with the property and be sure of the rules before going ahead to plan your wedding there.
How Much Does It Cost to Rent a House for a Wedding Reception?
The cost to rent a house for a wedding reception varies depending on the size, location, and the packages they might offer. You can spend anywhere from $2000 for smaller venues and up to $15,000 for bigger, luxurious spaces.
Do Houses for Wedding Receptions Usually Allow Outside Vendors?
Most times, yes, they do. They allow you to bring your own caterers, DJ, and other vendors, but again, confirm with the property on any policies they may have concerning vendors.
What Amenities Should I Expect at a House Venue for Weddings?
You can expect to see a beautiful indoor/outdoor space, a changing room, a kitchen for caterers to set up, or a dining area. Some venues also offer overnight accommodation that is convenient for destination weddings or multi-day events.
How Early Should I Book a House for My Wedding Reception?
Ideally, you should book at least 9 to 12 months in advance, especially if your wedding falls in the peak wedding season or you plan to use a popular venue.
