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California rain plan guide

Updated

California outdoor venues with rain plans

A rain plan is what happens to an outdoor ceremony if the weather turns: a room indoors, a covered space, or a tent. Plenty of venues with a lovely lawn never say which. In California, 122 venues with an outdoor ceremony say what happens if it rains. Most move indoors (116); 15 put up a tent. Plans are most often stated in Marin & the North Bay and Sacramento Area.

We've gathered details on 224 California venues. Pick a starting point and Sage will rank them for your day, with cost estimates wherever the venue publishes its prices.

Outdoor + rain planOn a weekdayGarden

55% of the California venues we track say what happens to an outdoor ceremony if it rains

We count a venue only when its own details describe a plan. Most of the rest never mention weather, which means you'll need to ask, not that there's no plan.

What kind of venue

Which kinds of outdoor venue have a rain plan

The share of each kind of California outdoor-ceremony venue that says what happens if it rains. Start your search with the kinds at the top: event centers (35 of 45) and beaches (8 of 12).

  • Event Center78%
  • Beach67%
  • Retreat Center63%
  • Country Club / Golf Club62%
  • Resort52%
  • Hotel50%
  • Lodge3 of 6
  • Estate / Mansion47%

Read the rain plan carefully

“We have a rain plan” can mean three different things

You move under a covered space

5 California venues

A pavilion or covered terrace keeps the outdoor feel, but not the warmth. Ask whether it has sides that close, and whether there are heaters.

In California: Thomas Fogarty Winery, Whispertree Retreat and Hollins House, among others.

Some venues offer more than one, so the counts overlap.

Venue by venue

What each California venue does if it rains

Every outdoor-ceremony venue here that describes its plan, in a sentence: where the ceremony goes, and, where the venue says, when the call is made and what it costs. The most detailed first.

  • If it rains: The Mission Blue Chapel gives an indoor ceremony venue for up to 200 guests as a backup for the lawns, and the Callippe Ballroom, Verbena rooms and other indoor spaces can take receptions and cocktail hours when weather does not permit. The lawns can also be tented, through a third-party tenting company at a typical cost of $20,000-$30,000.

    Up to 250 guests

  • If it rains: The Sunset Room provides an indoor space with high ceilings, a fireplace, and unique decor that can accommodate receptions if weather prevents outdoor use. Tents and canopies may also be used with advance notice and permission from the City of Menlo Park and the Fire Department, which is the renter's responsibility.

    Up to 140 guests

  • If it rains: The ceremony garden tent covers up to 200 seated guests in dry weather and 160-180 in rain, with clear side walls fitted November through March; the venue recommends renting pop-up tents for additional space. The indoor reception hall can accommodate the full event if needed.

    Up to 250 guests

  • The Cliffs

    Pismo Beach

    If it rains: In case of inclement weather the hotel determines a backup for the wedding ceremony only, and the alternate location must be decided four hours before the event; once designated it cannot be changed. The Grand Ballroom is the indoor reception option.

    Up to 300 guests

  • If it rains: The Celebration Hall and Patio can be tented and may be the only option available for receptions during inclement weather or for safety reasons. Canopy rental may be necessary depending on the time of year for receptions and activities held outside.

  • If it rains: The Terrace Room is the indoor reception space, seating up to 170, and can serve as the indoor backup for a ceremony normally held outdoors on the lawn. This is described as a possibility rather than a guaranteed rain plan.

    Up to 250 guests

  • If it rains: Indoor ceremony options are available in the Rock Room Lounge, Monday-Thursday November-May 11am-5pm only, seating 60 with standing room for 100. All reception spaces are indoors, so the reception needs no rain backup.

    Up to 100 guests

  • Rengstorff House

    Mountain View

    If it rains: First-floor interior rooms can serve as the weather backup, subject to the 48-person indoor fire-code limit. November through March use is limited to the interior and brick patios, and tenting is not permitted.

    Up to 200 guests

  • The Fig House

    Los Angeles

    If it rains: The Grand Hall (2,000 sqft) and The Lounge (1,000 sqft) provide indoor alternatives if weather prevents outdoor use of The Garden. The Grand Hall's accordion doors close to create a fully indoor space.

    Up to 300 guests

  • If it rains: The venue offers both alfresco outdoor ceremony sites and an indoor ceremony location, providing a built-in backup for inclement weather. The grand hall serves as the primary indoor reception space.

    Up to 280 guests

  • If it rains: The venue offers both indoor and outdoor ceremony locations; the grand hall with its vaulted ceilings takes a ceremony or reception when weather rules out the courtyard or oceanfront sites.

    Up to 300 guests

  • If it rains: The Mar Vista Ballroom serves as the indoor alternative for receptions, accommodating up to 250 guests with space for a stage and dance floor, or up to 340 with the addition of the lounge.

    Up to 380 guests

  • If it rains: The La Jolla Ballroom and Grande Room serve as indoor alternatives for ceremonies and receptions. The hotel reserves the right to change function rooms as needed based on attendee count.

    Up to 420 guests

  • If it rains: The large reception tent provides partial shelter for the reception. No formal indoor backup is described, and no alternative space is offered for the ceremony or the cocktail patio.

    Up to 300 guests

  • If it rains: Each outdoor ceremony site adjoins an elegantly appointed banquet hall featuring flagstone fireplaces and mountain vistas, providing an indoor option for ceremonies and receptions.

    Up to 500 guests

Show all 122 venues

  • If it rains: The Country Barn can host indoor ceremonies under 50 and indoor receptions; the Shedroof Patio can be enclosed with clear screens, and the Toll House offers indoor gathering space.

    Up to 150 guests

  • If it rains: The ceremony can be held indoors as an alternative to the outdoor ceremony garden. The Grand Hall's retractable window walls can be closed for a fully indoor reception experience.

    Up to 200 guests

  • If it rains: The Oceana Terrace and Foyer are separated by sliding glass nano doors that can be closed to move an event indoors, and the Oceana Ballroom is a fully indoor reception space.

    Up to 200 guests

  • If it rains: The main gallery serves as the indoor option, holding up to 250 for a ceremony and 180 for a seated reception with a dance floor. Events running past 10pm must move into it.

    Up to 350 guests

  • If it rains: Outdoor sites have no built-in inclement-weather facilities; a rental company may arrange tenting, and the glass-enclosed Conservatory may serve as an indoor alternative.

    Up to 300 guests

  • If it rains: The Hay Barn can host the ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception for approximately 100 guests in rain. Any event tents are the couple's responsibility and expense.

    Up to 160 guests

  • If it rains: Both an outdoor event lawn ceremony site and an indoor ceremony location are offered, and the grand banquet space is the indoor reception area if weather requires.

    Up to 225 guests

  • If it rains: Indoor ballrooms are available as alternatives to the outdoor Kyoto Garden - the Thousand Cranes Ballroom, the Golden State Ballroom and the California Ballroom.

    Up to 250 guests

  • If it rains: A secondary rain plan for the outdoor ceremony is available and is confirmed at the details meeting; the indoor banquet room hosts the reception in any weather.

    Up to 200 guests

  • If it rains: Cypress Hall accommodates up to 250 guests indoors and can serve as an alternative ceremony, cocktail hour or reception space in case of inclement weather.

    Up to 250 guests

  • If it rains: The venue is entirely outdoors and can accommodate a 40' x 60' tent for inclement weather; a tent rental contact is provided, or couples may use their own.

    Up to 102 guests

  • Hollins House

    Santa Cruz

    If it rains: For 80 or fewer, ceremonies move to the Hollins Room or veranda. Receptions of 100 or fewer move to the Main Dining Room; groups over 100 need a tent.

    Up to 180 guests

  • If it rains: The Richard Henry Dana Ballroom, Lantern Bay Room, and Capistrano Room are indoor alternatives when weather prevents outdoor ceremonies or receptions.

    Up to 600 guests

  • If it rains: The East Room is the indoor ceremony and reception alternative to the Rose Garden; the Reception Hallway also provides indoor cocktail-hour space.

    Up to 400 guests

  • If it rains: The Carriage House, with its stone bar, Saltillo tile dance floor and band room, is the estate's indoor space. No explicit rain plan is described.

    Up to 250 guests

  • If it rains: The Creekside Room is an indoor space seating up to 50 that may serve as a smaller backup option. It cannot hold the larger groves' guest counts.

    Up to 500 guests

  • La Valencia

    La Jolla

    If it rains: The Verandah Ballroom, Galeria, and MED Dining Room provide indoor alternatives for ceremonies and receptions in the event of inclement weather.

    Up to 160 guests

  • If it rains: The Meritage Ballroom and Harvest Room provide indoor alternatives for the ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception in case of inclement weather.

    Up to 200 guests

  • If it rains: The Safari Park reviews weather 48 hours before the event and may offer alternative space, alternative room setup, or tented rental structures.

    Up to 200 guests

  • If it rains: Both alfresco and indoor ceremony locations are offered, so a ceremony can move inside, and the barrel room is a fully indoor reception space.

    Up to 150 guests

  • If it rains: Indoor inclement weather backup is included with the reception. The Camara Room serves as the primary indoor space, seating up to 240 guests.

    Up to 240 guests

  • Vellano Estate

    Chino Hills

    If it rains: The ceremony package covers an alfresco or indoor ceremony location, so the Grand Hall is a built-in backup for the lawn or rotunda ceremony.

    Up to 220 guests

  • If it rains: The ceremony fee covers an alfresco OR indoor ceremony location, so an indoor alternative to the outdoor gardens and pavilion is available.

    Up to 200 guests

  • If it rains: The fully air-conditioned indoor ballroom is the alternative for receptions, and the facility includes an indoor cocktail area with a bar.

    Up to 200 guests

  • If it rains: There is no indoor space at the estate. Some couples choose to install a tent, whether for aesthetic reasons or as a weather contingency.

    Up to 300 guests

  • If it rains: Couples are advised to reserve an indoor space as backup; it is not automatic, and weather does not permit cancellation or rescheduling.

    Up to 400 guests

  • If it rains: The Lodge dining room seats up to 120 indoors and can take an event off the outdoor patio or lawn, though at a much reduced guest count.

    Up to 400 guests

  • If it rains: Both an alfresco hilltop garden and an indoor ceremony location are offered, so a ceremony can move into the grand hall in poor weather.

    Up to 300 guests

  • If it rains: The ceremony package covers an alfresco or indoor ceremony location, so the Grand Hall is a built-in backup for the courtyard ceremony.

    Up to 250 guests

  • Union Brick

    Roseville

    If it rains: The ceremony package covers an alfresco or indoor ceremony location, so the Grand Hall is a built-in backup for the courtyard ceremony.

    Up to 350 guests

  • If it rains: The Grand Barn provides a full indoor ceremony and reception option; the Wine Lounge is an indoor alternative for gatherings up to 75.

    Up to 250 guests

  • The Lane

    San Diego

    If it rains: The large indoor space connects directly to the outdoor terrace and can take a ceremony, cocktail hour or reception in poor weather.

    Up to 230 guests

  • If it rains: The ceremony package covers an alfresco or indoor ceremony location, so the Grand Hall is a built-in backup for the garden ceremony.

    Up to 200 guests

  • If it rains: With at least three hours' notice, an outdoor ceremony can move to the Sequoyah Room or Bay View Room depending on ceremony size.

  • If it rains: The venue offers both an alfresco event lawn and an indoor ceremony location, providing a built-in backup for inclement weather.

    Up to 200 guests

  • Vibiana

    Los Angeles

    If it rains: The Main Hall provides a grand indoor alternative for ceremonies and receptions if weather does not permit use of the courtyard.

  • If it rains: The Barrel Cellar provides an indoor option for ceremonies and receptions, and the Tower provides further covered indoor space.

  • If it rains: The year-round Tasting House and Wine Cellar provide indoor ceremony and reception alternatives to the outdoor Redwood Grove.

    Up to 75 guests

  • Stonepine Estate

    Carmel Valley

    If it rains: Every outdoor space may be tented with a separately rented tent, and the Lamplight Pavilion accommodates 150 guests indoors.

    Up to 150 guests

  • If it rains: The Villa main hall and the Grand Salon are indoor alternatives if a courtyard ceremony or reception is affected by weather.

    Up to 300 guests

  • If it rains: The Main Hall and Church Space provide indoor alternatives if weather prevents use of the outdoor lawn area for ceremonies.

    Up to 200 guests

  • If it rains: Outdoor events in the Garden of Honor courtyard can be moved into one of the facility's indoor rooms if weather requires.

    Up to 999 guests

  • If it rains: Indoor ballrooms and pre-function areas provide alternatives for beach ceremonies or outdoor events affected by weather.

    Up to 200 guests

  • If it rains: Hill House and the Redwood Room are indoor alternatives for ceremonies and receptions, and the Pavilion deck is covered.

    Up to 200 guests

  • If it rains: La Feliz Room and Exhibit Hall can serve as indoor backups for ceremonies planned on the Shipwreck or La Feliz decks.

    Up to 120 guests

  • If it rains: Indoor ceremony and reception spaces are available as alternatives to the outdoor garden and beach ceremony options.

    Up to 270 guests

  • Kohl Mansion

    Burlingame

    If it rains: The Great Hall, Library/Reception Room, Dining Room, and Morning Room provide indoor alternatives to outdoor events.

    Up to 300 guests

  • If it rains: Fairway Terrace & Veranda and the Boathouse can serve as indoor alternatives for outdoor ceremonies and receptions.

    Up to 320 guests

  • If it rains: Indoor reception and dining areas provide indoor options when weather does not cooperate for the outdoor ceremony.

    Up to 200 guests

  • Inn At Rancho Santa Fe

    Rancho Santa Fe

    If it rains: Azalea I, Azalea II, and Croquet Cottage provide indoor alternatives when outdoor lawn events need to move inside.

    Up to 400 guests

  • If it rains: The indoor Estate Cave and Ballroom can shelter an event held on the outdoor Vineyard Deck in inclement weather.

  • If it rains: Indoor event areas provide an alternative when weather is unfavorable for outdoor ceremonies or receptions.

    Up to 125 guests

  • Regale Winery

    Los Gatos

    If it rains: The Barrel Room supports indoor dining, and the enclosed veranda supports covered ceremonies or receptions.

    Up to 120 guests

  • If it rains: The Clubhouse provides an indoor ceremony alternative with a fireplace setting and requires a Venue Buyout.

    Up to 300 guests

  • If it rains: Indoor event space accommodating up to 220 guests provides a backup for outdoor ceremonies and receptions.

    Up to 300 guests

  • Outdoor Art Club

    Mill Valley

    If it rains: The Hall and Library provide indoor protection, and an approved tent may be installed on the front patio.

    Up to 140 guests

  • San Clemente Shore

    San Clemente

    If it rains: The indoor ceremony location and Grand Hall provide a built-in alternative to the alfresco ceremony area.

    Up to 200 guests

  • If it rains: The Fireside Room, Veranda, and Stonehouse provide indoor alternatives for events planned in the Gardens.

    Up to 150 guests

  • If it rains: The venue offers an indoor ceremony location as the built-in alternative to the alfresco garden ceremony.

    Up to 250 guests

  • If it rains: The Ballroom, Dining Room, Lounge, and Funston Room can provide indoor alternatives to the outdoor lawn.

    Up to 250 guests

  • Winchester Estate

    Meadow Vista

    If it rains: The venue offers an indoor ceremony location, and the Grand Hall is the primary indoor reception space.

    Up to 150 guests

  • If it rains: Multiple indoor rooms can be configured as alternatives to the outdoor courtyard and ceremony terrace.

    Up to 250 guests

  • The Pearl

    San Francisco

    If it rains: The main floor and mezzanine are indoor alternatives if the rooftop cannot be used because of weather.

    Up to 500 guests

  • If it rains: The indoor ceremony location, Grand Hall, and Chic Loft provide alternatives to the alfresco garden.

    Up to 220 guests

  • If it rains: The Seascape Ballroom and Riviera provide indoor alternatives for outdoor ceremonies and receptions.

    Up to 250 guests

  • If it rains: The Pritzlaff gallery and conference-room areas provide indoor covered alternatives for receptions.

    Up to 80 guests

  • If it rains: An indoor ceremony location is available as an alternative to the outdoor alfresco ceremony space.

    Up to 225 guests

  • If it rains: Indoor ceremony options are available as an alternative to the outdoor grassy courtyard ceremony.

    Up to 300 guests

  • If it rains: Weather planning and tenting must be arranged separately and are not included in the license fee.

    Up to 200 guests

  • If it rains: Ayres Hall is an indoor space for up to 300 guests and can take an event that has to move inside.

    Up to 300 guests

  • If it rains: The Grand Ballroom/Atrium and Gate House can serve as indoor alternatives to the Wedding Garden.

    Up to 250 guests

  • Presidio Chapel

    San Francisco

    If it rains: Indoor ceremony locations and multiple ballrooms provide alternatives to the alfresco courtyard.

    Up to 300 guests

  • If it rains: The restored barn provides an indoor alternative to the outdoor grove and corral ceremony sites.

    Up to 300 guests

  • If it rains: The Ballroom and Vista Room provide indoor flexibility for events using the outdoor Vista Deck.

  • If it rains: The indoor dance floor and fireplace lounge provide an indoor backup for reception and dancing.

    Up to 180 guests

  • If it rains: The reception tent has optional side walls, and the Star Barn provides an enclosed alternative.

    Up to 250 guests

  • If it rains: The indoor ceremony location provides the built-in alternative to the alfresco garden ceremony.

    Up to 225 guests

  • Sterling Hotel

    Sacramento

    If it rains: The indoor chapel and other indoor event spaces provide alternatives to the courtyard ceremony.

    Up to 200 guests

  • If it rains: The Tasting Room, VIP Room, and Wine Cave provide indoor alternatives to outdoor event spaces.

    Up to 130 guests

  • Talega Golf Club

    San Clemente

    If it rains: The indoor Signature Room can serve as the ceremony and reception backup in inclement weather.

    Up to 200 guests

  • If it rains: An indoor ceremony location is available as an alternative to the outdoor courtyard ceremony.

    Up to 300 guests

  • If it rains: The Sky High penthouse provides an indoor alternative to the garden and beach ceremony sites.

    Up to 250 guests

  • If it rains: The Welcome Center and Performance Hall provide indoor options in case of inclement weather.

    Up to 250 guests

  • If it rains: The California Building Atrium provides an indoor alternative for ceremonies and receptions.

    Up to 400 guests

  • Montecito Club

    Santa Barbara

    If it rains: Lawn events are relocated indoors to the Ballroom or Rotunda during inclement weather.

    Up to 200 guests

  • If it rains: An indoor ceremony location is available as an alternative to the alfresco event lawn.

    Up to 350 guests

  • If it rains: An indoor ceremony location is available as an alternative to the outdoor event lawn.

    Up to 225 guests

  • Redwood Canyon

    Castro Valley

    If it rains: The Grand Hall provides an indoor alternative to the alfresco ceremony and courtyard.

    Up to 300 guests

  • If it rains: The year-round Barrel Room provides an indoor reception option for up to 120 guests.

    Up to 350 guests

  • If it rains: Climate-controlled indoor event spaces are available as a backup for outdoor events.

  • If it rains: The Barn is the indoor ceremony alternative to Cathedral Grove and Schoolhouse Lawn.

    Up to 175 guests

  • Serra Plaza

    San Juan Capistrano

    If it rains: The indoor lounge can serve as the backup for courtyard events in inclement weather.

    Up to 350 guests

  • If it rains: An indoor ceremony location is available as an alternative to the alfresco terrace.

    Up to 350 guests

  • Golden Gate Club

    San Francisco

    If it rains: Indoor ceremony locations provide a built-in alternative to the alfresco courtyard.

    Up to 300 guests

  • If it rains: An indoor ceremony option is available as an alternative to the outdoor courtyard.

    Up to 225 guests

  • If it rains: The indoor chapel serves as the alternative to the outdoor garden ceremony space.

    Up to 200 guests

  • The Sanctuary

    Long Beach

    If it rains: The chapel serves as the indoor ceremony alternative to the outdoor courtyard.

    Up to 200 guests

  • If it rains: Indoor facility rooms can serve as weather backup for outdoor event portions.

  • If it rains: The enclosed Main Room can serve as an indoor alternative to the Grand Lawn.

    Up to 200 guests

  • Dove Canyon Golf Club

    Trabuco Canyon

    If it rains: An indoor ceremony location provides a backup for the alfresco Oak Terrace.

    Up to 260 guests

  • If it rains: An indoor ceremony and reception option is available for inclement weather.

  • If it rains: The ceremony package offers either an alfresco or indoor ceremony location.

    Up to 250 guests

  • Log Cabin

    San Francisco

    If it rains: The ceremony package offers either an alfresco or indoor ceremony location.

    Up to 150 guests

  • If it rains: The event planner works with couples to arrange tenting for weather backup.

    Up to 120 guests

  • If it rains: An indoor ceremony location is available as an alternative to the terrace.

    Up to 200 guests

  • If it rains: An indoor ceremony location is available as an alternative to the garden.

    Up to 200 guests

  • Galway Downs

    Temecula

    If it rains: Ceremonies can be held either alfresco or indoors within the barn.

    Up to 300 guests

Each sentence is from the venue's own published details. Plans and fees change, so confirm with the venue.

How these venues differ

How venues with a rain plan differ from the rest

The 122 California outdoor-ceremony venues with a rain plan against the 79 outdoor-ceremony venues that don’t mention one, biggest difference first.

Share thatThese venuesOutdoor-ceremony venues that don’t mention one
Have four or more separate event spaces63%34%
Have both indoor and outdoor spaces97%70%
Can host 200 guests or more81%71%
Have on-site lodging29%38%
Provide a coordinator54%46%
Price the space alone, before food22%30%

Each row counts only the venues that say; a venue that doesn't is left out of that row rather than counted as a no.

Where to look

Regions where more venues say what happens if it rains

The tick on each bar marks California as a whole: 124 of 224 venues say what happens if it rains (55%). Regions with fewer than five venues that say are left out.

What it costs

What outdoor venues with a rain plan cost

$24k

Typical venue and food, 100 guests

Across the 85 of these California venues that publish a full price.

$16k–$49k

Typical range

Most of them fall in this range.

$23k

Every California venue

The typical figure across all 141 California venues with a full price, for comparison.

In California, outdoor-ceremony venues with a rain plan typically cost $24k for the venue and food for 100 guests, 6% more than the $23k typical across the state.

Places worth a closer look

California outdoor venues with a stated rain plan

Each has an outdoor ceremony space and says what happens if it rains, in a different way. Open a venue to see its spaces, pricing, and other planning details.

Find venues that match your vision and budget

Describe your guest count, your budget, and anything you can’t compromise on. See a ranked list of venues, with why each one fits, trade-offs, and what to double-check.

Try:

Sage the Date reads each venue's own published details, including pricing, catering and alcohol rules, music curfews, rain plans, whether you get the whole property, and how many guests each space holds. Every estimate uses your guest count. When a venue doesn't say, we tell you instead of guessing.

Before you book

Questions that decide whether the plan works

  • If it rains, where exactly does the ceremony go, and does it fit all our guests?
  • If the plan is a tent, who orders it, who pays, and how late can we decide?
  • Who makes the weather call, and when?
How this guide is built

Sage reads each venue's own published pricing and policies, puts different kinds of quotes on the same footing, and estimates the cost for 100 guests. A venue counts as having a rain plan only when its own published details describe one; the comparisons are among venues that offer an outdoor ceremony. If a venue doesn't say something, we treat it as a question to ask, not a no.