12 Engagement Party Venues in Orange County for Southern California Couples

Celebrate your next chapter in one of these stunning spaces.
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by
Carli Brennan
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Carli Brennan
The Knot Fashion Contributor
  • Carli writes freelance fashion articles for The Knot.
  • Prior to The Knot, she was the style section editor at Her Campus Media and launched the Fashion Institute of Technology chapter of Her Campus.
  • Carli’s passion for the wedding industry stems from her time as a bridal consultant and her previous internship in a bridal showroom.
Updated Dec 18, 2024

If you're planning an engagement party, congratulations are in order! Celebrating your engagement with your nearest and dearest is such a special milestone, which is why choosing the perfect engagement party venue is crucial. For California couples, these engagement party venues in Orange County are guaranteed to impress your guests. Whether you're just engaged or have been planning for a while, it's important to take the time to recognize and celebrate this new chapter. Engagement party planning can be stressful, which is why we're here to make the process easy. Once you've selected the perfect location, you can begin planning the other details such as engagement party themes and shopping for engagement party decor.

The Knot Vendor Marketplace is a great resource to search for engagement party venues and read reviews. You can filter by location and see tons of different Orange County engagement party venues all in one place. From romantic restaurants to California beach venues, we've rounded up 12 gorgeous places for an engagement party that showcases the best parts of Orange County.

Santa Anita Park in Arcadia

Nestled beside the San Gabriel mountains, Santa Anita Park is a horse racing venue that also doubles as an Orange County engagement party location. They offer multiple spaces where you can host your event, including the 100 to 1 Club, Chandelier Room, Directors' Room or a private suite. In addition to the peaceful grounds of the venue, the catering team at Santa Anita Park offers a diverse and flavorful menu sure to satisfy any couple.

Perch LA in Downtown Los Angeles

This rooftop engagement party venue is perfect for enjoying LA sunshine and stunning city views. Antique furniture and a French-inspired design ethos give this space a cozy and charming feel that's the perfect juxtaposition against bustling downtown LA. You and your guests can enjoy the dining room as well as outdoor patio space and lounge with fire pits. Whether you're hosting an intimate dinner or a larger soiree (up to 325 guests), Perch LA offers excellent service to make your dream engagement party a reality.

Mrs Fish in Downtown Los Angeles

This party venue in downtown Los Angeles is guaranteed to impress your guests. Mrs Fish sits 16 floors below Perch LA and features a 5,500-gallon saltwater aquarium as the focal point of the space. Specializing in Japanese cuisine as well as Japanese whiskey and creative cocktails, your guests will rave about the excellent menu. The venue has multiple event spaces, including a whiskey lounge and private booths.

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Il Fornaio Manhattan Beach

Located in Manhattan Beach, Il Fornaio is the perfect choice for couples seeking authentic Italian engagement party food. Their mission is "to provide their guests with the most authentic Italian culinary experience outside of Italy." Their expert culinary team makes homemade pasta—including gluten-free options—daily. They can cater their menu to your preferences to make sure your celebration is everything you hoped for. One thing's for certain: no guest will leave hungry at your Il Fornaio engagement party!

The Enchanted Manor in Valley Village

This charming and historic California venue offers old-fashioned dining room spaces as well as poolside event spaces for a memorable engagement party. The outdoor space at The Enchanted Manor is equipped with cozy firepits and a gazebo bar where you can end the evening with a nightcap. In addition to the event spaces, The Inn at the Enchanted Manor even has several suites where you and your loved ones can comfortably spend the night. This spot also doubles as a lovely small wedding venue in Orange County.

Paloma in Venice

This Mediterranean-inspired engagement party place in Orange County will transport you and your guests to a vacation state of mind. Located in Venice, Paloma has three dining spaces to choose from for your event of up to 300 guests. Whether you choose the indoor dining room or the outdoor patio surrounded by vibrant bougainvilleas, you and your guests will enjoy the warm, inviting atmosphere and top-notch service. The experienced culinary team at Paloma offers everything from pasta to breakfast and more.

Chart House in Redondo Beach

Established in 1961, Chart House is renowned for offering guests great food and impressive oceanfront views. Enjoy fresh seafood and a breathtaking atmosphere at your engagement party in their space that accommodates up to 200 guests. The Chart House location in Redondo Beach is perfect for couples planning a restaurant engagement party in Orange County, CA.

Rustic Canyon in Santa Monica

This Michelin-starred restaurant is an elegant and stylish choice for an engagement party venue in Orange County. Rustic Canyon accommodates up to 120 guests in their dining room as well as patio spaces. Their farmer's market-inspired dishes utilize fresh local ingredients and keep seasonality in mind. They even have a custom cake and pie package to create memorable desserts.

Parkers' Lighthouse in Long Beach

Situated above the picturesque Long Beach Harbor, Parker's Lighthouse boasts both incredible food and scenic views. While best known for their mesquite grilled fresh seafood, they also have an impressive two-story wine cellar on site. Their extensive menu offers the best of Southern California-inspired dishes in addition to sushi. No matter your guest list, Parker's Lighthouse can accommodate engagement parties from 30 up to 500 guests.

The Draycott in Pacific Palisades

Established in London by a husband and wife duo, The Draycott is a brasserie and event venue located in Pacific Palisades, California. Overlook the charming Palisades Village Green from the outdoor terrace space or enjoy the stylish indoor dining room spaces. The Draycott's expert culinary team takes advantage of local and seasonal ingredients to craft delicious, flavorful meals. This location is perfect for intimate engagement parties.

Manuela in Los Angeles

Located in the Arts District of Los Angeles, Manuela offers guests a truly unique event space. They have three distinct spaces—a private room, the garden and the courtyard—that cater to a wide range of engagement party vibes and sizes. Manuela combines art and food with artwork in the space specially commissioned by artists Paul McCarthy, Mark Bradford and Raymond Pettibon. The team at Manuela partners with local farmers to provide the freshest ingredients and meals.

Sherwood Lake Club in Westlake Village

As the name suggests, Sherwood Lake Club is situated on a beautiful lakeside setting in Westlake Village, making it the perfect engagement party place in Orange County. Their team of professionals will help make the planning process seamless and stress-free. They have a myriad of event spaces including pool cabanas, patio space and a club dining area to accommodate up to 150 guests.

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