Historic California Venue
Holds ceremonies and receptions
Samantha Sisk
PRIVATE EVENTS MANAGER
Centrally located in Southern California, The Athenaeum is a historic venue for weddings and other special events in Pasadena, CA. This landmark at the California Institute of Technology is a picturesque backdrop for any occasion. You can work closely with the expert staff to bring your vision for your big day to life.
Featuring Mediterranean-style architecture and carefully manicured grounds, the Athenaeum is a romantic setting where couples can make memories to cherish for years to come. There are over 30,000 sq. feet of event space, so there is sure to be plenty of room for your family and friends. You and your wedding party can get ready for the festivities in the Mezzanine, a luxurious parlor. As your guests enter the facilities, they are welcomed by hand-painted vaulted ceilings, opulent chandeliers, ornate Corinthian columns, wood-paneled walls, and rich brocade tapestries. They will be ‘wowed’ by the lush olive walk and breathtaking terrace landscape. If you’re looking for overnight accommodations, there are 24 comfortable guest rooms and four lavish suites.
The team at the Athenaeum aims to provide exceptional customer service to give you and your guests a one-of-a-kind experience. On-site caterers can create mouthwatering meals for your event to be served by the friendly wait staff. During the festivities, bartenders can keep you hydrated while you dance the night away. In addition to weddings, you can host a corporate event, private party, and more at this venue. Even the largest celebrations will feel like an intimate gathering at The Athenaeum.
Amenities + details
Amenities
Ceremony Area
Covered Outdoors Space
Dressing Room
Handicap Accessible
Indoor Event Space
Liability Insurance
On-Site Accommodations
Outdoor Event Space
Reception Area
Wireless Internet
Ceremony Types
Civil Union
Commitment Ceremony
Elopement
Interfaith Ceremony
Non-Religious Ceremony
Religious Ceremony
Second Wedding
Vow Renewal Ceremony
Guest Capacity
300+
Settings
Country Club
Historic Venue
Hotel
Tented
Trees
Venue Service Offerings
Bar & Drinks
Cakes & Desserts
Food & Catering
Service Staff
Any questions?
Meet the team
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- Samantha SiskPrivate Events ManagerWith a deep passion for creating memorable and meaningful events, Samantha Sisk owned and operated La Bella Dia Events from 2009 to 2021, serving the Pasadena community with a particular focus on weddings at Caltech’s historic Athenaeum. In 2021, she brought her expertise full circle by joining The Athenaeum team, where she now manages private and club events. Samantha is known for her refined style, attention to detail, and ability to deliver seamless, elegant experiences for every occasion.
- Kathy WinterrowdDirector of Private and Club EventsKathy Winterrowd brings a touch of luxury and a whole lot of aloha to every event she touches. With experience at iconic properties like The Ritz-Carlton Kapalua, The Ritz-Carlton Huntington Hotel & Spa, the Langham Huntington, and Intercontinental DTLA, she’s mastered the art of creating unforgettable moments. Now leading private and club events at the Caltech Athenaeum, Kathy blends high-end hospitality with genuine warmth—because great events aren’t just planned, they’re felt.
Reviews
5.0
out of 5.06 reviews
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Review Summary
This AI-generated summary is a snapshot of this vendor's ratings and feedback.
The Athenaeum is described as a gorgeous venue with classic elegance and exceptional service. Reviewers highlighted the professionalism and ease of working with the staff, particularly mentioning Samantha as outstanding. The venue was praised for its stunning setting in Pasadena, delicious food, beautiful interior design, and top-tier bar service. Guests appreciated the attentiveness of the staff on the wedding day and the accommodating nature of the entire team. Overall, The Athenaeum was highly recommended for couples seeking a beautiful, stress-free, and memorable wedding venue in Southern California.Review photos
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Kevin E
5.0
10/14/2025
Gorgeous venue!! Everything about the Athenaeum is amazing. Everyone on staff from the front desk, the chefs, bartenders, and wait staff were so kind and accommodating. Samantha was truly the best to work with. She made everything so easy and the lead up to the wedding day came together so effortlessly. So many compliments from our guests from the food, drinks and atmosphere. You truly cannot go wrong with this venue. I want to relive the night over again!
Christina A
5.0
7/04/2025
This was the perfect place for a wedding in Southern California, beautiful setting, lovely staff and Samantha and her team were always gracious and easy to work with. It surpassed my expectations and made for a very special day. The pictures can’t really capture how beautiful the lighting and setting was. Thank you!
Any questions?
Ron
5.0
4/27/2025
We cannot say enough wonderful things about our experience with The Athenaeum! From start to finish, their professionalism and ease to work with made planning our wedding truly stress-free. Every single person on their team was incredibly accommodating, always ready to answer questions, adjust details, and offer thoughtful suggestions to make sure our day was exactly what we envisioned.
The venue itself is absolutely stunning — a perfect blend of classic elegance and timeless beauty that made for the most breathtaking setting in the heart of Pasadena. Our guests are still raving about the delicious food and the exceptional bar service; every dish was flavorful and beautifully presented, and the cocktails were crafted to perfection.
The attentiveness of the staff on our wedding day was top tier. They anticipated every need before we even had to ask, making sure we and our guests felt cared for and completely at ease throughout the entire celebration.
We are forever grateful to The Athenaeum for giving us the wedding of our dreams. If you are looking for a venue that is beautiful, professional, accommodating, and absolutely top-tier in every way, look no further! Thank you so much to Samantha, Selina, Chef Octavio, and the rest at The Athenaeum for making it all happen!
-Rizza and Oliver
Dane
5.0
3/23/2025
We loved the venue and the staff were very accommodating. Great overall experience.
Marissa M
5.0
11/07/2024
We had the wedding of our dreams at The Athenaeum! The venue, the food, and the staff were all incredible. Throughout the entire process, the coordinator Samantha answered our questions promptly and provided us with guidance to make our day unforgettable. We highly recommend The Athenaeum if you want a beautiful, timeless wedding venue.
Yvonne L
5.0
10/07/2024
This was an absolutely gorgeous venue and we're so happy that our planner suggested it. It is a part of Caltech, which gives it the gravitas of history and academia. It has a breathtaking outdoor patio and beautiful arches. Inside are sitting rooms that give you that Bridgerton vibe. The food is DELICIOUS (and you do need to use their kitchen in most cases), especially the beef (but we also had a vegan mushroom dish that has no right being that good and a sea bass which was complimented by even my picky uncle!). There is even a hotel upstairs where you and your wedding party or family can stay for the utmost convenience. Love love loved everything!
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The Athenaeum
Samantha Sisk
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Private Events Manager
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