About Simi Valley
Located just 40 miles from downtown Los Angeles, Simi Valley seems like a world away, with lush rolling hills and a small-town charm. Its sunny, southern California climate means outdoor recreation opportunities are amazing year-round, especially if you’re looking to tee off on one of the city’s three municipal golf courses. The sandy beaches of Ventura County are just a stone’s throw away as well. For those interested in the arts, the Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center offers live performances and concerts, and there are many museums including the Ronald Reagan Presidential Museum and Library. Finally, the food scene in Simi Valley rivals that of other southern California communities, with an abundance of diverse cuisine and freshly-caught seafood prepared in a variety of ways.
Hosting a wedding in Simi Valley opens up a variety of options when it comes to choosing a time and place. Options range from ceremonies overlooking the Pacific Ocean to rustic hilltop views or luxurious clubhouses. With the help of a local caterer, you can treat your wedding guests to innovative Asian fusion cuisine or stick to an elegant but oh-so-delicious cake from one of the city’s high-quality bakeries. You’ll find the perfect bridal wear at on of the area’s many boutiques, with the city’s florists can add the perfect touch of style and color to make your wedding venue pop.
Wedding Options in Simi Valley, CA
- Caterers
No matter what kind of food you want at your wedding, there’s a good chance you’ll be able to find it in Simi Valley. Whether you’re looking for a decadent spread or embodying the fresh, healthful California lifestyle, the city’s chefs and caterers are ready to provide you and your guests with an unforgettable experience.
Daphne’s
Almost nothing captures the essence of sunny southern California like fresh citrus, herbs, roasted meats and salads. Daphne’s offers a fresh, Greek-inspired feast prepared healthfully with the perfect blend of Mediterranean flavors. Couples can choose from a full spread of meats and veggies or choose a light and flavorful sandwich spread. Vegan and vegetarian dietary choices can be accommodated.
- Bridal Wear
When it comes to looking your best at the altar, both the bride and groom have a variety of options for bridal wear in Simi Valley. From large retail shops to one-of-a-kind boutiques and designer studios, you’ll be able to find the perfect ensembles for both the couple and the wedding party.
- Beverage Service
A weekend celebrating with friends and family old and new calls for an evening of kicking back and sipping a few drinks to toast the happy couple. If your venue does not provide a beverage service or you’re looking for a bit of a different experience, Simi Valley has mobile bartenders ready to add some flair to your reception. From craft beers to creative cocktails to non-alcoholic beverages, everyone can find their old favorites or try something new.
Twist & Bitters
With more than 35 years of combined experience, the founders of Twist & Bitters aim to elevate your bar experience with fresh ingredients and a modern approach to craft cocktails. The bartending duo can simply serve beer and wine with a bit of flair or create an extravagant specialty cocktail menu tailored to your wedding and tastes. The company also rents bar equipment and glassware.
- Wedding Rentals
Whether you need beachfront seating for a few or a complete dining setup for 200, Simi Valley is home to several rental services who can provide exactly what you need within budget. You can find tableware, linens, décor, archways, gazebos and more, with most companies providing set-up and tear-down services.
Wedding Planning Companies in Simi Valley, California
- Bella Vita Events
Your wedding should reflect the unique relationship between you and your partner, and designers at Bella Vita Events work to make sure they take your vision and give you the wedding of your dreams in return. Bella Vita has been in business for 17 years and has been named one of the “Top 10 Wedding Planners in LA” by Ceremony Magazine. The company offers both full-service and partial-service planning, as well as day of coordination and a checklist for vetting wedding vendors.
- Stop and Stare Events
Husband and wife owners Kristen and Dakota Sottosanto of Stop and Stare Events provide both wedding planning and entertainment services with a goal of providing couples with an experience that is as unique as they are. The pair offers everything from vendor recommendations to design concepts and timeline management. The company offers full-service wedding planning and day-of coordination, as well as DJ/emcee services.
- Events by Tiffany J
The planning and design team at Events by Tiffany J not only want to provide a stress-free planning process, they also want you to be completely present and have the guest experience at your special day. The company offers packages designed to let you completely enjoy the ceremony and reception while dedicated professionals handle the details. You can find any package to suit your time, budget and wishlist, from full-service planning to elopements and micro-weddings.
Pros and Cons of Hosting a Wedding in Simi Valley
Pros:
- Beautiful year-round weather
Simi Valley’s coastal climate means hot, breezy summer and mild winters with abundant sunshine all year long.
- Lots of things to do
From outdoor recreation opportunities to local attractions, there is no shortage of things to do in Simi Valley.
- Safe city
A relatively small residential community, Simi Valley is considered one of the safest cities in southern California.
Cons:
- Lackluster nightlife
Simi Valley is a quiet suburban community and doesn’t have a lot in the way of nightclubs or trendy late-night hangouts.
- Smog
Simi Valley is just north of downtown Los Angeles and suffers from many of the same air quality issues on occasion.
- It’s expensive
Although amenities are considerably lower than what you would find in Los Angeles or some of the other SoCal communities, Simi Valley is still relatively expensive.
Famous Wedding Locations in Simi Valley, California
- VFW Military History Museum
Designed to be an educational experience for visitors of all ages, the Veterans of Foreign Wars Military History Museum has hundreds of artifacts from World War I and into the present day’s War on Terror. Some of the artifacts include Vietnam-era weapons and munitions, as well as 100-year-old military poster art and World War II-era newspapers.
- Grandma Prisbrey’s Bottle Village
On the National Register of Historic Places, Grandma Prisbrey's Bottle Village is a completely unique attraction and curiosity. Tressa “Grandma” Prisbrey began working on the site in 1956 at age 60, building more than 20 objects and structures from found objects, specifically glass bottles. She worked on the property until 1981 and has used tens of thousands of discarded bottles in her builds.
- Hummingbird Creek Trail
For a bird’s eye view of Simi Valley and the surrounding hills, strap on your hiking boots and trek up Hummingbird Creek Trail. The 2.3-mile trail crosses Hummingbird Creek and climbs more than 1,000 feet in elevation to give a stunning view of the valley below.