Wedding Venue: Adamson House in Malibu

I’m always curious about how people find venues for their weddings. I’m thinking most people choose their wedding sites based on weddings they’ve attended in the past. I try to help people out by always identifying the spot where my Wedding Decorator pictures were taken. But since I’m not doing many Wedding Decorator jobs now, I’m thinking I may just start visiting venues on my own — or crashing weddings. Won’t you let me crash your wedding? *wink*

I figured that my recent “field trip” to Adamson House in Malibu would be perfect to share here. The spot is spectacular — 13 acres overlooking Surfrider Beach. The house is a National Historical Site and a California Registered Landmark, so yeah — you can’t have your party in the actual house. But if you do opt to have your party on the grounds, you can opt to allow your guests take a tour from official docents.

There is not a lot of room at any one section on the Adamson grounds, so don’t think you can have a 500-person party here. This lawn was probably the largest, flat grassy area, with that nice little nook next to the tree perfect for a sweetheart table, but the drawback to this area is that there is not much of an ocean view from here. It sure is quiet and peaceful, though.

The lawn next to the iconic star fountain is probably where most of the weddings are held. This is also the area with the most direct beach access.


Check out that view.

So here are the dirty details. Weddings are held at the Adamson house from April to October only — I think. The cost to have a party on the grounds is $6,500 $7,000 and they don’t provide anything — you would have to bring in your own chairs, tables, caterers, etc. But check out that view! Call (310) 457-8185 for more wedding information

11 thoughts on “Wedding Venue: Adamson House in Malibu

  1. Beautiful pictures. I’m not getting married anytime soon, but I do plan to tour the Adamson house when I go on vacation in a week. Looking forward to seeing the place.

    • I don’t know what the hours are for events, sorry. But I do know they are open to events for only part of the year, April through October, I think. I should think they would be flexible if you’re going to rent the place, though. 🙂

  2. Pingback: Market California state parks as wedding venues, don’t close them | Wedding Decorator Blog

  3. I’m getting married at the Adamson House next summer (Aug. 2010). I love the location. They only allow 200 people max and have some restrictions due to the fact it is a historical home run by the state parks. I’m having my ceremony by the large tree. Then cocktail hr in front of the house. Then the reception on the big lawn by the star fountain. I can’t wait! I was told I don’t need center piece flowers because there are so many flower there, but I’m not sure. What do you think? What else would I use as a center piece instead of flowers?

    • Hi Jamie! Congratulations on snagging the Adamson house! Depending on what you want for your wedding, you can maybe do a wreathe around a candle/hurricane. I think that might look nice there and add to the ambiance.

  4. Haha, hi Darleene! I was researching the Adamson House and came across this post. Cool! This venue looks so beautiful but I worry about all the restrictions. I read somewhere that you can’t even have flower petals on the tables. Weird.

    • Hey Michelle! Actually, that makes sense, since the venue is right off the ocean — maybe they don’t want all the petals blowing into the water!

  5. I was one of the brides who couldn’t have flower petals on the table! I was so sad, but that’s my fault for not having done enough research before going in. Anyway – Adamson House is gorgeous and the restrictions are a little annoying, but totally doable. I think aside from the flowers, I didn’t like that guests had to shuttle in and that the bathrooms are so far away from the reception area (my elderly grandmother was able to use the brides room one though).

  6. Thank you for posting – researching this venue for a client. Going to tour soon but I didn’t know the ballpark pricing and this post helped immensely. Thanks!

  7. Hello,
    The Location fee is $7000.00. The caterer,Rentals, & parking is your reponsibility. for 2011 we do have few dates open. if you need more info please contact me by Email:
    Adamsonhousewedding@parks.ca.gov
    I am available for a walkthrough on Tuesdays & Thursdays 9 am to 2pm with an Advance appointment only.
    Thanks & Happy Weddings.

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