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Orange County Wedding Venue

Avenue of the Arts Wedding Guide

So much more than your average hotel, Avenue of the Arts in Costa Mesa is a venue as unique as each wedding that takes place there. Located on the banks of a sparkling lake and flanked by the Theatre Arts District, this venue is perfect for the couple with a love for the arts and a mix of modern and traditional elements.

Bridal Suite

Whether you’re relaxing with the bridal party or enjoying your wedding hair and makeup, the bridal suite is the perfect place to set up shop for all pre-wedding activities. Enjoy this time with close friends and family, not to mention gorgeous candid photos as well!

Avenue of the arts costa mesa wedding photography bride

Couple’s Portraits

Strike a pose in front of one of the countless artistic backdrops at the Avenue of the Arts. While this stunning mirrored fireplace wasn’t built just for this couple, it sure looks like it could have been!

Avenue of the arts costa mesa wedding photography couple

Groom’s Baraat

The bride isn’t the only one who gets to make a grand entrance during an Indian wedding ceremony. The groom enters the ceremony during a procession called the baraat, where he is escorted by friends and family to celebrate the beginning of the wedding ceremony.

Avenue of the arts costa mesa wedding photography sports car

Traditionally, the groom rides into his wedding ceremony on a white horse or elephant, but many grooms, like ours pictured below, choose a more modern approach. A classic car is a very popular choice for contemporary grooms looking to make a flashy entrance.

Avenue of the arts costa mesa wedding photography race car

Wedding Ceremony

The Lakeside Lawn, a favorite ceremony location at Avenue of the Arts, is the perfect space for your Mandap.

Avenue of the arts costa mesa wedding photography ceremony

A combination of modern and traditional, this gorgeous Mandap has everything needed to carry out the Indian wedding ceremony.

Wedding Reception

Inside the Grand Ballroom, the stage is set for a beautiful night to remember among floating candles and cascading florals.

Avenue of the arts costa mesa wedding photography details dinner

Outfitted with a glittering sweetheart table, a raised dais with lounge seating, and customized lighting, this reception site has all the makings for the perfect evening of dinner and dancing.

Avenue of the arts costa mesa wedding photography reception

Making an entrance in a dapper tuxedo and sparkling teal gown, our couple is ready to greet their guests and partake in their first dance as husband and wife.

Avenue of the arts costa mesa wedding photography grand entrance

The glittering drapes and bright flowers are a stunning backdrop for this special first dance together.

Avenue of the arts costa mesa wedding photography first danceIt doesn’t take long for guests to join the newlyweds on the dance floor!

Avenue of the arts costa mesa wedding photography dancing

As the night comes to a close, there’s no better time to sneak away for a couple’s session. This dramatic entryway at Avenue of the Arts is the perfect place for a romantic moment between these two lovebirds.

Avenue of the arts costa mesa wedding photography night photo

Avenue of the Arts FAQs

Address

3350 Avenue of the Arts, Costa Mesa, CA 92626

What are my catering options?

Taking inspiration from locally sourced ingredients and creative cooking, the culinary team is always excited to work with couples to plan out their customized wedding menu.

Where can I hold my wedding ceremony and reception?

The venue host 4 different locations for your wedding and reception, including lakeside, an open area framed by waterfalls, the garden courtyard, or inside the ballroom.

Are accommodations for guests available?

Avenue of the Arts is a fully equipped hotel ready to host all your wedding guests. With South Coast Plaza nearby, there is no lack of entertainment for guests traveling from out of town.

What is the capacity?

The maximum capacity for the venue is 250 guests.

About Lin & Jirsa Photography

Lin & Jirsa Photography specializes in Orange County wedding photography, serving couples throughout Southern California. Contact us to learn more about our award-winning team.

 

From Behind the Lens

What we love about shooting
at Avenue of the Arts.

🌅
Lakeside Golden Hour Magic
The sparkling lake backdrop creates unparalleled golden hour opportunities with natural reflections and soft, diffused light that's virtually impossible to replicate elsewhere. We love positioning couples along the water's edge during late afternoon shoots when the light turns the entire venue into a warm, romantic palette.
🏛️
Theatre Arts District Sophistication
The proximity to Costa Mesa's Theatre Arts District provides stunning architectural backdrops—think clean lines, modern facades, and cultural character that photographs beautifully. These urban-meets-cultural elements add a distinctive narrative layer that elevates couple portraits beyond traditional venue photography.
💡
Versatile Indoor-Outdoor Light
Avenue of the Arts offers dramatic lighting flexibility: natural lakeside illumination for ceremonies and portraits, plus sophisticated indoor spaces with high ceilings and controllable ambient light for receptions. This range means we can adapt shooting styles seamlessly throughout your entire day.
Common Questions

What couples typically ask.

What's the ideal photography timeline for Avenue of the Arts?
We recommend starting with bridal suite coverage around 2-3 hours before your ceremony to capture those genuine getting-ready moments in that naturally-lit space. Plan your ceremony for late afternoon to capitalize on golden hour for couple portraits by the lake, then transition indoors as the sun sets. This timeline maximizes the venue's dual strengths—both intimate indoor lighting and those magical outdoor lakeside moments.
Where are the most photogenic spots on the property?
The lakeside promenade is exceptional for couple portraits, especially during golden hour when reflections add depth. The Theatre Arts District architecture provides striking urban backdrops just steps away, and the bridal suite itself—with its expansive windows—is underrated for getting-ready details. Don't overlook the interior spaces around the reception halls either; the high ceilings and modern design create naturally elegant framing opportunities.
Can we do both indoor and outdoor portraits here?
Absolutely—and that's one of Avenue of the Arts' biggest advantages. The indoor spaces offer sophisticated, controlled lighting for polished portraits, while the outdoor lakeside setting provides that romantic, natural light couples dream about. We typically recommend capturing some couple shots by the water earlier in the day, then using the indoor architecture later for variety and to work around changing light conditions.
How does Avenue of the Arts compare to other Orange County venues?
What sets this venue apart is the genuine artistic identity—it's not a generic ballroom. The lakeside setting combined with Theatre Arts District proximity creates a distinctive visual narrative that feels unique to your story. Most similar venues lack either the outdoor water elements or the cultural architectural character that makes Avenue of the Arts photos immediately recognizable and memorable.
What should we know about getting-ready logistics and timing?
The dedicated bridal suite is spacious and designed for pre-wedding preparation, which makes our job easier and your experience more relaxed. Arrive early enough to allow 2-3 hours for hair, makeup, and photography without rushing. The suite's layout and natural lighting mean we can capture the entire getting-ready narrative without needing to shuffle between multiple rooms, keeping everyone comfortable and focused on the moment.
Ready to Start?

Photographing weddings at
Avenue of the Arts.

Lin & Jirsa has spent over 15 years documenting weddings across Southern California. If you're planning your day at Avenue of the Arts, we'd love to share our experience with the venue and put together coverage that fits your celebration.

Let's Work Together

Ready to have your story told beautifully?

Most of our popular dates book 12–18 months in advance. Reach out today to check availability and learn more about working with our studio.

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