A Complete Wedding Guide to the Valley Hunt Club in Pasadena, California
Tucked away in the heart of historic Pasadena, the Valley Hunt Club is more than a private club—it’s a living piece of Southern California history. Known for founding the Tournament of Roses and for its lush, palm-lined grounds, this venue feels like a world of its own, offering couples a refined, old California elegance.
If you’re dreaming of a wedding that’s classic, intimate, and beautifully captured in candid, storytelling photographs, this guide walks you through everything you need to know to plan your day at this exclusive estate.
About the Valley Hunt Club
📍 Location: 520 S Orange Grove Blvd, Pasadena, CA
🌐 Website: valleyhuntclub.com
Founded in 1888, the Valley Hunt Club is one of Pasadena’s oldest and most iconic venues. Its Spanish-style architecture, vintage interiors, and beautifully landscaped gardens make it a one-of-a-kind setting for a wedding that feels both timeless and elegant.
Ceremony & Reception Spaces at the Club
The Valley Hunt Club offers a few key areas that couples can reserve for ceremonies, cocktail hour, and receptions. Work closely with the on-site team to finalize which areas are available based on your guest count and preferences.
✨ The Main Lawn
A stunning location for an outdoor ceremony. Mature trees and manicured hedges frame your ceremony space perfectly—and it photographs beautifully in natural light.
✨ The Clubhouse Veranda
This tiled, open-air space is ideal for cocktail hour and offers classic Pasadena charm with arches and vintage touches.
✨ The Ballroom
An elegant indoor option for receptions. Think warm wood accents, high ceilings, and chandeliers that glow in the evening light.
✨ Garden Courtyard
Perfect for intimate receptions or smaller gatherings post-ceremony. Bright, airy, and full of old-California charm.
📝 Some spaces may be restricted to members only or require special approval. Always consult with the club directly when booking.
Pricing & Rental Information
The Valley Hunt Club is a private members-only venue. Wedding availability and pricing depend on whether you or your family are affiliated with the club.
Here are some general guidelines:
| Service | Estimate |
|---|---|
| Venue Rental | $10,000–$15,000+ |
| Guest Capacity | Up to 200 guests |
| Catering Minimum | $150–$250 per guest |
| Ceremony Fee | May be separate or included |
| Photography Access | Included with booking (some areas require escort) |
| Outside Vendors | Permitted with approval |
Photography Guidelines & Tips
The Valley Hunt Club offers an exceptional backdrop for documentary-style wedding photography, where real moments shine.
🎞️ Photography Notes:
- No special photography permits are required for wedding clients
- Most photography begins 3 hours before your ceremony
- Drones are typically not allowed due to privacy policies
- Golden hour is ideal for portraits on the lawn and garden areas
- Film photography looks incredible here—soft light, timeless textures, and historic detail
As a photographer, I love working here because the architecture and light allow mom
Best Time of Year to Get Married at the Valley Hunt Club
Pasadena’s mild weather makes it a year-round wedding destination, but some months stand out:
🌸 Peak Season: March–June & September–November
- Warm, comfortable weather
- Blooming gardens
- Higher demand = higher cost and earlier booking needed
☀️ Off-Season: July–August & December–February
- Hotter summers, but better vendor availability
- December offers cozy winter weddings with seasonal décor
- Potential for lower venue and vendor costs
🎯 Pro Tip: Spring weddings are especially gorgeous here. The lawns are green, the florals are in bloom, and the golden light is dreamy.
Where to Stay: Hotels Near the Valley Hunt Club
Here are a few great options for your wedding guests:
🏨 The Langham Huntington Pasadena
Luxury experience with incredible gardens and spa amenities.
🏨 Courtyard by Marriott Old Pasadena
Affordable and close to dining, shops, and nightlife.
🏨 Hilton Pasadena
Spacious rooms with group blocks available.
🏨 The Westin Pasadena
Contemporary, with rooftop views and an outdoor pool.
Final Thoughts: Should You Get Married at the Valley Hunt Club
If you’re dreaming of a venue that blends timeless California charm with privacy and sophistication, the Valley Hunt Club is hard to beat. It’s a quiet retreat that allows you to celebrate surrounded by history, beauty, and your favorite people—with no distractions.
The best part? It pairs beautifully with my candid, storytelling photography style.
Ready to See What a Full Wedding Day Looks Like Here
I photograph weddings across California and the Pacific Northwest—and never charge travel fees. If you’re considering the Valley Hunt Club for your day, I’d love to show you full galleries so you can see the full story, not just the highlights.
👉 Click here to inquire and view full wedding galleries.
Let’s bring your story to life in the most honest, artful way possible.
My photography is a blend of art, experience, and instinct—a little bit of this, a little bit of that.
For over 15 years, I’ve been immersed in the world of photography. It all started when I was 18 and stepped into a darkroom for the first time. That moment sparked a lifelong obsession with capturing the world through my lens. It eventually lead me to the fine art space, collaborating with artists, managing studios, and working alongside galleries and museums.
Through years of studying art and photography—both in undergraduate and graduate school—my aesthetic evolved under the influence of critical theory and contemporary art. I found myself drawn to the intersection of traditional documentary photography and spontaneous, unfiltered moments of real life. My goal is to create images that are raw, honest, and deeply human.
Travel plays a huge role in my creative process. I find inspiration in the unfamiliar—letting light, movement, and emotion guide my eye. Photography is my way of making sense of the world, turning fleeting moments into lasting stories. With a camera in hand, everything becomes a canvas and a chance to reveal the unexpected.
