Weddings at the Smog Shoppe: Vintage, Eco-Friendly, & Totally Unique
Southern California is an area with tons of great locations for getting married. The Smog Shoppe stands out as one of the most unique and charming. If you’re looking for a vintage, industrial, eco-friendly, and downright cool place for your wedding day, the Smog Shoppe is a must see.
History
The Smog Shoppe’s unique history gives it a vintage vibe. It was once a 1980’s smog check center. The space transformed into one of Southern California’s premier wedding venues.
Today
Located in the Culver City arts/design district, the Smog Shoppe is a 6,500 square foot facility. It features indoor and outdoor spaces. What I love about this venue is its green approach. The designers made it 100% solar powered. Other Factors include recycled and sustainable features. These include chic vintage furniture and a variety of plants. It’s even up for LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) platinum certification.
The Courtyard Garden
Guests entering the garden are immediately transported to an oasis in the heart of the city. The courtyard garden features garden walls filled with over 2,000 feet of greenery. Besides vertical gardens, the venue is also home to a host of desert plants. The setting is especially magical in the evening. The LED lighting creates a romantic ambiance. It is one of the best areas to capture candid moments in.
The Grand Hall
The Grand Hall in the Smog Shoppe is indeed, grand, with 15 ft. ceilings. The LED lights can dim. This is a great feature for creating peaceful, romantic ambiance. It gives you lots of flexibility. For brides who desire a private dressing room onsite, the Smog Shoppe offers The Crow’s Nest. This space offers a great view of the facility. It also allows you and your wedding party to prep without interruption.
The Numbers
The Smog Shoppe accommodates 175-200 people for garden weddings and formal seated meals. Up to 300 people can fit for a cocktail style reception. Smog Shoppe pricing ranges from $10,200 for 175 people for a Saturday wedding. It’s less expensive for a smaller guest list along with a weekday wedding. Expect to place a deposit to secure the venue for your desired date. As with any pricing, it’s always best to contact the venue for the most current rates.
Think Outside the Ballroom
While there’s nothing wrong with the standard ballroom wedding, the Smog Shoppe is different and unique. It’s also a must for those concerned about their carbon footprint. It’s a great option for people wanting a traditional day without sacrificing creativity.
One of the features I like best about the Smog Shoppe is the courtyard garden and its natural beauty. The garden setting is an escape from the hustle, bustle, and noise of the city. It also serves as a convenient location. There is tons of character but still room to create and interpret the space. You can showcase your own vision and personality.
The Smog Shoppe is a great combination of what makes L.A. such a unique city. It’s got history but is also modern and artistic while being completely practical. Don’t take my word for it; check out the online reviews and decide for yourself.
Capturing the Day
I specialize in capturing the moments and emotion of your day. My approach involves getting to know you so I can better capture what makes you both unique. By combining your personality and style, you’ll have photos that tell your story. To learn more about me and what makes me different from other wedding photographers, get in touch today.
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