Secret 1940s Gangster Casino Turned Dreamy Wedding and Event Venue
Happy new year, everyone! Over the holidays I saw joyous photos posted of a whole new slew of engagements. Made me think about a great tip I’ve got for anyone who’s about to plan (or help plan) a big event. Of all the items in our wedding spreadsheet, the venue was what Mike and I really went on a balls-out investigative extravaganza for. After looking and looking and driving and clicking, The Mountain Mermaid in Topanga was the little-known venue that answered all our hopes (which had bloated to unreasonable proportions no thanks to so many too-perfect wedding blogs).
We were looking for a natural setting but also a little fanciness, along with a bunch of other even less interesting requirements. The Mountain Mermaid met most of those expectations and charmed us out of caring about the rest. The historic estate was built in 1930 as a country club and by the ‘40s was a gambling house run by gangster Mickey Cohen. Our ceremony was in the low canyon backyard, surrounded by green and more green (willows, palms, ivy, bamboo, succulents), a pool, and the attractive art deco house itself. Dinner and dancing were upstairs in the great hall under rustic wood beams. The owner is an artist, so every detail has been thoughtfully restored throughout his 20 year ownership. The prices of L.A. wedding vendors are lunatic, so I’ll only say that the caterer-included package makes the cost competitive.
For a smaller wedding nearby, check out my Topanga Mini-Vacation post as a most excellent possibility. While I’m at it, figured I’d include some of the places we looked or glanced at during our long investigation. More Mountain Mermaid photos below all the text.
L.A. AREA WEDDING AND EVENT VENUES
LOS ANGELES
Elysian, Elysian Park
Carondelet House, Downtown
La Venta Inn, Palos Verdes Estates
Millwick, Downtown
Smog Shoppe, Culver City
Temescal Canyon Park, Pacific Palisades
Franklin Canyon Park, Beverly Hills
Desconso Gardens, La Cañada Flintridge
Orcutt Ranch, West Hills
MALIBU
Rancho del Cielo
Malibu Nature Preserve
Malibu Family Wines
Zuma Beach (permit through city)
PALM SPRINGS
Korakia Pensione
Smoke Tree Ranch
Ace Hotel & Swim Club
The O’Donnell House
Midcenturypalmsprings.com
JOSHUA TREE
Sacred Sands Bed and Breakfast
29 Palms Inn
SANTA BARBARA WINE COUNTRY
Figueroa Mountain Farmhouse
Gainey Vineyard
Sunstone Winery
Sognio del Fiori
Coquelicot Estate Vineyards
Tres Hermanas Winery (barn)
Lafond Winery and Vineyards
Firestone Vineyards
Roblar Winery
OJAI
Twin Peaks Ranch
Ojai Valley Inn and Spa (barn option)
The Dent House
Calliote Canyon
OTHER
El Capitan Campground, Santa Barbara (glamping)
Historic Santa Margarita Ranch, Santa Margarita (barn)
Cayucos Creek Barn
MORE LISTINGS
Los Angeles Conservancy for historic locations
Eventup.com - our 2nd runner up was a house rental we found here
WeddingWire.com