Plan your next meeting at these 10 luxury event venues

If you’re coming to L.A. and looking to host an unforgettable event for VIPs, look no further. From a historic battleship to theatres and movie studio back lots, there’s something for everyone here.  

Located at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley, this is one of the few locations in the world where you can board an Air Force One. The Pavilion accommodates up to 1,600 guests for a reception or 1,400 seated guests. And it’s not just the retired presidential plane that guests can tour - there’s also the actual Marine One helicopter that flew President Johnson and a replica of the Irish Pub from Ballyporeen that President Reagan visited in 1984.

Located in Downtown L.A., the South Park Center is a sleek skyscraper with plenty of event space ideally suited for corporate meetings. The 32nd floor is a panoramic penthouse suite with jaw-dropping views of the city. The Concourse Level features a fully equipped 500-seat theater for corporate events, dinners and meetings. Food is by Joachim Splichal’s Patina Catering.

Battleship IOWA is the West Coast’s only battleship museum. Known as the “Battleship of Presidents,” the IOWA can accommodate up to 1,500 people for a standing reception and 800 for a seated banquet. There are eight venue options, including the flight deck with its glamorous front-and-center view of the battleship’s 16-inch guns. Fireworks, parachuters, and other unique enhancements are readily available.

Tucked in the center of L.A. LIVE and a stone’s throw away from the STAPLES Center, The Novo by Microsoft is one of the most versatile event spaces in the city. The 59,000 square-foot space can accommodate up to 2,300 people and can be transformed into everything from a concert venue to a sit-down dinner soiree fitted with private cabanas. Food is by Wolfgang Puck and VIP packages include anything you need on the L.A. LIVE campus, including tickets to a show, catering, bottle service and a hotel room.

For a luxurious outdoor experience, consider Malibu Family Wines, located off Mulholland Highway in the Santa Monica Mountains. The winery produces two labels, Semler and Saddlerock. Spread out across 1,000 acres, Saddlerock Ranch offers numerous event options in a spectacular natural setting. The Chateau Le Dome is an octagonal stone house set on a manicured lawn, perfect for a cocktail hour and reception for up to 100 guests. The Garden features rolling hills lined with vineyards, manicured lawns, ancient oak trees, rose gardens, white fences and exotic animals for events from 100 to 500 guests. The magnificent Oak Grove can accommodate up to 450 guests in an unforgettable setting with a custom rock waterfall, estate grown wines, lake, Turtlerock, and horses grazing in the distance. Event possibilities include everything from tents to hot air balloons and even large scale stages and performance areas. Packages include wine tastings with the unique Malibu Safari Tour (you’ll see zebra, water buffalo, and alpacas) or you can bring in your own catering and host a party with bottles of wine and live music.

Built in Scotland, the Queen Mary is a glamorous retired ocean liner that regularly crossed the North Atlantic Ocean for three decades in the early half of the 20th century. Today it’s permanently docked in Long Beach and features 45 acres of indoor and outdoor spaces that can accommodate up to 700 guests. There are 14 different venues, including the stylish Grand Salon with its high ceiling, Art Deco décor and 9,000 square feet of space. Located adjacent to the ship, the Queen Mary Events Park includes turf, trees and facilities and is the ideal location for outdoor festivals, concerts, screenings, parties and more.

Boasting some of L.A.'s most unique venues, world-famous Universal Studios Hollywood can accommodate events from 100 to 20,000 guests. There are a myriad of event options, including a buyout of the entire theme park or elegant dinner parties catered by Wolfgang Puck Catering Group. Universal Plaza is an ideal event location, with a lovely outdoor setting complete with water effects and fancy lighting. Located just steps away from the stunning Globe Theatre, the festive Streets of the World transports guests to Europe, from enjoying pints of ale served in an authentic Irish Pub to strolling down a quaint London street and dancing in a romantic Parisian courtyard. For a true only-in-L.A. event, opt for one of the park's famed Show Pavilions, such as the Special Effects Stage, WaterWorld Arena and the Animal Actors Pavilion.

The city’s first Archdiocese Catholic cathedral, Vibiana is a stunning venue located in the middle of historic Downtown Los Angeles. Standing capacity is 789 and seated receptions can accommodate 550. Packages for three-hour events start at $90 per person and $130.50 for five-hour events. Food and beverage is included and comes courtesy of chef Neal Fraser, who recently opened the acclaimed Redbird restaurant next door. The venue is a full-service event facility with lighting and sound systems and an extensive dining and libations program.

You can’t get more Hollywood or quintessentially Los Angeles than hosting an event at Warner Bros. Studios. The back lot accommodates everything from weddings to corporate events, charity fundraisers and awards shows. You can keep it simple with a VIP tour complete with lunch, or host a full-on soiree with red carpet and elaborate outdoor lightning. After all, this is where Hollywood magic happens.

Built in 1931 as a vaudeville theater, The Wiltern is now a classic events venue on the western edge of Koreatown. With a capacity of 1,875 people, The Wiltern is a popular venue for local and touring music acts and stand-up comedians. The Loge and Mezzanine are entirely seated while the main floor is standing room or seated, depending on event producers. The theatre can also be used to accommodate corporate meetings and receptions. Banquet services are available, with catering and beverages by DLS Events. Designed by architect Stiles O. Clements (who also designed the Mayan and El Capitan theatres), The Wiltern and the adjacent 12-story Pellissier Building are considered among the finest examples of Art Deco architecture in the country. The Wiltern’s interior was designed by G. Albert Lansburgh, who also designed the Shrine Auditorium.

As true destination experts, L.A. Tourism offers award-winning experience, personalized service and seamless convenience. Want to learn more about Los Angeles or ready to plan your next event? Contact the L.A. Tourism Sales team to make your planning and decision-making easy, simple and stress-free. sales@latourism.org