The Athenaeum at CalTech is a famous historical masterpiece in Pasadena. Designed after London’s Athenaeum, it was established by astronomer George Ellery Hale way back in 1921. This legendary and classic building was originally a hangout place for noteworthy personalities such as Albert Einstein and other Nobel Prize winners. And since then, this magical place has also been a haven for unique weddings.

The Athenaeum is at the top of the list when it comes to the most lovely and sought-after wedding venues in Southern California. Your wedding backdrop will be elevated with the venue’s Mediterranean-inspired building designs, remarkable history, and stunning landscapes.

With our professional wedding and event planning team, we collaborate with the venue’s staff to create an exceptional wedding experience that you and your guests will cherish forever. Of course, it applies to traditional weddings and customizable wedding styles and details of your choice. The Athenaeum is a popular destination for its excellent services, mindful staff, tasty cuisines, and high-quality details.

Wedding Preparation at The Athenaeum

The venue is famous for its Mezzanine, which is an aesthetic parlor perfect for wedding preparations. The Athenaeum includes both the elegant bridal suite and the whole Mezzanine level for each wedding. Thus, every bride and groom, together with their wedding parties, can prepare with the utmost comfort and convenience. Every moment shared before the big day will definitely be memorable. You will be offered two large rooms and a bathroom for your getting-ready moments with your loved ones before the wedding ceremony.

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The Athenaeum | Venue | Pasadena, CA
Elegant wedding preparation moments at The Athenaeum’s luxurious bridal suite

The moment you enter The Athenaeum, luxurious details welcome you and your wedding guests. Get awestruck by the opulent hand-painted, vaulted ceilings, extravagant wood-paneled walls, dazzling chandeliers, brocade embroidery, lavish Corinthian sections, and the prolific olive walk and terrace garden. Iconic landmarks and picture-perfect lawns make every event exquisite and unforgettable at this Southern California wedding venue.

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Wedding Photography at The Athenaeum

The Athenaeum spoils you with various picture-perfect locations for your wedding photography. There are several breathtaking scenes and spots to backdrop every moment of your big day. Impeccable architecture, stunning landscapes, and beautifully manicured lawns elevate your wedding photos, which you can cherish forever.

Timeless Wedding at The Athenaeum at Cal Tech in Pasadena | Southern California Wedding
Romantic wedding photography at The Athenaeum’s picturesque locations

Wedding Ceremony and Reception at The Athenaeum

This exemplary venue provides different venues to fulfill your dream wedding and other events. Every venue available at the Athenaeum can perfectly stage your wedding ceremony, cocktail reception, and dinner reception.

Athenaeum Cal Tech Pasadena Wedding | Wedding Planner, Coordinator, and Designer
Dreamy garden-style wedding reception at The Athenaeum’s West Patio

For instance, the popular West Patio is a winsome place for wedding ceremonies, exploiting the structural beauty of the lined Olive Walk at the heart of CalTech’s campus. It can seat up to 200 guests. And the gorgeous red brick patio is provided for the guests to sit on as you exchange your vows timelessly under the sun.

The Athenaeum Wedding
Fairytale-inspired wedding cake display at the West Patio

Moreover, you can select from The Athenaeum’s charming venues to host your wedding reception. One of the popular outdoor spots is the East Porch. The beguiling Corinthian columns, artistic sculptures, and glamorous garden can capture the hearts of your guests in an instant. There are also elegant indoor options to have a feast and dance the night away. You can choose from the Primary Parlor, the Library, the Corridor of Partners, the East and West Rooms, the Card Room, or the Principal Lounge Area. Each of these venues is perfect, depending on your guest count.

Nighttime Photography at The Athenaeum

After the dreamy wedding ceremony and the joyful dinner reception, make your day more memorable with some romantic nighttime photo sessions. Take some moments to escape the crowd and capture nighttime memories with the magical reflecting pools under the starry night.

To learn more about planning your wedding at The Athenaeum, click here to schedule a complimentary consultation with our wedding planner team.

If you are loving this garden-inspired indoor wedding reception, you might love these floral-filled wedding setup:

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