A Los Angeles Wedding at Carondelet House: One of the Most Unique DTLA Wedding Venues
Hannah and Jake threw a wedding that honestly felt like I had stepped into a historical romance movie… but make it an Italian dinner party… but also somehow Godfather-coded? Which is a wildly specific combo, but if you know, you know, and it worked SO well!
From the second you walk into Carondelet House, you forget you’re in downtown Los Angeles. The building has this old-world, mansion energy that makes everything feel cinematic and intimate at the same time. Dark walls, layered textures, candlelight everywhere, martinis floating around, and a crowd that was very clearly ready to have fun at the party they’d been planning for years.
This wedding is such a good example of why DTLA wedding venues can be so special when couples fully commit to a vision. Hannah and Jake didn’t just pick a cool venue and call it a day. They built an entire experience around how they wanted the night to feel: cozy, warm, a little chaotic in the best way, and deeply personal.
So if you’re planning a Los Angeles wedding and you’re craving something moody, non-traditional, and actually fun, let’s talk about why Carondelet House is one of the most unique wedding venues in Los Angeles and how Hannah and Jake absolutely nailed it!
DTLA Wedding Venues That Feel Transportive (In the Best Way)
There’s something really special about DTLA wedding venues that you don’t get in other parts of the city. Downtown has this ability to make you feel like you’ve gone somewhere else entirely, even though you’re still very much in Los Angeles.
Carondelet House is one of those venues that instantly sets the tone. It’s an older building with serious character, and the inside feels more like a private estate or historic mansion than a traditional wedding venue. Dark interiors, dramatic staircases, layered rooms, and this quiet elegance that doesn’t feel stiff or weird. Like, I actually kind of felt like I was in a moody version of Bridgerton?
As a Los Angeles wedding photographer (but also a girl who just loves anything unique and fun), I love venues like this because they do so much of the storytelling work for you. You don’t need to over-style or fight the space, the architecture, the mood, and the textures are already there, which means your wedding can feel elevated without feeling over-produced, which is a huge win in my book!
A Godfather-Inspired Wedding Vision (Yes, It Was as Good as It Sounds)
Hannah and Jake knew exactly what they wanted their wedding to feel like. They weren’t chasing trends, they weren’t trying to please everyone, they literally just wanted a night that felt like a cozy, indulgent Italian dinner party with the people they love most, dressed up just enough to feel like an elegant night out (even though her wedding dress was totally next level).
Think spaghetti dinner energy, candlelit tables, red wine, martinis, and that warm, slightly chaotic feeling where conversations overlap and no one wants to leave.
One of my favorite details (and there were many) was how they honored one of their favorite restaurants in Los Angeles by covering the tables in kraft paper and scattering crayons everywhere. Guests were encouraged to doodle, write notes, and draw whatever came to mind. It turned the tables into these living, evolving pieces of art throughout the night.
And the best part? Hannah and Jake saved all of the drawings afterward to remember the night. I’m actually obsessed. This is exactly the kind of detail that makes a Los Angeles wedding feel personal instead of like some fancy but stuffy, put-together wedding. Don’t get me wrong, I love an elegant traditional wedding, but there’s just something about fun people creating a unique wedding aesthetic that just screams THEM and is so out of the norm!
Moody Wedding Design That Actually Works And Photographs So Well
Let’s talk about the design for a second, because this is where a lot of couples get nervous when they’re planning a moody wedding. Hannah and Jake leaned into the darkness of the space instead of fighting it. They actually embraced the low lighting, candles everywhere, rich tones, and textures that added depth instead of brightness. The result was a wedding that felt intimate and romantic, and you almost didn’t even realize that the lighting was harder to work around.
What made this wedding feel elevated wasn’t a million decor pieces, though; it was the intention behind all the little things. The lighting encouraged people to lean in and laugh and visit, the long tables kept guests facing each other instead of a dance floor, and the room felt cozy and alive instead of staged. Florals by Shindig Chic were the perfect complement too, organic, elegant, simple, and dramatic without stealing the show, not to mention they just really made the colors pop at this venue!
If you’re saving moody wedding ideas, this is your reminder that dark spaces can be incredibly romantic, especially when you trust your venue and your vendors!
That Courtyard First Look And Why It Matters at Indoor DTLA Venues
Carondelet House is mostly an indoor venue, which is part of its charm, but it also has this sweet courtyard tucked in the back that feels like a breath of fresh air. Hannah and Jake did their first look out there, and it was the perfect contrast to the darker inside space. It was still moody, still romantic, but just a little softer and had a little bit more natural light that was gentler! The space also felt quiet, and it gave them a moment to breathe together before the night unfolded.
For DTLA wedding venues that are primarily indoors, having a space like this is such a gift. From a Los Angeles wedding photographer's standpoint, it gives you variety in portraits and a natural pause in the day that feels grounding instead of rushed. I also love having a variety of spots for couple portraits, and this venue definitely gave us that!
The Raincoat Moment (The One That Went Viral)
Okay, we have to talk about this because it’s iconic. During dinner, Hannah and Jake put plastic raincoats on over their wedding attire while eating their Italian feast. Partly as a joke (Hannah said they looked like they were straight out of Psycho), and partly because… spaghetti is messy and they wanted to keep their clothes clean. Practical and hilarious.
A few months later, Hannah posted a TikTok about it, and it went viral. DailyMail even picked it up, which is still wild to me. You can read the article here, and if you want to follow Hannah, her TikTok is here!
This moment is such a perfect example of why this wedding worked so well. They weren’t worried about being “cool” or “aesthetic” in the traditional sense. They were having fun. They were laughing. They were doing something that felt like them. And honestly, those are always the moments that people remember most.
What Couples Don’t Think About When Choosing DTLA Wedding Venues (But Should)
DTLA wedding venues are stunning, but they come with their own quirks, and this is where having the right expectations (and the right team) makes a huge difference. One thing couples don’t always think about is how a mostly indoor venue will shape the flow of the day. Spaces like Carondelet House feel moody and romantic because of their interiors, but that also means light changes quickly, rooms feel more intimate, and timing matters more than at an outdoor venue. This isn’t a bad thing at all; it just means you want to be intentional about when portraits happen and where you build breathing room into the timeline.
Another thing couples forget is how much personality a venue like this already brings. With DTLA wedding venues that have this much character, you don’t need to over-style. In fact, doing too much can fight the space instead of complementing it. Hannah and Jake leaned into what the venue already was, and that’s why the night felt cohesive instead of overdesigned.
Sound and energy are also worth thinking about. Downtown spaces tend to feel more contained, which is amazing for intimacy, but it means music, conversation, and movement all live closer together. That closeness is what makes these weddings feel warm and connected, but it also means the vibe works best when the timeline isn’t rushed, and guests are allowed to settle in.
And finally, logistics matter more than couples expect. Parking, vendor load-in, and transitions between spaces can feel invisible when they’re handled well, and very noticeable when they’re not. DTLA wedding venues shine when there’s a plan that lets everyone relax and actually enjoy the night!
Planning Tips for a Moody, Non-Traditional Los Angeles Wedding
If you’re inspired by this wedding and want to create something similar, here are a few things to keep in mind:
Choose a venue that already has character.
DTLA wedding venues like Carondelet House don’t need a full transformation to feel special.
Lighting matters more than decor.
Candles, low lighting, and layered textures go a long way.
Let guests participate.
Details like the kraft paper tables and crayons turn guests into part of the experience.
Don’t over-structure the night.
Some of the best moments happen when people are free to wander, talk, and linger.
Trust vendors who understand your vision.
This wedding worked because everyone was aligned.
Vendor Team That Made the Night Happen
Venue: Carondelet House
Planner: Two Hearts Event Design
Hair: Emily Lynn & Company
Makeup: Toshi Szpyra
Catering: Tres LA
Florals: Shindig Chic
Cocktails: Sweetwater Cocktail Co.
Frequently Asked Questions About DTLA Wedding Venues
Do DTLA wedding venues work well for smaller guest counts?
Yes, especially venues like Carondelet House that are made up of multiple rooms instead of one large open space. Smaller guest lists often feel more intentional in DTLA venues because guests naturally gather, mingle, and stay connected throughout the night instead of spreading out.
Is a moody DTLA wedding harder to photograph?
Not when the photographer understands how to work with low light and layered spaces. Moody venues actually photograph beautifully when they’re embraced instead of brightened artificially. The result feels more honest and emotional! I personally loved the “challenge” and always feel like when you find the right photographer, they will make it look good, no matter the lighting!
Do DTLA wedding venues feel too “city” for romantic weddings?
Not at all! Many couples are surprised by how transportive these spaces feel once you’re inside. With the right lighting and pacing, DTLA venues often feel more intimate and romantic than larger outdoor venues.
What kind of wedding style works best at DTLA wedding venues?
Dinner-party weddings, intimate celebrations, non-traditional timelines, and experience-driven weddings tend to shine the most. These venues are perfect for couples who care more about how the night feels than how it’s supposed to look!
Ready to Book Your Los Angeles Wedding Photographer?
If you’re planning a Los Angeles wedding and want a photographer who will hype you up, keep it real, help you plan the timing so you’re not guessing, and photograph everything in a way that feels like you actually lived it, I’d love to be your person (like seriously, I would love to hang!)
You can reach out here, and if you want to keep collecting wedding ideas and saving locations, outfits, and vibes, you can check out my Pinterest for more inspiration!
Or you can check out all my blogs or some of my favs below for Los Angeles Wedding venues and more!
A Dinner Party Style Wedding at Redbird: Intimate Wedding Ideas in Los Angeles
Top 5 San Clemente Wedding Venues as a Southern California Wedding Photographer
Beverly Hills Courthouse Elopement Guide: Everything You Need to Know for Your LA Elopement
Your Guide to a Wedding That Feels Like You: Featuring a San Juan Capistrano Wedding Venue
