Featured Wedding Venue: Ventura Center for Spiritual Living

It's official: The wedding planning has begun!

Over the next few weeks, I'll be showcasing a different venue that I've visited in the hunt for our perfect wedding location. Most of these places are not popular venues that you'd find in your typical wedding research. Some may be a little non-traditional. And all of them are perfect for the budget-conscious.

One thing I noticed while looking at venues online is that most websites don't show the details of the space. I.e. the light fixtures, windows, flooring, etc. And they always show the space when it's fully decked out in someone else's wedding decor. Hopefully, the shots I've taken will give you a better idea of the what each venue looks like as a "blank slate."



VENTURA CENTER FOR SPIRITUAL LIVING
Listed in the National Register of Historical Places, as well as the California Register of Historical Resources, Ventura Center for Spiritual Living (VCSL) is a non-denominational church, available for private events, including wedding ceremonies.

Built by Robert B. Stacy-Judd, VCSL was the first ecclesiastic building in the U.S. to be based on Mayan art and architecture. After researching Mayan ruins in the Yucatan area, Stacy-Judd was inspired by the Mayans (who had practically no crime or prisons, and few physical ailments) and based this structure on their symbolism. The horizontal five-step tower on the front of VCSL symbolizes the four elements; earth, fire, air, and water. The fifth step is representative of Christ.

Front

Side

Front

Theater seating 

Upholstered seats

Alter

Alter (full view)

Alter (top section)

Balcony area

Tray ceiling with hanging light fixture

Stained glass window and architecture showing Mayan art motif

Stained glass window

Stained glass window

The rental fee for VCSL is $800 and includes the following:

-Wedding director services

-Rehearsal

-Consultation with the minister (if desired)

-Sanctuary decorations of white tulle and ribbons

-Flower arrangement in your color scheme

-Candles on alter

-Candelabras

-Use of grand piano

-Use of sound system

Note:

This venue accommodates up to 387 people. You may choose to bring your own minster.

For more information, contact Annette at (805) 643-1933.