An Epic Downtown LA Wedding at The Valentine Wedding Venue

If you're thinking about having a downtown LA wedding that’s totally unique, off-beat, and 100% YOU, let me introduce you to Natania & Zach's incredible day. Their wedding was held at The Valentine in Downtown LA, and it was packed with so many personal touches, memorable moments, and all the vibes you’d want from a non-traditional, fun-filled celebration.

I’ve shot a lot of weddings, but Natania and Zach’s weekend really stood out. From the night-before party at ChainsawLA in Echo Park to the wild dance party at their reception, this was a wedding that reflected who they are as a couple from start to finish. It was the perfect mix of cool, creative, and deeply personal. If you’re dreaming of a DTLA wedding and want to know how to make it your own, I’ve got you covered with some tips and inspiration!

A close-up of the bride and groom gazing at each other lovingly. The bride holds a vibrant bouquet with bright red and orange flowers

The bride and groom share a sweet kiss on a bench under a neon "Shrimp & Crab" sign, surrounded by greenery.

The bride and groom share a kiss under lush tropical greenery. The bride holds a large bouquet of colorful flowers, and the groom wears a red suit, creating a romantic and intimate scene.

A Unique Downtown LA Wedding

Let’s start with the night-before party at ChainsawLA. If you’ve never heard of it, Chainsaw is this cool, artsy spot in Echo Park that feels like you’re hanging out in a super hip backyard with all your friends. Natania and Zach wanted to make sure everyone coming in from all over the U.S. had a chance to relax and connect before the big day, and Chainsaw was the perfect venue for that. We got some seriously awesome film shots from this night. The vibe was chill, warm, and full of excitement for what was to come.

A group of people socializing at an outdoor event, framed by trees and string lights. A woman in a patterned dress smiles while holding a drink, engaged in conversation.

A cozy outdoor seating area with mismatched chairs and a small table covered in a white cloth, set under a tree with string lights above. A few people are seated in the background, chatting.

A large welcome sign with "Natania & Zach Welcome Drinks" in bold black letters, dated May 19, 2023, displayed on an easel.

A person in a striped shirt grilling bread and vegetables over an open flame, surrounded by greenery and string lights hanging from the trees, at ChainsawLA in Echo Park.

A couple sharing a kiss in front of a wall covered in vibrant red flowers and green leaves. The woman wears a black dress and the man a black shirt with a white T-shirt underneath for their Downtown LA wedding

The next day at The Valentine in DTLA was where the magic happened. If you haven’t heard of The Valentine, it’s a colorful, artistic venue that’s a dream for couples who want something more offbeat and fun. The Valentine has these amazing indoor and outdoor spaces with vibrant murals, eclectic decor, and so much character. It’s the perfect canvas for couples who want their wedding to feel anything but traditional.

An indoor wedding ceremony setup at a lush botanical venue, with tropical plants and bright floral arrangements creating a vibrant and intimate atmosphere for a Downtown LA Wedding.

A cozy seating area in the corner of a botanical venue, with striped cushions on the chairs and large potted plants surrounding the space for a Downtown LA Wedding

A close-up of a colorful wedding floral arrangement, featuring a mix of tropical flowers in orange, yellow, and red tones, set against a backdrop of large green leaves.

A bride in a vintage-inspired wedding dress sitting on a green velvet couch with her bouquet of tropical flowers by her side, smiling and relaxed before her Downtown LA Wedding ceremony.

A white wedding welcome sign reading “Welcome to the Wedding of Zach & Natania, May 20, 2023,” set amidst greenery at the venue entrance.

The Valentine Wedding Venue

The Valentine offers both indoor and outdoor spaces, giving you the flexibility to design your day exactly how you want. The Courtyard with its vibrant murals and greenery is ideal for outdoor ceremonies or cocktail hours. Then, there’s The Warehouse, where Natania and Zach hosted their reception, with its cool industrial yet warm atmosphere, perfect for dancing the night away. The multiple bars spread throughout the venue added a fun, laid-back vibe, making it easy for guests to mingle and enjoy signature cocktails.

A close-up of the groom in a red suit, wearing a bolo tie and looking emotional as he waits for the ceremony to begin, set against a backdrop of lush greenery.

The groom smiles warmly at the bride during their Downtown LA wedding ceremony, dressed in a bold red suit, while the bride, in a white gown, gazes back at him in the tropical indoor garden setting.

The bride walks down the aisle with her father and mother, holding a vibrant bouquet of flowers in a beautifully decorated indoor venue with exposed brick walls.

The bride and groom share a romantic kiss during their Downtown LA wedding ceremony, surrounded by colorful floral arrangements in an indoor garden space.

For couples and their bridal parties, The Valentine also has private suites, providing stylish spaces to get ready or take a breather before the big moment. Every corner of The Valentine feels like an artistic masterpiece, making it a photographer’s dream and a venue that stands out from the crowd. If you’re looking for a wedding venue that’s vibrant, creative, and full of personality, The Valentine is where it's at!

A close-up of a wedding cocktail menu on a wooden bar, featuring signature drinks like the "Nat-groni" and "Mr. Robinson's Martini."

A vintage payphone covered in stickers, set against a textured wall and reflected in a mirror, with a mural visible in the background.

A vibrant table centerpiece featuring peach, orange, and red flowers in a vase, surrounded by amber glassware in warm natural light for a Downtown LA Wedding

A wedding table setting with neatly arranged chairs, floral arrangements, amber glassware, and warm tones, illuminated by sunlight for a Downtown LA Wedding

A long wedding reception table adorned with simple glass vases holding colorful flowers, woven chargers, and amber glasses along a beige table runner.

A wide view of the wedding reception space, showing multiple tables set with orange and amber accents, flowers, and a mural in the background for a Downtown LA Wedding.

The groom in a red suit dances with his mom in a black dress, surrounded by wedding guests, all smiling and enjoying the moment.

The bride dances with her dad, her head on his shoulder, both smiling warmly while guests watch the intimate father-daughter dance.

The couple shares a dance during their Downtown LA wedding reception, surrounded by friends and family who are enjoying the celebration, with both looking happy and close together.

The bride and groom being lifted on chairs during a lively dance, laughing and celebrating with friends surrounding them for their Downtown LA Wedding.

Special Details & Memorable Moments

One of the most special details of the day was Natania’s wedding dress. She wore her mom’s original wedding dress—reworked and altered a bit to fit her, but still the same beautiful gown! It was so touching to see how Natania honored her mom in such a personal way. Every time I looked at her in that dress, I felt like I was capturing something timeless and meaningful.

A vintage-style wedding dress with puff sleeves hanging from a mirror on a black hanger, elegantly draped, and reflecting the room’s light.

A bride with blonde hair styled in soft waves and wearing a pearl headband stands in front of a door, with her mother peeking out from behind her.

After the ceremony, Natania and Zach had about 20 minutes just to themselves before joining the party. It was such a sweet, intimate time for them to soak in the moment. I love that they took that time to be together, and I snuck in toward the end to capture a few candid shots of them sitting quietly in a room, just the two of them, basking in the “we did it!” feeling. It’s those little in-between moments that really make a wedding day feel so special.

Bride and groom sitting closely together on a green-striped bench. The bride in a white puff-sleeve dress holds a vibrant floral bouquet while the groom in a red suit leans affectionately toward her.

The bride and groom sit beneath a neon sign that reads "Shrimp & Crab." The couple, in a white dress and red suit, share an intimate moment on a striped bench with lush greenery in the background.

The bride leans in to touch the groom’s face with a loving smile. They both sit on a green-striped bench with the bride holding a large bouquet of colorful flowers.

A motion-blurred shot of the bride and groom holding hands while dancing. The groom in a red suit and the bride in a white dress are surrounded by plants, creating a dreamy, artistic effect.

The groom, in a red suit, kisses the bride's forehead as she smiles with her eyes closed. The bride wears a white dress and pearl headband, and they embrace surrounded by tropical greenery, captured in soft focus.

And let me tell you, Zach is a composer, so music was a big deal at their reception. The music was next-level, and the dance floor was packed! Everyone was dancing like there was no tomorrow, and the energy was absolutely electric. If you’re looking for a fun wedding where everyone lets loose, this is how you do it!

A candid shot of the bride and groom dancing in a crowded reception room. The bride is smiling with her eyes closed, looking peaceful, while holding the groom's hands.

The bride dances energetically with guests at the wedding reception. The bride is smiling as guests spin around her in a circle.

The bride and groom are lifted on chairs by the wedding guests during the traditional Hora dance. Both are laughing joyfully as they are raised into the air.

How to Have a Unique, Off-Beat Wedding Day

Want your wedding to be as unique and personal as Natania and Zach’s? Here are some tips for making your downtown LA wedding totally YOU:

Pick a Venue That Matches Your Vibe
The Valentine is such an amazing spot because it’s got so much personality. It’s colorful, creative, and full of artistic flair, so if you’re looking for something fun and a little funky, venues like The Valentine or Grassroom are perfect. These spots give you the freedom to get creative with your decor and vibe. If you’re into bright colors and cool, eclectic design, definitely check them out!
Incorporate Personal Touches
Natania’s dress was such a personal and meaningful part of the day. Whether it’s wearing something sentimental, writing your own vows, or even having a signature cocktail named after your pet—add details that feel like YOU. These moments are what make your wedding day memorable and truly yours.
Set the Tone with a Pre-Party
Having a night-before party at ChainsawLA was genius. It gave everyone a chance to mingle and get comfortable before the wedding. If you’ve got guests traveling from all over, hosting a casual pre-party is a great way to kick off the weekend and set the tone for a laid-back, fun celebration.
Don’t Be Afraid to Go Non-Traditional
Want to skip the traditional wedding elements? Go for it! Natania and Zach didn’t follow any strict rules, and their day felt so authentic because of it. Whether it’s taking time alone after the ceremony, choosing unique venues, or planning an epic post-ceremony party, make your wedding feel like you.
Focus on the Fun!
If a colorful, fun wedding is what you’re after—DO IT! Zach cared so much about the music, and it showed. The dance floor was packed, and everyone had the best time. Focus on what makes you happy, whether that’s a killer playlist, fun decor, or a party atmosphere where everyone can just let loose.

A portrait of the groom standing against the same floral-themed mural as the bride. He wears a red suit with a bolo tie and a floral boutonniere, looking confidently at the camera.

The bride and groom standing together in an indoor garden setting. The bride holds her vibrant bouquet, and they stand close to one another, with the groom's hand around her waist.

The bride holding her bouquet and looking down, standing in front of a floral-themed mural. She wears a simple white dress with puffed sleeves and a pearl headband.

Image focusing on the upper part of the bouquet and their attire, highlighting the details of the bride's bouquet and the groom's bolo tie.

Why Downtown LA is Perfect for Your Wedding

Downtown LA has some of the most unique, off-beat wedding venues that you won’t find anywhere else. The Valentine and Grassroom are both personal favorites of mine because they offer something different from your traditional wedding venue. If you’re dreaming of a wedding day that’s fun, vibrant, and full of personality, these DTLA spots are perfect. Plus, the city offers so many cool backdrops for your photos—murals, city streets, and that classic urban vibe.

The bride and groom hold hands and smile at each other as they walk along a modern bridge. The groom is in a red suit, and the bride holds a colorful bouquet, creating a playful, romantic moment.

The bride and groom walk hand in hand on an urban bridge at sunset. The groom wears a red suit, and the bride holds a bouquet of flowers, her white dress blowing in the breeze.

A joyful bride in a white dress and groom in a red suit walking arm-in-arm, laughing together on a city bridge.

The bride holds a vibrant bouquet while walking beside the groom on a bridge, her white dress flowing and the groom walking slightly behind in his red suit.

The bride and groom dancing playfully on a bridge, holding hands and leaning in opposite directions with the city skyline visible behind them.

A tender moment between the bride and groom as the groom embraces the bride from behind, both smiling, with a bridge and city skyline in the background.

Book Your SoCal Wedding Photographer!

If Natania and Zach’s downtown LA wedding sounds like the kind of fun, off-beat day you’re dreaming of, let’s chat! I love capturing unique, personal weddings in spots like The Valentine and Grassroom, and I’d love to be part of your day! Whether you’re planning a downtown LA wedding, an elopement, or something totally out of the box, I’m here to help you document it all! I can’t wait to know you!

See more of Natania and Zach’s blog below on film and more of my work on Pinterest!