Padua Hills Theatre - Claremont, California

Max

Get married here. Just do it. The venue and the grounds are magical, but it's the pleasant, personable staff who really make this place something special.

Everyone my wife and I interacted with—including those at the on-site Entertainment Express—felt like family. These are some of the most professional, incredible people we've ever had the joy of working with, and rest assured, they work tirelessly to ensure your wedding is perfection. And it will be, if you leave it to them.

The planning process was as easy as can be—again, thanks to their professionalism and experience. Padua is an all-inclusive venue with an amazing list of preferred third-party vendors, which relieves all of the stress associated with planning a wedding. If we could do it all over again, we would.

Raymond O.

Being in a same-sex relationship, my husband and I specifically looked for a venue where we felt safe, welcomed, and excited as we tied the knot. Padua Hills Theatre was above and beyond. Not only did we feel what we hoped, but Kristina, Ryan, Crystal, and their entire staff from the day we first visited to the night’s end of our wedding made us feel like family. It was truly overwhelming to feel so embraced. I can tell everyone part of the Padua team is in this industry for the passion and love what they do.

As a venue, we value that they’re essentially a 1-stop shop for a well-rounded wedding package. With the few additional vendors, we wanted (e.g. photography, flowers, cake, signage, hotel, makeup and hair), we specifically worked off their preferred vendors list, which made the entire process truly turnkey and easy – for us and for them. As a result, we not only had the memory of our wedding day, but also the memories of enjoying the various planning meetings with them and our family and friends who joined us at those times.

Even our guests felt the love and embrace, and CARE, from Padua. A dear friend of mine requires a wheelchair, and they went above and beyond to ensure a staff member was always on standby to assist her as needed, as well as planned our wedding (per our request) around accommodating her needs and mobility throughout the venue. Honestly, it was touching to witness their genuine love and care for their guests.

As for the food, it was above and beyond what we hoped for. We knew based on their repution everything would be great – and that anticipation grew at our tasting (which they made special like a beautiful evening night out!). When the wedding arrived, the quality, flavor, serving portions, presentation, service, and continued flow of appetizers, main courses, and cocktails were unmatched. Our family and friends still rave about everything and every detail about our wedding to this day.

Lastly, what was touching was the intentionality of the team to be mindful of our walk in life. The little nuances of referring to the Bridal Suite as the “Grooms Suite” during the wedding, ensuring that all paperwork was not gender-specific, and being very conscientious of all verbiage and etiquette does not go unnoticed. It’s those little things that are actually the big things that can easily cause someone to mentally check out of the moment. And thanks to Padua, we felt so seen, embraced, and accepted with open arms.

I hope to work with them again someday, and if not, then I’ll gladly root for them and praise them from start to finish on every mountain top. Cheers!

Hannah B.

My experience with Padua was absolutely wonderful from the start. I saved a ton of money by not having a wedding planner because the venue really walks you through everything you need. I used all of their recommended vendors which made a seamless process. The entertainment company that they have you use for the event was incredible. They think of everything. The food was amazing. I wouldn’t have changed the thing. Ryan was a fabulous MC as well.

Rachel Y.

We cannot say enough great things about Padua! Every member of the staff we worked with was incredibly friendly, helpful, and always on top of everything. From the moment we started planning, they maintained constant communication through emails and phone calls, ensuring every last-minute update to tables and setups was handled smoothly. On the day of the wedding, the staff truly went above and beyond to make everything perfect.
The food was outstanding, with many of our family and friends commenting that it was the best they’d ever had at a wedding. The portions were generous, and no guest went hungry! The bar staff was exceptional—friendly, skilled, and able to craft anything our guests requested. They even knew all the VIPs, like the father of the bride, so they didn’t have to wait in line.
One of the most thoughtful touches was when they found a binder for the father of the bride to use as a prop for his speech on the day of the wedding. It was these small, personal details that made the experience unforgettable.
We received countless compliments from our guests about how professional and helpful the staff were. If you’re considering Padua for your event, rest assured that you’re in excellent hands.

Miranda D.

This wedding venue is a dream! We looked at multiple locations to have our wedding, but nothing truly captured our attention like Padua Hills Theatre. Beautiful inside and out this venue is a dream. The whole team at Padua is truly with you from the start of your planning process to your final dance with any questions you have and to lend a helping hand. You truly do have a day-of coordinator with Padua (something I was worried about). They made sure I had everything day-of and walked me thru my rehearsal the day before. Mixed with Entertainment Express my wedding timeline was planned perfectly from the minute I arrived to the final song and they always made sure everyone was in the right place at the right time. I’ve received compliments about the food from every person in attendance (120 people!) with their only complaint being they wished they brought a to-go box with them because the serving sizes were huge and the steak was amazing. Even my vegan friends were raving about their pasta! If I could eat Padua food on my anniversary every year I would! I honestly already miss it.
A huge thank you to the whole team Padua team (and a special shout out to Ryan!). Our wedding was a dream and we wouldn’t have wanted it anywhere else.

Meg L. V.

This indoor/ outdoor venue is surrounded by rolling hills. The outdoor has a Spanish look and the indoor has a traditional look. Lighting is essential for this venue and the sprawling trees are a keystone here. Timing of the ceremony and portraits is really important to keep the lighting even for photos.

Photos by KLV Photography

Anthony M.

As wedding photographers, we have had the privilege of working at various wedding venues, but Padua Hills Theatre in Claremont is truly exceptional. From the moment we stepped onto the property, we were captivated by the enchanting ambiance and breathtaking decor.

First and foremost, the staff at Padua Hills Theatre are nothing short of amazing. Their professionalism, attention to detail, and dedication to ensuring a seamless wedding day experience are truly remarkable. As photographers, collaborating with such a supportive and efficient team is a dream come true. They go above and beyond to accommodate not only the couple but also all the vendors, creating a harmonious atmosphere that allows us to capture the magic of the day effortlessly.

Now, let's talk about the decor. Padua Hills Theatre is a visual masterpiece. The outdoor ceremony space surrounded by lush gardens and towering trees feels like a fairy tale setting. The architecture adds a touch of Old World charm, making every corner of this venue a photographer's paradise. The reception area is equally stunning, with its warm and inviting ambiance, perfect for capturing those candid moments and the dance floor action.

The attention to detail in the decor is impeccable. From the beautifully adorned tables to the carefully chosen lighting, every element contributes to creating a truly magical setting for the newlyweds and their guests. As photographers, it's a joy to work in an environment that is not only aesthetically pleasing but also designed to enhance the visual storytelling of the wedding day.

In conclusion, Padua Hills Theatre in Claremont stands out as a top-tier wedding venue from a photographer's perspective. The exceptional staff and exquisite decor make it a joy to work there, and we highly recommend it to couples seeking a venue that will not only exceed their expectations but also provide a stunning backdrop for their wedding day memories. ❤️

Dr. A. M.

We will be forever be grateful to the entire team at Padua for all their love, thoughtfulness and support in making our wedding a true celebration of who we are and creating the quintessential ambiance for our union. They really sought to understand our traditions and made the accommodations to reflect the needs of our Armenian cultural rituals. During the entire process they listened attentively to what was important to us as a couple and did everything to be true to us. From the initial meeting, to the tasting, entertainment express, and rehearsal every team member treated us with great love and understanding. The people, the food, the music, the environment were ethereal. Ever time our friends and family sees us, they can’t help but mention a what a magical day it was. Thank you PHT!!! We love you!!!