Oviatt Penthouse Wedding Photo Booth & Venue Guide: Downtown Los Angeles

The Oviatt Penthouse stands as a crown jewel of downtown Los Angeles wedding venues. Built in the 1920s, this art deco masterpiece retains its original elegance with rich wood paneling, gleaming marble, ornate glasswork, and a rooftop terrace offering sweeping city skyline views. As a photo booth provider who's worked over 500 events across Los Angeles County including celebrations at The Oviatt, I'm sharing everything you need to know about planning your wedding at this iconic downtown LA historic venue.

Why I Love Setting Up Photo Booths at The Oviatt

Three words: old Hollywood glamour.

The Oviatt is one of those rare venues where every corner looks like a movie set. The art deco elevator, the inlaid wood floors, the crystal chandeliers, the geometric patterns—everything about this penthouse screams 1920s sophistication. For photo booth experiences, this means guests get jaw-dropping images without needing elaborate props or backdrops because the venue itself is the star.

I've provided photo booth services for over 500 events across Los Angeles County, and The Oviatt consistently delivers the most cinematic results. The rich wood paneling creates warm, flattering backdrops for portraits. The rooftop terrace during golden hour? Absolutely magical for photos. The venue's intimate scale (up to 150 guests) means photo booth placement is always strategic—guests naturally flow past the booth throughout the evening.

What I particularly love is how The Oviatt's aesthetic inspires guests to really commit to the photo booth experience. Something about the art deco elegance makes people want to pose more dramatically, dress up in vintage props, and create images that match the venue's sophistication.

What's Special About Weddings at The Oviatt

Authentic 1920s Art Deco Architecture

The Oviatt isn't a reproduction or a venue styled to look vintage—it's a designated Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monument from 1928. When couples choose The Oviatt, they're getting authentic Lalique glass fixtures, original Tiffany ceiling panels, and genuine art deco craftsmanship that can't be replicated.

This authenticity matters for your wedding photography and photo booth images. Every detail in your photos—from the geometric elevator doors to the ornate marble—tells the story of real Los Angeles history. Your wedding becomes part of The Oviatt's nearly century-long legacy of elegant celebrations.

Rooftop Terrace with Downtown LA Views

One of The Oviatt's most distinctive features is its rooftop terrace—a rare outdoor ceremony space in the heart of downtown Los Angeles. The terrace offers unobstructed views of the LA skyline, creating a dramatic backdrop for ceremonies and cocktail hours.

During golden hour, the rooftop becomes absolutely spectacular for photos. I've positioned photo booths near the rooftop windows during cocktail hour to capture that warm California sunlight streaming in, and the results are always stunning. Guests love taking photos with the downtown skyline visible behind them.

Intimate Luxury and Exclusivity

The Oviatt accommodates up to 150 guests for seated dinners, making it perfect for couples who want intimate luxury rather than grand-scale celebrations. This size creates an exclusive, refined atmosphere where every guest feels like a VIP attending a sophisticated soirée.

For photo booth logistics, the intimate guest count means I can position equipment in the main lounge area without worrying about bottlenecks. Guests naturally drift between dancing and the photo booth, creating organic engagement throughout the reception.

Ceremony and Reception Spaces at The Oviatt

The Rooftop Terrace

The rooftop terrace serves as The Oviatt's ceremony space, offering an elegant outdoor option in downtown LA's urban landscape. The terrace accommodates smaller ceremonies with downtown skyline views creating a dramatic backdrop for your vows.

After the ceremony, the rooftop transitions seamlessly into cocktail hour space. The California weather (mild and sunny most of the year) makes this outdoor space reliable, though The Oviatt always has indoor backup options if needed.

For photo booth placement during cocktail hour, I love positioning equipment near the rooftop entrance or by the windows overlooking the terrace. This allows guests to move easily between outdoor mingling and indoor photo booth experiences.

The Penthouse Ballroom

The indoor penthouse ballroom is where The Oviatt truly shines. Vaulted ceilings, crystal chandeliers, rich wood paneling, and art deco details create an opulent atmosphere that feels like stepping into a 1920s speakeasy or old Hollywood premiere.

The ballroom's elegant proportions work beautifully for seated dinners, with enough room for dining, dancing, and entertainment without feeling cramped. The space flows naturally, allowing guests to move between the bar, dance floor, and photo booth throughout the evening.

I typically position photo booths against one of the elegantly paneled walls or in the lounge area adjacent to the main ballroom. This placement keeps the booth accessible without interfering with the dance floor or dining arrangements. The wood paneling creates a sophisticated backdrop that elevates every photo.

The Art Deco Elevator Experience

One detail that shouldn't be overlooked: The Oviatt's art deco elevator. Whisking guests up to the penthouse creates a memorable entrance experience that sets the tone for the entire celebration. This isn't just functional transportation—it's part of the venue's theatrical elegance.

I've seen couples incorporate the elevator into their photo timeline, taking formal portraits inside with the geometric doors and vintage fixtures visible. It's these unexpected touches that make Oviatt weddings feel special and cinematic.

What Type of Couple Will Love The Oviatt

You Love Art Deco and Old Hollywood Glamour

If you're pinning Great Gatsby aesthetics, vintage Hollywood inspiration, art deco details, and 1920s elegance, The Oviatt delivers authentic period architecture. This venue is for couples who appreciate design history and want their wedding to feel like a journey back to Los Angeles's golden age.

You Want an Intimate Downtown LA Wedding

The Oviatt's 150-guest capacity appeals to couples who want a refined, intimate celebration rather than a large-scale event. If you're planning a guest list under 150 and want every person to feel like they're part of something exclusive and special, The Oviatt's penthouse setting creates that intimate luxury atmosphere.

You Appreciate Historic Venues with Modern Amenities

The Oviatt beautifully balances historic preservation with modern wedding needs. You get authentic 1920s architecture and designated historic landmark status, but also contemporary sound systems, climate control, and vendor-friendly infrastructure. It's the best of both worlds—historic character without sacrificing guest comfort or logistical efficiency.

You Want a Venue That Photographs Like a Dream

As someone who provides photo services professionally, I can't emphasize enough how naturally photogenic The Oviatt is. Every angle offers visual interest—geometric patterns, rich textures, dramatic lighting. Your photographer, videographer, and photo booth provider all benefit from working in a space where the architecture does half the creative work.

Insider Tips for Weddings at The Oviatt

Photo from EventGuru.com

Work with the Venue's Experienced Staff

The Oviatt's staff brings years of experience coordinating weddings in this historic space. They understand the building's quirks, know how to maximize the rooftop terrace, and coordinate vendor load-in efficiently.

During my setups at The Oviatt, the venue team has always been professional, accommodating, and proactive about solving logistical challenges. Trust their recommendations on layout, timing, and vendor coordination—they've orchestrated hundreds of seamless weddings here.

Plan for Golden Hour on the Rooftop

The rooftop terrace is spectacular throughout the day, but golden hour (the hour before sunset) creates absolutely magical lighting. If your timeline allows, plan your ceremony or cocktail hour to overlap with golden hour for the most stunning photos.

I always recommend couples schedule their formal portraits during this time, and if you have a photo booth running during cocktail hour, positioning it near the rooftop windows captures that warm, golden light beautifully.

Lighting Enhances Art Deco Details

While The Oviatt's built-in chandeliers and fixtures provide beautiful ambient lighting, adding specialty uplighting takes the space from beautiful to breathtaking. Amber or warm white uplighting on the wood paneling creates depth and richness that enhances the art deco atmosphere.

For photo booth lighting, I bring supplemental equipment to ensure guests look flawless in every shot while still capturing the venue's elegant ambiance in the background.

The Venue Inspires Vintage Aesthetics

Something magical happens when guests enter The Oviatt—they naturally want to match the venue's sophistication. I've noticed guests at Oviatt weddings pose more elegantly, interact more dramatically with props, and generally create more cinematic photo booth images than at contemporary venues.

Lean into this by providing vintage-inspired photo booth props: feather boas, pearl necklaces, vintage hats, art deco fans, classic Hollywood accessories, and elegant signage. The props should enhance the venue's 1920s aesthetic rather than introduce competing themes.

Downtown LA Logistics Matter

Like all downtown LA venues, parking and guest arrival require planning. The Oviatt partners with nearby parking structures and offers valet service options. I always recommend couples provide detailed parking information on their wedding website, including specific garage addresses and walking directions to the building entrance.

For out-of-town guests, downtown LA has numerous hotel options within walking distance or short rideshare trips. The central location makes The Oviatt accessible for guests coming from across Southern California.

Consider the Intimate Guest Count

The Oviatt's 150-guest capacity is a feature, not a limitation, but it does require couples to be selective about their guest list. If you're struggling to cut your list down to 150 and really want to invite 200+ people, consider whether The Oviatt is the right fit.

However, if you're naturally planning an intimate celebration or appreciate the excuse to keep things smaller and more meaningful, The Oviatt's capacity creates exactly the exclusive, refined atmosphere many couples desire.

Our Experience: A Real Oviatt Wedding

We recently provided photo booth services for a wedding at The Oviatt that perfectly showcased the venue's versatility and elegance. The couple chose an afternoon ceremony on the rooftop terrace under the warm California sun, with downtown LA's skyline providing a dramatic backdrop for their vows.

As the ceremony concluded, guests moved seamlessly into cocktail hour on the rooftop while we positioned our glam photo booth in the penthouse lounge area. This placement allowed guests to drift naturally between outdoor mingling, the indoor bar, and the photo booth without creating any congestion.

When the reception moved fully indoors to the opulent ballroom, the photo booth became a central attraction. We had positioned it against the rich wood paneling, and the art deco details visible in every photo made each image feel like a scene from a classic film. Guests loved the vintage props we provided—feather boas, pearl necklaces, art deco frames—which perfectly complemented The Oviatt's 1920s aesthetic.

The couple chose black-and-white filters for half the evening, which created timeless, sophisticated images that echoed old Hollywood glamour. The contrast between modern guests in contemporary formal wear and the historic art deco backdrop created striking, memorable photos.

Throughout the evening, we provided over 300 photo sessions during our 4-hour service. The intimate guest count meant everyone had multiple opportunities to use the booth, creating a comprehensive visual archive of the celebration that the couple now treasures.

What made it work: Strategic placement that complemented guest flow. Vintage props that matched the venue's aesthetic. Black-and-white filter options that echoed 1920s photography. Professional attendants who maintained the sophisticated atmosphere.

Oviatt Wedding Cost and Budget Planning

Photo Booth Investment for Oviatt Weddings

For our team to provide photo booth services at The Oviatt, we recommend couples budget $1,500-$2,500 for premium photo experiences that match the venue's sophisticated aesthetic. This typically includes:

• 4-hour service with unlimited photo sessions

• Professional bilingual attendant

• Digital delivery of all photos

• Vintage-inspired prop collection

• Custom design to complement art deco styling

• Black-and-white filter options

• Social media sharing capabilities

For couples wanting to elevate their Oviatt wedding with multiple photo experiences—combining a glam booth with an audio guestbook or adding AI-powered vintage transformation technology—packages range from $2,500-$4,000+.

Overall Oviatt Wedding Budget

The Oviatt positions itself as a luxury downtown LA wedding venue, and pricing reflects that exclusivity. Based on conversations with couples planning Oviatt weddings and working alongside other vendors here:

Venue rental at The Oviatt typically starts around $8,000-$12,000+ depending on day of the week, season, and specific package chosen. The venue's all-inclusive packages may include coordination, catering, bar service, and other elements that affect overall cost structure.

Full wedding budgets for Oviatt celebrations typically range from $50,000-$100,000+ for 100-150 guests, including venue, catering, photography, videography, florals, entertainment, and all services.

For accurate pricing specific to your date and needs, contact The Oviatt directly. Their team can provide detailed package information and help you understand exactly what's included versus what requires additional investment.

Budget Tips for Oviatt Weddings

The venue does heavy décor lifting: Because The Oviatt's art deco architecture is so stunning, you need less added décor compared to blank-canvas venues. Strategic floral arrangements at key focal points create more impact than trying to decorate every surface.

Invest in lighting: Specialty uplighting that enhances the wood paneling and art deco details is worth the investment. It transforms the space photographically and creates romantic ambiance.

Consider off-peak dates: Friday evenings or Sunday celebrations may offer better value than Saturday nights during peak wedding season while providing the same spectacular venue.

Recommended Photo Booth Styles for The Oviatt

Glam Booth with Black & White Filters

Our glam booth with vintage black-and-white filters perfectly echoes The Oviatt's 1920s sophistication. The soft skin smoothing creates polished, elegant portraits while the black-and-white aesthetic feels timeless and classic—exactly what couples want from an art deco venue wedding.

This style works particularly well for couples planning sophisticated, glamorous weddings where every detail matters and photo aesthetics align with the venue's historic character.

Vintage Booth with Sepia Tones

For couples who want to lean fully into the 1920s aesthetic, a vintage booth featuring sepia tones and ornate frames creates images that look like they could have been taken during The Oviatt's original era. This style transports guests back in time and creates cohesive visual storytelling.

AI-Powered Transformation Booth

For couples wanting a modern twist on vintage elegance, our AI-powered PersonaFX booth can transform guests into 1920s movie stars, flapper girls, or old Hollywood icons in real time. The technology generates period-appropriate clothing, hairstyles, and settings while maintaining each guest's likeness.

This creates social media buzz and gives guests two sets of images—the original photos and the AI-transformed vintage versions. It's a conversation starter that perfectly bridges The Oviatt's historic character with cutting-edge technology.

Custom Art Deco Backdrops

While The Oviatt's wood paneling creates a stunning natural backdrop, some couples choose custom backdrops featuring geometric patterns, metallic accents, or art deco designs that complement the venue while adding personalized elements. We can create backdrops incorporating your wedding colors, monogram, or design motifs that align with 1920s aesthetics.

The Oviatt Compared to Other Downtown LA Historic Venues

The Oviatt vs. Patriotic Hall

Patriotic Hall offers grand-scale Italian Renaissance Revival architecture accommodating up to 500 guests. It's perfect for large celebrations wanting dramatic historic architecture.

The Oviatt provides intimate art deco luxury for up to 150 guests with rooftop terrace access. Choose Patriotic Hall for grand-scale celebrations, The Oviatt for intimate luxury with old Hollywood glamour.

The Oviatt vs. Pico House

Pico House offers Old West historic charm with courtyard and smaller indoor spaces, ideal for 50-100 guest intimate celebrations in LA's original downtown.

The Oviatt provides refined art deco elegance with rooftop access and can accommodate slightly larger guest counts (up to 150). Choose Pico House for rustic historic charm, The Oviatt for sophisticated art deco glamour.

The Oviatt vs. The Majestic Downtown

The Majestic Downtown (formerly Variety Theater) offers early 20th-century theater architecture with stage and theatrical seating, perfect for couples wanting performance venue vibes.

The Oviatt provides traditional penthouse ballroom layout better suited for seated dinners and elegant receptions. Choose The Majestic for theatrical entertainment focus, The Oviatt for refined dining and dancing elegance.

What Sets The Oviatt Apart

After working at multiple downtown LA historic venues, here's what makes The Oviatt unique:

Authentic art deco preservation: Designated historic monument with original 1920s details intact. Rooftop terrace:Rare outdoor ceremony space in downtown LA with skyline views. Intimate luxury: 150-guest capacity creates exclusive atmosphere rather than grand-scale events. Old Hollywood glamour: The venue embodies 1920s sophistication more than any other downtown option. Complete experience: The art deco elevator, penthouse location, and cohesive styling create theatrical arrival-to-departure experience.

Why Luxury-Minded Couples Choose The Oviatt

Exclusivity and Prestige

The Oviatt's designation as a Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monument lends significance and prestige to celebrations held here. Couples appreciate knowing their wedding takes place in an officially recognized piece of Los Angeles architectural history.

The intimate guest capacity also creates exclusivity—not everyone can attend an Oviatt wedding, which makes being included feel special and significant to your guests.

Seamless Indoor-Outdoor Flow

The combination of rooftop terrace and penthouse ballroom allows for seamless transitions between ceremony, cocktails, and reception without guests leaving the venue or navigating complex logistics. Everything flows naturally within the elegant penthouse setting.

This convenience matters for guest experience and timeline management. No one gets lost, no one misses transitions, and the celebration maintains energy throughout the evening.

Photo Opportunities at Every Turn

From the art deco elevator to the rooftop skyline views to the wood-paneled ballroom, The Oviatt offers endless photo opportunities. Your photographer doesn't need to manufacture beautiful moments—the venue provides them naturally.

Photo booth images from Oviatt weddings consistently outperform other venues in terms of social media sharing because guests recognize they're creating something special and cinematic.

Vendor-Friendly Policies

The Oviatt welcomes professional vendors and coordinates smoothly with wedding teams. Their experience working with top Los Angeles photographers, florists, planners, and entertainment providers means logistics run efficiently.

For photo booth providers like us, The Oviatt's team makes load-in straightforward and setup efficient, which translates to better service for couples and their guests.

Frequently Asked Questions About Oviatt Weddings

Is parking available at The Oviatt?

Yes, The Oviatt partners with nearby downtown LA parking structures and offers valet service options. We recommend arranging valet service to simplify guest arrival. Include detailed parking information on your wedding website with specific garage addresses for guests who prefer to self-park.

How many guests can The Oviatt accommodate?

The Oviatt can host up to 150 guests for a seated dinner and can accommodate more for cocktail-style receptions. The rooftop terrace works for smaller ceremonies (50-100 guests comfortably), while the indoor penthouse spaces offer flexible seating arrangements for receptions.

What types of photo booth props work best at The Oviatt?

Elegant, vintage-inspired props enhance The Oviatt's sophisticated atmosphere: feather boas, pearl necklaces, vintage hats, art deco fans, classic Hollywood accessories, champagne glasses, and geometric art deco signs. Metallic accents (gold, silver, bronze) complement the venue's fixtures beautifully.

Do you provide bilingual photo booth attendants?

Absolutely! Our team provides both English and Spanish-speaking attendants to ensure all your guests feel welcome and comfortable. Bilingual service is included as part of excellent guest experience, not an upcharge.

Can we have an outdoor ceremony at The Oviatt?

Yes, The Oviatt's rooftop terrace serves as the primary ceremony space, offering outdoor elegance with downtown LA skyline views. The California climate makes outdoor ceremonies reliable year-round, though the venue always has indoor backup options if weather doesn't cooperate.

How far in advance should we book The Oviatt?

The Oviatt's exclusivity and popularity mean prime dates book quickly. We recommend securing your date 12-18 months in advance for Saturday evenings during peak wedding season (April through October). Friday or Sunday dates may offer slightly more flexibility but still benefit from early booking.

Is The Oviatt wheelchair accessible?

The Oviatt has elevator access making the penthouse venue wheelchair accessible. However, as a historic building from 1928, some areas may have period features or thresholds. Discuss specific accessibility needs with the venue coordinator during your tour to ensure all guests can navigate the space comfortably.

Ready to Plan Your Oviatt Wedding with Captured Celebrations?

The Oviatt Penthouse represents the pinnacle of art deco elegance and old Hollywood glamour in downtown Los Angeles. As the founder of Captured Celebrations, an award-winning photo booth rental company serving Los Angeles County and Southern California, I've provided services for over 500 events including celebrations at The Oviatt and historic downtown LA venues.

We specialize in:

• Glam photo booths with vintage black-and-white filters perfect for art deco venues

• AI-powered transformation booths that turn guests into 1920s movie stars

• Vintage-inspired props curated specifically for sophisticated venues

• Audio guestbooks for capturing heartfelt messages

• Bilingual services in English and Spanish

We're a Latino-owned business based in La Crescenta, California, serving diverse communities across Los Angeles County for weddings, quinceañeras, corporate events, and brand activations.

Contact Captured Celebrations: 📍 Based in La Crescenta, serving all of Los Angeles County 🌐 capturedcelebrations.com

Let's create an unforgettable photo experience for your Oviatt wedding that matches the venue's timeless elegance and gives you memories to treasure for generations.

The Oviatt Penthouse at a Glance

Address: 617 S Olive St, Los Angeles, CA 90014

Capacity:

• Seated dinner: up to 150 guests

• Cocktail reception: can accommodate more

• Rooftop ceremony: 50-100 guests comfortably

What's Included:

• Rooftop terrace with downtown skyline views

• Art deco penthouse ballroom

• Crystal chandeliers and period lighting

• Rich wood paneling and marble details

• Vaulted ceilings

• Art deco elevator

  
  

Parking:

• Partnership with nearby parking structures

• Valet service available

• Downtown LA location accessible via Metro

Historic Status:

• Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monument

• Built in 1928

• Original Lalique glass and Tiffany ceiling panels