About Stephen Wise Temple

Founded in 1964, Stephen Wise Temple has been a cornerstone of the Bel Air Jewish community for decades. The campus blends contemporary architecture with serene outdoor spaces, offering couples both indoor and outdoor options for weddings that feel personal and intentional. From the elevated Feintech-Shapell Plaza to Katz Family Pavilion and Shalom Garden, each area provides unique backdrops for portraits, candid moments, and beautiful light.

Couples are drawn to Stephen Wise Temple as a wedding venue for its thoughtful layout and versatile design. Indoor and outdoor spaces accommodate intimate gatherings and larger celebrations alike, while guests enjoy city views, landscaped gardens, and modern interiors. From a photography perspective, the combination of natural light, clean architecture, and purposeful space allows every moment to be captured beautifully, from ceremony to reception.

Event Spaces at Stephen Wise Temple

Feintech-Shapell Plaza

This preferred outdoor space is ideal for wedding ceremonies or cocktail hours, offering sweeping views of Bel Air and the city below. The light during golden hour makes portraits glow and creates memorable moments for couples and guests alike.

Katz Family Pavilion

This specatular indoor venue features a striking roofline and glass doors that open toward the plaza and Shalom Garden. Its flexible layout, modern technology, and connection to outdoor spaces make it perfect for receptions, performances, and other celebrations.

Nahmias Plaza & Shalom Garden

A tranquil outdoor sanctuary with olive trees, curved benches, and Jerusalem Stone dedication pavers. Perfect for pre-ceremony gatherings, quiet reflection, or intimate portraits, it provides a peaceful retreat in the heart of the campus.

Three Reasons We Love This Venue

Golden Hour & Light

The elevated plazas and open gardens provide beautiful natural light throughout the day, especially at golden hour, giving portraits and ceremony moments a warm, dimensional glow.

Diverse Backdrops

From spacious plazas and landscaped gardens to sleek indoor spaces, the venue offers a variety of settings for both formal portraits and candid storytelling.

Cultural Significance & Unique Details

Architectural elements and meaningful traditions allow couples to incorporate personal touches, giving each wedding a sense of depth and significance that shines through in photographs.

Stephen Wise Temple is a wedding venue that combines thoughtful design, flexibility, and natural beauty to create a wedding day that flows seamlessly from ceremony to reception. Its indoor and outdoor spaces, light-filled environments, and culturally rich details make it ideal for couples seeking meaningful, intentional celebrations captured beautifully on camera.