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Plan your dream beach wedding with the top 10 coastal California venues! Explore breathtaking ocean views, luxurious resorts, and romantic ceremonies.
Hi there, welcome to our blog! We are Paper Birch Collective, your friendly neighborhood team of award-winning photographers and videographers. We are based in Orange County and lived in sunny Southern California all our lives, so we have always been in love the beauty of the beach--especially at sunset for golden hour magic! We are lucky to have captured countless of beautiful beach wedding (as well as Engagement and Proposal) memories and today we will share ten of our favorite spots throughout California. We will also share some of our all time favorite photos from a few beach weddings!
Choosing the perfect location for your special day can be one of the most memorable decisions in you and your partner's life. As you enter this next chapter of your life, you are not just planning one moment, but a lifetime of unforgettable memories. Whether you are a SoCal local dreaming of an intimate gathering or planning a grand destination wedding, these coastal gems will be the most beautiful canvas for your unforgettable moments. So, grab your sun hat and let’s dive into the top 10 beach wedding venues in California!
1 of 10 | Occasions at Laguna Village, Laguna Beach
Located in Orange County and situated on Laguna Beach’s coastline, Occasions at Laguna Village offers the most breathtaking ocean views. The stunning setting here is quite dreamlike with picturesque oceanfront views of Laguna Beach and scenic hillside gardens. Their oceanfront wedding terrace offers one of the most incredible views on the California Coastline! To complement their world-class views, they also offer unparalleled planning services and delicious gourmet food to fit every taste. You and your partner will certainly create lifetime memories of your special day here. There is no doubt that Occasions is the perfect place to exchange your "I do's".
Plus, we love how the beach is just a short walk away for a romantic wedding day photoshoot!
Summary
Venue type | Waterfront venue
Ceremony | Garden or Indoor
Reception | Grand hall
Walking distance to the beach, downtown, hotels
Spanish-style architecture
Oceanside ambience
Beach views
Professional planning & gourmet cuisine offered
Feels tropical and like a getaway destination (even for local couples!)
Marissa + Angelo's Oceanfront Wedding at Occasions at Laguna Village
Check out the wedding blog!
Julia + Steven's Summer Wedding at Occasions in Laguna Beach
Check out the wedding blog!
2 of 10 | Surf & Sand Resort, Laguna Beach
📍1555 S Coast Hwy, Laguna Beach, California 92651
If you dream of a California beach wedding, then Surf & Sand Resort in Laguna Beach is the place for you. Here, you can exchange your heartfelt vows surrounded by ocean views and with the sound of waves crashing along the shores. Is there really a better way say “I do” than with an unforgettable ocean view? Whether you seek a grand or intimate celebration, your big day will certainly be a dream come true at this venue with its wonderful variety of indoor and outdoor spaces. There's no doubt why this is an award-winning oceanfront icon of Laguna Beach. With your ceremony on the sand to reception under the starry sky, Surf & Sand is full of pure romance and elegance. We hove how luxurious, relaxing, and magical this oceanfront escape is. From the rehearsal dinner to the ceremony, reception, and everything in between, Surf & Sand Resort is ready to make the most special day of your life even more unforgettable!
Summary
Venue type | Beachfront Resort
Ceremony | Ocean Terrace or Ballroom
Reception | Ocean Terrace or Ballroom
Walking distance to the beach, downtown, hotels
Resembles a sun-washed Mediterranean village
Panoramic ocean views
Glowing natural lighting
Custom-chef inspired menus
Feels like luxury and leisure
A Luxury Beachfront Surprise Proposal at Surf & Sand Resort in Laguna Beach with The Charming Picnic
Check out the proposal blog!
3 of 10 | The Resort at Pelican Hill in Newport Beach
📍 22701 Pelican Hill Road South Newport Coast, CA 92657
There is so much to love about The Resort at Pelican Hill in Newport Beach! Inspired by Italian Renaissance roots and known for The Rotunda, this gorgeous location is a perfect blend of classic design and modern California sophistication. This exquisite and picturesque resort is the most lavish and unique way to celebrate your love. If you enjoy a lavish affair, then this spectacular and luxurious destination is for you. This grand location also offers a beautiful sanctuary of seclusion and a retreat for your loved ones with its legendary facilities, from luxury spas to unique pools and a world-class golf club. With just one grand wedding a weekend, there is really no other place quite like The Resort at Pelican Hill. The unmatched beauty at Pelican Hill along with the extraordinary views of the sky and ocean are just a couple reasons why this location is one of our favorite wedding venues.
Summary
Venue type | Premier oceanfront resort
Ceremony | The Event Lawn & Rotunda
Reception | Ballroom, Terrace, Lounge
Panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean
500 acres, 3 miles of coastline
Italian-Mediterranean inspired style
Award-winning culinary & custom planning
One exclusive Wedding per weekend
36 golf holes with an ocean view
Forbes 5-Star Spa
Feels lavish and luxurious
4 of 10 | San Clemente Shore by Wedgewood Weddings
San Clemente Shore by Wedgewood Weddings is an amazing beach-side venue in SoCal. Surrounded by dazzling coastal views with gorgeous maintained greenery, a beautiful reception ballroom, and much more! It is a close walk to the beach and the downtown area. Couples love how they can capture romantic sunset photos on the beach after their ceremony and before they party the night away. This stunning venue can be a dream come true for both couples seeking a destination wedding and even local romantics (reachable from Los Angeles, San Diego, and Riverside Counties). Not to mention, beautiful photo opportunities at the venue and of course, the beach.
Imagine exchanging your vows with the California sea breeze, then taking romantic portraits on the beach at sunset while your loved ones have cocktail hour. This scenic country club also offers an indoor ceremony, along with a gorgeous grand hall for reception. The scenic views, open air ceremony, and charming Spanish style architecture certainly make for a dream wedding. Want to read more about a wedding we have captured at San Clemente Shore by Wedgewood Weddings? Check out this blog.
Summary
Venue type | Scenic country club
Ceremony | Garden or Indoor
Reception | Grand hall
Walking distance to the beach, downtown, hotels
Spanish-style architecture
Oceanside ambience
Beautiful peek-a-boo coastal views
Feels romantic & laid-back
Kirsten + Diego's Beach-side Wedding in San Clemente
Check out the wedding blog!
5 of 10 | Montage Laguna Beach
Love is one of life’s greatest adventures, and Wedding at Montage Laguna Beach is the perfect location for the next chapter in your epic journey. Nestled on a coastal cliff above Treasure Island, the California beach wedding of your dreams can be as spectacular as the oceanfront views! Whether you wish to celebrate on the intimate lawn or in the 7,500-square-foot Grand Ballroom, everything here is perfect. They offer high-quality service, event planning and wonderful accommodations. With its perfect setting to exchange vows and celebrate with your family and friends, you will certainly create once-in-a-lifetime romantic memories. Plus, each celebration is the only wedding of the day at Montage, which helps ensure that your special day gets all the love, care, and attention it deserves.
Summary
Venue type | Luxury Seaside Hotel
Ceremony & Reception | Oceanfront event lawn, Outdoor courtyard, Gallery ballroom, Grand ballroom, Studio Restaurant
A great variety of venue options
Waterfront with beach views
Craftsman-style architecture
Museum-quality collection of art
Relaxing wellness options at the 20,000-square-foot Spa Montage
Gourmet culinary cuisine
Feels like a blend of comfort & elegance
6 of 10 | Sunset Cliffs in San Diego
📍 Sunset Cliffs Blvd, San Diego, CA 92107
If your dream is to say your “I do’s” with an epic view, Sunset Cliffs in San Diego might be the location for you! Sunset Cliffs at Luscomb Point is an awesome spot for sunset viewing and Wedding ceremonies. The legendary and grand cliffs overlooking the ocean have some of the best panoramic ocean views in SoCal. Sunset Cliffs is the perfect outdoor space for an intimate Wedding ceremony (can permit for up to 50 people). There’s no denying the beauty of Sunset Cliff’s coastal scenery, from the wildflowers, to dramatic cliff formations, and the crashing waves. If you want to read more about a wedding we documented here, check at this blog.
Summary
Venue type | Coastal bluff, Outdoor Ceremony
Panoramic ocean views
Dramatic cliff formations & caves
Perfect for an intimate ceremony (under 50 guests)
Requires a wedding permit for all weddings
No restrooms available
Street parking is free, but limited
The terrain is clay like and uneven
Feels intimate & epic
7 of 10 | The Portofino Hotel, Redondo Beach
📍 260 Portofino Way Redondo Beach, CA 90277
Located on a tranquil peninsula with beautiful sweeping coastal views, The Portofino Hotel & Marina in Redondo Beach is an elegant and beautiful venue for your wedding. The spectacular views overlooking the Pacific Ocean make for a memorable and romantic way to exchange your vows. Not to mention, the elegant waterfront ballrooms for your wedding reception are especially beautiful at sunset and make for the perfect place to dance the night away. The Portofino Hotel & Marina is premier spot to savor the beauty of one of Southern California's iconic beaches as you surround yourself with some of the best of the South Bay on your special day. They have a unique offering of celebrating your Wedding with a sunset cruise on their new El Rey catamaran boat experience. If you'd like to read more about a wedding we have captured here, check out this blog!
Summary
Venue type | Oceanfront hotel
Ceremony | The Seaside Lawn
Reception | Bayside Ballroom or Pacific Ballroom & Terrace
Dazzling coastal views
Many special offers like a Sunset Cruise, Welcome Reception, and Farewell Brunch
LGBTQIA+ Weddings
Customized service
Sublime cuisine
Feels like a romantic seaside escape
Stunning Wedding by the Sea in Redondo Beach at Portofino Hotel & Marina
Check out the wedding blog!
8 of 10 | La Venta Inn, Palos Verdes Estates
📍 796 Via del Monte Palos Verdes Estates CA 90274
La Venta Inn is an all season, premier full service Wedding venue with an incredible ocean view. This picturesque Spanish villa with lush gardens will certainly create the perfect backdrop for your private estate Wedding! Having your Wedding celebration here gives you exclusive access of the venue, plus they just renovated their getting ready spaces. Literally every corner of La Venta is stunning and makes for the most beautiful backdrop for your Wedding memories. From a ceremony with a breathtaking ocean view to a elegant space for your reception, this place has it all! Your Wedding dreams will definitely come true at this exceptional location.
Summary
Venue type | Historic Spanish Villa
Ceremony | The Ceremony Lawn
Reception | The Ballroom or The Garden Rooms
The Courtyard for cocktail hour
Breathtaking Pacific Ocean views
Exclusive use of the entire property
Tailored-made event for you
Historical architecture
Ocean cottage & suite for getting ready
In house tasting and catering
Feels like a dream
A Dream Wedding with an Ocean View in Palos Verdes Estates at La Venta Inn
Check out the wedding blog!
9 of 10 | Point Vicente Lighthouse in Rancho Palos Verdes
📍 31501 Palos Verdes Dr W, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275
Perched on the cliffs of Rancho Palos Verdes, The Point Vicente Interpretive Center offers epic ocean views and is a gorgeous location for your outdoor wedding. The natural setting of the outdoor amphitheater creates a romantic and intimate Wedding ceremony. Not to mention, the gorgeous ocean scenery from Rancho Palos Verdes makes for a wonderful backdrop for your special Wedding moments. Plus, the Patio is the perfect spot for watching the sunset and enjoying your reception festivities.
Summary
Venue type | Cliff Park
Ceremony | Outdoor amphitheater
Reception | Patio
Panoramic views of the ocean
Lighthouse landmark
Gorgeous natural scenery
Perfect for an intimate Wedding
Feels romantic & natural
A Dreamy Cliff-side Summer Wedding Overlooking Point Vicente Lighthouse in Rancho Palos Verdes
Check out the wedding blog!
10 of 10 | Calamigos Ranch in Malibu
📍 327 Latigo Canyon Rd Malibu, CA 90265
While this last location is not directly on the coast or the beach, Calamigos Ranch is nestled in the heart of the Santa Monica Mountains in Malibu Wine Country and offers a secluded and romantic setting to say your "I do's". This is truly incredible venue for celebrating your love with over 5,00o acres of natural California beauty and a variety of beautiful options. You and your partner, along with your closest friends and family will have a wonderful time creating lifelong memories at this dreamy destination. From its beautiful meadows, iconic California Oak, lush lawns, garden patios, and natural stone waterfall, this serene location has so much to offer. Not only does the ceremony area look like a dream, but the reception area is also spectacular with its elegant banquet halls, grand fireplaces, and lovely mountain views. From their enchanting venues to premier customized services, Calamigos Ranch provides a dreamy hillside haven for your magical day!
Summary
Venue type | Ranch
Ceremony & Reception | The Redwood Room, The Oak Room, The Pavilion, The Birchwood Room
A variety of venue options
Choice of a formal sit-down dinner or elegant buffet food stations
A short drive from Malibu’s famous beaches on the scenic Latigo Canyon Road
Wedding, meal, bar, and personal service included
Feels like rustic charm & elegance
Albert & Alison’s Wedding at Calamigos Ranch
Check out the wedding blog!
Thanks for Reading 🤍
Thanks so much for reading our blog. We hope this list of coastal California venues is helpful and we hope you have the beach Wedding of your dreams! Remember, your Wedding is a celebration of your unique love, laughter, and shared moments. Cherish every second and let us capture the magic of your special memories. For even more wedding inspiration and advice, check out these awesome resources:
✨ The Knot | https://www.theknot.com/
✨ Wedding Wire | https://www.weddingwire.com/
✨ Brides | https://www.brides.com/
✨ Style Me Pretty | https://www.stylemepretty.com/
✨ Martha Weddings | https://www.marthastewart.com/
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~ Your friendly neighborhood photographer and videographer team (PBC)
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