Beach & Waterfront Wedding Venues in California

Discover Beach and Waterfront Wedding Venues: Coastal Elegance Meets Romantic Celebration

Do you dream of getting married in front of the sparkling Pacific Ocean? If so, look no further than California! It has pristine cliffs in the north and sun-drenched beaches in the south.

"It was only because of Breezit that we discovered a hidden gem that made our beach wedding particularly remarkable." – Emily & David, Breezit users.

Coastal Paradise Venues

The coastline of California attracts not only masses of tourists but also a number of wedding planners. Beachside weddings are particularly popular in locations like Santa Monica Beach (Southern California), Coronado Beach (Southern California), and Half Moon Bay (Northern California), where golden sands meet azure waters.

Breezit recommends:

The Waterfront Beach Resort (Huntington Beach, California): A relaxing getaway offering oceanfront views, upscale amenities, and easy beach access.
Cabrillo Pavilion (Santa Barbara, California): A premier oceanfront venue situated on the sands of East Beach in Santa Barbara.
Malibu West Beach Club (Malibu, California): An oceanfront wedding venue with a glorious ocean panorama as a backdrop.

Pros:

• Plenty of photo opportunities with unparalleled natural scenery

• Captivating ocean soundtrack 

• Diversity in venue styles – from wild locations to sophisticated resorts

Cons:

• Potential permit requirements and seasonal restrictions

• Relatively strong winds

• Less privacy (some beaches are accessible to the public)

Marina and Harbor Wedding Locations

If you asked us what makes marina wedding locations so desirable, we’d say it’s most likely their picturesque harbors, luxury yachts, and architectural beauty.

"We had been struggling a lot to find the right waterfront venue for our ceremony until we discovered Breezit. The marina setting we found on this platform was absolutely stunning!" – Michael & Sarah, Breezit users.

Breezit recommends:

Marina Del Rey Hotel (Marina Del Rey, California): A waterfront venue located on the world’s largest man-made boat harbor.
Portofino Hotel & Marina (Redondo Beach, California): A peaceful hotel surrounded by the tranquil natural environment of Redondo Beach.
Huntington Harbour Yacht Club (Huntington Beach, California): An established growing yacht club located in the heart of Huntington Harbour.

Pros:

• Refined maritime atmosphere

• Plenty of photo opportunities within a single venue

• Combination of natural and architectural beauty

Cons:

• Higher venue rental costs

• Sparse availability of venues suitable for grand weddings

• Limited parking and challenging road conditions

Luxury Resort and Private Beachfront Venues

If you’re looking for a place where luxury meets breathtaking natural beauty, research what luxury resorts and private beachfront venues have to offer. To give you a clue, comprehensive wedding packages, world-class amenities, and exclusive settings – that’s what’s on the table.

Breezit recommends:

Terranea Resort (Rancho Palos Verdes, California): A premier luxury oceanfront resort with scenic views of the Pacific Ocean and Catalina Island.
Pantai Inn (San Diego, California): A boutique inn with Balinese-inspired architecture located steps away from pristine beaches and downtown dining and shopping.
The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel (Dana Point, California): A sophisticated location overlooking the Pacific Ocean.

Pros:

• All-inclusive wedding packages

• Professional event coordination

• Luxury rooms for overnight guests

• Multiple event spaces under a single roof

Cons:

• Significantly higher costs compared to public venues

• Limited availability to book desired dates

• More formal, structured vibes

Unique Waterfront Experiences

Wanna run away from the ordinary? Great! How about these waterfront venues that stand out as particularly extraordinary and can transform any traditional wedding into an unforgettable adventure?

Breezit recommends:

The Cliffs Hotel & Spa (Pismo Beach, California): A beautiful venue located on a cliff overlooking Shell Beach.
Hyatt Carmel Highlands (Carmel-by-the-Sea, California): A breezy oceanfront hotel tucked away in a small coastal town.
Newport Beach Marriott Bayview (Newport Beach, California): A relaxing all-suite hotel overlooking the beautiful Newport Back Bay.

Pros:

• Particularly memorable venues

• Built-in entertainment center

• Plenty of distinctive photo opportunities 

Cons:

• Pretty difficult road conditions 

• Higher per-person costs

• Limited customization

Lake and Riverside Romantic Settings

If you’re looking for a peaceful alternative to oceanfront settings, how about exchanging vows at lake and riverside locations? They perfectly capture the natural beauty of the region and provide ample opportunities to enjoy the tranquility of lakeshores and riverbanks.

Breezit recommends:

Lake Oak Meadows (Temecula, California): A wedding spot with gorgeous gardens, a waterfront view, and a versatile banquet hall.
Lakehouse Hotel (San Marcos, California): A popular retreat offering comfortable luxury on the shores of sunny Lake San Marcos.
North Tahoe Event Center (Kings Beach, California): A unique wedding spot located just a few steps away from the water.

Pros:

• Tranquility of the region 

• Diversity in landscapes

• Great unique alternative to typical oceanfront venues

Cons:

• Remoteness of some locations 

• Difficult road conditions during certain seasons

• Potential limitations imposed due to fragile wildlife and the environment

Navigating Your Waterfront Wedding Venue Journey

The venues we presented here are just a few examples of beach and waterfront venues for those who want something more than a traditional wedding location. Whichever venue you decide to book, always have a clear vision of what your big day should look like and see if potential wedding venues have what it takes to make your vision a reality. 

Practical Considerations for Your Wedding Venue

Before you book a waterfront wedding venue, we suggest you consider these details:

Budget: Venue prices tend to vary significantly. However, wedding spots in coastal locations are typically more expensive.

Seasonality: Find out when the busiest time to get married is in your chosen location. For greater availability and attractive deals, think of the off-season.

Weather Patterns: If you’re planning an outdoor ceremony, have tented or indoor spaces in case the weather changes unexpectedly.

Restrictions: Be ready to adapt as some venues might have certain regulations regarding decorations, noise, and event timing. 

Vendors: Some venues might have lists of their preferred vendors so read venue policies before making arrangements with local caterers, florists, and photographers.

Guest Comfort: Check out amenities like bathrooms and rest zones to ensure a pleasant environment for your guests.

Firsthand Visits: Pay a visit to potential wedding spots to properly evaluate practical details such as the venue’s location and parking availability.

That’s all we wanted to tell you about choosing the perfect waterfront venue for your celebration. Are you ready to secure your spot?