8 Southern California Beach Wedding Venues We Love
Our Top 8 SoCal Beach Wedding Venues
Do you love Southern California’s beaches? Yep – so do we. Do you also love someone enough to marry them? If so, then you should think about a SoCal beach wedding.
But wait – you don’t just want to pitch up on any old bit of sand and get hitched. Choosing the best place to have a beach wedding will make your big day extra special. Here at Beach Town Pops, we’ve put together this guide to the top 8 Southern California beach wedding venues.
We’ve covered dreamy beach wedding venues in San Diego, Santa Monica, Malibu, Orange County, and more. There’s a mix of beachfront locations, and true, toes-in-the-sand venues where you can tie the knot right beside the water.
Fancy a do-it-yourself wedding? We’ve also gone off-piste and looked at how to get married on a public beach in California.
Shameless Plug Alert: Whichever SoCal beach wedding venue you choose, there’s one thing you’ll need above all else: wedding catering. And that’s where we come in!
We offer a mouth-watering selection of chilly treats, from popsicles to ice cream; from gelato to sorbet. For a romantic twist, we can even add the happy couple’s names to areas like the popsicle sticks, ice cream cups, or ice cream sandwich wrappers. (Think Matt and Michael 2022.) :)
Can You Get Married on a Public Beach in California?
Well, yes – just like you can get married anywhere. But the real question is, can you get married on a public beach in California – legally. And that depends where you are. Most beaches in California are legally designated as public spaces, and county laws apply. Some others are in State Parks. Either way, you may need a wedding permit.
To add to the fun, there are sometimes other legal hoops to jump through – like taking out an insurance policy. (We imagine these cover you if your bridesmaids are swept into the ocean – but you might want to check the fine print.) This California beach wedding guide has more details on the legal and practical side of things.
One of the best points about getting married on a public beach in California is the freedom. Hired venues usually come with some strings attached. For example, many insist on providing the catering and entertainment services. Outside of a formal wedding venue, you can make your own choices. (Just be sure to check the laws governing the beach you’ve chosen.)
Like freedom? Check out our guide to wedding venues in Los Angeles that allow bring your own catering
How Much Does a Small Beach Wedding Cost?
Do-it-yourself beach wedding costs can be as high or as low as you want. The most affordable beach weddings are usually the simplest. An informal, small-scale wedding on the sand needn’t cost more than a few hundred dollars (if that).
[ Additional read —> Bring Your Own Alcohol To These 7 Gorgeous Wedding Venues in Los Angeles ]
But, if a cheap SoCal beach wedding doesn’t float your boat, you can easily splash out. (Gotta love these ocean-themed metaphors we’re pushing!) Seriously though, you can quickly add to the most basic costs like the marriage license, officiant’s fees, and wedding permit. Popular extras include rental of wedding chairs, a wedding arch, and a wedding car.
The costs of each element vary widely, but this article on the cost of a beach wedding provides some ball park estimates. Of course, if you opt for a beach resort wedding, you can expect to pay significantly more to cover the venue hire.
The Best Beach Wedding Venues in Southern California
OK, enough foreplay. It’s time to get down and dirty – or sandy at least. Here are 8 of the best beach wedding locations in Southern California.
Adamson House, Malibu
Dreaming of a Malibu beach wedding with a glitzy edge? Adamson House is one of those 1930s mansions that drip with the atmosphere of Hollywood’s golden age. You can’t get hitched right on the sand, but the lawns overlooking the ocean can be booked for weddings. House tours are available as an add on, and all bookings are through California State Parks.
Crown Plaza Ventura Beach Hotel, Ventura
The Crown Plaza is the only hotel on the Ventura beach – and they love reminding us on their website! This is an authentic Southern California beach wedding venue. That means you can forget terraces with beach views, and tie the knot at the water’s edge instead.
Paradise Point Resort and Spa, San Diego
What if you’re not keen on getting sand between your toes, but still want to tap into that beach wedding vibe? San Diego’s Paradise Point Resort and Spa could be the best SoCal beach wedding venue for you. You can choose from 7 wedding locations within the resort – all of them reassuringly sand free! Our pick is the Island Point Lawn, set on a peninsula stretching into Mission Bay.
Bahia Resort Hotel, San Diego
The Bahia Resort Hotel styles itself as ‘San Diego’s premier beachfront destination’. That’s quite a claim, but it’s definitely among the best San Diego beach wedding venues. You’re free to choose between the hotel’s tropical gardens and ballroom. Or, for a true beach wedding, you can get married right on the sand of Mission Bay.
Shutters on the Beach, Santa Monica
As well as being home to the Beach Town Pops HQ, Santa Monica is where you’ll find Shutters on the Beach. With its timber-clad exterior, Shutters is dripping with old-world charm. If you’re in the market for a high-end beachfront wedding location, this could be the venue for you.
Surf and Sand Resort, Laguna Beach
You don’t have to be a psychic to guess what the Surf and Sand Resort is all about. This luxury hotel is positioned right on Orange County’s dreamy Laguna Beach. You can choose to hold your Surf and Sand Resort wedding on the sand itself, or on an overlooking terrace. The choice is yours.
[ Top Wedding Venues in Los Angeles That Allow Bring Your Own Catering ]
Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Resort and Spa, Huntington Beach
The choice of 3 oceanfront wedding venues means that the Hyatt Regency at Huntington Beach can accommodate up to 450 guests. There’s also a choice of 6 wedding reception venues. We should say that this is a Southern California beachfront wedding venue. But the beautiful surrounds make up for the fact that you can’t get married on the beach itself.
10 More Stunning Southern California Beach Wedding Venues with Breathtaking Ocean Views…
Scripps Seaside Forum, La Jolla: This contemporary venue in La Jolla offers stunning ocean views and versatile event spaces for your wedding ceremony and reception. With a spacious outdoor patio and modern indoor facilities, it's an ideal setting for a beachfront celebration.
La Jolla Cove Suites: La Jolla Cove Suites provides a spectacular rooftop event space overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Perfect for intimate wedding ceremonies and receptions, this venue will make your special day truly memorable.
Ocean Institute, Dana Point: This unique venue in Dana Point offers a blend of ocean views and an educational experience. The Ocean Institute provides multiple event spaces, both indoor and outdoor, making it an excellent choice for a one-of-a-kind wedding celebration.
The Sunset Restaurant, Malibu: Nestled on a beautiful beach in Malibu, The Sunset Restaurant offers an idyllic setting for a romantic beach wedding. With incredible ocean views and a dedicated events team, this venue will ensure your big day is unforgettable.
Hotel del Coronado, San Diego: This historic hotel in San Diego boasts a breathtaking beachfront location and multiple elegant event spaces. With its iconic architecture and luxurious amenities, Hotel del Coronado is perfect for a fairytale wedding by the sea.
Terranea Resort, Rancho Palos Verdes: Perched on a cliff overlooking the Pacific Ocean, Terranea Resort offers a luxurious setting for your wedding ceremony and reception. With multiple event spaces, both indoor and outdoor, this stunning venue caters to a variety of wedding styles.
The Waterfront Beach Resort, Huntington Beach: Located in Huntington Beach, this oceanfront resort offers several beautiful event spaces with panoramic ocean views. The Waterfront Beach Resort is perfect for couples looking to create a sophisticated beach wedding experience.
Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa, Dana Point: This elegant coastal resort in Dana Point offers breathtaking ocean views and a variety of event spaces for your wedding ceremony and reception. The Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa is perfect for a luxurious beach wedding celebration.
The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel: This luxurious resort in Laguna Niguel offers an extraordinary beachfront setting for your wedding ceremony and reception. With stunning ocean views and expert event planners, The Ritz-Carlton will ensure your wedding day is unforgettable.
Ole Hanson Beach Club, San Clemente: This historic beach club in San Clemente offers a charming setting for a beach wedding. With incredible ocean views, lush gardens, and Spanish-style architecture, Ole Hanson Beach Club is an enchanting venue for your big day.
OR Somewhere Else!
We don’t mean to go all vague and mysterious on you – but we’ve really just scratched the surface here. There are literally dozens of possible SoCal beach wedding venues to choose from… Too many for one guide! For more inspiration, check out these suggestions:
Here Comes the Guide have made up their own list of the best beach wedding venues in California. These aren’t all in SoCal, but hey, you might want to cast your net a little wider. Woman Getting Married have also put together this guide to the best wedding venues in Southern California. The caveat here is that they’re not all on the beach. But they are all 100% fabulous!
Don’t forget: The best place to have a beach wedding really depends on what you’re looking for. It’s your wedding, and it’s your choice, so go with your heart!