Southern California venues for an intimate beach wedding

*kellis* · August 27, 2009

Yael, Santa Barbara is my favorite so far having given up on yearning for Hawaii, again, due to airfare prices. And I would love it if you could get me the information on that wedding coordinator. Maybe I would have better luck with dealing with resorts if someone who knew what they were doing took over.

The four seasons looks and seems incredible. After requesting information online the other day, I got a call the next morning from Maria asking about our wedding and what we were looking for before she sent us information. It made me feel a little more hopeful. However, the minimums are still an issue. It seems like food and beverage minimums shouldn't apply to small weddings or something. I wish anyway. So I may start considering a daytime wedding, though I'm not crazy about the idea.

lizzyl875 · October 17, 2009

The Ritz Carlton at Dana Point is really nice. Probably really $$$ too.

beachbunni307 · March 19, 2010

I've done tons of research on this. We are getting married on a cliff in san diego that drops off into the ocean. The short answer is that there are no private beaches in CA. You can get married on a public beach and even get a permit to have a large group or set up chairs...but the catch is...it HAS to remain public. You are not allowed to rope anything off. That being said...many people are respectful of the fact that you are having a wedding and do not interfere...although, they may stop and watch. When I started looking, it was in orange county. Try Marcy Ann, Wedding Minister. she officiates and coordinates beach weddings....its worth looking at. I think you will have the best luck with finding more private areas around laguna beach.

LovestruckFilms · November 13, 2010

For Southern Cali.... Irvine Cove in Laguna Beach has my vote!

Here is a recent wedding we did there:

If you don't mind going a little further north... The Cliffs in Pismo, CA is really nice!

emd12 · February 21, 2011

hey... here's a different idea.

check out craigslist for a beach house/vacation rental. since it'll be less likely you'll be dealing with companies it would be more personal. but more time would be spent on checking it out online. I'm planning an intimate beach wedding as well so I can understand the frustration of it.