Beach Wedding Los Angeles: The Best Venue for Your Dream Day
Planning a beach wedding in Los Angeles? This guide covers the best wedding venue by the beach in Los Angeles, giving you all the details you need to choose the ideal location for your big day.
Key Takeaways
Los Angeles offers a variety of stunning beach wedding venues, including luxurious locations in Malibu, vibrant settings in Venice, and stylish options in Santa Monica.
Beach weddings in Los Angeles benefit from ideal weather conditions, picturesque coastal views, and diverse venue options catering to couples’ unique styles and preferences.
Creating comprehensive wedding packages that include venue rental, catering, and professional photography simplifies the planning process, ensuring a seamless experience for couples.
Top Beach Wedding Venues in Los Angeles
Los Angeles is renowned for its stunning beach wedding venues that offer serene and romantic atmospheres, enhancing the overall wedding experience. From the luxurious Portofino Hotel & Marina in Redondo Beach to the exclusive venues in Malibu with breathtaking ocean views and high-end amenities, there is no shortage of picturesque locations to tie the knot. Popular venues like Point Dume in Malibu and Marina del Rey are highly sought after, so couples should conduct a thorough search to find the best fit for their needs, including checking permit requirements and availability.
Here are some of the premier beach wedding venues Los Angeles has to offer. Los Angeles beach wedding venues can be crowded, especially during weekends and holidays, and crowds of tourists can impact the experience, so planning for timing and privacy is important.
Malibu Beach Venues
Malibu is home to some of the most exclusive wedding venues, providing couples with luxury amenities and breathtaking ocean views. Nestled in the Santa Monica Mountains, Calamigos Ranch offers a rustic charm amid beautiful natural surroundings, making it a perfect choice for couples seeking a unique and scenic wedding venue. The stunning landscape of Malibu, with its scenic coastal views, creates a picturesque backdrop for any wedding ceremony.
Point Dume is a popular Malibu location near Santa Monica Beach and El Matador, known for its dramatic coastal cliffs and panoramic ocean views, making it a favorite for beach wedding Los Angeles celebrations. Adamson House, a historic Spanish Colonial Revival home in Malibu, offers elegant oceanfront settings for couples seeking a blend of history and seaside beauty. El Matador Beach features rocky coves ideal for intimate vows, is suitable for very small weddings with 2 guests or less, and does not allow any setups.
Malibu venues frequently offer superior catering, event planning, and exclusive guest accommodations, making for a seamless and luxurious celebration. Whether for a seaside ceremony or a grand event, Malibu’s wedding venues combine natural beauty with luxury.
When planning a beach wedding in Malibu, it’s important to consider wind and sand conditions. Sturdy chairs and secured decorations are essential for outdoor setups, and using wireless microphones with wind-screened speakers helps ensure vows are heard clearly despite wind and waves.
Santa Monica Beach Venues
Santa Monica is another top choice for beach weddings, known for its beautiful beaches and iconic pier. The Santa Monica Proper Hotel offers a luxurious wedding experience just moments away from the famous Santa Monica Pier, with luxury accommodations and award-winning design. This hotel is ideal for stylish beach weddings, providing a blend of modern elegance and coastal charm.
Couples can get married on Santa Monica Beach without a permit as long as the gathering is under 100 people and nothing permanent is built. For weddings with fewer than 150 guests, permits are not required if specific rules are followed. Santa Monica Beach allows weddings with up to 40 guests without needing a permit, provided no permanent structures are built. You can set up chairs and other temporary arrangements for your ceremony, as long as these are removed after the event.
Santa Monica venues can host large wedding parties and provide scenic views of the iconic pier and beachfront. Couples can celebrate their special day in a vibrant and picturesque setting.
Venice Beach Venues
Venice Beach is known for its unique and eclectic wedding venues that reflect the vibrant culture of the area. With stunning coastal views and an artistic atmosphere, Venice Beach provides a beautiful backdrop for memorable photography and a lively celebration. Venues along Venice Beach often incorporate local art and cultural flair, making each wedding a unique experience.
Venice Beach offers various venues catering to tastes ranging from casual beach vibes to artistic settings. Its vibrant atmosphere and diverse venues make it perfect for couples seeking a unique and memorable celebration.
Benefits of Choosing a Beach Wedding Venue in Los Angeles
Beach wedding venues in Los Angeles offer numerous benefits. The stunning coastal views create a picturesque and romantic atmosphere. Los Angeles’ year-round mild climate ensures favorable conditions for your wedding day, regardless of the season.
Southern California, including Los Angeles, is renowned for its prime oceanfront wedding venues, making it a top choice for couples seeking scenic and popular waterfront destinations.
Additionally, Los Angeles offers a diverse range of upscale beach venues, each with its unique charm and amenities.
Scenic Beauty
Los Angeles is renowned for its diverse coastal venues, appealing to couples seeking picturesque beach settings for their weddings. The variety of beach wedding venues include:
Duke’s Malibu, which provides stunning oceanfront locations
The Thalberg Estate, offering unique settings that make for a memorable ceremony
Fig Tree Venice, known for its intimate ambiance and beautiful outdoor space
These venues provide beautiful options for couples looking for a memorable beach wedding. If you’re considering a city celebration, you might also want to explore the best wedding venues in NYC for a perfect urban backdrop.
Ceremonies often occur at sunset, providing a magical natural setting that enhances the romantic atmosphere of the vows. Using local flora and decor can highlight the beauty of the California coast, adding a special touch to the day.
Ideal Weather
Los Angeles boasts over 280 sunny days annually, ensuring favorable conditions for outdoor weddings throughout the year. The temperate climate minimizes the chances of unexpected rain, providing couples with peace of mind for their special day. The mild weather allows for flexibility in scheduling outdoor events without the usual seasonal concerns faced in other regions.
Spring and fall are popular for their comfortable temperatures and lower rainfall. Even in winter, mild temperatures make beach weddings feasible. Having a contingency plan, like a tent, can address unexpected weather.
Diverse Options
Los Angeles features a variety of beach wedding venues that offer picturesque views and unique settings for couples. Options include:
Intimate beachfront settings
Grand resorts
Yacht clubs These venues accommodate various styles and preferences, ensuring every couple can find a venue that matches their vision.
Personalizing beach weddings with unique elements like custom sand ceremonies and themed seating arrangements can reflect the couple’s personalities and make the event even more memorable. Providing comfortable seating, shade, and refreshments ensures that guests have a pleasant experience during the ceremony.
What to Expect in a Beach Wedding Package
Los Angeles beach wedding packages generally include comprehensive services to streamline planning. These packages typically encompass venue rental, catering, and photography/videography, ensuring all essentials are covered.
Securing necessary permits and complying with local regulations is essential for hosting a beach wedding in Los Angeles.
Venue Rental
Beach wedding venues in Los Angeles range from beachfront spaces to luxury resorts and yacht clubs, providing diverse options for couples. Many venues offer all-inclusive packages that include luxurious amenities, such as furnishings, drapery, linens, lighting, and floral arrangements, to create a dream wedding experience. When planning a beach wedding, it's important to budget for additional fees, such as parking and venue service fees, as these costs can add up and impact your overall expenses. Additionally, many venues provide professional planners and coordinators to assist couples throughout various phases of their wedding.
High-end venues may also offer valet and shuttle services to ensure guest parking needs are met adequately. These comprehensive rental packages ensure that every detail is taken care of, allowing couples to focus on enjoying their special day.
Catering Services
Catering services are vital, providing a delightful dining experience. Standard options range from hors d’oeuvres to dessert, accommodating various dietary needs. Couples can often customize their menu, adding a personal touch.
At some beaches, such as Santa Monica, you are allowed to bring your own food and temporary setups for your event, making it easier to personalize your beach wedding experience.
Many beach wedding packages also include entertainment services such as DJs and live music options, enhancing the overall experience for the couple and their guests. This ensures that the wedding reception is not only a feast for the taste buds but also a memorable event filled with music and joy.
Photography and Videography
Package includes:
2 photographers and 2 videographers
Up to 10 hours of coverage
Aerial drone footage (weather and venue permitting)
4K highlight film
7-10 minute cinematic highlight film
1-2 minute teaser trailer
Professional audio recording
Cinematic color grading
Vintage Super 8 short film footage
550+ beautifully edited high-resolution photos
Private online gallery to share with friends and family (available for 1 year)
Unlimited high-resolution downloads of all images
Some beach venues include the services of professional photographers and videographers in their wedding packages, ensuring that every moment of the special day is captured beautifully. These packages often feature pre-event consultations to ensure couples’ preferences are met, allowing for a personalized photography experience.
High-quality photography and videography are crucial for preserving wedding memories. Professional services ensure every detail, from the romantic ceremony to the lively reception, is beautifully captured, creating lasting keepsakes.
Package Includes:
2 photographers and 2 videographers
Up to 8 hours of coverage
Aerial drone footage (weather and venue permitting)
4K highlight film
6-8 minute cinematic highlight film
1–2 minute teaser trailer
Professional audio recording
Cinematic color grading
450+ beautifully edited high-resolution photos
Private online gallery to share with friends and family (available for 1 year)
Unlimited high-resolution downloads of all images
Tips for Planning Your Dream Beach Wedding in Los Angeles
Planning a beach wedding in Los Angeles can be straightforward with the right approach. Comprehensive packages often include catering, décor, and coordination, with some venues providing dedicated event coordinators to manage every detail.
These tips can help you plan your dream beach wedding.
Booking Early
Booking your venue fast is crucial to securing your true desired date, especially during busy seasons.
During peak wedding seasons, the demand for popular venues can rise significantly, so securing your venue early can give you peace of mind and ensure the perfect setting for your special day.
Permits and Regulations
Many beaches require specific permits for wedding ceremonies, often regulating noise and decorations. Permits must be applied for between 90 days and three weeks before the event. LA County Beaches require permits for organized activities involving groups larger than 50 people, and all organized groups must apply for a Special Event Use Permit.
Submitting a permit application should be done earlier, ideally at least two months before the event date, to ensure availability and compliance. You must provide exactly 2 months notice to obtain any required filming permit and insurance for beach weddings.
Organizers must adhere to specific regulations when setup for weddings on public beaches, ensuring that the event runs smoothly and complies with local laws.
Guest Comfort
Comfortable seating arrangements are important for guest enjoyment. Opt for sturdy chairs with proper cushioning.
Consider the weather conditions on your wedding day and provide:
Shade or shelter to protect guests from sun or rain
Fans or heaters, depending on the weather, to maintain guest comfort
Amenities like restrooms, parking, and refreshments to enhance overall convenience.
Comparing Beach Wedding Venues in Los Angeles to Other Coastal Locations
Comparing beach wedding venues in Los Angeles with those in nearby locations can help couples choose the right setting for their special day. While Los Angeles offers upscale options and a vibrant atmosphere, Orange County and Long Beach present different styles and features that might appeal to various preferences.
Ultimately, individual preferences for atmosphere, budget, and unique features at each location will guide the choice.
Orange County
Orange County is better for those seeking a more tranquil ceremony. When comparing LA and Orange County for beach weddings, one can find notable differences in atmosphere and costs.
Couples looking for a serene and affordable beach wedding might find Orange County to be the ideal choice.
Long Beach
Long Beach is a popular wedding venue choice due to its unique blend of urban and coastal settings. The venues in Long Beach offer a distinctive combination of urban charm and coastal beauty.
Couples looking for variety will find Long Beach appealing, as it caters to a range of aesthetic preferences for their wedding backdrop.
Real Love Stories from Los Angeles Beach Weddings
Real love stories are truly inspiring. Couples have cherished stunning sunset views while exchanging vows on Malibu’s sandy shores. From intimate beach ceremonies in Santa Monica to lively Venice Beach receptions, these love story showcase the magic of LA beach weddings.
Beach wedding elopements in Los Angeles can be arranged for both locals and tourists, offering a simple and intimate ceremony option.
A surprise fireworks show at a reception left guests in awe, adding magic to the evening.
Romantic Ceremonies
Beach weddings in Los Angeles offer a romantic setting where waves and gentle breezes create a peaceful ambiance. One couple described their magical experience of saying ‘I do’ at sunset, with the sky turning pink and orange. This natural beauty, combined with personalized vows, creates a perfect blend of love and nature, surrounded by loved ones.
The overall charm and serene environment of beach weddings leave lasting memories, making them a popular choice for couples seeking romance and unforgettable moments. The gentle lapping of the waves and breathtaking sunsets contribute to the romantic atmosphere that makes beach weddings special.
Memorable Receptions
The Portofino Hotel & Marina features elegant waterfront ballrooms ideal for hosting vibrant receptions, allowing couples to celebrate with stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. Couples at The Portofino Hotel can opt for customized wedding packages with dedicated planning services to reflect their personal style. The hotel’s picturesque location enhances the photo opportunities during the reception, enriching the experience for both the couple and their guests. Additionally, it is one of the premier waterfront wedding venues in the area.
The Portofino Hotel & Marina offers diverse catering options, allowing couples to curate a menu that suits their tastes. Various indoor and outdoor spaces enable couples to choose their ideal setting for cocktails and dancing. These personalized touches ensure every reception is memorable and unique.
Unique Touches
Beach weddings often include unique elements such as:
Personalized decor reflecting the couple’s taste and story
Themes that resonate with their personalities, transforming the beach into a personalized paradise
Activities like beach games or sunset photo sessions that offer memorable experiences for guests.
Some couples incorporate fun beach elements, such as surfboard guest books or sand ceremony kits, for added enjoyment. Meaningful rituals, such as exchanging vows at sunset or a beach bonfire, can enhance the significance of the ceremony. These unique touches make beach weddings not only beautiful but also deeply personal and memorable.
Summary
Beach weddings in Los Angeles offer a perfect blend of scenic beauty, ideal weather, and diverse venue options that cater to every couple’s unique style and preferences. From the luxurious venues of Malibu to the iconic settings of Santa Monica and the eclectic charm of Venice Beach, Los Angeles provides a plethora of options for creating a dream coastal wedding.
Choosing a beach wedding venue in Los Angeles ensures a romantic and unforgettable experience, enhanced by the natural beauty of the coastal setting and the professional services included in wedding packages. Whether you are looking for an intimate ceremony or a grand celebration, the diverse options and personalized touches available make Los Angeles the perfect destination for your beach wedding.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the benefits of choosing a beach wedding venue in Los Angeles?
Choosing a beach wedding venue in Los Angeles provides breathtaking coastal scenery, pleasant weather conditions, and a range of upscale amenities that elevate your special day. This combination creates a memorable and picturesque backdrop for your celebration.
What should I expect in a beach wedding package in Los Angeles?
You can expect a beach wedding package in Los Angeles to include venue rental, catering services, and professional planning, along with photography, decorations, and entertainment options. It's designed to cover all essential elements to ensure a seamless and memorable event.
How early should I book my beach wedding venue in Los Angeles?
To ensure you secure your desired date, it's advisable to book your beach wedding venue in Los Angeles at least 12 to 18 months in advance, particularly during peak wedding seasons.
What permits and regulations are required for a beach wedding in Los Angeles?
To host a beach wedding in Los Angeles, you will need to obtain a specific permit and comply with regulations regarding noise and decorations. Ensure you apply for the permit between 90 days and three weeks before your event.
How can I ensure guest comfort at my beach wedding in Los Angeles?
To ensure guest comfort at your beach wedding in Los Angeles, prioritize comfortable seating, provide shade or shelter, and offer essential amenities like restrooms, parking, and refreshments. This thoughtful approach will enhance your guests' experience significantly.
