California Beach Weddings
SeaVenture, Pismo Beach
Famous for family getaways and old-fashioned fun in the sun, Pismo also loves a good wedding. In fact, the staff at SeaVenture, a beachfront boutique hotel, will set up the ceremony for you—right on the powder-soft sand. Do it up fancy, with satin chair covers, a petal-strewn aisle, and white wedding arch entwined with garlands. Or keep the mood light and breezy, letting the vibrant seascape and boldly colored sunset accompany your vows. Other scenic bonuses include wind-sculpted sandbanks and a neighboring tidal marsh, home to ducks, sandpipers and a blanket of beach grass. Later, toast the panorama from SeaVenture’s upstairs terrace, a serene spot for cocktails or a moonlit after-party.
Rincon Beach Club, Santa Barbara County
It’s only a five-minute walk from the Club to Santa Claus Lane Beach—or rent a cute trolley to shuttle your guests to the sand. The Rincon Beach Club comes with an experienced catering and production team that is full of ideas: pay homage to the coastal setting, and mark the wedding aisle with seashells, coral or driftwood; set up a bamboo arch draped with rich fabric; or install an orchid-strewn canopy for some tropical flair—they can even lay grass sod on the sand! Rincon’s style squad suggests arranging the guest chairs facing southward toward a curve of shoreline; in the background, the silhouette of Moroccan-style buildings built into the bluff creates the illusion of marrying on an exotic Grecian isle!
Malibu Nature Preserve
Your wedding at Malibu Nature Preserve contributes to a worthy cause—safeguarding acres of mountain wilderness, historic Chumash caves and endangered habitat. Not only can you celebrate amidst the Preserve’s harmonious surroundings, you can also conduct your ceremony at neighboring Nicholas Canyon Beach. Opt for a simple ritual surrounded by a cluster of well-wishers; or go all out with a formal arrangement of white chairs, decorated arch and carpeted aisle. Dolphins, migrating whales and shorebirds occasionally make an appearance, while legendary sunsets are guaranteed. For your reception, return to the Preserve where sycamore trees, a flowing creek, and an ocean view clubhouse keep things real.
The Sunset, Malibu
Tucked at the end of a side street at the tip of Point Dume, this restaurant faces a pretty stretch of relatively secluded shoreline, with a froth of white sand and phenomenal, multi-color horizons as the sun goes down. What’s more, The Sunset staff will arrange your entire ceremony for you, complete with platform aisle and small stage, chairs, electricity and sound system. Following the ceremony, guests take cocktails in the lounge while you and your wedding party frolic in the sand for your Kodak moments. Add to this fabulous food and a casually elegant reception space, and you can see why at The Sunset, living (and partying!) is easy and inspired.
Filed under Ceremony, Expert Advice, Featured, Locations, Receptions, Restaurants