Marbella Country Club 30800 Golf Club Drive • San Juan Capistrano • California 92675

It may be nestled in the pastoral valley between the Pacific Ocean and the Saddleback Mountains, but the elegant Marbella Country Club embodies the spirit of the Mediterranean. Even if you're not jetting off to the coast of Italy for your honeymoon, you'll still get a taste of it when you celebrate your Big Day in this impressive setting.

After driving through the club's gated community, past manicured lawns and a flowerbed blooming with ivory roses, you reach the porte-cochère of the 50,000-square-foot clubhouse where valets await. Glittering like a baronial villa in the San Juan Capistrano sun, the majestic structure offers a genteel welcome with a tri-tier fountain ringed by palms and birds of paradise.

Upon arrival and during the cocktail hour, your guests will mingle in the handsome South Bar and around the fire pit of the spacious Valencia Terrace, enjoying mixed libations and delectable hors d'oeuvres.

Most couples say their vows on the Croquet Lawn, under a wrought-iron arch adorned with flowers and greenery that overlooks the championship golf course. Fragrant petals define a colorful aisle, where seating for up to 220 can be arranged. Although the wedding couple garners most of the attention, guests can't help but notice the border of roses and the stunning rock waterfall. Three stairways leading to this area provide numerous ways to choreograph your ceremony for sentimental impact.

After the knot is tied, Marbella's picturesque fairways and beautiful clubhouse architecture make spectacular backdrops for photos. While your photographer is capturing your first pictures as newlyweds, your guests stroll across the lawn to the Catalonia Terrace and luxuriously appointed Catalonia Grille for the reception. Here, they'll savor creative specialties prepared by the club's Certified Master Chef. If you like, place votive candles on the tables for a romantic touch.

From your sweetheart table you can watch your contented guests as they flow easily between the Catalonia Grille and the terrace through five sets of French doors. Après-dinner festivities continue on the dance floor.

When you have your wedding at the Marbella Country Club, it's the only event scheduled for the entire evening. So take your time and immerse yourself in the celebration, knowing it will be an unforgettable experience for all who attend.