March 15, 2024
If you are looking for ocean view wedding venues in Southern California, you’ll find a plethora of options to choose from. From beachfront ceremonies where you can have your toes in the sand, to hotels perched on cliffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean, each venue has its own unique charm.
From luxury hotels in Santa Barbara, to Malibu event spaces, down to the sands of Newport Beach, here’s a curated list of the best ocean-view wedding venues across Southern California. With the golden sunset in the background, and an ocean breeze in the air, these venues capture the essence of coastal elegance.
Keep reading for some picture-perfect options for a waterfront wedding in Southern California.
Santa Barbara County Wedding Venues with Ocean Views
Santa Barbara County, often hailed as the American Riviera, exudes a unique and captivating coastal charm. Its coastline is a picturesque blend of soft, sandy beaches and rugged cliffs, with many opportunities for panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean. Wedding venues in Santa Barbara mirror the area’s distinctive Spanish Colonial architecture, where you’ll find many white stucco buildings and red-tiled roofs that complement the alluring natural beauty. Santa Barbara is a coastal paradise that embodies a perfect balance of luxury and casual beach living. It’s a coveted destination for travelers, and a premier location for a destination wedding in Southern California.
Belmond El Encanto
Santa Barbara
Belmond El Encanto is a luxury hotel and wedding venue nestled in the hills above Santa Barbara. It offers an enchanting setting for weddings, with lush gardens and sweeping ocean views. Guest can enjoy ocean-facing patios and a range of accommodations from private bungalows to signature suites.
Ritz-Carlton Bacara
Santa Barbara
The Ritz-Carlton Bacara in Santa Barbara is a dreamy destination for a luxury wedding with waterfront views. The property has a nature trail that leads directly down to the beach, and boasts breathtaking scenery. If you want to feel the ocean breeze as you say “I do”, you can choose from multiple options for an outdoor ceremony with the Pacific Ocean as your backdrop.
Los Angeles Wedding Venues with Ocean Views
You don’t have to travel far from the city of Los Angeles to find a wedding venue with views of the Pacific. The LA area offers plenty of venues that provide a dreamy backdrop where the city’s vibrant energy meets the serene coastal beauty. Explore both luxurious resorts and contemporary hotels that seamlessly mesh urban sophistication with sweeping ocean views.
Bel-Air Bay Club
Pacific Palisades
The Bel-Air Bay Club is a Southern California wedding venue known for it’s ocean views. Located in the prestigious Pacific Palisades, it provides a spectacular oceanfront venue for LA weddings, featuring manicured gardens, elegant Spanish architecture, and panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean.
Santa Monica Proper Hotel
Santa Monica
The Santa Monica Proper Hotel offers a chic and contemporary setting for weddings. Most notable is the hotel’s blend of modern design and coastal elegance, situated just moments from the iconic Santa Monica beach. This hotel’s rooftop terrace boasts panoramic views of the ocean and Los Angeles. It’s also a conveniently located getting ready option for couples getting married at other venues in the area.
Terranea Resort
Rancho Palos Verdes
Terranea Resort is a sprawling resort perched atop the Palos Verdes Peninsula. It has luxurious accommodations and spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean. It’s a sought-after travel destination and wedding venue.
Los Verdes Golf Course
Rancho Palos Verdes
Los Verdes Golf Course offers a coastal ceremony location from a lawn of rich rolling greenery overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Guests can enjoy the fresh sea breeze and a cocktail hour from the venue’s spacious terrace.
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Orange County Wedding Venues with Ocean Views
Head a little farther south to Orange County and you’ll find wedding venues that epitomize Southern California’s laid-back luxury. There are many venues with breathtaking vistas of the Pacific Ocean and capture the essence of SoCal’s sun-drenched beach living.
Crystal Cove State Park
Laguna Beach
If you’re looking for a true toes-in-the-sand wedding ceremony, the beach at Crystal Cove State Park is a great option for an intimate elopement. Photo permits are also available if you want to visit just to take some wedding portraits on the beach.
Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens
San Clemente
At Casa Romantica, the name says it all. This venue’s Spanish colonial architecture is paired with panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean, making it a breathtaking setting for weddings. Ceremonies take place with expansive ocean views as the backdrop.
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To explore more wedding venues, head to my guide on best Los Angeles wedding venues