California has some of the best beaches in the world – even just saying the name ‘California’ evokes sunny, happy vibes. And with so many glorious sandy beaches stretching along its coastline, rest assured there’s also an abundance of stunning beach wedding venues in California that’ll blow your mind.
So listen up, loved-up couples and wedding planners. Let’s take a closer look at the very best California wedding venues that all make the most of their wonderful beachfront spots.
We hear the crashing waves and champagne-popping from here!
The perfect venue by the beach might look a little different for each couple – we have our own unique needs and desires when it comes to planning the perfect wedding day. While some of us are happy with a laid-back, more casual venue, others might be after the grandest, most opulent venue of all. So whether your priorities lie with the price of the wedding packages on offer or the overall romantic feel of the place, we’ll outline each of the venues’ biggest draws.
The criteria we’ve used for this post is as follows:
We’ll let you know how pricey each venue is
We’ll tell you how highly-sought after the locale is
We’ll tell you whether the beach itself is a beauty
Average ratings based on Google and TripAdvisor
Enamoree Score
Where is it? San Francisco, California
Pelican Inn is as though a traditional English countryside cottage has been picked up and replanted on the sunny California coast – but we’re not complaining. Designed around the charm and coziness of 16th-century Tudor-style architecture, this is one of the most uniquely beautiful beach wedding venues in California.
You can choose to have the ceremony out on the cottage lawn or on Muri beach – just a two-minute walk away. After you’ve had your first kiss as a married couple, you’ll then head back inside the Inn for a fun-filled reception, dinner, and party in the banquet conservatory complete with a roaring fireplace. Our cockles are warming at just the thought of it.
Price | Location | Beach | Customer reviews | Book now |
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Where is it? San Diego, California
Although on the expensive side, this stunning beach location of San Diego Mission Bay Resort makes it totally worth splashing out for – if your budget allows. The sailboats of Mission Bay and the gentle swaying of palm trees scattered along the shore mean that it’s one of the most picturesque beach wedding venues in California.
We recommend having your ceremony take place barefoot on the beach itself. The sand is powder soft and there’s something innately romantic about stripping everything back to basics and connecting with the resort’s natural surroundings.
Price | Location | Beach | Customer reviews | Book now |
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Where is it? Santa Barbara, California
The clubhouse and banquet room of Rincon Beach Club are just a short stroll from the breathtaking Santa Claus Lane Beach – so you’ll get the best of both worlds.
Once the ceremony on the sands has finished, you and your guests can head inside the club for a night of exquisite food, live music, and plenty of champagne sipping. However you envision your day, the friendly and skilled events staff here can help make it happen. Plus, you’ve got all the amenities and spaces you need in just one place, including: a brides room, an indoor dance area, a fully-stocked bar, and beautiful private gardens for taking fancy wedding photos.
Price | Location | Beach | Customer reviews | Book now |
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Where is it? Newport Beach, California
Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort is one of the most versatile wedding venues by the beach. Here you can choose to say ‘I do’ in a variety of places, but we recommend tying the knot in the beachfront Grand Gazebo – even on the sandy beach itself. With the venue’s total capacity being up to 350 guests, you’ll have ample space to have a lavish party with all of your friends and family.
So once vows have been officially exchanged, make sure that you get some picture-perfect photos with the glistening waters as your backdrop – then head inside to the open-bar area for a cocktail and canape reception.
Price | Location | Beach | Customer reviews | Book now |
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Where is it? Santa Monica, California
We couldn’t list the best beach wedding venues in California without mentioning Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel – it’s a one-of-a-kind venue by the beach that truly wows. If you’re looking for happy seaside vibes and glorious sunshine, this is the place for you.
After a barefoot-on-the-beach type ceremony with ocean views and Santa Monica Pier as your backdrop, you can head inside to the sophisticated and stylish bar and dining space. What’s on offer all depends on whether you feel like an intimate reception or a grander affair, so speak to the venue’s events team to find out the various package offers.
Price | Location | Beach | Customer reviews | Book now |
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Where is it? Encinitas, California
Not only does it ooze glamor and elegance, Alila Marea Beach Resort is also perched high on top of a rocky cliffside, so the views are unbeatable – perhaps the best on this entire list. If romantic ocean scenery is your priority, this is a great choice. One thing’s for sure: the photos will be stellar.
After the outdoor ceremony, head indoors to the upscale and spacious ballroom – that also opens up onto the foyer and covered terrace. The decor is ultra-modern and boasts a neutral color palette – meaning you’re free to customize the space with your own individual flourishings. Feel free to visit the venue to see how you’d bring the space to life.
Price | Location | Beach | Customer reviews | Book now |
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Where is it? Del Mar, California
If you’re willing to stretch your budget for something a little more high-end, this is the place to do it. L’Auberge Del Mar is one of the most deluxe California wedding venues that has everything you need for an extravagant celebration – and so much more.
With a capacity of 200 guests and a variety of flexible indoor and outdoor spaces, this is a venue that ticks all the boxes – especially if you’ve always dreamed of getting married amongst Del Mar’s ritzy vibes. After frolicking on the sands and getting great beach photos with your loved ones, you’ll enjoy a luxurious reception up on the Pacific Terrace. Here the ocean views stretch for miles and miles – and the space becomes even more beautiful after sunset, with sparkling lighting hung overhead.
Price | Location | Beach | Customer reviews | Book now |
Venues by the beach add that extra je ne sais quoi to a wedding.
Has something caught your eye on our list of the best beach wedding venues in California? We hope so. Get in touch with the various venues, using the links, to start planning.
In the meantime, if you’ve ever been to a wedding in one of these venues, let us know in the comments!
We’d love to hear about your experience.
