Southern California Weddings On The Beach

Southern California weddings on the beach, and wedding reception venues, are a great way to celebrate your natural love in a natural setting, and there are so many to choose from. The Southern California coastline has its own unique flair to it, so regardless if you opt for the populated beaches of Venice, Santa Monica or Huntington, or more secluded settings as with Crystal Cove, Torrey Pines or Sunset, you'll be sure to have a great experience.

If you are unsure as to which one you would like, you can always call or go on-line and see what each has to offer. While doing this research, an example of a hidden treasure that you may find would be that March is the best time of the year to have a Dana Point Beach wedding, because it's during whale migration season and that may offer a chance of having a whale breech itself in the background of your wedding and wedding photos.

There are so many to choose from and below is just a small sampling of that. In addition, check to see if the beach of your choice has any restrictions, fees or permits. In most cases, you simply just can't walk on to the beach and have a ceremony.

Catalina Island

Just off the coast of Los Angeles, is the very romantic island of Santa Catalina. After all, this is where much of the hit television show, "Fantasy Island" was shot at. With its beaches, the Casino Ballroom, the Wrigley Botanical Islands or the Descanso Beach Club, your ceremony will have an ambience like no other.

Huntington State Beach

One of the more popular and well known beaches, Huntington's nickname is Surf City and is home to many famous surfers and competitions. Huntington offers sandy beaches with incredible sunsets. Just across the street from the beach are many resort style hotels in which you can include in your wedding or for your guests to stay at. In addition, depending on the time of your wedding and reception, Huntington's night life is an outdoor party with its restaurants and the beach still has its rings of fire pits for that evening bonfire.

La Jolla

Located just north of San Diego is La Jolla Cove. This cove is considered as one of the more photographed beach locations in the state. In addition to the Cove, the city of La Jolla also offers La Jolla Shores and the Birch Aquarium. The aquarium overlooks the Shores from up above on a coastal bluff. This location also offers an outdoor tide-pool and really incredible sunset views.

Laguna Beach

Laguna Beach has so much history to it, that it's hard to find a location that doesn't offer a great setting. You have the main area on Pacific Coast Highway complete with shopping and beach volleyball or you may walk to a more secluded area heading south to where the opening scene of Gilligan's Island was shot. For more private and gorgeous coastal cliffs, head down to Crystal Cove.

Malibu

Yes, the famous celebrity hangout, Malibu. It's the same Malibu where Johnny Carson once lived, along with many other stars. For those not familiar with it, and yet you watch the television show "Two and a Half Men," this is the same city in which the main character's beach house is located. The state beach offers flower gardens, wetlands and a very sandy beach.

The Adamson House, which has been designated as a National Historical Site and California Landmark is a great place to hold your wedding and is highly visible from the beach and contains a great view of Malibu's Lagoon.

San Clemente

At the southernmost tip of Orange County is the San Clemente State Beach, which some feel is one of the more popular locations for beach weddings. The state beach includes the Clemente Historic Cottage, which includes a catering kitchen and patio area. It is usually available year round.

Santa Monica

For a wide variety of options, consider Santa Monica, home to the famous Santa Monica pier and boardwalk. Along with its carnival like atmosphere, ferris wheel included, Santa Monica also offers views overlooking the ocean, lush garden settings, sophisticated and artistic settings.

Ventura

San Buenaventura State Beach is the Valley's version of Huntington Beach when it comes to a great place for a beach bonfire. You can have your wedding and reception at one of the more known beaches and incredible sunsets. Afterwards, you can enjoy dinner and beach dancing around the pit. A unique experience in beach weddings.