My Hotel Wedding’s Four Favorite SoCal Beach Wedding Hotels

 

I am so happy to be featured on Red-i By Chelsea today and even more excited to share with you some of my favorite Southern California beach hotels. First, let me give you a quick background on me. I’ve been a freelance wedding planner the past ten years, worked for the Four Seasons for the past 5 years doing events and now run My Hotel Wedding. As a wedding freelancer I’ve had the opportunity to work at a number of beach properties throughout Southern California, which is why Chelsea asked me to write about the best ones. So get ready as I hope to inspire you all to host your big day at a California beach hotel!

 Shutters on the Beach

 

Shutters on the Beach is a luxury hotel set on the boardwalk across from the world famous Santa Monica beach. It’s architecture and decor is reminiscent of  the Hampton’s with a California flair, of course. Their guest rooms overlook the boardwalk and beach where you can sit and people watch for hours. I highly recommend taking a walk just south of the property to the renowned Venice Beach where you will be thoroughly entertained all day long.

 

One of my favorite things about this property is their outdoor poolside deck. The deck offers the perfect location for an outdoor ceremony which is an absolute must given our warm weather. After the outdoor ceremony guests can also cocktail outside and soak up more rays before entering the beautiful ballroom for dinner and dancing.

 

 

This couple took complete advantage of all the stunning outdoor beachside locations for memorable photos as every couple married at Shutters should do. The staff is helpful and courteous and the food is AMAZING. Whether you’re having a small gathering for 20 people or many more, you’ll truly feel like a VIP being married here.

Photography via MHW  by Joshua Bobrove

 

The Resort at Pelican Hill

 

When I first encountered this property, it took my breath away. This has to be one of the best ceremony locations in all of California or make that the United States. The Resort at Pelican Hill offers an already built structure for your ceremony, so all you have to do is all your own flavor and color palette.

 

 

I’ve been fortunate as I had the opportunity to work on a wedding at this property and attend as a guest. Both experiences were equally amazing and impressive! Although Pelican Hill is not located on the ocean, it truly makes up for it’s geography with it’s on property offerings (pool, spa & golf). And if you’re a lay on the beach gal like myself, the beach and shopping are only a short drive away.

 

Photos via Pelican Hill Website and About Details Details

 

Four Seasons Resort Santa Barbara

 

I admit that I’m slightly biased since I worked for Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts for so many years, but with all that put aside, this is one of the most stunning resorts in Santa Barbara County that you could visit. Set just across the street from the ocean, this beautifully landscaped resort features private spanish bungalows along with their regular guest rooms and allows dogs! The brick patios are a nice casual setting for cocktails while the ballroom follows the same spanish style for your reception.

 

 

AND not only is there one ballroom to chose from, but there are TWO. You can also work with Four Seasons Resort Santa Barbara to host your wedding at the also amazing and recently renovated Coral Casino where all of Old Hollywood spent their days.

 

 

And in case you caught the most recent Bachelor wedding, you are correct in wondering if it was held at this property. Like all the hotels I’ve mentioned the food, service and presentation are superb!

Photos via Four Seasons Weddings Magazine by The Youngrens

 

The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel

 

Last, but certainly not least on my list is the Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel. Similar to Pelican Hill, this property is known for it’s stunning ceremony views overlooking the ocean. And an added perk, the beach is only a little hike downhill so it’s easily accessible for photos.

 

 

The Ritz also offers multiple ballrooms catering to your wedding size so you can find the perfect fit for your guests. They’re also flexible in hosting morning, afternoon and evening ceremonies and have plenty of space to make sure the weddings don’t overlap. Don’t be surprised if you run into another bride during your time there, I say we might as well all celebrate together!

 

Photos via MHW by Jonathan Moore Photography

 

To learn more about My Hotel Wedding, your one-stop site for seamless hotel wedding planning, visit us at our website. Hope to see you there!