Your Wedding Day - California Beach Weddings

California Beach Weddings



by Jolene Rae Harrington, HereComesTheGuide.com photography by Sun-Dance Photography As a born-and-raised California girl, I knew one thing for sure—when I got married, it would be on the beach. Not next to the beach, not overlooking the beach or on an ocean view terrace, but actually on the sand. Maybe I’d seen the film classic From Here To Eternity one too many times (you know that famous scene where Burt Lancaster and Deborah Kerr embrace while laying in the crashing surf?). Not to be outdone, my ultra-romantic wedding fantasy included all the key elements: a movie-worthy stretch of sand, a spectacular sunset, and the two of us strolling barefoot at the water’s edge as a breeze carried our kisses out to sea… I’m happy to report my wedding turned out exactly as I always imagined it would. And yours can too! If it’s an authentic beach wedding you’re after, then any one of these coastal venues will arrange it for you, just the way you want it. From North to South of the Golden State, the winners are:
Inn at Schoolhouse Creek, Mendocino This charming garden retreat is a few minutes’ walk from Buckhorn Cove, a private inlet with dramatic 100-foot cliffs, sea arches, and a small wooded island. Say your vows on a sandy curve of beach, while the sheltered waters provide an idyllic backdrop. The unspoiled terrain taps into the elemental, making this a stirring setting for a private heartfelt pledge, or a declaration before a casual gathering of friends and family. Afterwards, everyone returns to the inn for the reception, their spirits uplifted by the great outdoors. Beach Resort Monterey For the couple who dream of saying “I Do” in full view of the waves and the dynamic Monterey skyline, this is the place. The resort is located right on the beach, so weddings here are a snap. The staff provides a wedding arch, white chairs and an aisle runner, and you can also rent a gazebo. Sunset weddings are nothing short of breathtaking; then, instead of moving to one of the ballrooms, stay right where you are for your reception. Go for something fun and carefree, like a luau or clambake; or add specialty menu items and upscale décor for a chic beach soirée. SeaVenture, Pismo Beach Famous for family getaways and old-fashioned fun in the sun, Pismo also loves a good wedding. In fact, the staff at SeaVenture, a beachfront boutique hotel, will set up the ceremony for you—right on the powder-soft sand. Do it up fancy, with satin chair covers, a petal-strewn aisle, and white wedding arch entwined with garlands. Or keep the mood light and breezy, letting the vibrant seascape and boldly colored sunset accompany your vows. Other scenic bonuses include wind-sculpted sandbanks and a neighboring tidal marsh, home to ducks, sandpipers and a blanket of beach grass. Later, toast the panorama from SeaVenture’s upstairs terrace, a serene spot for cocktails or a moonlit after-party. Rincon Beach Club, Santa Barbara County It’s only a five-minute walk from the Club to Santa Claus Lane Beach—or rent a cute trolley to shuttle your guests to the sand. The Rincon Beach Club comes with an experienced catering and production team that is full of ideas: pay homage to the coastal setting, and mark the wedding aisle with seashells, coral or driftwood; set up a bamboo arch draped with rich fabric; or install an orchid-strewn canopy for some tropical flair—they can even lay grass sod on the sand! Rincon’s style squad suggests arranging the guest chairs facing southward toward a curve of shoreline; in the background, the silhouette of Moroccan-style buildings built into the bluff creates the illusion of marrying on an exotic Grecian isle! Chart House, Redondo Beach Not only does The Chart House serve up crowd-pleasing food and wine along with panoramic views of the Pacific, it’s also one of the only places in the area where you can wed on the beach. The staff arranges everything with ease—some couples exchange vows on a carpeted platform, while others pledge themselves, barefoot, right on the sand. The most picturesque time for a ceremony here is at sunset, with a soft orange and pink glow blossoming in the distance. During the cocktail hour, the wedding party can romp at the water’s edge for photos. Add a tent to the scene, and continue the reception festivities seaside. Hotel Del Coronado, San Diego County The site of many a fabled amour, as well as several cinema classics, the award-winning “Del,” in Coronado Beach, is one of the most romantic wedding locations in the world. This coastal legend commands 28 oceanfront acres, and is blessed with outstanding amenities: historic, chandelier-clad banquet rooms; lush gardens and landscaped pathways; and stunning Victorian architecture. But if your heart’s desire is an authentic beach wedding, the Del’s superb catering staff will wave their magic wand and make it so. You and your beloved can share your first married kiss while basking in gentle sea breezes and a technicolor sunset. Then continue the celebration in the lap of luxury inside the famous resort. Hilton San Diego Resort and Spa For a setting straight out of one of Gaughin’s Polynesian landscapes, have a destination wedding at the Hilton San Diego Resort and Spa on Mission Bay. Yes, the Koi Pond Terrace and the garden lawn with the pretty pergola are both divine...but if tumbling waves and sand are required while you become Mr. & Mrs, then the Hilton’s event pros will arrange a bayside ceremony (tiki-torches optional). Toast the occasion with cocktails and hors d’oeuvres in the adjacent tropical garden, and as the sun dips below the horizon, beach campfires add warmth and atmosphere. •	Pelican Inn, Marin County Patterned after the quaint coastal cottages of 16th-century England, the Pelican Inn is a cozy world unto itself. Wedding groups have the run of the place, including a pub, a glassed-in conservatory, and a garden lawn. Couples can also exchange vows on Muir Beach, a mere two-minute walk from this storybook spot. Tucked against the forested hillsides of Mt. Tamalpais, Muir Beach captures the spiritual majesty of Mother Nature. Weddings here tend to be both unconventional and inspiring, with couples promising to have and to hold while gulls dive among pillows of sea mist. Then it’s back to the Inn for a celebratory toast and a hearty English feast by a roaring fire. Sanctuary Beach Resort, Monterey County Both luxurious and eco-friendly, this blufftop oasis overlooks a secluded strand of the Monterey Bay Marine Sanctuary. Windswept dunes blossom with rare wildflowers during the warmer months, while year-round, snowy plovers and wisps of twilight fog bestir the sea. Couples can’t resist the aura of wild romance, and a short walking path from the resort to the sand makes a perfect wedding aisle. Sometimes, during the surfside ceremony, dolphins can be spotted arching beyond the breakers. Sanctuary Beach Resort is a unique combination of sophisticated accommodations, earth-first values and a landscape worthy of an artist’s paint brush. Malibu Nature Preserve Your wedding at Malibu Nature Preserve contributes to a worthy cause—safeguarding acres of mountain wilderness, historic Chumash caves and endangered habitat. Not only can you celebrate amidst the Preserve’s harmonious surroundings, you can also conduct your ceremony at neighboring Nicholas Canyon Beach. Opt for a simple ritual surrounded by a cluster of well-wishers; or go all out with a formal arrangement of white chairs, decorated arch and carpeted aisle. Dolphins, migrating whales and shorebirds occasionally make an appearance, while legendary sunsets are guaranteed. For your reception, return to the Preserve where sycamore trees, a flowing creek, and an ocean view clubhouse keep things real. The Sunset, Malibu Tucked at the end of a side street at the tip of Point Dume, this restaurant faces a pretty stretch of relatively secluded shoreline, with a froth of white sand and phenomenal, multi-color horizons as the sun goes down. What’s more, The Sunset staff will arrange your entire ceremony for you, complete with platform aisle and small stage, chairs, electricity and sound system. Following the ceremony, guests take cocktails in the lounge while you and your wedding party frolic in the sand for your Kodak moments. Add to this fabulous food and a casually elegant reception space you can see why at The Sunset, living (and partying!) is easy and inspired.
	TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL BEACH WEDDING Prep Your Guests Make sure your guests know that the wedding is actually on the sand, so they can dress appropriately. This can be communicated with the invitation (included with the map directions), on your wedding website and through word-of-mouth. Feet - Some beachy couples are providing a “shoe valet” where guests can trade out their Ferragamo pumps for casual flip-flops—which you can have personalized with the couple’s name and wedding date (See beau-coup ). Another nice touch is to have a de-sanding station—soft bristled paint brushes are a fun way to wipe the sand from between your toes! Eyes - Remember, your beach site most likely faces west, so your guests will be gazing into the sun as it sets. Make sure everyone knows to bring sunglasses, hats, visors—you don’t want them squinting at you the entire time! Weather - Remind your guests to bring appropriate wraps, in case it gets chilly. It’s not a bad plan to have sweaters, shawls, sweatshirts or even blankets on hand, should Cousin Ann show up without her pashimina. Alternatively, if it’s a high-noon ceremony in August, providing cool drinks (you can even order your own private-label bottled water!) and paper fans (we love them printed with wedding programs) would make guests more comfortable. Dress Code - A beach wedding is not the ideal milieu for a formal ballgown or chapel train. Whether you opt for a tropical island sheath or a demure slip-dress, take advantage of the heaps of stylish fashions available to set a coastal mood. Light fabrics, such as sheer silks and chiffons, have a nice fluid movement to them, yet still look dressy. If you’re having a platform set up as a wedding aisle, then your satin pumps will be fine. Otherwise, consider sandals…or why not go barefoot? With the pearls, Swarovski crystals and bejeweled barefoot sandals found at Jewels-by-Jan.com, you’ll look both dressy and casual. You can put on your high heels for the reception. And don’t forget your own wrap—a filmy stole, lacy shawl or faux-fur capelet makes an elegant cover-up while keeping gooseflesh at bay. Loose, flowing hair may suit your free-spirited style, but if strong breezes are a-blowin’, you could be battling strands in your teeth or curls sticking to your lip gloss. Instead, select a wedding hairstyle that has at least the front part of your hair off your face. Loosely arranged up-dos are also a lovely choice. Have a Back-up Plan - We know: it never rains in Southern California…except when it does. Sometimes it’s the wind that makes things unbearable. It’s best to always have a foul-weather option—a tent or indoor shelter—if only for your peace of mind. Details, details - Check with your venue or wedding coordinator to make sure you’ve applied for the proper beach permits, if required. The sound of the crashing surf can be so atmospheric…and also noisy! Most venues will be able to provide electricity, so you can have a microphone for the officiant. For an intimate wedding of, say, 20 or so guests, it’s fine to have them gather around the couple during a brief ceremony. Otherwise you’ll want to arrange for seating. Luckily, your setting is so picturesque that you won’t need to add décor. But an arch or chuppa makes a nice focal point. Many venues have these available or know where you can rent them. (Try UndertheChuppaOnline.com) Be aware, most beach sites are public. If you want complete privacy, rent an estate or a hotel ballroom. For photos, pricing and details on hundreds of California event location and pre-screened vendors (and a healthy serving of West Coast wedding inspiration), visit HereComesTheGuide.com.

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