Santa Monica Weddings:
How to Get Married on the Beach
Santa Monica weddings are pure magic!
Whether your dream wedding on the sand is a black tie affair or a ceremony on a shoestring, Santa Monica offers something for every couple - and every budget. Popular Santa Monica wedding locations include:
- Outdoor beach weddings
- Annenberg Beach House weddings
- Santa Monica hotels; and
- Unique properties, restaurants, and multi-purpose spaces
Rules for Santa Monica Beach Weddings
Here are the rules you'll need to follow for a ceremony on the beach in Santa Monica:
- It can be held anywhere along the shores of Santa Monica State Beach, as long as lifeguard views are not obstructed
- It can also be held at Palisades Park
- Space is available on a first-come, first-serve basis
- Must have less than 150 participants
You can have any of the following at your seaside wedding:
- tables, chairs, runners, and small archways
- canopies under 400 square feet
- stages up to 30 feet high; and
- amplified sound between 8 a.m. and 10 p.m.
Getting Married on Santa Monica Pier
And if you want to ramp up the amusement factor for your big day: Consider a ceremony on Santa Monica Pier.
You'll not only be on the beach for your wedding; you can be sailing over it. Imagine the colorful photos!
Yes, the iconic Santa Monica Pier and Pacific Park amusement center are available for weddings. It's decidedly less-formal - and more whimsical.
If fresh ocean breezes and sailing over the Pacific Ocean on a Ferris wheel with your beloved is a fitting start to your new life together, check out Pier wedding options here.
You're guaranteed great wedding pictures as you ride off into the sunset and your new lives together!
Annenberg Beach House
An option for larger weddings: the Annenberg Community Beach House on Santa Monica State Beach.
The venue can accommodate up to 400 guests and allows your ceremony to transition easily from beach ceremony to reception.
The historic, 5-acre Santa Monica Beach House is as comfortable for weddings with a high heeled-Hollywood glamour theme as it is for a laid-back, California casual-style affair with flip-flops. For more information, contact the Santa Monica Beach House at (310) 458-4934.
Wedding-Friendly Santa Monica Hotels
Many beach hotels offer both ceremony and reception space. Some even have wedding planners who can help with all the details, including dining options and a myriad of other services.
They include:
- Casa del Mar sophisticated elegance steps from the sand, with all the amenities you'll need for a classic, unforgettable wedding.
- Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows Whether your style is softly romantic, classically cosmopolitan or show-stopping elegance, the Fairmont Santa Monica is a premier location.
- Huntley Hotel combines fun and funky elegance.
- JW Marriott Santa Monica is a luxury resort in the best of settings: It's just two blocks from the Santa Monica Pier and the Third Street Promenade.
- Loews Santa Monica recognizes that love is luxury. Their 4 Diamond Award-winning banquet and culinary team is there to cater to your every need.
- Shutters on the Beach The essence of beach elegance, also steps from the sand with expert wedding planners and the ideal photo backdrop.
- Viceroy Santa Monica Fun, funky, and elegant, the Viceroy is a stylish venue just a block from the beach and sand.
Non-Hotel Wedding and Reception Venues
Non-hotel venues include unique properties, restaurants, and multi-purpose space. Those with available reception space include:
A beautifully unforgettable wedding is virtually guaranteed in Santa Monica - no matter your budget.
Now, relax knowing that's you've found the place to make your dream wedding come true. The sand and sea await your arrival!
