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9 Wedding Venues in Orange County with Epic Waterfront Views

Photographer: Duke Photography | Venue: The Resort at Pelican Hill | Floral: White Lilac Inc. | Planner: White Lilac Inc.

by Jessica Terson, Writer

Southern California beckons with its temperate weather and picturesque coastlines, making it the perfect place to say “I do.” The idyllic seaside locale offers couples the opportunity to exchange vows against panoramic ocean views, in sprawling gardens, or stunning resort ballrooms. Your friends and family will appreciate the picture-perfect scenery at these breathtaking Orange County wedding venues that offer options galore for your perfect day.

The Resort at Pelican Hill

Outdoor wedding venue at The Resort At Pelican Hill
Photographer: The Grovers

Newport Coast

Timeless elegance meets the Mediterranean seaside at this stunning resort. The Event Lawn and Rotunda offer sweeping ocean views for a striking outdoor ceremony, while the Mar Vista room allows you to step indoors without ever losing sight of the coast. Dramatic floor-to-ceiling windows promise stunning photo ops and romantic backdrops for each moment of your chic celebration. Whether hosting a large, lavish event or something more private, The Resort at Pelican Hill is guaranteed to impress with four event spaces to choose from. We love how this ceremony highlighted the stunning view. 

Event Lawn and Rotunda Capacity: 500 (seated) – 500 (standing)

Mar Vista Capacity: 600 (seated) – 600 (standing

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Surf and Sand Resort

Outdoor wedding venue at Surf and Sand Resort
Photo Courtesy of Surf and Sand Resort

Laguna Beach

With five distinct event spaces, this oceanfront hotel offers something for everyone. The Catalina Terrace and Ocean Terrace provide panoramic ocean views, while each of the three indoor ballrooms grants guests the opportunity to step outside and enjoy adjacent terraces. The Pelican Ballroom is ideal for larger parties with its vaulted ceilings and spacious seating. For a more intimate experience, enjoy the Sand Castle Room, which boasts floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the Pacific. 

Sand Castle Room & Patio Capacity: 70 (seated) – 100 (standing)

Ocean Terrace Capacity: 80 (seated) – 80 (standing)

Catalina Terrace Capacity: 180 (seated) – 180 (standing)

Pelican Ballroom & Terrace Capacity: 180 (seated) – 250 (standing)

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The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel

Outdoor wedding venue at The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel
Photographer: Jana Williams Photography

Dana Point

All-encompassing ocean views are inescapable at this gorgeous event hotel. Couples can choose from a variety of locations including the Pacific Promenade Lawn with its colorful gardens, or the Monarch Bay Sunset Terrace which flaunts a Spanish-tiled courtyard.We adore how this wedding décor beautifully framed the ocean in pretty pink and white florals. The Terrace Salon charms with art deco décor while the Ritz-Carlton Ballroom features Bohemian crystal chandeliers that inspire a more delicate elegance. An added bonus — The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel specializes in Indian and Kosher catering. 

Monarch Bay Sunset Terrace Capacity: up to 74

The Pacific Promenade Lawn Capacity: up to 275

The Ritz-Carlton Ballroom Capacity: up to 550

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Monarch Beach Resort

Outdoor wedding venue at The Monarch Beach Resort
Photographer: John Russo Photography

Dana Point

The Monarch Beach Resort is perfect for capturing unforgettable bridal party photos. This classic coastal setting enchants with its Pacific Promenade and “Hall of Mirrors.” Its six spaces are also ideally suited for a beautiful cocktail reception and elegant dinner. The Grand Lawn is one of the most picturesque spaces on the property with white gazebos naturally adorned in fuchsia bougainvillea.We appreciate how this ceremony featured vows under the resort’s gazebo dripping with beautiful florals. Also unforgettable is the Pacific Ballroom which will leave a lasting impression with its high ceilings and sparkling chandeliers.

Grand Lawn Capacity: 300

Pacific Ballroom Capacity: 700

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Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa

Outdoor wedding venue at Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa
Photographer: Callaway Gable

Dana Point

Capture grand views of the Pacific at this relaxed, yet sophisticated, resort. Sprawling lawns offer plenty of space to dine and dance, with space for luxe tents like the ones used at this gorgeous reception. The simple and elegant Richard Henry Dana Ballroom is the perfect customizable canvas for any aesthetic you dream of, and its vaulted ceilings add a sense of grandeur. Lush lawns and turquoise ocean backdrops are sure to set the tone for a memorable evening of celebrating.  

Resort Capacity: up to 600

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The Waterfront Beach Resort - A Hilton Hotel

View from The Waterfront Beach Resort
Photo Courtesy of The Waterfront Beach Resort

Huntington Beach

The Waterfront Beach Resort offers more than ten spaces to choose from with oceanfront ballrooms boasting enticing coastline views. Unique, geometric chandeliers in the largest space, The Breakwater Ballroom, grant an atmosphere of modern elegance. Meanwhile, the Coastal Ballroom features an enclosed outdoor fireplace and water feature. The grand double-lawn features dreamy beach views for the perfect ceremony. The resort’s four-diamond personalized service ensures an unforgettable celebration filled with luxury and romance.

Vista Lawns Capacity: 270 (seated) – 425 (standing)

Coastal Ballroom: 210 (seated) – 300 (standing)

Breakwater Ballroom: 630 (seated) – 850 (standing)

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The Ranch at Laguna Beach

Outdoor wedding venue at The Ranch At Laguna Beach
Photographer: Nicole Leever Photography

Laguna Beach

Boasting 12 different spaces, The Ranch at Laguna Beach offers multiple versions of paradise. Harvest Lawn thrills with dazzling views of sweeping canyon walls. The Grove, with its 50-year-old stone pines, creates a natural canopy perfect for wedding ceremonies, like this stunning wedding. Scout Camp boasts a dreamy eucalyptus grove full of natural romance. And don’t forget to visit the Sage Ballroom — its glass doors and windows ensure the breathtaking outdoors is never out of view.

Harvest Lawn Capacity: 80 (seated) – 250 (standing)

Scout Camp Capacity: 150

Sage Ballroom Capacity: 180

The Grove Capacity: 200

Montage Laguna Beach

Outdoor wedding venue at Montage Laguna Beach
Photographer: Lin & Jirsa Photography

Laguna Beach

With a variety of indoor and outdoor spaces, Montage Laguna Beach creates an idyllic environment for an unforgettable wedding. Impressive event spaces include oceanfront lawns, lush gardens, and remarkable ballrooms. Both ballrooms boast antique gold elements and glittering chandeliers. The Oceanfront Event Lawns provide intoxicating views of the ocean, perfect for ceremonies or enchanting outdoor receptions.   

Gallery Ballroom Capacity: 240

Oceanfront Event Lawns Capacity: 300

Grand Ballroom Capacity: 500

Lido House

Couple in front of beach house at Lido House
Lido House Instagram

Newport Beach

Sporting a “beach-house soirée vibe,” Libo House Newport Beach is perfect for intimate rehearsal dinners and grand receptions. A charming brick wall enclosing the Lido Lawn creates a lovely ceremonial backdrop. The Boathouse Ballroom is both modern and rustic, with metal chandeliers and exposed beams. The Topside Roof Deck offers stunning views for a more relaxed setting. We love the inescapable romance at this beachside resort.

Boathouse Ballroom Capacity: up to 250

Lido Lawn Capacity: up to 300

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