For couples planning a West Coast destination wedding, few settings feel as distinctly California as an oceanfront ceremony. The coastline near Los Angeles offers dramatic cliffs, historic estates, and sweeping views of the Pacific that many couples travel across the country to experience.
This guide to ocean-view wedding venues near Los Angeles highlights a recent wedding at Bel-Air Bay Club, along with several additional venues with a similar aesthetic. If you’re dreaming of palm trees, ocean breezes, and a refined coastal setting, these venues provide some of the most memorable backdrops and luxury experiences in Southern California.
Bel-Air Bay Club: A Classic Oceanfront Wedding Venue Near Los Angeles
Sweeping Ocean Views
Perched above Pacific Coast Highway in Pacific Palisades, Bel-Air Bay Club offers uninterrupted views of Santa Monica Bay and Catalina Island. One of the best parts of the venue is that the highway below is completely out of sight, creating a peaceful, private atmosphere that feels removed from the city but conveniently close to Santa Monica.
Destination-Wedding Worthy
This recent wedding perfectly captured the relaxed yet elevated California aesthetic that draws so many destination couples to the West Coast. The couple traveled from New York City, intentionally choosing Southern California for its laid-back beachy feel — and Bel-Air Bay Club delivered.
Minimal Styling Needed
Their ceremony overlooked the ocean, framed by palm trees and soft coastal light, requiring little additional styling. The view naturally becomes the focal point, allowing couples to design a celebration that feels refined but not overdone.
Backdrop Variety
Beyond the ceremony space, Bel-Air Bay Club offers a variety of locations throughout the property. The terrace outside the getting-ready suite, enclosed by waist-high stone columns, created a soft, romantic setting for the couple’s first look. The architecture adds a sense of grandeur while still keeping the ocean visible.
Getting Ready Spaces for All
The venue also provides well-appointed spaces for both partners to get ready, something couples often overlook until they’re planning their timeline. This makes the day feel more relaxed and ensures each person gets a special, intentional space to start the day.
Indoor/Outdoor Venue
Cocktail hour in the courtyard offered guests space to mingle, while the reception space served as a more formal space for big moments. With the help of a strong creative team, the space transformed effortlessly for easy, natural transitions.
Proximity to Santa Monica
Another venue perk for destination weddings is its location. Bel-Air Bay Club sits close to Santa Monica, making it easy for traveling guests to enjoy a full weekend along the coast. This couple hosted their rehearsal dinner at Shutters on the Beach, and documenting the entire weekend helped tell a more complete story — something many destination couples appreciate when planning a multi-day celebration.
A Blank Canvas for Custom Coastal Wedding Design
One of the main draws of Bel-Air Bay Club is the flexibility of its ceremony and reception spaces. Couples can personalize their wedding design while the ocean remains the visual centerpiece. With a skilled creative team, the space transforms elegantly without excess.
This wedding was a perfect example. Remmi Events’ planning and Unique Floral Designs’ vibrant sunset-inspired florals gave the reception color and character suited to the coastal setting. The palette looked fresh and dynamic, complementing the venue’s natural beauty.
I also had the pleasure of collaborating with The Social Vow, a content creator who was part of the floral team for this wedding. Having a creative team working together so seamlessly brought their vision to life while keeping a subtle editorial feel throughout the day.
What Defines the West Coast Oceanfront Wedding Vibe
Couples searching for ocean view wedding venues near Los Angeles are often drawn to a similar set of features:
- Sweeping ocean views without visual distractions
- Coastal architecture with historic or resort-style design
- Outdoor ceremony options paired with indoor reception spaces
- Neutral or flexible event spaces that allow for customization
- Convenient access to nearby hotels and weekend activities
These venues create a relaxed luxury experience, a signature West Coast style that works well for destination weddings.
If you love the feel of Bel-Air Bay Club, these additional venues offer a similar coastal aesthetic.
More Ocean View Wedding Venues Near Los Angeles
La Venta Inn (Palos Verdes)
La Venta Inn sits on a bluff overlooking the Pacific in Palos Verdes. Known for its Spanish-style architecture and panoramic ocean views, this venue offers a private, intimate setting, with ceremony spaces facing the coastline. The historic appeal and elevated location create a similar feel to Bel-Air Bay Club, making it a strong option for partners seeking a coastal estate.
The Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel
Located in Dana Point, The Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel offers dramatic cliffside views of the Pacific Ocean. This venue combines resort amenities with sweeping coastal scenery, making it perfect for destination weddings that span an entire weekend. Guests can enjoy beach access, oceanfront dining, and luxury accommodations all in one place.
The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara
The Ritz-Carlton Bacara in Santa Barbara offers a Mediterranean-inspired setting along the Gaviota Coast. With oceanfront lawns, Spanish architecture, and expansive resort grounds, this venue blends relaxed coastal style with refined details. It works especially well for multi-day celebrations with guests traveling from out of town.
Adamson House (Malibu)
For couples drawn to historic appeal, Adamson House in Malibu offers an iconic coastal setting. The Spanish Colonial Revival architecture, oceanfront lawn, and proximity to Malibu’s beaches create an intimate, distinctly Southern California atmosphere. It’s ideal for couples who want a historic venue with a relaxed West Coast vibe.
Terranea Resort (Rancho Palos Verdes)
Terranea Resort sits along the cliffs of Rancho Palos Verdes, delivering panoramic ocean views and multiple ceremony locations. With spacious grounds, on-site accommodations, and coastal trails, Terranea is well-suited for destination weddings that feel like a weekend retreat.
Planning a Destination Wedding on the California Coast
If you’re planning a destination wedding at one of these ocean view wedding venues near Los Angeles, consider building a full weekend experience. Rehearsal dinners, welcome parties, and post-wedding brunches allow guests to enjoy the coastal setting while creating a more relaxed timeline for the wedding day itself.
Many couples prioritize photography coverage across multiple events. Capturing these moments helps tell a more complete story — especially when guests have traveled from across the country to celebrate.
Ultimately, the appeal of these venues goes beyond the scenery. It’s the combination of ocean views, coastal architecture, and relaxed atmosphere that creates a distinctly West Coast wedding experience — one that feels memorable and timeless.
Want a West Coast Photographer Who Knows How to Capture the Feel of Your Day?
Vendor Team
Photographer: Hanna Walkowaik Photography | @hannawalkowaik
Planner: Remmi Events | @remmievents
Hair & Makeup: Kohnur | @kohnur
Cake: The Butter End | @thebutterend
Floral: Unique Floral Designs | @uniquefloraldesigns
Venue: Bel-Air Bay Club | @belairbayclub
Champagne Shelves: Bright Event Rentals | @brighteventrentals
DJ, Lighting & Photo Booth: Second Song | @secondsong_official
Ceremony & Cocktail Musicians: Jason Sulkin Music | @jasonsulkinmusic
Signage: Karen Farn Calligraphy | @karenfarncalligraphy
Videographer: Spin the Dial Films | @spinthedialfilms
Parking Attendant: Quality Parking Service | @qualityparkingservice
