Planning Your Dream Wedding in Laguna Beach
Picture yourself standing hand-in-hand with your partner, the Pacific Ocean’s waves gently lapping behind you as the sun sets in a burst of golden light. The cliffs of Laguna Beach frame your special day, and every detail—from the intimate beach ceremony to the reception under the stars—feels like a perfect dream. This coastal paradise is not just a beautiful backdrop, but a destination where every wedding becomes a unique, magical experience.
From luxurious resorts like Montage Laguna Beach to rustic settings at The Ranch Laguna Beach, this guide will help you plan your dream wedding, whether it’s a grand affair or a Laguna Beach elopement. With Laguna Beach wedding venues offering stunning ocean views, perfect weather year-round, and plenty of expert vendors, this idyllic coastal town is a top choice for couples looking for an unforgettable wedding day.
1. Choose Your Wedding Date and Time
Laguna Beach enjoys near-perfect weather, making it an ideal spot for a wedding any time of year. However, choosing the right season and day can make a difference in your experience. If you’re dreaming of a beach wedding in Laguna Beach, you’ll want to check tide schedules and consider the busier summer months.
For privacy, consider a weekday wedding in the spring or fall, when the beach is less crowded, and parking is easier to manage.
For an intimate elopement, winter offers a peaceful, serene backdrop with fewer tourists. If a more intimate setting is what you want, a Laguna Beach courthouse wedding or Laguna Beach City Hall wedding may be perfect.
Pro tip: Check with the Laguna Beach permitting office to ensure your selected beach or park is available on your chosen date. For Laguna Beach weddings on the sand, high tides can limit space, so careful planning is a must.
2. Set Your Wedding Budget
Your wedding budget will determine the venue, guest count, and services you can afford. Laguna Beach offers venues ranging from affordable to ultra-luxurious, and it’s crucial to plan based on your financial expectations.
- Small wedding (15-20 guests) at Heisler Park Laguna Beach wedding: ~$4,027 (including permits)
- Beach or park permit: $437 for a two-hour slot
- Luxury venues like Montage Laguna Beach wedding: Starting at $20,000 (depending on guest count and package inclusions)
To save money, consider having your wedding during off-peak seasons or on a weekday. Venues like Occasions Laguna Beach wedding offer all-inclusive Laguna Beach wedding packages that can help streamline costs.
3. Select the Perfect Wedding Venue
Laguna Beach is known for its range of stunning wedding venues, from beachside ceremonies to elegant resort settings. Here are some top Laguna Beach wedding venues to consider, whether you’re hosting an intimate ceremony or a grand reception.
Beach and Park Venues:
- Heisler Park: A popular choice for couples wanting scenic ocean views. It’s ideal for small weddings and elopements.
- Crescent Bay Park Laguna Beach wedding: Perfect for intimate gatherings with panoramic ocean views.
Luxury Resort Venues:
- Montage Laguna Beach: One of the most luxurious Laguna Beach wedding locations with stunning oceanfront views and all-inclusive packages. A Montage Laguna Beach wedding cost can vary based on the package, but expect high-end services and breathtaking settings.
- Surf and Sand Resort Laguna Beach wedding: Known for its beachside location, the Surf and Sand Laguna wedding offers elegant spaces for both ceremonies and receptions.
- The Ranch Laguna Beach wedding: Nestled in Laguna’s canyons, this venue offers a rustic yet chic experience. The Ranch Laguna Beach wedding cost is typically more affordable than oceanfront venues but still provides a stunning setting.
Unique and Art-Inspired Venues:
- Seven Degrees Laguna Beach wedding: Perfect for couples seeking a modern, artistic atmosphere. This venue is known for its contemporary style and flexible event spaces.
- Tivoli Too Laguna Beach wedding: An affordable option with a romantic garden setting, perfect for couples looking for something a little different.
4. Obtain an Orange County Marriage License
To get married in Laguna Beach, you’ll need a marriage license from the Orange County Clerk-Recorder’s office. This is essential whether you’re planning a lavish Laguna Beach elopement or a grand ceremony at Montage Laguna Beach.
Steps to obtain your license:
- Complete the online marriage application.
- Visit one of the Clerk-Recorder offices in person.
- Use the license within 90 days of issuance.
For couples opting for a Laguna Beach courthouse marriage, this is an easy and straightforward option.
5. Hire Local Vendors
Working with local vendors ensures that your wedding reflects the spirit of Laguna Beach and runs smoothly. These vendors are familiar with Laguna Beach wedding locations and know how to handle beach weddings, ensuring that everything from photography to flowers aligns with the coastal vibe.
Photographers & Videographers:
Brett Hickman Photographers: A specialist in capturing natural beauty in beachside settings.
Kenny G Films: Cinematic videography that brings the romance of your wedding to life.
Jennifer Fujikawa Photography: Timeless, elegant photography perfect for beachfront and resort weddings.
Florists:
- Laguna Flowers: Known for crafting beach-inspired floral arrangements.
- The Bloom of Time: Offers custom floral designs that complement Laguna Beach’s coastal beauty.
- Penelope Pots Floral Design: Specializes in luxurious, artistic arrangements for weddings.
Wedding Officiants:
- Great Officiants: Offers personalized, heartfelt ceremonies.
- Alan Katz (So Cal Officiant): A popular choice for customized beach and outdoor ceremonies.
- Ceremonies by Bethel: Known for their warm, engaging approach to officiating.
Caterers:
- 24 Carrots Catering: High-end catering with attention to detail.
- Taste Catering: Specializing in seasonal menus that reflect California’s coastal cuisine.
- Napa Valley Grille: Provides fresh, locally sourced cuisine for an elegant dining experience.
6. Arrange for Transportation
Parking in Laguna Beach can be a challenge, especially during peak tourist season. Consider arranging transportation for your guests to ensure they arrive on time and without hassle.
Top Transportation Providers:
- Laguna Beach Trolley: A fun and convenient way to transport guests between Laguna Beach wedding reception venues.
- Best Chauffeured: Luxury transportation including limousines and town cars for a seamless travel experience.
- DLS Limousine: Trusted transportation services specializing in weddings.
7. Create a Wedding Planning Timeline
Planning a wedding in Laguna Beach can feel overwhelming, but a solid timeline will help keep everything organized.
12 months before: Set your budget, choose your date, and book your venue. Popular spots like Montage Hotel Laguna Beach and The Ranch Laguna Beach book up quickly, so secure your venue early.
6 months before: Hire your vendors and finalize the guest list. Work with your Laguna Beach wedding planner to ensure all contracts and permits are in place.
3 months before: Send out invitations, finalize décor, and plan the timeline for your Laguna Beach wedding ceremony and reception.
8. Have a Rain Plan
While Laguna Beach enjoys mostly sunny skies, it’s always good to have a backup plan. Many Laguna wedding venues, like Montage Laguna Beach and Surf and Sand Resort Laguna Beach wedding, offer indoor options with ocean views, so your wedding can still have the coastal charm, rain or shine.
9. Finalize Details with Vendors
In the final weeks leading up to your wedding, ensure all details are confirmed with your vendors. Whether you’re hosting a Hotel Laguna wedding, an outdoor celebration at Treasure Island Laguna Beach, or a beachside reception at The Deck Laguna Beach, clear communication will ensure everything runs smoothly.
Top local wedding planners like LVL Weddings & Events, Intertwined Events, and Luxe Events specialize in Laguna Beach weddings and can handle every aspect, from permits to logistics, ensuring your day is perfect.
Ready to Plan Your Laguna Beach Wedding?
With its stunning coastline, perfect weather, and a wide range of Laguna Beach wedding venues, Laguna Beach is the ideal location for your dream wedding. Whether you’re considering an intimate Laguna Beach elopement, a luxury affair at Montage Laguna Beach, or an artistic celebration at Seven Degrees Laguna Beach wedding, now is the time to make your dream a reality.
Start by reaching out to your preferred venue, contacting local vendors, and securing your date. Your unforgettable Laguna Beach wedding awaits!
Wedding Venues
1. Montage Laguna Beach
• Website: montagehotels.com/lagunabeach
• Phone: +1 (866) 271-6953
• Address: 30801 S Coast Hwy, Laguna Beach, CA 92651
2. Surf and Sand Resort Laguna Beach
• Website: surfandsandresort.com
• Phone: +1 (877) 741-5908
• Address: 1555 S Coast Hwy, Laguna Beach, CA 92651
3. The Ranch at Laguna Beach
• Website: theranchlb.com
• Phone: +1 (949) 499-2271
• Address: 31106 S Coast Hwy, Laguna Beach, CA 92651
4. Seven Degrees Laguna Beach
• Website: seven-degrees.com
• Phone: +1 (949) 376-1555
• Address: 891 Laguna Canyon Rd, Laguna Beach, CA 92651
5. La Casa del Camino
• Website: lacasadelcamino.com
• Phone: +1 (888) 367-5232
• Address: 1289 S Coast Hwy, Laguna Beach, CA 92651
6. Heisler Park
• Website: lagunabeachcity.net
• Phone: +1 (949) 497-0716
• Address: 375 Cliff Dr, Laguna Beach, CA 92651
7. Occasions Laguna Beach
• Website: occasionsatlagunavillage.com
• Phone: +1 (949) 497-2446
• Address: 577 S Coast Hwy, Laguna Beach, CA 92651
8. Tivoli Too Laguna Beach
• Website: tivoli-too.com
• Phone: +1 (949) 494-9650
• Address: 777 Laguna Canyon Rd, Laguna Beach, CA 92651
Photographers & Videographers
1. Brett Hickman Photographers
• Website: bretthickman.com
• Phone: +1 (949) 370-1078
• Address: Based in Laguna Beach, contact for details.
2. Kenny G Films
• Website: kennygfilms.com
• Phone: +1 (818) 429-2249
• Address: Based in Los Angeles, CA, contact for details.
3. Jennifer Fujikawa Photography
• Website: jenniferfujikawa.com
• Phone: +1 (714) 878-6106
• Address: Based in Orange County, CA, contact for details.
Florists
1. Laguna Flowers
• Website: lagunaflowers.com
• Phone: +1 (949) 494-5200
• Address: 540 S Coast Hwy, Laguna Beach, CA 92651
2. The Bloom of Time
• Website: thebloomoftime.com
• Phone: +1 (949) 395-6833
• Address: Based in Laguna Beach, contact for details.
3. Penelope Pots Floral Design
• Website: penelopepots.com
• Phone: +1 (949) 274-0845
• Address: 20652 Laguna Canyon Rd, Laguna Beach, CA 92651
Wedding Officiants
1. Great Officiants
• Website: greatofficiants.com
• Phone: +1 (562) 435-4000
• Address: 3740 Atlantic Ave, Long Beach, CA 90807
2. Alan Katz (So Cal Officiant)
• Website: socalofficiant.com
• Phone: +1 (562) 435-4000
• Address: Based in Long Beach, contact for details.
3. Ceremonies by Bethel
• Website: ceremoniesbybethel.com
• Phone: +1 (949) 342-4551
• Address: Based in Southern California, contact for details.
Caterers
1. 24 Carrots Catering
• Website: 24carrots.com
• Phone: +1 (800) 717-1545
• Address: 150 Baker St E, Costa Mesa, CA 92626
2. Taste Catering
• Website: tastecatering.us
• Phone: +1 (310) 276-0606
• Address: Based in Los Angeles, contact for details.
3. Napa Valley Grille
• Website: napavalleygrille.com
• Phone: +1 (949) 509-9797
• Address: 1100 Glendon Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90024
Wedding Planners
1. LVL Weddings & Events
• Website: lvlweddings.com
• Phone: +1 (949) 281-5733
• Address: Based in Southern California, contact for details.
2. Intertwined Events
• Website: intertwinedevents.com
• Phone: +1 (949) 748-8787
• Address: 160 W Lincoln Ave #102, Anaheim, CA 92805
3. Luxe Events
• Website: luxewed.com
• Phone: +1 (619) 786-7844
• Address: Based in Southern California, contact for details.
Transportation Providers
1. Laguna Beach Trolley
• Website: lagunabeachcity.net
• Phone: +1 (949) 497-0766
• Address: 505 Forest Ave, Laguna Beach, CA 92651
2. Best Chauffeured
• Website: best-vip.com
• Phone: +1 (866) 323-2378
• Address: 1221 E Dyer Rd, Santa Ana, CA 92705
3. DLS Limousine
• Website: dlslimousine.com
• Phone: +1 (888) 327-5466
• Address: Based in Laguna Beach, contact for details.
