If you currently live in the Golden State, are originally from Cali, or have always wanted to visit, there is no better place to have your wedding or honeymoon than right here! These 10 California Bridal Hot Spots are sure to entice you to at least book a trip to do some wedding or honeymoon venue ‘research’!
1. South Bay Sizzle – Redondo Beach, Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach
Combined, these beach towns create the ultimate Southern California experience. With its ritzy shops, luxury hotels, and hot bods on the volleyball sand courts, Manhattan Beach doesn’t disappoint if you’re looking for an ‘as seen on TV’ beach scene! Check out Shade Hotel for a possible wedding venue. Hermosa Beach is a bit more organic, being the location of choice for local surfers. Redondo Beach, or more appropriately Redondo Pier, is our own little Coney Island featuring an arcade, paddle boats, ice cream treats, and an open seafood market with live creatures!
2. Victorian Romance in San Luis Obispo
Enjoy tea for two in the famous Madonna Inn, named after local pioneer, Alex Madonna. The Victorian architecture and turn of the century gardens & décor will inspire you to indulge in your harlequin fantasies! Oh, and did I mention they have themed hotel rooms? Go to brunch at The Apple Farm, an old time favorite spot with mouthwatering American cuisine. For a daytime excursion, head South to See Canyon to pick up fresh apples of multiple varieties! A wedding at the Madonna Inn and planned weekend here for your guests is sure to be unique.
3. Its Always Sunny in San Diego
Treat your honey to a Padres game at the gorgeous PetCo ballpark, just steps to the famed Gaslamp district. Its basically the Vegas strip of Southern California. Grab some drinks & dinner, then dance the night away! Save the Zoo and Sea World for the family trip.
4. Cozy little Cabin for 2 in Big Bear
Great for summer lovin’ or a wintertime romp in the snow, Big Bear is worth the gorgeous drive up the mountain. Cool Cabins of Big Bear offer themed cabins based on your tastes. You can go fishing, hiking, and boating in the summer, or hit the slopes in the winter! For a truly intimate or family only wedding, this would be a beautiful setting. You can rent a huge cabin with 7 or 8 rooms with a large yard area for the ceremony (if its snowing, in front of the fire hearth) or book a few cabins nearby each other.
5. Mission Style Fun in Santa Barbara
My friend got married at the Santa Barbara Courthouse in 2009 and to this day, it is still my favorite wedding location. The early California-Spanish architecture is truly inspiring, and the city charges only a minimal fee for use. Visit the Santa Barbara Mission, the Santa Barbara Courthouse, and boutique shopping on State Street.
6. Go Glamping (Glamorous + Camping) at El Capitan Resort
A 5 minute drive up the 101 North takes you to the hidden and best kept secret of Santa Barbara, El Capitan Resort! Rustic, spacious canvas tents set up with plush beds, lamps, and bedside tables adorn the campsite, complete with nearby communal bathrooms and a grocery/gift shop and café. Get married in Santa Barbara, then honeymoon at El Capitan. If your wedding party is the camping type, there is a huge Yurt that appears to be available to rent for large events. Be sure to book your yurt & tents well in advance!
7. Wine Tasting in Paso Robles
Treat your senses to the delights of the vine in the popular Paso Robles wine country. The weather is just perfect for tasting outdoors while overlooking generations of old vines. Wineries are always a lovely place to get married as well, since there’s tons of space, delicious food & wine pairings, and gorgeous views as far at the eye can see….
8. Leave Your Hearts in San Francisco
This cultural hub always is and always has been at the cutting edge of entertainment, arts, cuisine, shopping, and trends. Not to mention it is chock-full of significant historical sites. Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, Haight-Ashbury, and Ghiradelli square….need I say more??
9. Sonoma Valley/ Dry Creek Vineyards
Head even further up the coast to Sonoma Valley and Dry Creek (take that chocolate with you) to sample some of the best wines in the world! Sit in world-class tasting rooms overlooking massive vineyard estates, making friends with tourists from around the world and sometimes on a lucky day, the owner of the estate drops by for a visit!
10. Peace Out – Venice Beach, Santa Monica, Marina Del Rey
These three areas have no shortage of fabulous hotels, exciting nightlife, and million dollar yachts! If your wedding party is the big-city type, this is the place for you. Between The Erwin hotel, Shutters, The Huntley, The Fairmont, and The Ritz Carlton Marina Del Rey, you’ll be sitting pretty on your big day and afterward! The nautically inclined can book a wedding on a yacht and cruise through the Marina during your ceremony and reception. Venice Beach and Santa Monica have tons of sightseeing and famous landmarks for you and your group to tour.
Let this humble list inspire you to begin researching and designing your big day & tomorrows in sunny, fantastic California!
Marisa del Campo
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