A Wedding Overlooking the Water – Part II
All of these amazing photos of Orange County Weddings overlooking the water are by Jim Kennedy Photographers.
Timing can make all the difference in the world for a beach wedding. The mad summer rush of vacationers can make for a less than private affair. If you are inclined to wed in the summer be prepared for gawkers and potential crashers. Keep in mind some beaches may not allow weddings during the summer months. Late spring and early fall tend to have less people populating the beach. During the late spring a phenomena occurs on the coast of California. ‘May Gray’ and ‘June Gloom’ cover the coastal areas with a thick, hazy fog. It generally burns off later in the day, but can sometimes linger. Knowing the weather patterns can help in choosing the perfect time of year for your event. You may also want to consider a back up plan in case of rain. Having a tent can add to the overall ambiance and protect you and your guests from the elements. Also, remember to consult a tide chart when choosing a time of day for your ceremony. The size of the beach varies greatly from low to high tide.
The rest of Southern California is calling out. Here are some suggestions for beach weddings from Orange County to Santa Barbara.
Orange County is revered as the ‘California Riviera.’ Miles of immaculate, sun drenched shores and awe-inspiring sunsets have drawn thousands to be betrothed on the beaches of Orange County. San Clemente State Beach can be found at the southern tip of Orange County. The beach reaches for a mile before meeting up with the foot of the bluffs. Dana Point Beaches feature some of the most exclusive areas on Orange County’s gold coast. Two beautiful beaches in this area are Salt Creek Beach and Doheny State Beach. Fashionable Monarch Beach is the home to utterly inspiring resorts such as The St. Regis and The Ritz-Carlton. Laguna Beach offers some beautiful beach options such as the Main Beach, the ‘Window to the Sea’, and Heisler Beach. Heisler Beach is known for its tide pools and glorious sunset views. Crystal Cove State Beach Park also allows couples to take the step to wedded bliss. Laguna Beach’s well-appointed Surf and Sand Resort offers the option of a ceremony on the beach. Newport Beach is renowned for its beauty and vast coastline. Newport Beach includes Corona del Mar State Beach which meets up with the hugely popular Newport Harbor. Peninsula Park and Inspiration/Lookout Point Park also permit weddings in the city of Newport Beach. Huntington Beach is known as ‘Surf City’ to many Californians. It is over 8 miles of uninterrupted beachfront happiness. From the Huntington Beach pier one can enjoy views of Catalina Island, Newport Beach Pier and Long Beach in the distance. Permits for parks in Orange County can be found here.
Leaving Orange County, we venture to Long Beach, one of California’s largest cities. The city boasts many beaches and park areas. “Twenty-six miles across the sea, Santa Catalina is a-waitin’ for me, Santa Catalina, the island of romance…” A high speed ferry leaving from Long Beach can whisk you across the ocean to the oasis of Catalina Island. Before hitting Malibu, though, is the ever scenic Santa Monica. Santa Monica is one of LA’s most popular beachside destinations. Malibu is a world unto itself. A sanctuary for the rich and famous, Malibu’s beaches and views are unparalleled. The Adamson House is a national historic site located on Malibu Lagoon State Beach which oozes Malibu architecture and charm. Beach permits for Los Angeles County can be viewed online. Situated between Los Angeles and Santa Barbara are Oxnard and Ventura which provide vistas to satisfy the needs of the couple who hear the call of the sea.
While Orange County is known as the California Riviera, Santa Barbara has been dubbed America’s Riviera. Santa Barbara is nestled between the sparkling shores of the Pacific Ocean and the majesty of the Santa Ynez Mountains. There are many beach locations to meet the needs of a discerning couple. Shoreline Park sits on the bluff and looks over the ocean for the ideal setting. Santa Barbara’s Leadbetter Beach is another fine choice for amazing ocean vistas.
Next week, we will travel up the shore to California’s scenic Central Coast which grants a couple incomparable views from which to say “I Do!”
