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Pelican Hill Newport Beach Wedding: A Luxury Venue for Your Dream Day

When couples ask me about Pelican Hill Newport Beach wedding venues, I always pause for a second.


Not because it's not incredible. It absolutely is.


I pause because I know what's coming next. The budget conversation. The reality check about what luxury actually costs in Orange County.


But here are some suggestions to share with you about this venue. Sometimes the splurge is worth every penny.


Why Choose a Pelican Hill Newport Beach Wedding?


Aerial View of Pelican Hill Resort poolside is center of the Resort with lush green lawns, golf course, ocean views surrounded by villas.
Photo By: Pelican Hill Resort

Look, I've been in the wedding industry long enough to spot venues that are all style and no substance. You know the ones. They look amazing in photos but fall apart when it comes to actual service.


Pelican Hill isn't one of those places.


The team at Pelican Hill can handle a complete ceremony setup change when unexpected winds pick up during cocktail hour with no stress. Just smooth, professional problem solving is what they are capable of achieving at this venue.


That's when you know you're working with real pros.


The venue sits on this gorgeous hillside overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Honestly, the views are almost unfair to other venues. It's like Mother Nature decided to show off when she created this particular stretch of coastline.


What Makes This Venue Actually Special


Rotunda at Pelican Hill Resort with ocean views. White chairs lined in rows with white cherry blossom trees and white petals spread on the lush lawn.
Photo By: Pelican Hill Resort

The Iconic Rotunda is this stunning open air structure that feels like you've been transported to the Italian countryside. But here's what most people don't realize: the timing matters everything for photos here.


Book your ceremony for 5 PM in summer or 4 PM in winter. Trust me on this one. The lighting is absolutely magical at those times.


Key Features of Pelican Hill Weddings


Aerial view of Pelican Hill Resort rolling lush green cliffs with ocean views. The building is in peach tone stone and tile roof. Perfect Italian style.
Photo By: Pelican Hill Resort

Panoramic Ocean Views - I'm not exaggerating when I say the views are everywhere. Every turn reveals another stunning vista of the Pacific. Even the restrooms have the ocean view.


But you know what? When your guests are talking about your wedding five years later, those views are what they'll remember.


Customizable Wedding Packages - Packages that can cater to your needs for your wedding. They don't mind creating any style of wedding.


On-Site Wedding Specialists - The on site wedding specialists here aren't fresh graduates learning on the job. These are seasoned professionals who've handled everything from intimate ceremonies to elaborate celebrations.

The level of attention to detail is rare in this industry.


Luxury Accommodations - The luxury accommodations on site mean your guests won't just attend your wedding. They'll have an entire experience. And honestly, that's what makes destination style celebrations so memorable.


Venue Details


Looking for something a little different? Here's our full list of wedding venues in Newport Beach.


Wedding Moments at Pelican Hill


The Mar Vista reception room at Pelican Hill Resort. Large fireplace, ceiling to floor windows and long tables adorned with green linens and glass stemware.
Photo By: Pelican Hill Resort

Their receptions in the Mar Vista Ballroom are elegant without being over the top. Lots of candles, flowers, beautiful table settings and a band trio that has everyone dancing. The staff anticipates everything. Drinks appeared when glasses got empty. The temperature of the room is perfect, even the bathroom attendant was on point.


It's those little things that make a venue worth the splurge.


Tips for Planning at Pelican Hill Newport Beach Wedding


1. Book Earlier Than You Think

Pelican Hill Newport Beach weddings book up incredibly fast. I'm talking 18 months out for prime Saturday dates in spring and fall.

Here's something most people don't consider though. Tuesday through Thursday weddings here are just as stunning as Saturday celebrations. The venue doesn't change. The service doesn't change. But your budget definitely benefits.


2. Work With Their Team

The in house coordinators know this venue inside and out. They're not trying to upsell you on unnecessary extras. They genuinely know what works best in each space.

These coordinators have orchestrated hundreds of celebrations here. Let them guide you.


3. Consider Making It a Weekend

This is where Pelican Hill really shines beyond just the wedding day.

The resort has everything your guests could want. Spa services, golf, incredible restaurants, those gorgeous villa accommodations. Your out of town family and friends will actually enjoy the entire weekend instead of just showing up for the ceremony.

Plus, more time means better photos and videos.


Trusted Local Vendors for Your Pelican Hill Wedding


Florist: Bloom Box Designs

Bloom Box Designs reception table with purple and green floral centerpiece with china, white napkins and glass stemware.
Photo By: Bloom Box Designs

Their floral installations are honestly works of art. The rotunda setups they create photograph beautifully and complement the venue's natural beauty perfectly.


Entertainment: Vox DJs

Box Djs is entertaining a group of people dancing under warm string lights and purple accents. The photo is blurred to show movement.
Photo By: Vox DJs

Professional setup, excellent music selection, and they actually listen when you give them your must play and do not play lists. They also offer live musicians if you want to elevate the experience even more.


The Videographer's Take: Why Pelican Hill Is Pure Gold


The natural light here is absolutely incredible. Those morning getting ready shots with soft coastal light streaming through villa windows? Pure magic.


But it's not just about pretty backgrounds. The venue flows seamlessly from ceremony to cocktail hour to reception. No awkward transitions where guests wonder what's happening next.


The acoustics in the rotunda are exceptional too. Vows carry beautifully without needing extensive microphone setups.


And those drone shots over the coastline? They'll make your wedding film look like something out of a movie.


Frequently Asked Questions- Pelican Hill Newport Beach Wedding


What Does This Really Cost?


Let's be honest about the investment. Pelican Hill Newport Beach weddings typically start around $30,000 for smaller celebrations and can reach six figures for elaborate affairs.


Is it expensive? Absolutely. Is it worth it if the budget allows? In my professional opinion, yes.


The venue fee includes many services other locations charge separately. When you factor in the level of service and the unforgettable experience, the value becomes clear.


How Many Guests Can You Actually Host?


Ceremonies accommodate up to 200 guests comfortably. The ballrooms handle both intimate receptions and larger celebrations beautifully.


This venue truly shines with 80 to 150 guests. Large enough to feel celebratory, intimate enough to remain personal.


What About Bad Weather?


Southern California rain is uncommon, but it happens. The indoor backup spaces are genuinely gorgeous though.


The Mar Vista Ballroom features floor to ceiling windows and stunning crystal chandeliers. Rainy day weddings here can turn out even more romantic than the original outdoor plan.


Is Pelican Hill Right for Your Celebration?


I'm not going to pretend this venue works for every couple or every budget.


If you're looking for affordable options, keep looking. This is luxury, and luxury requires investment.


But if you want a once in a lifetime celebration with views that leave guests speechless? This might be exactly what you're looking for.


Pelican Hill works perfectly for couples who:


  • Value the Instagram worthy factor without shame

  • Want their families to feel truly pampered

  • Appreciate exceptional service and attention to detail

  • Don't mind investing in an unforgettable experience


Your wedding photos and videos will look like something from a high end magazine. The memories will last forever.


For alternative locations, check out our guides on Los Angeles CA wedding venues and wedding venues in Orange County.


Ready to Create Something Unforgettable?


Your Pelican Hill Newport Beach wedding will be incredible regardless of who captures it. But wouldn't you prefer working with someone who knows every perfect angle this venue offers?


At Tie & Veil, we've filmed enough weddings to understand exactly how to showcase the magic. We know where the light hits perfectly at golden hour and which locations provide those sweeping ocean views. We will capture your ceremony's emotion while highlighting that stunning backdrop.



Our films tell real stories about real couples experiencing the best day of their lives. They're not just pretty footage set to music.


After years of filming weddings, nothing beats creating something couples will treasure forever.


Ready to discuss your wedding film? Contact us at Tie & Veil. Let's meet for coffee and talk about how we can capture every amazing moment of your Pelican Hill celebration. We would love to be your Los Angeles wedding videographer.


Because your love story deserves to be told beautifully.


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