10 Stunning Wedding Venues in Newport Beach for Your Dream Day
- Tie & Veil
- 4 days ago
- 9 min read
So you're getting married in one of the most stunning wedding venues in Newport Beach?
Smart choice, honestly. I've been to way too many weddings around here, and it comes with the territory when you're filming them professionally. But here's the thing about wedding venues in Newport Beach: not all of them are created equal.
Some are total Instagram traps that look amazing online but fall flat when you're actually there. Others? They're hidden gems that'll make your guests forget they're even at a wedding celebration.
I'm going to be completely honest with you. After filming at most of these places over the years, I've developed some strong opinions. Most of these venues I'd recommend to almost any couple. Of course, every couple has their own budget and expectations so you decide based on your own research. Hopefully, these recommendations help you through that process.
Newport Beach is genuinely gorgeous. The weather's perfect like 90% of the time. Your guests can actually reach these venues without getting frustrated with you. And honestly? These locations film beautifully, which is why I keep returning here for work.
But you didn't ask for the sales pitch. You want the honest truth about wedding venues in Newport Beach that'll actually make your day truly special.
Why Newport Beach Wedding Venues Hit Different
Here's what every couple needs to know: Newport Beach just works perfectly for weddings.
The ocean views? Yeah, they're completely legitimate. Not some distant glimpse of blue water, we're talking front-row seats to the Pacific Ocean. Your ceremony photos won't need any filters whatsoever.
Weather's consistently reliable too. You won't have to worry about snow ruining your outdoor plans here.
Plus, let's be honest about logistics. Your guests traveling from LA won't complain about the drive. It's not like you're making them trek to some random mountain town hours away.
And as someone who's filmed hundreds of weddings professionally? The natural lighting here is absolutely perfect. Golden hour hits completely different when you've got the ocean reflecting everything back beautifully.
The Real Talk on 10 Newport Beach Wedding Venues
1. The Resort at Pelican Hill
Website: www.pelicanhill.com
Phone: (855) 315-8214
This place is honestly ridiculous, almost too pretty to seem real.
That famous rotunda everyone talks about constantly? It's absolutely worth the hype. As a videographer, this venue never gets old to film. The sunset views are genuinely insane, we're talking movie-level gorgeous backdrops.
But here's the realistic catch: it's expensive. We're talking $150+ per person expensive before you add anything extra.
The good news though? Book a Thursday wedding and you'll save serious money. The venue's exactly the same, the sunset's identical, but your bank account won't hate you nearly as much.
Pro tip from someone who's been there countless times: The golf cart rides between ceremony and reception locations are actually fun for guests. People genuinely love that unique touch.
Get our full in-depth guide on the perfect Pelican Hill Newport Beach wedding here.
2. Newport Beach Marriott Hotel & Spa
Website: www.marriott.com
Phone: (949) 640-4000
Don't automatically dismiss this one just because it's a Marriott brand.
Their garden area is actually beautiful, like, surprisingly beautiful for a hotel venue. Couples consistently tell me they didn't know hotel venues could look this elegant.
The rooftop cocktail hour is where this venue really shines though. You get incredible Newport Beach views without the premium Newport Beach price tag. Smart couples absolutely love booking this place.
My honest opinion? The ballroom can feel somewhat corporate initially. But with the right lighting and thoughtful decorations, it transforms completely into something magical.
Budget wise, you're looking at maybe $100 to $120 per person. Way more reasonable than some of the other luxury spots on this list.
3. The Balboa Bay Resort
Website: www.balboabayresort.com
Phone: (949) 645-5000
This place has serious old-money vibes that you can feel immediately.
There have been families that arrive for weddings here by private yacht. This is their own personal yacht. The entire wedding party came in on boats. It is ridiculous and amazing simultaneously.
The waterfront ceremony setup is absolutely perfect. You're positioned right on the bay, but it feels intimate and private. Not like you're competing with random boat traffic for attention.
Here's what I love as a professional videographer: the golden hour light reflecting off the water is genuinely unreal. Your wedding film will look like a luxury travel commercial.
Fair warning though, this place books up incredibly fast. Like, 18 months in advance fast for popular dates. Don't wait around if you want a Saturday celebration.
4. Harborside Grand Ballroom
Website: www.harborside.com
Address: 400 Main St, Newport Beach, CA 92661
Phone: (949) 673-4633
Honestly? This venue is seriously underrated in the Newport Beach market.
Everyone constantly talks about the fancy resorts, but Harborside has this classic Newport Beach atmosphere that's genuinely hard to beat. The harbor views are completely legitimate, and the historic ballroom has authentic character.
Couples have saved probably $30,000 or more compared to Pelican Hill while getting similar ocean views. Same stunning backdrops, way better price point.
The only realistic downside is parking can be challenging on busy weekends. But that's honestly true for most of Main Street Newport.
The food quality is wonderful, good honest American food that actually fills people up properly.
5. The Wedge Beach Wedding Venues
Website: visitnewportbeach.com
Address: The Wedge, Newport Beach, CA 92661
Look, if you want an authentic beach wedding experience, this is absolutely it.
The Wedge is where serious surfers come to challenge themselves. It's not some tourist beach with volleyball nets and snack bars everywhere. It's raw, it's beautiful, and it's quintessentially Newport Beach.
But here's the important consideration. You absolutely need proper permits. And you need to know exactly what you're doing. I've seen couples show up unprepared and have their ceremony shut down by lifeguards.
Get your permits early. Six months early minimum. Popular sunset ceremony times disappear incredibly fast.
Also? Have a realistic backup plan ready. Weather's usually perfect here, but ocean conditions can change quickly. I've seen ceremonies moved last minute because of unexpectedly high surf.
The upside though? Your photos will be absolutely incredible. Natural, authentic, and totally unique to your celebration.
6. Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort
Website: www.newportdunes.com
Phone: (949) 729-3863
Email: info@newportdunes.com
This venue is excellent if you want beach vibes without typical beach hassles.
The sand is soft and comfortable, the water's calm and predictable, and you don't have to worry about random surfers accidentally photobombing your ceremony. It's like a beach wedding with helpful training wheels.
The bay creates this gorgeous mirror effect during sunset hours. Plus, kids absolutely love it if you have little ones in your wedding party.
They offer fun add-on services too. Fireworks displays, live music options, that kind of special touch. Nothing too crazy, but it definitely adds to the overall experience.
Price-wise, it's mid-priced for Newport Beach. More than a basic venue, less than the luxury resort options.
7. Seven-Degrees
Website: www.seven-degrees.com
Phone: (949) 376-1555
This venue is technically in Laguna Beach, but it's only like 15 minutes away. And it's honestly too cool not to mention here.
If you're into modern art and want something completely different from traditional venues, this is absolutely your place. The building itself is basically a piece of contemporary art.
Couples who choose this venue are usually artists themselves or want that distinctive artsy wedding aesthetic. Their photos always look like they belong in a high-end design magazine.
But here's the honest truth about this venue. It's definitely not for everyone's taste. If your style leans more classic or traditional, this might feel too avant-garde.
The lighting systems are incredible though. As someone who films professionally, I really appreciate venues that understand how important excellent lighting is.
8. Yacht Weddings with cruises
Website: www.fantaseayachts.com
Phone: (310) 827-2220
Email: info@fantaseayachts.com
This option is either the coolest idea ever or a potential disaster. Depends entirely on your guest crowd.
Yacht weddings are always memorable experiences. Your guests will genuinely never forget it. But make absolutely sure people are comfortable being on a boat for 3 to 4 hours.
The aerial shots we capture are honestly insane. Like, magazine-cover level insane. Your wedding video will look like a luxury vacation commercial.
But seasickness is a real consideration. And you can't exactly leave if things go sideways during the celebration. Make sure you know your guest list's comfort level.
Pricing varies wildly depending on yacht size and season. Could be $75 per person, could be $200 or more. Get detailed quotes early in planning.
9. Lido House, Autograph Collection
Website: www.lidohousehotel.com
Phone: (949) 524-8500
This venue absolutely nails the "effortless California cool" atmosphere perfectly.
It's boutique without feeling pretentious. Beachy without being cheesy or overdone. Couples here always seem genuinely relaxed and happy throughout their celebration.
The rooftop bar is perfect for after-parties. Great city views, excellent drinks, and your guests can stay in the hotel if they want to keep celebrating late.
Perfect for a smaller event. If you're planning a 200-person wedding, this might feel somewhat cramped.
But for 75 to 125 people? It's absolutely perfect in every way.
10. Sherman Library & Gardens
Website: www.thesherman.org
Phone: (949) 673-2261
This is honestly Newport Beach's best-kept secret venue.
Hidden in Corona Del Mar, most people drive right past it without noticing. But inside? It's like discovering a fairy tale garden. Koi ponds, flowering trees, secluded ceremony spots throughout.
Plus, it's way more affordable than the big resort venues. You're getting incredible natural beauty for a fraction of the typical cost.
The only limitation is guest capacity. But if you're planning something intimate and personal, this place is pure magic.
Looking for options in the surrounding area? We've got you covered. Check out our guides to wedding venues in Orange County and Los Angeles CA wedding venues.
Real Talk: Planning Your Newport Beach Wedding
Here's what I genuinely wish someone had told me when I started filming weddings in this area:
Book early. I honestly can't stress this enough. The best dates disappear 12 to 18 months in advance. Don't wait until you "figure everything else out first."
Get permits for beach weddings. I've seen too many couples get shut down because they didn't handle the paperwork properly. It's not expensive, but it takes time to process.
Hire local vendors. Seriously consider this advice. I've seen out-of-town photographers get lost, caterers show up late, and DJs who don't understand local noise restrictions. Local vendors know the procedures.
Plan for traffic. Newport Beach looks close on maps, but PCH can become a parking lot. Build in extra travel time for everything.
Have a backup plan. Even in perfect California weather, unexpected things happen. Weather, permits, venue issues. Always have a realistic Plan B ready.
Why Professional Wedding Videography Matters in Newport Beach
Look, I'm obviously biased here. But after filming hundreds of weddings at these wedding venues in Newport Beach, I've learned some important things.
First, these venues are gorgeous, but they're also challenging to film properly. The lighting changes constantly throughout the day. Ocean breezes interfere with audio equipment. Harbor reflections can blow out cameras if you don't know what you're doing.
Second, every venue has its own distinct personality. Pelican Hill needs different filming techniques than a beach wedding at The Wedge. Experience genuinely matters.
Third, drone footage is huge for Newport Beach weddings. But you need proper permits, and you need to understand the flight restrictions. There are lots of no-fly zones around here.
Most importantly? These moments go by incredibly fast. Your wedding day will feel like a complete blur. Having it professionally captured means you can actually relive it later.
Ready to Create Something Amazing?
Here's the thing about my work. I've been filming weddings in Newport Beach for years. I know which venues work best, which vendors are reliable, and how to make your day look incredible on film.
But more than technical knowledge, I understand how these venues feel. How the light moves throughout the day. How the harbor looks from the terrace during golden hour. How The beach sounds when the waves are perfect.
Your wedding venues in Newport Beach deserve more than just basic documentation. They deserve genuine storytelling. They deserve someone who knows how to capture not just what happened, but how it felt.
At Tie & Veil, we're not just videographers. We're storytellers who happen to live and work in one of the most beautiful places on earth. We know these venues inside and out, we're friends with the staff, we understand the logistics, and we know how to make your day look like a cinematic masterpiece.
Ready to talk about your Newport Beach wedding video? Let's connect and chat about your vision. We'll show you exactly how we can make your chosen venue shine on film.
Because honestly? These venues are already gorgeous. Our job is making sure your love story is told as beautifully as the place where you're saying "I do."
If you are looking for a Los Angeles wedding videographer (Tie & Veil) click the link and let's start planning something incredible.
Comments