GlobalSpa
26-Oct-2026
With its laid-back Southern California vibe, natural scenery, and an abundance of attractions, Santa Monica is the place to host a wedding destination that goes far beyond the ceremony.
From exchanging wedding vows to capturing pre-wedding photography, Santa Monica offers a variety of options that cater to couples’ needs and ensure that their big day turns out exceptional. This city has it all – beaches and coastal parks, luxury hotels and unique neighborhoods – making it the perfect place to plan both a ceremony and a post-wedding celebration with family and friends. Couples can select from a number of venues to host their wedding events and enjoy the city’s great outdoors while capturing photos for their wedding album.
With its laid-back Southern California vibe, natural scenery, and an abundance of attractions, Santa Monica is the place to host a wedding destination that goes far beyond the ceremony.
Scenic Backdrops for Pre-Wedding Shoots
For couples that want to document their journey to marriage before the big day, Santa Monica has a number of beautiful coastal landscapes to choose from. From the white sand beaches facing the ocean to the tree-lined streets, this city provides a romantic and picturesque setting for a pre-wedding photoshoot.
While Santa Monica Beach provides an open space for a barefoot beach wedding, those looking for a chance to capture photos in the park will enjoy the gorgeous ocean views and the wilderness of Palisades Park. Meanwhile, a visit to the Santa Monica Pier will provide a fun and colorful background for a couple’s pictures. These are only some of the opportunities that a trip to this coastal city has to offer.
Beachfront Weddings
With beautiful beaches and spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean, Santa Monica is the place to tie the knot for couples that want to exchange their wedding vows while enjoying the outdoors. Located to the west of Los Angeles, the city offers a number of venues for a beachfront wedding, including the Santa Monica Beach and Palisades Park, both of which provide spectacular panoramic views.
Annengel Community Beach House’s Oceanfront Wedding Spaces
Situated on the Santa Monica State Beach, the Annenberg Community Beach House is a unique venue that offers a number of opportunities for a beachfront wedding. With its capacity for medium-sized weddings (10-400 guests) and various spaces to host a celebration, this venue is a great choice for a wedding in Santa Monica.
Its beachfront location makes it perfect for summer weddings, while its amenities and services can accommodate the needs of any wedding party. In addition, its spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean make it the place to host your ceremony and then continue the celebration into the evening under the stars.
Luxury Hotels
With their upscale amenities and services, luxury hotels offer a unique opportunity to host a wedding in a spectacular venue while enjoying the hotel’s upscale accommodations, fine dining, and other premium services and facilities. These are some of the most sought-after wedding venues in the Santa Monica area. Here are a few of the most popular luxury hotels in the city:
Santa Monica Proper Hotel
Credits- Santa Monica Travel & Tourism
Perched over the wilshire Boulevard, Santa Monica Proper exudes classic luxury. With its 260 plus rooms, suites, and spaces, this hotel offers spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean and takes advantage of the coastal weather to offer guests an exceptional experience. Inspired by the landscape, the hotel’s interiors are light, airy, and welcoming. The resort’s rooftop pool deck and the restaurant, bar, and cabanas that come with it provide an unparalleled venue for sunset gatherings.
Meanwhile, the hotel’s art-filled lobby lounge, Palma, is the perfect place to enjoy a meal or a glass of wine throughout the day. In addition, for a chance to unwind before the big day, the Surya Spa offers a variety of treatments designed to help guests relax and rejuvenate. Under the guidance of renowned Ayurvedic practitioner Martha Soffer, the spa’s Eastern-inspired treatments promise to provide a unique wellness experience.
Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows
Nestled on the cliffs of Santa Monica, the Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows is a legendary retreat with a rich history. Dating back to 1875, this prestigious hotel used to be the private residence of Santa Monica’s founder. Today, the Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows offers panoramic views of the ocean, along with its luxury accommodations and upscale amenities.
With a variety of dining options, including FIG Restaurant and Soko Sushi, guests can enjoy farm-to-table meals and unique tasting menus. For a chance to relax and enjoy the view, they can unwind at the Lobby Lounge or at The Bungalow – a Baja-inspired bar and lounge. In addition, for those who want to explore the local area, Dogtown Coffee is the place to relax before hiking the local trails or biking the Pacific Coast Highway.
Hotel Casa del Mar
Originally built in 1926 as a luxurious beach club hotel, Hotel Casa del Mar has been a favorite among Hollywood’s elite for decades. Designed to provide guests with an exceptional coastal getaway, this unique hotel offers a variety of upscale amenities and accommodations tailored to deliver a one-of-a-kind guest experience. Perfect for a beachfront wedding, Hotel Casa del Mar features elegant interiors, upscale event spaces, and world-class dining, making it the place to host your ceremony, reception, and post-wedding celebration.
In addition to the hotel’s spectacular views of the ocean, its prime location means that weddings at Hotel Casa del Mar can take advantage of the nearby attractions, including the Santa Monica Pier, Third Street Promenade, Main Street, Montana Avenue, and Palisades Park. This remarkable venue also boasts beautifully appointed guestrooms and suites, the Sea Wellness Spa, the Palm Terrace Pool, and much more.
Shutters on the Beach
Just a few steps away from the iconic Santa Monica Pier, Shutters on the Beach combines luxury and convenience to offer guests a chance to enjoy both a spectacular beachfront venue and a spectacular view of the ocean. With its exceptional rooms and accommodations, spa, and personalized services, Shutters on the Beach can provide a unique opportunity to enjoy this coastal city’s attractions.
By offering a wide range of venues for a wedding in Santa Monica, these luxury hotels can cater to a variety of needs and preferences. From hosting the wedding ceremony to providing amenities for the wedding party and guests, luxury hotels are the perfect venues for a wedding destination that goes far beyond the wedding day itself.
