The Resort at Pelican Hill, located in the heart of Newport Beach, California, is a luxurious wedding destination that blends classic Renaissance inspiration with Californian elegance. Since its opening, it has become synonymous with opulence and exclusivity. It’s not just a venue but a landmark representing the pinnacle of coastal luxury, making it a sought-after destination wedding location.
About Newport Beach
Newport Beach, California, is a picturesque coastal city in Orange County known for its stunning beaches, upscale living, and vibrant maritime culture. It’s a place that combines the relaxation of a beach town with the luxury and sophistication of an affluent community.
One of the city’s most famous attractions is its beautiful harbor. Newport Harbor is one of the largest recreational boat harbors on the U.S. West Coast, bustling with yachts, sailboats, and ferries. The area is a hub for water activities such as sailing, paddleboarding, and fishing. The annual Christmas Boat Parade, which features beautifully decorated boats sailing around the harbor, is a much-anticipated event.
The beaches in Newport Beach are diverse and offer something for everyone. The Wedge, known for its large waves, is a hotspot for surfing and bodyboarding, attracting thrill-seekers, especially during the summer swell. Corona del Mar State Beach and Crystal Cove State Park provide more tranquil settings for families, sunbathers, and nature lovers, with opportunities for tide-pooling and scenic walks.
Newport Beach also boasts a vibrant dining and shopping scene. Fashion Island, an open-air shopping complex, offers a mix of high-end retail, fine dining, and entertainment options against sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean. The city’s culinary scene is diverse, from seafood restaurants on the waterfront to international cuisines and gourmet cafes.
Culturally, Newport Beach hosts several annual events and festivals celebrating the arts, film, and music, including the Newport Beach Film Festival, attracting filmmakers and cinephiles worldwide.
Overall, Newport Beach offers luxury, leisure, and natural beauty, making it a sought-after destination for tourists and residents looking for a high-quality coastal lifestyle.
Experiencing a Resort at Pelican Hill Wedding
Getting Ready:
On your wedding day at The Resort at Pelican Hill, the preparation rooms are a highlight. They offer a serene environment thoughtfully designed to cater to your comfort and needs. These spaces are spacious and plush, decorated in a soft, neutral palette that enhances the calm and peaceful atmosphere essential for the day’s preparations.
The rooms are strategically designed to maximize the abundance of natural light that filters through large windows, creating a luminous and airy feel. The size of the rooms ensures ample space for both wedding parties and family members to get ready without feeling cramped. The layout includes large mirrors and comfortable seating, allowing for a relaxed atmosphere where you and your party can prepare leisurely. These areas are also equipped with high-quality amenities and furnishings, from the plush sofas and chairs to the elegant dressing tables; each element is chosen to provide maximum comfort and functionality.
Moreover, the serene backdrop of the preparation rooms at The Resort at Pelican Hill makes them ideal settings for intimate, candid moments as you get ready. Whether it’s the laughter shared with your party, the quiet contemplation moments before the ceremony, or the final touches added by your stylist, each moment can be captured in an environment that is both beautiful and conducive to photography.
Overall, the preparation rooms at The Resort at Pelican Hill meet the practical needs of wedding day preparations and enrich the experience, ensuring that every aspect of your day starts in the best possible setting.
Ceremonies:
The Resort at Pelican Hill presents a variety of exceptional ceremony locations, each with its unique charm. The Rotunda, a signature feature of the resort, stands prominently on a hill, providing panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean. This iconic spot is perfect for those who dream of a majestic oceanfront ceremony. Alternatively, the Mar Vista Lawn offers an equally stunning setting with its lush greenery and the vast ocean horizon as your backdrop. This venue gives a sense of intimacy and connection to the natural beauty of the surroundings, ideal for couples looking for a serene and picturesque ceremony space. Both locations promise a memorable and scenic atmosphere for your wedding day.
Receptions:
For receptions, The Resort at Pelican Hill offers two exquisite venues, each suited to create a memorable evening. The Mar Vista Ballroom is a lavish indoor option with high ceilings and luxurious décor. Expansive windows flood the space with natural light and offer breathtaking views of the sunset over the ocean, creating a spectacular backdrop for your celebrations.
Alternatively, the Event Lawn and Terrace offers a stunning open-air experience. Set against the picturesque Newport Coast, this venue allows you and your guests to enjoy the natural beauty of the surroundings under the open sky. The spacious lawn is perfect for larger gatherings, while the adjoining terrace is ideal for more intimate receptions or cocktail hours. Both settings blend elegance and natural beauty, ensuring your reception is beautiful and unforgettable.
Photographic Locations within The Resort at Pelican Hill:
The Resort at Pelican Hill is renowned for its stunning ceremony and reception venues and its spectacular photo opportunities that capture the essence of each couple’s special day. From breathtaking ocean views to intimate rustic settings, the resort offers a variety of picturesque backdrops perfect for wedding photography.
The Rotunda: This circular structure is a marvel, standing prominently with panoramic ocean views. It provides a dramatic and awe-inspiring backdrop for any wedding photo, capturing the vastness of the sea and the sky in a single, spectacular frame.
The Olive Grove: Nestled among aged olive trees, The Olive Grove offers a touch of rustic charm. The serene pathways and the gentle drape of olive branches create a naturally romantic setting, ideal for intimate shots that evoke a sense of timelessness and tranquility.
The Caffè Terrace: Overlooking the expansive greens of the golf course, the Caffè Terrace boasts intricate stonework and lush surroundings. The elegance of the terrace, coupled with the meticulously maintained golf course, provides a refined backdrop for elegant wedding photos.
The Villa Courtyards: Each villa at the resort features a private courtyard that is beautifully landscaped to offer a secluded and romantic spot. These courtyards are perfect for capturing intimate moments amid flowering plants and sophisticated architectural elements, adding a personal touch to each photo.
The Coliseum Pool: Known as the largest circular pool in the world, the Coliseum Pool adds a unique, reflective element to wedding photos. The water’s surface mirrors the sky and the surrounding architecture, creating stunning, artistic images that are both captivating and memorable.
Nearby Photographic Locations:
Just a short drive from the enchanting Resort at Pelican Hill, an array of unique photographic locations awaits, each offering a distinct charm and beauty to enhance your wedding day memories. From sandy beaches and rugged coves to sophisticated urban scenes and lush botanical gardens, these venues near Newport Coast provide a versatile backdrop for capturing your special moments.
Crystal Cove State Park (8471 N Coast Hwy, Laguna Beach, CA 92651): Located 15 minutes from The Resort at Pelican Hill, Crystal Cove State Park features expansive sandy beaches, intriguing tide pools, and scenic rocky coves. This natural setting offers a tranquil and picturesque environment, perfect for capturing the serenity of the seaside.
Corona del Mar State Beach (3001 Ocean Blvd, Corona Del Mar, CA 92625): Just a 10-minute drive from the resort, Corona del Mar State Beach is celebrated for its soaring cliffs and pristine sands. The dramatic backdrop is especially stunning during sunset, providing a vibrant and colorful canvas for breathtaking photos.
Balboa Pier (100 Main St, Newport Beach, CA 92661): Approximately 20 minutes away by car, Balboa Pier presents the quintessential Southern California beach town setting. The vintage pier and bustling beach scene create a lively and playful atmosphere, ideal for fun and spirited wedding photos.
Fashion Island (401 Newport Center Dr, Newport Beach, CA 92660): Only about 15 minutes from Pelican Hill, Fashion Island offers a contemporary urban backdrop with its stylish open-air mall. The modern architectural elements and beautifully landscaped areas add an elegant urban touch to your wedding photography.
Sherman Library and Gardens (2647 E Coast Hwy, Corona Del Mar, CA 92625): A mere 10 minutes from the resort, Sherman Library and Gardens is a haven of tranquility. The gardens are meticulously maintained and feature a variety of living plants, immaculate patios, conservatories, and fountains, creating a refined and serene setting.
Laguna Beach Coastline (Along Pacific Coast Hwy, Laguna Beach, CA): About 20 to 25 minutes south of The Resort at Pelican Hill, the Laguna Beach coastline is known for its dramatic cliffs and expansive ocean horizon views. This location offers a majestic natural landscape, perfect for capturing the grandeur of the sea.
The Wedge (At the end of the Balboa Peninsula, Newport Beach, CA): Situated approximately 25 minutes from Pelican Hill, The Wedge is famous for its large waves and dramatic ocean scenery. It’s an ideal spot for dynamic and striking photos against the powerful backdrop of the Pacific Ocean.
Newport Harbor (Newport Bay, Newport Beach, CA): About 20 minutes from the resort, Newport Harbor offers a serene nautical setting. The calm waters, dotted with yachts and sailing boats, provide a picturesque maritime backdrop.
Soka University (1 University Drive, Aliso Viejo, CA 92656): About 30 minutes from Pelican Hill, Soka University features Tuscan-inspired architecture and beautifully manicured lawns. The elegant buildings and lush greenery provide a sophisticated and cultured setting for wedding photos that capture the essence of architectural beauty and natural elegance.
Why I Love Photographing Weddings at The Resort at Pelican Hill
Photographing weddings at The Resort at Pelican Hill is a standout experience. As a destination wedding photographer, capturing the essence of a couple’s special day in such a stunning locale is genuinely exhilarating. The resort melds breathtaking landscapes with architectural elegance, creating a backdrop that elevates every photo to the level of art. Each setting within the resort, from the panoramic ocean views at the Rotunda to the intimate charm of the Olive Grove, ensures that each wedding album is unique and filled with diverse and vivid imagery.
The luxurious ambiance of Pelican Hill enhances the beauty and romance of the weddings I photograph. Whether it’s the soft glow of sunset over the ocean or the sophisticated grandeur of the ballrooms, every element works harmoniously to create unforgettable moments. Working in such a visually rich environment allows me to craft a portfolio that truly captures the magic and individuality of each couple’s day. It’s a privilege to be part of such meaningful celebrations, documenting love stories set against some of the most picturesque settings imaginable.
Summary
A Resort at Pelican Hill wedding is unmatched in beauty and sophistication. The venue’s rich history and stunning ceremonial and reception locations make it a top choice for couples looking for a luxurious wedding experience. The picturesque settings within and near the resort provide endless possibilities for capturing beautiful wedding photos. As your wedding photographer, I am eager to help you capture the essence of your wedding day at this magnificent venue.
