.The Resort at Pelican Hill sits on the bluffs above Newport Beach, California, with the Pacific Ocean below and the kind of light that makes everything look like it was art directed. I photographed a wedding here for a family I’d worked with before. The sister of a previous bride. By the time you’re photographing a second wedding in the same family, everyone already knows how to be around you.
The property is extraordinary. Renaissance-inspired architecture, manicured grounds, ocean views from almost every angle. One thing to know: if you’re hoping for sunset portraits on the golf course, ask in advance. The coyotes that live on the property have other opinions about evening access. We found our light elsewhere. It worked out beautifully.
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:
The getting-ready spaces at Pelican Hill are spacious and well-lit with good natural light through large windows. There’s room for the whole party to move around comfortably. It’s a genuinely pleasant way to start the day.
Ceremonies:
The Rotunda sits on a hilltop with panoramic Pacific Ocean views. It’s the most dramatic ceremony option on the property. The Mar Vista Lawn is greener and more intimate, with the ocean horizon as the backdrop. Both face west, which means golden hour light hits them directly.
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
Snugly set 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:
The resort grounds give you most of what you need for portraits. If you want to venture out, Newport Beach has beaches, coves, and harbor views within a short drive.
- 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.
Why I Love Photographing Weddings at The Resort at Pelican Hill
Pelican Hill gives you variety within a single property. The ceremony spaces face the ocean. The courtyards have architectural interest. The grounds go golden in the late afternoon in a way that California does better than almost anywhere else.
Frequently Asked Questions: Resort at Pelican Hill Weddings
Where is the Resort at Pelican Hill located?
22701 Pelican Hill Road South in Newport Beach, California. It sits on the bluffs above the Pacific Ocean in Orange County. More at pelicanhill.com.
What is the Resort at Pelican Hill?
A luxury resort and wedding venue in Newport Beach with Renaissance-inspired architecture, ocean views, and manicured grounds. The property includes multiple ceremony and reception spaces, an amphitheater overlooking the Pacific, golf courses, and full resort amenities. It’s one of the most visually extraordinary wedding venues on the California coast.
What are the best photo locations at Pelican Hill?
The bluffs above the ocean for ceremony and portrait backdrops. The colonnaded walkways and courtyards for architectural portraits. The grounds at golden hour when the California light goes warm and the ocean catches the color. One note: sunset access to the golf course depends on the time of year and what’s happening on the property. Ask in advance and have a backup portrait location planned.
What is the light like at Pelican Hill?
Southern California coastal light is soft, warm, and directional in a way that flatters almost everything. The bluff position means you’re shooting toward the ocean at golden hour, which produces extraordinary backlit portraits. The venue faces west, so late afternoon light is genuinely spectacular. Plan portrait time around sunset if at all possible.
What time of year is best for a Pelican Hill wedding?
Year-round, honestly. Southern California weather is reliably mild. Spring and fall are ideal for comfortable temperatures. Summer evenings are warm with long golden hours. Winter can bring marine layer in the morning that burns off by afternoon, giving you dramatic skies.
Is Pelican Hill good for destination weddings?
Very much so. It’s a full resort, which means your guests can stay on property, use the spa, and have a genuine wedding weekend experience without leaving. The venue handles everything from ceremony to reception in one location. For couples flying in from out of state, the all-inclusive nature of the resort simplifies logistics significantly.
Do you travel to Pelican Hill for weddings?
Yes. I’ve photographed at Pelican Hill and it’s a venue worth traveling for. If your wedding is here, I’d love to hear about it. My luxury destination wedding portfolio covers the full range of where I work.
