South Orange County Wedding Venues We Love (And Have Catered)
After catering hundreds of weddings across Orange County, we've developed strong opinions about venues. Not just about how they look in photos, but about how they actually function on wedding day—the flow, the setup logistics, the vibe they create for guests.
This is an insider's perspective on South Orange County wedding venues, written from the point of view of someone who's been behind the scenes at these locations many times. If you're planning a wedding in the San Clemente, Dana Point, Laguna Beach, or Newport Beach area, this guide will help you understand what makes each venue special.
Ole Hanson Beach Club - San Clemente
Ole Hanson sits right on the beach in San Clemente with sweeping ocean views from its Spanish Colonial Revival architecture. It's one of the most iconic venues in South Orange County, and for good reason.
What makes it special: The terrace overlooks San Clemente Beach and pier, giving you that quintessential Southern California coastal wedding aesthetic. The historic building has character—arched doorways, tile work, wood beam ceilings—that you can't replicate in modern venues.
What to know: Access is stairs only. There's no elevator, so vendors haul equipment up and down. That's not a dealbreaker, but it's something to be aware of for guests with mobility concerns and for planning your setup logistics.
The venue works beautifully for both intimate gatherings and larger celebrations. You're steps from the beach, so sunset photos are spectacular. The surrounding area gives your guests easy access to downtown San Clemente's restaurants and shops if they're making a weekend of it.
Best for: Couples who want authentic California coastal elegance without feeling overly formal.
Monarch Beach Resort - Dana Point
Monarch Beach Resort is luxury hospitality at its finest. The property sprawls across the bluffs overlooking the Pacific, with multiple event spaces ranging from intimate terraces to grand ballrooms.
What makes it special: The level of service and attention to detail is exceptional. The venues have that upscale resort polish while still feeling connected to the ocean setting. You've got options for both outdoor ceremonies and indoor receptions, with backup plans built in for weather.
What to know: This is a premium venue with pricing to match, but you're getting a full-service resort experience. Your guests can stay on property, enjoy the spa, and make it a destination weekend. The culinary team is top-tier, so food quality will be excellent.
The ballrooms have high ceilings and elegant finishes that photograph beautifully. Outdoor spaces have fire pits and ocean views. It's a venue that handles large weddings smoothly because they have the infrastructure and staffing to support it.
Best for: Couples planning an upscale celebration who want their guests to have a complete resort experience.
The Resort at Pelican Hill - Newport Coast
Pelican Hill might be the most visually stunning resort in Orange County. The Italian Renaissance-inspired architecture, manicured grounds, and hilltop setting create an incredibly romantic atmosphere.
What makes it special: Everything feels elevated here. The rotunda with its circular colonnade is an iconic ceremony backdrop. The terraces overlook the golf course toward the ocean. Even the smallest details—the tile work, the landscaping, the furnishings—feel intentional and luxurious.
What to know: Like Monarch Beach, this is a premium venue. But if you're looking for that "transported to the Italian coast" aesthetic without leaving California, Pelican Hill delivers. The property is massive, so your guests will want to stay on-site to fully experience it.
The culinary program is exceptional, and the service standards are incredibly high. This venue attracts couples who want every element of their wedding to feel refined and special.
Best for: Couples seeking a truly luxurious, destination-style wedding with Mediterranean-inspired elegance.
Newport Beach Yacht Club
For couples who love nautical settings, the Newport Beach Yacht Club offers waterfront views in the heart of Newport Harbor. The venue has a classic yacht club aesthetic—polished but not stuffy.
What makes it special: You're right on the water with boats in the harbor and sunset views over the Pacific. The venue strikes a nice balance between upscale and approachable. It feels special without being overly formal.
What to know: The yacht club has both indoor and outdoor spaces, which gives you flexibility for ceremony and reception layouts. The location is perfect for guests who want to explore Newport Beach's dining and shopping before or after the wedding.
Parking and access are straightforward, which makes vendor coordination easier. The staff understands how to work with outside caterers and service providers, so the logistics run smoothly.
Best for: Couples who love the ocean but want a more refined nautical aesthetic than a beachfront venue provides.
Cielo Farms - Malibu
Technically just outside Orange County, but Cielo Farms is worth the drive for couples seeking a rustic-elegant farm setting. The venue sits on a hilltop in Malibu with sweeping canyon and ocean views.
What makes it special: The property has that effortlessly chic California aesthetic—string lights, long farm tables, open-air spaces surrounded by nature. It feels intimate despite being able to accommodate larger groups.
What to know: This is an outdoor venue, so you're dependent on good weather (though Malibu's climate is generally cooperative). The natural beauty means you need minimal decoration—the setting does the heavy lifting.
The drive from Orange County is about 90 minutes, so many couples arrange shuttles for guests. It's worth considering whether your guest list will embrace the destination aspect or if a closer venue makes more sense.
Best for: Couples who want an organic, nature-focused celebration with stunning views and a relaxed vibe.
Intimate San Clemente and San Juan Capistrano Venues
Not every couple wants a large resort wedding. South Orange County has excellent options for intimate celebrations that feel personal and special.
The Swanner House in San Juan Capistrano offers garden wedding charm in a historic setting. The property has mature trees, brick pathways, and multiple ceremony and reception spaces. It's perfect for couples who want a smaller wedding (100-150 guests) in a venue with character.
Local restaurants and private estates in San Clemente also host beautiful intimate weddings. Places like Coyote Grill or private beachfront homes can be transformed into stunning venues for smaller guest lists. These options often give you more flexibility and a more personalized feel than large commercial venues.
Best for: Couples planning intimate weddings (under 100 guests) who value personality and flexibility over traditional venue features.
What Actually Matters When Choosing Your Venue
After seeing hundreds of weddings at dozens of venues, here's what we've learned matters most:
Logistics aren't glamorous, but they're crucial. Does the venue have adequate parking? Clear load-in procedures for vendors? Backup plans for weather? These practical considerations impact how smoothly your day runs.
Size appropriateness matters more than size flexibility. A venue that comfortably fits 150 guests will always feel better than a venue designed for 300 that you're trying to make work for 120. Don't underestimate the importance of the space feeling right for your headcount.
Location impacts guest experience significantly. Consider where your guests are traveling from. A venue that's convenient for 90% of your guest list will create better energy than one that requires everyone to drive 90 minutes.
Your venue sets the tone for your entire event. A beachfront venue creates a different atmosphere than a ballroom, which feels different from a farm setting. Choose a venue that aligns with the vibe you want, not just one that looks good in photos.
Work with the venue's strengths, not against them. Ole Hanson Beach Club is spectacular for coastal elegance but isn't trying to be a formal ballroom. Pelican Hill is luxury and refinement but isn't a casual beach setting. Choose a venue that naturally delivers what you want rather than trying to transform it into something it's not.
Making Your South OC Venue Choice
South Orange County offers remarkable variety in wedding venues. You can get married on the beach, in a ballroom, on a farm, at a yacht club, or in a historic garden—all within 30 minutes of each other.
The best venue for you depends on your priorities: guest experience, aesthetic, budget, logistics, and the feeling you want to create. There's no universally "best" venue, only the right venue for your specific celebration.
Visit your top choices in person if possible. Walk the space, ask detailed questions about logistics and vendor requirements, and imagine your guests moving through the venue on your wedding day. The right choice will feel obvious once you've done that work.
Planning a wedding at one of these South Orange County venues? We'd love to bring hand-dipped ice cream catering to your celebration. We've worked at all of these locations and know how to make setup and service seamless for your big day.