From sunny days almost 365 days a year, to the breeze of the Pacific Ocean, to the intimate yet luxurious feel of being able to see yachts docked in the bay, Newport Beach is the hottest OC destination for all things luxury and lifestyle.

This oasis by the sea represents the good life – so the fact that Newport Beach also happens to be a place where you can find tons of unique spots for weddings and events is no surprise.

So, kick off your shoes (because barefoot is the way to go when you live by the ocean!), grab a Balboa Bar, and settle in to discover a myriad of event venues for your pending nuptials found here in our very own backyard of Newport Beach.

HOTELS

Lido House

WHY WE LOVE IT: Wedged between Balboa Island and Newport proper, Lido House truly embodies the spirit of Newport Beach – quaint, yet luxurious. Laid-back, yet sophisticated. Lido House is the new kid on the block, opening its doors in April of this year. Part of the Marriott’s prestigious Autograph Collection, the resort includes five residential-style, three-level cottages spanning 1,300 feet, making it not only a wedding venue, but a place where wedding guests can enjoy an entire weekend. Crew, the resort’s coffee shop and cremerie makes the deal that much sweeter, as it’s not only open to the public, but available to add on to any wedding package. For couples who want a wedding with a nautical feel without actually being on the sand, an outdoor ceremony on the ceremony lawn followed by a reception inside of the Cape-Cod inspired ballroom is what we like to call coastal chic. And with a hashtag like #Coastwithus, it’s pretty much meant to be.

FUN FACT: The land where Lido House now exists used to be where City Hall sat.

Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort

WHY WE LOVE IT: This 110-acre resort located in the heart of Newport Beach is truly one of a kind. Home to the premiere RV Park and Marina in Southern California, this is the ideal wedding location for the couple who wants the charm of Newport Beach in a classy yet understated way. Nestled in the Back Bay of Newport Beach, The Dunes offers a mile of beachfront property – you actually need a map to navigate the place! The Dunes has eight wedding locations on site ranging from a pavilion on the sand, outdoor gazebos and lawns, to indoor ballroom spaces with stunning views. This highly customizable space makes it an ideal candidate to host a couple’s dream wedding, whether they’re envisioning a grand affair under the stars or a more intimate gathering with a sweeping view.

FUN FACT: The Dunes are surrounded by the Newport Bay Nature Preserve, one of the most pristine remaining estuaries in Southern California.

Fashion Island Hotel Newport Beach

WHY WE LOVE IT: Venture to the other side of Newport Beach, and you have the iconic Fashion Island, an outdoor mall that has become a Orange County tourist attraction. Just moments away from this fashion oasis is another kind of oasis in its own right – Island Hotel, which not only boasts luxurious accommodations, but impressive event space –  the hotel’s biggest ballroom can hold up to 660 guests! Couples can choose an indoor or outdoor ceremony, then have the option of hosting an indoor reception in one of the hotel’s six very unique ballroom spaces.

FUN FACT: The very cool Aqua Lounge is the hotel’s on-site nightclub and lounge, which can also be rented out for events. Open until 11pm Sunday – Thursday, and 1am on Fridays and Saturdays, live DJ’s, bottle service, and craft cocktails makes this a place that you not only want to get married, but spend an entire weekend.

Photo by Brett Hickman Photography

HIDDEN GEMS

The Pelican Courtyard

WHY WE LOVE IT: This hidden courtyard in the middle of Newport Beach is a quaint space for an intimate wedding or social gathering for the couple who wants to be in beautiful Newport Beach just minutes away from the ocean, yet away from the hustle and bustle. The courtyard holds up to 100 guests and is reminiscent of a secret garden. For the couple who wants something wallet-friendly, and wants to get married amongst lush natural foliage and trees, this is a perfect option!

FUN FACT: In collaboration with Seaside Gallery and Goods, the Courtyard hosts workshops regularly,  ranging from beginning macrame, introduction to crystals, modern calligraphy, and beginning watercolor classes.

Photo Credit: Nick-Radford.com

American Legion

WHY WE LOVE IT:  There are few venues in Newport Beach where you can get married with a view of the water as your backdrop, history that dates to the 1920s, and a sense of patriotism, so the American Legion is a very special place. Couples need to be affiliated with a veteran to get married here, but the space is a completely blank canvas where your imagination can run wild! Guests enter through the fireside room, and are then escorted outside to a beautiful patio overlooking the bay. Couples get married on a raised stage, then everyone heads inside to the hall for reception, which holds up to 250 guests. Catering is available, but couples have the flexibility to work with any other vendor that they’d like to bring in.

FUN FACT: The Legion is well known in Newport Beach for their social scene! Between All-You-Can-Eat Spaghetti nights, to Taco Tuesday with line dancing, to Dinner and Dance Fridays, the Legion is fun every day during the week, not just on Saturday nights for weddings.

RESTAURANT

Harborside Grand Ballroom

WHY WE LOVE IT: Getting to Harborside’s Grand Ballroom is an experience in and of itself. To get there, one must travel from one side of Newport Beach to the other, through the neighborhoods of Balboa Island, and finally to the iconic Balboa Fun Zone. The ballroom, located inside the historic Balboa Pavilion building, is set atop the Harborside Restaurant and provides sweeping views of Newport Harbor. With this beautiful backdrop and an open floorplan make this space a completely blank canvas for any couple to design the wedding of their dreams. The space holds up to 500 guests, so if you have a much smaller guest count, you can get creative in terms of layout, bringing in larger furniture such as lounge vignettes, and thinking outside of the box when it comes to decor.

FUN FACT: Since 1906, the building has been a symbol of Newport Beach. In 1968 it was designated as both a state and national landmark, which is the highest honor a building can receive.

Written by Danielle Leilani Evans, Owner + Lead Planner of Leilani Weddings