Why is it so hard???

[breezy]

to find a great site?

We want to get married in Orange County CA (between San Diego and Los Angeles) on the beach. I have found stunning sites in San Diego and L.A. but am finding that O.C. doesn't have as much to offer.

I have searched high and low on the internet and am still struggling. My parents live in O.C. and we are about an hour and a half away. I am going down tommorrow (for 2 days) to look at sites with my Mom. I am really hoping that what I have been able to find looks better in person than it did on the internet.

I would love to be able to find a beach site for the ceremony with an indoor site for the reception that are in the same vicinity without having to pay $70+ per person for their menu (as they insist on catering the event)

I am afraid if I can't find what I want that we will have to change our plans
I really want to be married bare foot on the beach with the sun set behind up.

We are thinking small wedding, with about 50 people. Unfortunately most places that I have found require you to pay for a minimum of 100 people.

If my parent house was a smige bigger we could have the reception there... but for 50 people it really would be uncomfortable.

Wish me luck!!! Once we find a site we can start narrowing down a date

[Marrying_the_Good_Husband]

Good luck. I know here (in NJ) you'd be hard-pressed to find some dumpy little catering hall for that price, let alone a gorgeous beach setting in an extremely ritzy county (from what I've seen on the commercials for the TV show ). I was looking at spots at the NJ shore (before we decided to go away and get married on a beach in Turks and Caicos) and the minimum was $120 to $250 per person!!!

Is there any way perhaps that you could use your parents' house if you made it more of a standing cocktail party than a seated dinner? That's what I'm doing. Really heavy finger foods, so it's a "meal" without the need to sit with a knife and fork.

[555Ann555]

Good luck honey!

If it's any help at all I find that places normally look a lot better IRL than they do in the pictures online, and you can't get a feel for the atmosphere either. Hope it goes better than you're expecting

[PlanetClaire]

Why is it so hard? Because we all want our wedding day to be perfect. Because you have something specific in mind.

Seeing them in person will be a big help!

Good luck on your search!!

[Heather]

Good luck breezy!

[Chillchacha]

Breezy,

I don’t know how I missed this one! I grew up in O.C. and I will be getting married there too. Your best bet will be to look in South County because the beaches aren’t as populated since there are no private beaches in California. My ex sister in-law got married over looking the beach in Dana Point at a park and had her reception at a near by restaurant. She had to obtain a city permit for the park from the city. I know of a few places but I have not personally checked them out let me see…



Surf and Sand Resort in Laguna Beach

http://www.surfandsandresort.com/meeting_weddings.htm


Newport Beach Marriott Hotel & Spa
I‘m not sure if you can get married on the beach hear but I know it is on Back Bay in Newport Beach. I guess it wouldn’t hurt to call or email and ask.

http://marriott.com/meeting/wedding/...WT_Ref=mi_left


La Casa del Camino, Laguna Beach

http://www.casacamino.com/laguna2.html

This is not the most professional looking site but it does give a lot of beach options. If you click on California Beach Wedding Packages I think this may be what you are looking for. *Warning it plays music*

http://www.marcyann.com/

By-the-by this is where I’m getting married:
Tivoli Terrace in Laguna Beach
After the intro click on the picture on the left.
*Warning it plays music*
http://www.tivoliterrace.com/

This website so doesn’t do this place justice it is better in person.