Say “I do” with a Santa Monica wedding

Begin with a breathtaking beach ceremony, then continue the celebration with bites and toasts in a ballroom near the pier or an intimate dinner surrounded by your closest friends and family.

Edited by Karen Johanson | March 5, 2026

Get married by the sand in Santa Monica, California

Perfect weddings begin with thoughtful planning. This guide covers the benefits of hiring a professional as well as romantic venue recommendations to simplify every step — no matter who’s leading the charge. Discover spaces for every budget and vibe, plus how to make the most of your Santa Monica beach ceremony, including curated add-ons for the days beyond. With ocean air, golden sunsets, and Pacific views as your backdrop, explore seamless reception options, smart timelines, and weekend plans that carry your celebration from vows to the final toast.

In this article: Plan your wedding in Santa Monica

Beach ceremony basics in Santa Monica

Count on a planner for wedding success

Vows in a chic coastal space

Experiences without the expense

Beach ceremony basics in Santa Monica

A Santa Monica beach wedding is beautifully simple — for ceremonies with fewer than 150 guests, no permit is required. Gather along the shoreline on a first-come basis, bring chairs and a breezy arch, and let the ocean be your soundtrack. Keep pathways clear, skip the glass and open flames, and design the setting so every guest feels welcome and comfortable. When it’s time to celebrate, wander from the sand to the nearby Hilton Santa Monica Hotel & Suites — toast the moment on the Pacific Terrace, then dine and dance beneath the nature-inspired elegance of the Palisades Ballroom as the sky turns gold.

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Count on a planner for wedding success

A great planner is more than a coordinator — they’re your creative partner and calm presence from first look to final dance, designing a day that begins with vows on the sand and flows effortlessly into a ballroom celebration. Need a photographer who knows how to catch that just-right sunset on the beach or along the bluffs? They’ll connect you with trusted pros who match your style and budget. Because planners collaborate with top vendors every day, they can also bring in talented audio and lighting teams who keep the energy glowing long after sunset. Whether you’re hosting a grand celebration at Hilton Santa Monica Hotel & Suites or an intimate gathering at a boutique retreat like Oceana Santa Monica, LXR Hotels & Resorts, they’ll make sure every detail feels seamless with event support and local recommendations.

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Vows in a chic coastal space

If you’re staying at Oceana Santa Monica, LXR Hotels and Resorts, you’ll find privacy, polish, and coastal-chic style with an exclusive ambiance. Host 20 to 40 guests in their elegant event spaces and look forward to the possibilities, including chef-led tastings and bespoke menus. Thoughtful luxuries like Frette linens and Bottega Veneta bath amenities await in 70 suites, along with 24-hour housekeeping. Couples can book a lanai or oceanfront suite for privacy in posh surroundings. Consider this service-focused, suite-only hotel for intimate weddings and small rehearsal dinners, with cuisine options including elevated French and Mediterranean cuisine available in four different dining areas. Curated experiences ranging from oceanfront yoga to surf lessons await the couple and guests alike.

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Experiences without the expense

When your guests want a wallet-friendly option or additional space, Hampton Inn & Suites Santa Monica is a short walk from the beach as well as reception and rehearsal dinner venues. Free hot breakfast with waffles and more helps simplify mornings, and the space encourages connection, with a second-story pool plus a hot tub and fire pit for relaxed conversations. Gaze out at city and ocean views from your private balcony or keep your wellness goals on track in the fitness center, as you experience top-notch amenities at a budget-friendly price. Choose a studio suite with a sofa sleeper to accommodate up to four friends or family members. If you need even more space to stretch out, ask for Confirmed Connecting Rooms by Hilton™.

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How To... Create the perfect destination wedding

Make sure all your destination wedding dreams come true with the help of Hilton Vallarta Riviera All-Inclusive Resort’s wedding sales manager, Hernán Arenas Prado.