Ceremony at Lighthouse Point in Santa Cruz

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Hey ladies,I've been a lurker here for a long time, but now that we're planning more I'm going to try to start participating...For a long time I've wanted to have our ceremony at Lighthouse Point in Santa Cruz (on West Cliff Dr.). The city web site says that a maximum of 50 chairs can be used, but we're probably going to have approx. 65/70 people.I'm wondering if anyone knows just how strict this requirement is? I'm going to call and ask, but I wanted to see if anyone has personal experience. I really doubt that there's going to be a park ranger there counting chairs, right?Any other suggestions of similar ocean view ceremony spots?Thanks so much!

jackelbride

It's very strict! We thought about that too but couldn't get our guest list down enough.Call the Santa Cruz parks district and they'll help you figure out a good location.

sm23

If you call them, of course they're going to tell you that it's strict and you have to stick to the posted number of chairs (I imagine there's a reason for that - they probably don't want you blocking the right of way for pedestrians/bikers on West Cliff). If it were me, I'd either get the guest list down to exactly 50, or look for another spot.Are you looking for an ocean view ceremony spot specifically in Santa Cruz or would other areas be ok?I don't know what your budget is but Seascape Resort is pretty popular for weddings and has a great spot overlooking the ocean. There's also Seymour Marine Discovery Center in Santa Cruz, Monterey Plaza Hotel and Spa, Ventana Inn and Spa in Big Sur. There are also lots of spots overlooking the ocean in SF, Marin County and Mendocino area, but I'm not sure if you're interested in that?

apple_green

Thanks ladies! Santa Cruz/Capitola are our first choices, but we're open to other areas. I happened to come across a photographer's blog with photos of a ceremony at Lighthouse Point, and you can see approx. 80 chairs in one of the photos. So that got my hopes up!We're visiting on 8/29 to look at some venues, and I love Michael's on Main on Soquel. We may decide to have our ceremony there to make it easy on everyone. Thanks again

sm23

Friends of ours got engaged at Michael's on Main! Great little spot. Good luck in your search!

LizAnne72184

I lived across the street from there while attending UCSC and saw a couple weddings take place! It's such a public spot that dozens of onlookers would crowd around. So long as some guests don't mind standing, they'll just appear to be onlookers and you won't get in trouble. Just have 50 chairs for the elderly or those who need them and the rest can stand. I wouldn't sweat it. There are always tons of people at that spot and a wedding draws lots of lookey loos--the officials will just be counting the chairs, if they come by at all. Santa Cruz's city staff is so, so small right now due to the economy. Oh, if you go with this plan, try to encourage casual dress and your standing guests will blend in with the crowd .