N. Cali Beach Wedding, locations needed!

sarahmoriah · July 2009

I'm looking for a ceremony location on the beach. Any suggestions for someplace quiet but not to far from dining? I figure local knowledge is better than just what I can find on the internet. Any suggestions would be appreciated!

jackelbride · July 2009

How many people are you inviting? What's your budget?

sm23 · July 2009

Where are you? There are beaches as far south as Monterey and as far north as Mendocino, and a whole lot in between.

niffycat · July 2009

Also are you looking for a beach on the ocean? Or would you be interested in someplace like Tahoe, where there are a bunch of beautiful beaches near dining.

caligirl9 · July 2009

I am getting married at Half Moon Bay Golf Links. It isn't on the beach but the beach is directly below the golf course and you see the ocean where your standing. You get to take your pictures on the beach to still get the beach wedding without all the noise from the waves.I was going to do a lake tahoe wedding but it was too far to travel. I looked into Monterey which was nice but a drive for our guests. When we looked at HMB Golf Links, there was a rogue wave the day before that swept away a mother and daughter. It is something that happens quite frequently and scared me out of a beach wedding. Also the noise of the waves makes it hard to hear. Even at one of the sites at HMB the waves were really loud.If you can do Monterey, check out Monterey Beach Resort, Best Western. It was my favorite out of all of the places we looked at and allows for a beach wedding.

californiaborn · July 2009

I've seen weddings on the beach in Bodega Bay...It was either Dillon or Doran beach, I always confuse the two. THe wedding party came down wooden stairs onto the beach from Bodega Bay Lodge and Spa, I believe. There's also Inn at the Tides as a second option where you could eat.

sarahmoriah · July 2009

BUDGET: We're working on this, my dress is going to be $70 off of ebay, I make minimum wage and work three jobs. My fiance will be paying for most of the wedding our of his savings. Our most expensive items will be the photographer and videographer. GUEST LIST: 20 people, family only, this includes the officiant who is an uncle as as well as a pastor. This is close and immediate family only. WHERE AM I?: I'm currently in Fort Worth, but we have family in Nor Cali. Some of his family would be coming from British Columbia. It's a neutral spot, and my one childhood idea on having a wedding. BEACH or OCEAN?: Ocean! I'm looking for anything south of Fort Bragg for spots, it can be cliffy or sand doesn't matter. I am going to avoid having any chairs (everone can stand around us). Beach would be fun if we could have a bon fire. Using the natural beauty as much as possible. (Rain plan is a portable tent and umbrellas, and shawls.) RECEPTION: We're thinking Italian like Olive Garden or Maccaroni Grill and in that price range as well, we know it's northern Cali so we also may end up with something local, but a basic sit down family dinner with a brought in cake. Trying not to exceed $800 on this. Wedding date looks like late September early October on a week day. We've been friends for 8 years, dating since November, and getting engaged in Cali in August, the distance is getting to be too much and we want to move on with our lives. So yeah any local knowledge would be helpful. I used to live in Monteray, and I've worked in San Jose and spent childhood vacations in Mindocino, and I am a native from Yuba City in the valley, but I havne't lived in Cali for 20 years. Recommendations on good spots would be much appreciated!