California Dreamin'

Words by Carolyn Steere

Warm breezes, blue skies, Hollywood glamour and endless fun are some visions which come to mind when dreaming of Southern California. It’s an ideal vacation destination, which translates into a picture-perfect choice for a destination wedding which is sure to please.

Welcome to the sophisticated Terranea Resort, where you are greeted by a spectacular visage of the Pacific Ocean the moment you step inside. This luxurious Mediterranean-inspired retreat is located only moments from Los Angeles on a coastal bluff with panoramic views, inviting courtyards, opulent gardens and outdoor fireplaces. The 102-acre estate has a generous array of guest accommodations including hotel rooms, casitas and villas. Three swimming pools, 135,000 square-feet of indoor and outdoor wedding space, a full-service spa, an award-winning golf course and eight unique dining options make this a place where your guests can stay, eat and play all on-site.

If a desert oasis is what you envision, the romantic Miramonte Resort and Spa in the heart of Palm Springs may be just what you are looking for. Italian fountains, bougainvillea-covered villas and tranquil pools provide the ambiance of a charming Mediterranean village and the resort’s wedding professionals take pride in adding unique touches which make it your own. One special tradition of the resort is to exchange vows under the expansive olive tree, sure to bring future blessings to the couple. The cuisine at Miramonte boasts true “farm-to-table” California menus which can be customized to your liking.

In the picturesque, seaside town of Del Mar, where Bing Crosby said “the surf meets the turf,” you find the horse track he helped found and L’Auberge Del Mar. Somehow this resort has managed to combine quaint charm with a trendy feel, making it the place to be for locals and visitors alike. Venue options for weddings range from a seaside ceremony overlooking the sparkling Pacific, to an oceanfront deck with panoramic views. Enjoy an elegant reception in a spacious ballroom where Executive Chef Brandon Fortune brings his years of experience and talent to each dish served.

Venture a bit south to Mission Bay in San Diego to find Paradise Point Resort and Spa. This property is ideal for hosting a family-oriented wedding event due to its sandy cove beach, marina, five swimming pools, plenty of space to bike, hike or just explore and its close neighbor, Sea World.

Destination Hotels and Resorts’ Destination Wedding Collection includes these and many other great settings for hosting all of your wedding events.

Photos courtesy of Terranea Resort (first & last), Miramonte Resort and Spa (second), L'Auberge Del Mar (fourth), Paradise Point Resort and Spa (third).

This article first appeared in Destination I Do's Fall/Winter 2014 issue. You can order a copy here.