About Santa Monica
Overlooking the sparkling waters of the Pacific Ocean, Santa Monica is an attractive coastal city in west Los Angeles. It’s famed for its ever-popular stretches of sand where people come to be seen, as well as an iconic Ferris wheel that offers stunning views. In the days leading up to your wedding, you can get your cultural fix at Bergamot Station or escape to the bluff top trails of picturesque Palisades Park.
Wedding venues in Santa Monica range from stunning beachside residences with swimming pools to clifftop mansions, and you can find creative additions such as Airstream mobile bars that your guests will remember for years to come. The city’s proximity to all the hustle and bustle of Los Angeles means you’ll have options when it comes to finding vendors and wedding planners who will execute your wedding flawlessly.
Wedding Options in Santa Monica
As one of Los Angeles’ most desirable beachside neighborhoods, Santa Monica has some of the city’s best wedding vendors to cater to your every need. From experienced wedding photographers to talented florists and your dream catering team, you’ll be able to pick and choose until you find the ones that are right for you.
- Caterers
Due to its proximity to Los Angeles, Santa Monica is on the doorstep of an abundance of catering companies for all tastes and styles. Many wedding venues in Santa Monica also have on-site catering, so all you have to do is select your preferred menu.
- Florists
No matter how you envision your bouquets and boutonnieres, Santa Monica’s creative florists can make them a reality. Whether you’re after something classic, such as roses, or more of a native touch, there are florists with the skills to bring your dreams to life.
- Photographers
Los Angeles is home to some of the best photographers in the business, and that extends to wedding photographers. The competitive market means you’ll have options, no matter what your budget or your preferred style of photography.
- DJs
Santa Monica is a city that knows how to party, so there’s no excuse for not having an incredible DJ that can get everyone on the dance floor. Some wedding DJs also double as MCs or work collaboratively with bands if you want to give your guests a live music experience.
- Hair and Makeup Artists
Whether you want to go ultra-glam or for a more subtle, whimsical look, Santa Monica’s hair and makeup artists have all the experience you could ask for. As the home of Hollywood, Los Angeles attracts some of the best in the business, many of whom work in the wedding industry.
Wedding Companies in Santa Monica
Need help finding your dream wedding venue in Santa Monica? The city’s talented wedding and event planners can do all the hard work of planning your special day, down to the tiniest of details.
- Weddings by Susan Dunne
Drawing on her background in the fashion industry, Susan Dunne has created one of Santa Monica’s premier wedding planning companies. Her work has been featured in countless media outlets that include Martha Stewart Weddings and Ceremony Magazine.
- Dreams In Detail
Serving Southern California and beyond, Dreams in Detail is a full-service wedding planning team that’s won numerous industry awards. Led by Nicole Harris, they pride themselves on designing imaginative and luxurious events, with stylish touches that draw on their extensive experience in the industry.
- Special Event Genie
With more than 20 years of experience in the wedding and event planning industry, Ricki Lewis leads the talented team at Special Event Genie. They can help to plan everything from engagement parties to rehearsal dinners and have their own app, so clients aren’t left with any surprises.
Pros and Cons of Weddings in Santa Monica
The city’s beachside setting and enviable weather are two of its biggest draws, but there are a few aspects to consider when booking a wedding venue in Santa Monica.
Advantages
- Good choice of wedding venues
Santa Monica’s abundance of oceanfront properties makes it an ideal place to tie the knot, particularly if you’re planning a luxurious wedding with a beachy vibe.
- Experienced vendors
You’re not confined to Santa Monica-based vendors when looking for florists, photographers, and DJs, with the industry professionals of Los Angeles right on your doorstep.
- Enviable weather
Santa Monica is blessed with incredible weather throughout the year and experiences few rainy days that might otherwise put a dampener on your wedding.
- Beach backdrop
If you’re after a beach backdrop for your special day, you’ll have options in Santa Monica, with around 10 miles of sand to choose from.
- Easy access to LAX
Wedding venues in Santa Monica are easily accessible from Los Angeles International Airport, which is ideal for couples expecting out-of-town guests.
Disadvantages
- High rent
The city’s rental prices are incredibly high, which means finding an affordable wedding venue in Santa Monica might be challenging.
- Traffic
At certain times of the day, getting into downtown Los Angeles from Santa Monica can be next to impossible. Couples should keep this in mind if they’re having their wedding ceremony at one location and their portraits and reception at another.
- Holiday periods are packed.
If you’re planning to wed over a holiday weekend, Santa Monica might not be ideal as it becomes packed with tourists in search of a beachside getaway.
- Parking
Parking is a problem throughout Los Angeles, and even if you find a place to park in Santa Monica, it can be quite expensive.
- Crime
While it might not be as noticeable as in other areas of Los Angeles, Santa Monica is not without crime.
Famous Locations in Santa Monica
- Santa Monica Pier
Originally constructed in the early 20th century, the Santa Monica Pier stretches from the end of Colorado Avenue into the Pacific Ocean. It’s home to a family-friendly amusement park and plenty of spots for fishing, as well as serving as a beautiful backdrop for wedding photos.
- Palisades Park
For sweeping views across Santa Monica, head to the bluffs of Palisades Park, which are framed by a rustic white fence. There are several picnic areas and benches where you can relax, as well as a camera obscura and petanque courts.
- Bergamot Station
Clustered with art galleries, Bergamot Station is a cultural hub in the heart of Santa Monica. In addition to browsing the contemporary art galleries, you can check to see what’s taking place at the City Garage theater or relax over a meal at the Bergamot Cafe.
