Planning Your Malibu Wedding
Below, I have a lot of information on Malibu Wedding Venues, how to plan a Malibu wedding, etc.
Before I dive in, if you are in the middle of planning your Malibu wedding, I highly recommend downloading my WEDDING PLANNER PRINTABLE.
WEDDING PLANNER GUIDE
This printable includes everything you need to stay organized and stress free!
WHY MALIBU?
I love being a Malibu wedding photographer for countless reasons, but the main ones are:
- Malibu is visually beautiful. It has sweeping sights of the sea pretty much everywhere. It’s many access points to the sea would make a great option for a Malibu elopement.
- Malibu includes a lot of canyons for hiking. I like how the mountains can be juxtaposed with the sea. It makes for really interesting photos.
- Malibu has an amazing wine culture. It has quite a few wineries, all with amazing views.
- Malibu has a wide variety of delicious and reasonably priced seafood. If you are thinking of having a Malibu elopement, you can always have your ceremony by the sea, followed by a romantic dinner at one these restaurants.
- Malibu is rich in history. It includes a lot of wedding venues with interesting historical background, such as the Adamson House.
Malibu Wedding Venues
Below, I’ll list my personal favorites Malibu Wedding Venues.
1. THE ADAMSON HOUSE, MALIBU - Most Unique out of the Malibu Wedding Venues
This is probably my favorite venue for a Malibu Wedding. You can view a wedding I photographed at the Adamson House, Here.
As a wedding photographer, I am drawn to it for a Malibu wedding because it offers a lot of opportunities for really unique images.
The Adamson House is the perfect Malibu wedding venue for many reasons:
- It’s a Historical Landmark and offers a lot of really interesting history.
- The Adamson House is a seaside wedding venue with amazing architecture that has Moorish & Spanish influences. These influences can be seen throughout the venue with colorful tiles, interesting arches, bold color schemes, etc. This offers something unique.
2. MALIBU ROCKY OAKS ESTATE VINEYARDS - Favorite out of the Malibu Wedding Venues
This is probably my favorite out of the listed Malibu wedding venues.
It’s a 35 acre private vineyard with a 360 degree view of the Santa Monica Mountains and Pacific ocean. It is one of Malibu’s most luxurious venues, making guests feel like they are at a castle.
Malibu Rocky Oaks Estate will transport you to both France and Tuscany simultaneously. It’s probably one of the prettiest wedding venues I have ever seen.
3. CIELO FARMS
Cielo farms offers a stone barn that is surrounded by vineyards and hillside views. It is tuscan inspired and spans over 30 acres.
4. BEL-AIR BEY CLUB
Are you both looking to have a Malibu wedding with an Old Hollywood vibe? If so, Bel-Air Bey Club is the view for you. It has views of the Pacific Ocean and Santa Monica Pier.
5. CASA DI PIETRA
“Casa di Pietra” translates to “House of Stone.” This hidden gem is a perfect choice for a Malibu wedding. It overlooks the ocean and has private beach access.
6. THE 1909, TOPANGA CANYON
The 1909 is technically located in Topanga Canyon, but considering how beautiful this venue is and how close it is to Malibu, I have decided to include it on the list.
This venue is different from the others mentioned in that it has more of a forest-like ambiance. It includes a meadow area surrounded by large trees and unique outdoor amphitheater, used for the ceremony.
This venue is perfect for bohemians, artists, or hippie folks as it really has that vibe going for it. This venue is perfect for Malibu intimate weddings or larger weddings.
To view a wedding I photographed at the 1909, click HERE.
7. MALIBU FARM
This is a restaurant that is often used for Malibu wedding receptions. This place is SUPER cute. It has a retro vibe and is both trendy, yet timeless. It is also located ON the Malibu Pier, offering plenty of wedding photo opportunities.
Even if you don’t have your Malibu wedding here, I still recommend checking out this restaurant for dinner.
8. CYPRESS SEA COVE
Cypress Sea Cove in Malibu is so unbelievably beautiful. I love this for a Malibu wedding because it has a seaside cottage quality.
Unlike the other Malibu wedding venues, it has a more relaxed vibe while still offering everything you’d expect from a Malibu wedding – breathtaking views of the ocean.
Also, this venue can accommodate up to 700 guests, so if you’re looking to have a larger Malibu wedding, this is a great choice.
9. SADDLEROCK RANCH & VINEYARD, MALIBU
I have to say that Saddlerock Ranch makes it in my top 3 list of favorite Malibu wedding venues.
It has 4 separate venues to choose from and they are ALL exquisite.
It also has a refined, rustic charm and has been the setting for multiple celebrity weddings. If you’re looking for an unforgettable location to say “I do” this is definitely a phenomenal Malibu wedding venue option.
10. CALAMIGOS RANCH, MALIBU
This is a really popular Malibu wedding venue choice and for good reason. While it doesn’t offer seaside views, it offers sights of the Santa Monica Mountains and has lovely forest vibe.
Like Saddlerock Ranch, Calamigos Ranch has a few different venues to choose from, but my personal favorite is called the OAK ROOM.
11. MALIBU WEST BEACH CLUB
I love photographing here and think it’s a great choice for a Malibu wedding. It offers ocean views and private beach access.
it also has beautiful light and vaulted ceilings. The ceremony can be held on the outdoor balcony, allowing you to say your vows overlooking the ocean.
12. INN OF THE SEVENTH REY
This is a restaurant in Topanga Canyon (very close to Malibu) that is also used as a venue. Inn of the Seventh Rey has the BEST BRUNCH EVER. I recommend checking it out!
If there is one word I’d use to describe this venue, it would be “enchanting.” It offers candle light, huge trees, winding pathways, waterfalls, etc. It also serves fresh organic food and wines.
One thing I will mention about this specific venue is that it is a little bit more challenging to photograph at because it’s ceremony site includes a lot of winding passageways, meaning when the bride or groom is walking down the aisle, it’s very difficult to see her or him at some points.
Because of this, I’d absolutely 100% recommend having two photographers for your Inn of the Seventh Rey wedding. This way, they can stand in different areas of the winding passageways, making sure they cover those photographs. Reach out to you Malibu wedding photographer and ask if they offer a second photographer in their wedding coverage collections.
If you are having a more intimate wedding or Malibu elopement, the Inn of the Seventh Rey would be a good option for beautiful reception dinner.
13. TRIUNFO CREEK VINEYARDS
Triunfo Creek Vineyards is nestled against the Santa Monica mountains. If you’re looking to have a Malibu wedding with a French wine country vibe, this is the venue for you. It is surrounded by Oak and Sycamore trees and sweeping views of the rolling hills. It also offers super delicious food — super important in my book!
14. RANCHO DEL CIELO, MALIBU
Unfortunately, Rancho Del Cielo was burned down in the Malibu fires about two years ago, but I know they have been rebuilding it and at this point I think it is fully restored.
It offers amazing views of the ocean, gardens, olive trees, and so much more!
Malibu Rehearsal Dinner Options
Remember, if you’d like to your rehearsal dinner photographed, be sure to reach out to your Malibu wedding photographer in advance to get that scheduled!
1. MALIBU FARM
This is a restaurant that is often used for Malibu wedding receptions or rehearsals. This place is SUPER cute. It has a retro vibe and is both trendy, yet timeless. It is also located ON the Malibu Pier, offering plenty of wedding photo opportunities.
2. INN OF SEVENTH REY
This is a restaurant in Topanga Canyon (very close to Malibu).
If there is one word I’d use to describe this restaurant, it would be “enchanting.” It offers candle light, huge trees, winding pathways, waterfalls, etc. It also serves fresh organic food and wines. It’s perfect for romantic rehearsal dinner!
3. MALIBU CAFE
Malibu Cafe is adjacent to Calamigos Ranch, on the same property. This is a fun place that offers outdoor activities, such as a life sized checkers board, plenty of wine, and delicious food! I’d recommend this for a perfectly bougie, yet casual and fun wedding rehearsal dinner vibe.
AND THAT COVERS IT! IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS, FEEL FREE TO REACH ME HERE.
I would be absolutely honored to be the Malibu wedding photographer for your special day!
Until next time,
Elyana
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