Malibu Wedding Photographer
Are you thinking of having a Malibu Wedding or elopement? If so, I would absolutely love to be your Malibu wedding photographer! :)
Below, I have a lot of information on how to plan a Malibu wedding, it includes everything from venue suggestions, to Malibu activities, etc.
I highly recommend downloading my WEDDING PLANNER PRINTABLE.
WEDDING PLANNER GUIDE
This printable includes everything you need to stay organized and stress free during the wedding planning process.
WHY MALIBU?
The question should be, why not 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 o 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 venues with interesting historical background, such as the Adamson House.
Malibu Wedding Venues
As a Malibu wedding photographer, I have seen my fair share of Malibu wedding venues...and wow, there are A LOT of stunning choices.
Below, I'll list my personal favorites!
1. The Adamson House, Malibu
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 Malibu wedding because it offers a lot of opportunities for really unique images.
The Admason House is 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.
The History of the Adamson House
The history of the Adamson House is an interesting one. The last owner of Malibu was a wealthy man who bought the property in 1892 for $10 an acre. 30 years later, this land became the most valuable piece of real estate in the United States.
The owner sought to create an ideal country home on the seaside. With this, the Adamson House came into fruition, a ranch style home with Spanish influences that was filled with all sorts of beautiful animals.
To read more about this property’s unique history, check out the Adamson House’s website, here.
On to wedding photography….the first time I photographed a wedding here, I was instantly enamored. There are so many ridiculously beautiful areas to take photos at, so it can definitely lead to creative ADD if you aren’t prepared with a game plan of where to shoot.
If you are interested in booking this venue, I have some tips to optimize your time and take the best photos possible at an Adamson House wedding.
Those tips can be viewed HERE.
2. Malibu Rocky Oaks Estate Vineyards
Every Malibu wedding photographer I know dreams of photographing here. It is out of this world gorgeous.
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.
It also includes a ton of natural light, something that every Malibu wedding photographer will love and appreciate. Natural light makes ALL the difference when it comes to creating extraordinary wedding photos.
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 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
As a Malibu wedding photographer who has shot hundreds of weddings all over California, I have to say that Saddlerock Ranch makes it in my top 10 list of favorite wedding venues.
Saddlerock Ranch is perfect for any Malibuu wedding. It has 4 separate venues to choose from and they are ALL exquisite.
This Malibu wedding venue offers sweeping vineyard views, wildlife (including the cutest giraffe) the beauty of the Santa Monica mountains, large oak trees, rose gardens, and much more.
It 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 foresty 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!
Guest Activities
If you are having a destination wedding in Malibu, a good idea is to have a list of activities for you guests to bond!
Here are my personal favorite things to do in Malibu:
1. Visit Point Dume
This is my personal favorite beach in Malibu. It offers dramatic cliffs, sweeping views of the ocean, and fun trails for hiking. I also highly recommend this place for an engagement session or Malibu elopement.
Please keep in mind that Point Dume tends to get SUPER crowded on the weekends. I'd reach out to your Malibu wedding photographer to see if he or she is free to photograph your engagement session on a weekday instead of a weekend date. If you're thinking of having a Malibu elopement by the sea, this is a great beach for that!
2. Explore Malibu State Park
It has over 7,000 acres of rolling meadows, oak trees, and beautiful views. This is a great place to go for a really long walk!
3. Go to the Inn of Seventh Rey for Brunch
Really, their brunch is spectacular. You will not regret it and your guests will LOVE it.
4. Take A Wine Safari at Saddleback Ranch
Not only is Saddleback Ranch a fantastic Malibu wedding venue, but it also offers really fun wine safaris. You get to sip on delicious wine while taking a safari. What is better than that? On it you'll enjoy sweeping views of their vineyards as well as quality time with their wildlife animals!
5. Explore the Getty Villa
This is a must in my book! The Getty Villa is technically in Pacific Palisades, but it's just outside of Malibu. It includes SO MUCH to see - art, gardens, and much more. Highly recommend!
Malibu Engagement Session Locations
There are so many great Malibu engagement session locations. I have included some of my favorites below.
Be sure to reach out to your Malibu wedding photographer to see what time is the best time of the year/day to schedule your session. It should be scheduled the hour after sunrise or the hour before sunset for the best possible light!
1. Point Dume
This is my personal favorite beach in Malibu. It offers dramatic cliffs, sweeping views of the ocean, and fun trails for hiking.
Please keep in mind that Point Dume tends to get extremely crowded on the weekends. I'd reach out to your Malibu wedding photographer to see if he or she is free to photograph your engagement session on a weekday instead of a weekend date.
I have shot quite a few engagement sessions at Point Dume, they can be viewed HERE and HERE and HERE.
2. Matador Beach
This beach is SOO interesting. It has really unique rock formations. This is my second favorite Malibu beach! It is a fantastic choice for an engagement session.
Like Point Dume, Matador Beach gets crowded, even more so than Point Dume. It also has a TEENY TINY parking lot. It probably includes around 20 spaces total. With this in mind, I'd definitely reach out to your Malibu wedding photographer in advance to see if:
- He or she can schedule you in on a weekday instead of a super crowded weekend
- Tips on where to park
Since this location gets extremely crowded, I wouldn't recommend it for a Malibu elopement as it will lack the intimacy an elopement requires.
3. Malibu Creek State Park
With over 7,000 acres of rolling meadows, oak trees, and beautiful views, this makes for a great location for a Malibu engagement session.
4. Leo Carrillo State Park
This park has flower fields and interesting rock formation cliffs that are actually on the water!
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