Southern California Coastal Wedding Photographer
San Clemente & Catalina Weddings
Southern California coastal weddings at their best — San Clemente's classic beach-town charm and Catalina Island's old-Hollywood glamour, just 22 miles off the coast.
Why San Clemente & Catalina
Beach-Town Charm and Old-Hollywood Island Glamour
San Clemente is Southern California's hidden gem — a Spanish Colonial Revival town of 65,000 that somehow kept its 1920s bones intact while surrounding communities developed into freeway sprawl. The beaches are genuinely beautiful, the pier is the longest in Orange County, and the light in the late afternoon turns everything gold.
Catalina Island is a 22-mile ferry ride off the coast and a completely different world — car-free streets, 1929 Casino Ballroom, turquoise water, and an old-Hollywood history that still lingers in every corner of Avalon. Descanso Beach and Two Harbors offer backcountry settings that feel Mediterranean rather than Californian.
For couples wanting a coastal wedding without the overused Malibu/Palos Verdes backdrops, this corner of Southern California delivers. I've been shooting here for years — I know the tide schedules, the permit processes, and which beaches catch the best golden-hour light.
Selected Work
San Clemente & Catalina Moments
Top Venues & Locations
Best Places to Get Married in San Clemente & Catalina
The venues and ceremony sites I've shot at most often, and why each one is worth considering for your day.
San Clemente Pier
The longest wooden pier in Orange County. Dramatic sunset ceremony site, easy beach access from the adjacent Pier Bowl, and one of the most recognizable settings on the Southern California coast.
Casa Romantica
A restored 1920s Spanish Colonial mansion on a bluff above San Clemente Pier. Historic grounds, ocean views from every angle, and one of Orange County's most photogenic wedding venues.
Calafia State Beach
A quieter San Clemente beach with bluffs, lifeguard towers, and no pier to contend with. Permit required from California State Parks but significantly less trafficked than the main beaches.
Avalon Casino Ballroom
Catalina's 1929 Art Deco landmark — the circular ballroom hosted everyone from Glenn Miller to Benny Goodman. Still available for weddings. One of the most historically significant wedding venues on the California coast.
Descanso Beach Club
A private beach club in Avalon with direct beachfront ceremony sites. The most polished full-service wedding experience on Catalina — catering, bar, event coordination all on-site.
Two Harbors
Catalina's backcountry port — a tiny outpost on the isthmus side of the island. Genuinely remote, cat-free road access only by boat or shuttle. Perfect for off-the-beaten-path elopements.
Catalina Island Inn
A boutique Avalon hotel with rooftop ceremony space overlooking Avalon Bay. Walkable to every restaurant and bar in town. Ideal for smaller weddings that want Catalina convenience without a full resort buyout.
When to Visit
Best Time of Year for San Clemente & Catalina Weddings
Live Conditions
San Clemente & Catalina, California
Live conditions update every time the page loads. Check this widget close to your date for real-time planning.
Summer
June – September
Peak wedding season. Warm water, reliable weather, long golden-hour windows. Catalina is busy but beautiful. Book early — popular beach and Catalina venues fill up a year+ ahead.
Fall
October – November
My favorite season for Southern California coastal weddings. Water still warm, crowds thinning, and the light gets extraordinary as the sun angles lower. Santa Ana winds can pop up — plan around forecasts.
Winter
December – February
Cooler but often dramatically beautiful. Clear air, storm-driven skies, and empty beaches. Ocean water is cold but still swimmable. Catalina is quiet — perfect for couples wanting the island nearly to themselves.
Spring
March – May
Variable weather but hillsides green and wildflowers blooming in the Catalina backcountry. Better for inland/bluff ceremonies than water-focused shoots. Late May begins the warm-water summer window.
Permits & Logistics
Getting Married in San Clemente & Catalina: What You Need to Know
San Clemente beach ceremonies on California State Beaches require a permit from the State Parks office — typically $150-$250 depending on beach and group size. San Clemente City Beach ceremonies go through the city parks department. Catalina Island ceremonies at private venues (Descanso, Casino) are handled by the venue. City of Avalon beach ceremonies require a permit from Catalina Island Conservancy or the city depending on location. I coordinate all permits as part of the planning process.
Common Questions
San Clemente & Catalina Wedding & Elopement FAQ
How much does a Southern California coastal wedding photographer cost?
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Elopement packages start at $4,995 for 4 hours of coverage. Wedding packages start at $5,995 for 6 hours. Catalina weddings typically add a small travel fee for the ferry and island logistics. Every package includes planning consultation, color-enhanced digital files, and a private online gallery.
How do guests get to Catalina Island?
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Catalina Express ferries run from Long Beach, San Pedro, and Dana Point — about 90 minutes to Avalon. Catalina Flyer runs from Newport Beach. Helicopter service (IEX Helicopters) runs from Long Beach in about 15 minutes. Most wedding guests take the ferry and stay overnight in Avalon.
What's the best time of year for a San Clemente beach wedding?
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Late September through early November is my favorite window — water is still warm, skies are clear, light is incredible, and crowds are significantly thinned out. Peak summer (July-August) has the most reliable weather but also the biggest beach crowds.
Can we have a wedding at the Avalon Casino Ballroom?
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Yes. The Casino Ballroom hosts weddings and events through Santa Catalina Island Company. It's one of the most iconic wedding venues in California — the 1929 Art Deco architecture, circular dance floor, and panoramic views of Avalon Bay are unlike anywhere else. Plan 12+ months ahead.
Do we need a permit for a San Clemente beach ceremony?
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Yes. California State Beaches (like Calafia and San Onofre) require a special event permit. San Clemente City Beaches (like the main city beach and Linda Lane Park) require a city permit. Both processes are fairly simple and typically 30-45 days advance notice. I help all of my couples navigate this.
Free Planning Tools
Plan Your Day
Planning your San Clemente & Catalina day? These free tools are built for couples doing exactly what you're doing.
Estimate your total elopement budget — photography, permits, travel, and more.
Open →✓Permit DatabaseCheck permit requirements for every national park and wilderness venue.
Open →◑Golden Hour TimelineBuild a photo-optimized wedding day timeline with local sunrise and sunset data.
Open →→Location QuizAnswer a few questions and find the destination that fits your style.
Open →
Your San Clemente & Catalina Adventure
Planning a San Clemente & Catalina Wedding or Elopement?
Tell us your date, your vision, and what draws you to San Clemente & Catalina. We'll get back to you with location recommendations, availability, and a custom proposal.