Pelican Hill Weddings: Elegance, Serenity, and Stunning Ocean Views

  • Publication date: 07/19/2025
Content

There's this moment that couples describe when they first arrive at Pelican Hill wedding venue—a sudden realization that they've found something extraordinary. It's not just the 504 acres of Newport Beach coastline or the Mediterranean architecture that stops them in their tracks. It's the way everything comes together, like the venue was designed specifically for their love story.

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Photo @thetimeswehave
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Photo @thetimeswehave

Those century-old olive trees have witnessed decades of celebrations, their gnarled branches creating natural cathedral spaces where vows feel more meaningful. The Pacific Ocean provides a backdrop that never gets old, stretching endlessly toward the horizon like a promise of forever. And with such a stunning setting, Pelican Hill wedding pictures will capture every moment in the most breathtaking way, turning your special day into timeless memories.

What Sets Pelican Hill California Wedding Apart

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Photo @etherandsmith
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Photo Dmitry Shumanev

Newport Beach has no shortage of beautiful venues, but Pelican Hill operates in a different league entirely. The resort doesn't try to be trendy or follow the latest wedding fads. Instead, it relies on timeless elegance—Mediterranean bones with California soul, where grand spaces somehow feel intimate and personal.

The architecture here does something smart. Those signature archways and terraces create natural gathering spots where guests can find their tribe. Your uncle can hold court by the bar while college friends recreate old photo memories. Everyone finds their perfect corner.

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Photo Dmitry Shumanev
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Photo @chardphoto
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Photo Marlies Hartmann
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Photo @johnandjoseph

The iconic Coliseum Pool is more than just a stunning backdrop—it becomes a central focal point of the event. Guests won’t forget the view, and cocktail hours practically plan themselves around this breathtaking feature. And when it comes to capturing those unforgettable moments, your Pelican Hill wedding photos will be absolutely gorgeous, showcasing the elegance and beauty of your special day.

The Reality of Planning a Pelican Hill Wedding

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Photo @dukeimages
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Photo Marlies Hartmann
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Photo Marlies Hartmann
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Most venues make couples feel like they're asking for favors. Pelican Hill flips that script entirely. The events team genuinely gets excited about each couple's vision, becoming true partners in bringing dreams to life rather than just vendors checking boxes.

The investment is straightforward: a $30,000 minimum for food and beverage, plus a $10,000 venue fee. For couples who’ve done their research, these numbers quickly make sense when they see what’s included in Pelican Hill wedding packages—from the breathtaking location and exceptional service to the guarantee that your wedding photos will be effortlessly stunning, just as you imagined.

Beyond the Wedding Day

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Photo @johnandjoseph
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Photo @johnandjoseph
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Photo @johnandjoseph

Smart couples quickly realize that having guests stay on property changes everything. Instead of coordinating shuttles from distant hotels, wedding parties wake up together in luxurious bungalows and villas that feel more like private homes than hotel rooms. Morning coffee happens on terraces overlooking the Pacific, and everyone eases into the celebration instead of rushing.

The accommodations range from intimate two-bedroom spaces to sprawling four-bedroom villas, so families can spread out while friend groups can recreate their college apartment dynamics. No one stresses about logistics or timing—they're already where they need to be.

The Details That Count

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Photo @johnandjoseph
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Photo @linandjirsa

The resort's amenities create a complete wedding weekend experience:

  1. Five dining venues - From intimate cafes to elegant restaurants, couples aren't limited to standard banquet options
  2. 36 holes of oceanview golf - Keeps golf enthusiasts entertained (and provides diplomatic escape routes during family gatherings)
  3. Luxury spa and wellness center - Complete with Acqua Colonnades for pre-wedding relaxation and post-celebration recovery
  4. Residential-style accommodations - Bungalows and villas with 2-4 bedrooms that feel like private homes
  5. The famous Coliseum Pool - One of the world's most distinctive aquatic centerpieces
  6. 504 acres of coastal beauty - Plenty of space for intimate moments and grand celebrations alike
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Photo @linandjirsa
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Photo @bretthickmanphoto
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Photo @bretthickmanphoto
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Photo @jessicaclaire

What truly elevates your reception, however, is the unparalleled service. The staff at Pelican Hill is known for anticipating needs before they’re even voiced. Whether it’s remembering that mom prefers mocktails, ensuring the flower girl has a kid-friendly meal, or making sure the photographer gets that perfect sunset shot, everything is taken care of with seamless precision. The result is a Pelican Hill wedding reception that feels effortless and entirely magical.

The Bigger Picture

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Many couples find themselves drawn back to those olive trees when making their final decision. There's something powerful about exchanging vows under branches that have sheltered decades of celebrations. Their wedding becomes part of a longer narrative—not just their story, but the story of this place, this coastline, this moment when two people decided to build a life together.

The Pacific provides a dramatic, yet serene backdrop, while lavender-scented breezes offer nature’s own blessing. Even the most skeptical guests can’t help but believe in magic once they experience it for themselves. With such a breathtaking setting, a Pelican Hill Newport Beach wedding becomes an unforgettable celebration of love and legacy.

What Couples Actually Get

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Photo @carolinetran_weddings
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Photo @carolinetran_weddings
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Photo @dukeimages

Strip away the marketing language, and here's the truth: Pelican Hill offers couples a wedding day that feels completely natural and unforced. Every element works in harmony instead of competing for attention. Photos turn out gorgeous, but more importantly, memories feel golden.

The venue doesn't promise perfection—it delivers authenticity. In a world full of manufactured moments and Instagram-driven experiences, that authenticity feels revolutionary.

Wedding days happen whether couples are ready or not. The question becomes: where do they want to remember it all unfolding? For those who choose Pelican Hill, the answer creates stories worth telling for generations.

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Photo @dukeimages
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Photo @heatherkincaidphoto
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Photo @heatherkincaidphoto
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Photo Jana Williams
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Natali Grace Levine Editor-in-Chief

Natali joined the Wezoree team in 2022 with over a decade of experience in the Wedding&Event Industry. She pursued a degree in Communications, with a minor in Digital Media. Before joining the Wezoree team, she has received numerous awards for her contributions to digital media and entrepreneurship - Women in Media Empowerment Award in 2016, US Digital Media Innovator Award in 2019, the Entrepreneurial Excellence in Media Award in 2021, and the American Digital Content Leadership Award in 2022. She has been working as an executive editor and digital director for nearly eight years.