Descanso Beach Club Wedding in Catalina Island, California

A Descanso Beach Club wedding in Catalina Island offers one of the most breathtaking oceanfront settings in Southern California. Located in Avalon, this iconic waterfront venue combines relaxed coastal charm with elevated seaside elegance, making it an unforgettable destination for couples dreaming of a Catalina Island wedding.

Accessible by boat and surrounded by panoramic ocean views, Descanso Beach Club creates an experience that feels both intimate and adventurous. From the moment guests arrive on the island to the final sunset moments overlooking the Pacific, every part of the day carries a sense of escape and celebration.

This beautiful Catalina wedding blended refined coastal details, natural textures, and timeless design — all set against the backdrop of sparkling blue water and golden California light.

Newlyweds walking along the ocean at Descanso Beach Club wedding

Oceanfront Ceremony at Descanso Beach Club

The ceremony space at Descanso Beach Club is nothing short of stunning. With unobstructed ocean views and Catalina’s natural coastline as the backdrop, the setting speaks for itself.

As the ceremony begins, the soft coastal breeze and rhythmic sound of the waves create an atmosphere that feels effortlessly romantic. The open-air layout allows for abundant natural light, making it ideal for timeless, luminous photography.

Whether couples choose classic white florals, organic greenery, or a more coastal-inspired palette, the ocean backdrop enhances every design choice. As the sun begins to lower over the water, the light becomes warm and flattering — one of the most beautiful times of day for portraits.

Oceanfront reception space at Descanso Beach Club in Avalon

Portraits on Catalina Island

One of the highlights of any Descanso Beach Club wedding is the opportunity for coastal portraits. The combination of ocean views, rocky shoreline, and soft golden light creates a timeless editorial backdrop.

Catalina Island offers:

  • Dramatic coastline views

  • Lush greenery unique to the island

  • Soft sunset skies over the Pacific

  • A quiet, intimate atmosphere away from mainland crowds

Golden hour on Catalina is especially beautiful. As the sun dips toward the horizon, the sky softens into warm pastels, creating the perfect moment for romantic portraits that feel cinematic yet natural.

Descanso Beach Club wedding venue overlooking the ocean in Catalina Island California Oceanfront view at Descanso Beach Club in Avalon Catalina

A Catalina Island Celebration to Remember

Descanso Beach Club offers a rare combination of oceanfront beauty, exclusivity, and relaxed sophistication. For couples dreaming of a coastal California wedding that feels both elevated and effortless, Catalina Island delivers something truly special.

From heartfelt ceremony moments overlooking the Pacific to candlelit receptions by the water, every detail of a Descanso Beach Club wedding reflects the romance of island living.

If you’re planning a Descanso Beach Club wedding in Catalina Island or searching for a photographer experienced with coastal Southern California venues, I would love to connect and help bring your vision to life.

Bride and groom portrait at Descanso Beach Club wedding in Catalina Island
Elegant reception setup at Descanso Beach Club wedding in Catalina Island
Bride and groom first dance at Descanso Beach Club wedding in Catalina Island
Outdoor wedding ceremony at Descanso Beach Club in Avalon California
Oceanfront view at Descanso Beach Club in Avalon Catalina

Why Couples Love Descanso Beach Club Weddings

Descanso Beach Club is truly one of Catalina Island’s most sought-after wedding venues. Couples are drawn to its unique blend of beachfront beauty and elevated event spaces, offering the best of both relaxed island atmosphere and sophisticated celebration.

The venue provides:

  • Expansive oceanfront ceremony views

  • A private beach club setting

  • Seamless indoor-outdoor reception flow

  • Golden hour sunsets over the Pacific

  • A destination experience without leaving California

For couples looking to create a wedding weekend experience rather than just a single event, Catalina Island offers something special. Guests travel by ferry or private boat, turning the celebration into a memorable island getaway.

Oceanfront wedding ceremony setup at Descanso Beach Club in Catalina Island

Elegant Coastal Reception Details

Following the ceremony, the celebration continues with a refined yet relaxed reception overlooking the water. Descanso Beach Club offers flexible reception spaces that can be styled to reflect both elevated elegance and coastal charm.

This particular Catalina Island wedding featured:

  • Soft neutral florals paired with textured linens

  • Candlelit tables creating a warm evening ambiance

  • Thoughtful coastal details woven throughout the design

  • A seamless transition from sunset cocktails to dinner under the stars

As night falls, the venue transforms into an intimate seaside setting. The glow of candlelight paired with the sound of the ocean creates a reception atmosphere that feels romantic, celebratory, and uniquely Catalina.

The natural beauty of the island requires very little embellishment. The venue itself becomes part of the décor.

Sunset wedding portrait at Descanso Beach Club in Catalina Island

Planning a Catalina Island Wedding at Descanso Beach Club

When planning a Descanso Beach Club wedding, there are a few thoughtful considerations that help ensure a seamless experience:

Travel Logistics

Guests typically arrive via ferry from Long Beach, Newport Beach, or Dana Point. Providing clear travel guidance in invitations or on your wedding website makes the process smooth and enjoyable for everyone.

Timeline Planning

Because transportation to and from the island is scheduled, building a timeline with intentional buffer time is essential. Working with experienced vendors who understand Catalina weddings makes a significant difference.

Sunset Timing

Ceremony timing should align with sunset to take full advantage of the ocean views and golden light. This creates the most flattering lighting conditions for portraits and enhances the overall atmosphere.

Guest Experience

A Catalina Island wedding naturally feels like a destination event. Many couples choose to host welcome dinners, beach gatherings, or next-day brunches to create a full weekend celebration.

With thoughtful planning, a Descanso Beach Club wedding becomes more than a single day — it becomes a shared island experience.

Ceremony arch overlooking the Pacific Ocean at Descanso Beach Club wedding
Bride getting ready at Descanso Beach Club wedding in Catalina Island California
Bride portrait by window light at Descanso Beach Club in Avalon
Romantic coastal wedding portrait at Descanso Beach Club in Avalon
Bride and groom dancing at oceanfront wedding in Catalina Island
Black and white photo of bride and groom holding hands at Descanso Beach Club wedding

Planning Your Southern California Wedding

If you’re dreaming of a coastal celebration, you may also love exploring other iconic Southern California wedding venues. From the oceanfront views of Casa Romantica in San Clemente to the Spanish-inspired charm of Ole Hanson Beach Club, and the scenic landscapes of Strawberry Farms Golf Club in Irvine, each venue offers its own unique atmosphere for a timeless wedding day.

For couples considering a luxury celebration, you can also explore our work at Trump National Golf Club in Rancho Palos Verdes or browse more Orange County wedding inspiration throughout the blog.

If you’re planning a Descanso Beach Club wedding in Catalina Island and are searching for a photographer experienced with coastal venues and destination-style celebrations, you can learn more about my approach as an Orange County wedding photographer or inquire directly through the contact page here.

Romantic Strawberry Farms Wedding | Orange County Wedding Photographer

Bride and groom portraits at Strawberry Farms wedding in Irvine

Why Couples Love Strawberry Farms Weddings

Located in Irvine, California, Strawberry Farms Golf Club is known for its lush landscapes, outdoor ceremony options, and welcoming Southern California feel. Couples love this venue for its versatility — it offers a scenic outdoor ceremony space paired with a reception area that feels warm, inviting, and intimate.

The natural surroundings make Strawberry Farms especially appealing for couples who want a wedding day that feels romantic without being overly formal. The open spaces and greenery also allow for a relaxed timeline and beautiful transitions throughout the day.

Outdoor wedding ceremony at Strawberry Farms Golf Club in Ir

A Scenic Outdoor Ceremony at Strawberry Farms

The ceremony at Strawberry Farms took place outdoors, surrounded by rolling hills and soft natural light. The setting felt peaceful and intimate, allowing guests to fully focus on the couple and the meaningful moments being shared.

One of the things I love most about photographing ceremonies at Strawberry Farms is how naturally the landscape frames each moment. The scenery enhances the experience without overpowering it, resulting in photographs that feel balanced and timeless.

Wedding reception at Strawberry Farms Golf Club in Irvine

Photography Tips for Strawberry Farms Weddings

Because Strawberry Farms features open outdoor spaces, lighting plays an important role in how the day photographs. Late afternoon ceremonies often provide softer, more flattering light, while earlier ceremonies benefit from open shade and evenly lit areas throughout the property.

Building extra time into the timeline allows couples to stay present and enjoy their day while still capturing beautiful portraits across the venue.

Strawberry Farms Wedding Photographer

If you’re planning a Strawberry Farms wedding and are looking for a photographer who values natural light, candid moments, and timeless storytelling, I’d love to connect with you.

You can view more from this venue on my Strawberry Farms wedding photographer page, explore additional Southern California wedding venues, or reach out here to learn more about wedding photography coverage.

Romantic Strawberry Farms Wedding | Orange County Wedding Photographer

Strawberry Farms Golf Club is one of Orange County’s most charming wedding venues, offering rolling green hills, scenic outdoor spaces, and a relaxed yet elegant atmosphere. This Strawberry Farms wedding was the perfect example of how effortlessly beautiful a celebration can feel when surrounded by nature and thoughtful details.

From the peaceful setting to the emotional moments shared throughout the day, Strawberry Farms provided a stunning backdrop for a wedding that felt both timeless and personal.

Romantic wedding portraits at Strawberry Farms Golf Club

Wedding Portraits at Strawberry Farms Golf Club

After the ceremony, we explored the property for wedding portraits, taking advantage of the open fields and soft afternoon light. Strawberry Farms offers a variety of portrait locations that allow couples to enjoy quiet moments together while creating a diverse and visually rich gallery.

The greenery and natural textures throughout the venue photograph beautifully in both bright daylight and softer golden hour light, making it an ideal location for relaxed, candid portraits.

Big Red Barn at Strawberry Farms wedding venue in Irvine, California

A Warm and Inviting Reception Celebration

The reception at Strawberry Farms continued the romantic, laid-back feel of the day. Guests gathered to celebrate with heartfelt toasts, laughter, and joyful moments on the dance floor. The intimate scale of the reception space creates an inviting environment where genuine moments unfold naturally.

From the first dance to the final celebration, the evening felt full of connection and emotion — exactly what makes a wedding day so meaningful to document.

Bridal bouquet and details at Strawberry Farms wedding

Ole Hanson Beach Club Wedding | San Clemente Wedding Photographer

Ole Hanson Beach Club is one of San Clemente’s most charming oceanfront wedding venues, offering breathtaking coastal views, Spanish-style architecture, and an intimate seaside atmosphere. This Ole Hanson Beach Club wedding was a beautiful celebration filled with heartfelt moments, soft ocean light, and a relaxed Southern California vibe that made the day feel both elegant and personal.

From the moment the day began, it was clear how special this venue is for couples who want a romantic coastal wedding without feeling overly formal or crowded. Ole Hanson provides the perfect balance of classic charm and oceanfront scenery.

Romantic sunset portraits at Ole Hanson Beach Club wedding photographer

Romantic Ole Hanson Beach Club Wedding | San Clemente Wedding Photographer

Ole Hanson Beach Club is one of San Clemente’s most charming oceanfront wedding venues, offering breathtaking coastal views, classic Spanish-style architecture, and an intimate seaside atmosphere. This Ole Hanson Beach Club wedding was the perfect blend of relaxed Southern California charm and timeless elegance, making it such a joy to photograph from start to finish.

From the moment guests arrived, the setting set the tone for a meaningful and beautiful celebration. With the Pacific Ocean just beyond the ceremony space and soft coastal light throughout the day, Ole Hanson Beach Club creates an effortlessly romantic backdrop for weddings.

Ole Hanson Beach Club wedding ceremony overlooking the ocean in San Clemente

A Beautiful Oceanfront Ceremony in San Clemente

This Ole Hanson Beach Club wedding ceremony took place overlooking the ocean, with the sound of waves and a gentle coastal breeze adding to the atmosphere. The ceremony space offers stunning views while still feeling private and intimate, which makes emotional moments even more meaningful.

One of the best parts about photographing ceremonies at Ole Hanson is how naturally the setting enhances the experience. The focus stays on the couple, while the ocean backdrop quietly frames each moment in a timeless way.

Sunset wedding reception at Ole Hanson Beach Club in San Clemente

A Relaxed Coastal Reception

The reception at Ole Hanson Beach Club continued the relaxed coastal vibe, with guests enjoying the ocean air and celebrating under warm, natural light. The intimate scale of the venue creates an inviting atmosphere where guests can truly connect and enjoy the evening.

From heartfelt toasts to joyful moments on the dance floor, the reception felt personal and full of emotion — exactly the kind of environment that allows authentic moments to unfold naturally.

Wedding details photographed at Ole Hanson Beach Club wedding venue

Ole Hanson Beach Club Wedding Photographer

If you’re planning an Ole Hanson Beach Club wedding and are looking for a photographer who values natural light, candid moments, and timeless storytelling, I’d love to connect with you.

You can view more from this venue on my Ole Hanson Beach Club wedding photographer page, explore additional Southern California wedding venues, or reach out here to learn more about wedding photography coverage.

Bride portrait at Ole Hanson Beach Club wedding in San Clemente

Why Couples Love Ole Hanson Beach Club Weddings

Located along the San Clemente coastline, Ole Hanson Beach Club is known for its historic character and oceanfront views. The venue offers a more intimate feel compared to larger resorts, making it ideal for couples who want a wedding day that feels personal, intentional, and connected to the surroundings.

The Spanish-style architecture, white stucco walls, and ocean breeze give the venue a bright and airy feel that photographs beautifully in every season. Couples also love how seamlessly the space flows from ceremony to cocktail hour and reception, allowing guests to relax and enjoy the celebration without feeling rushed.

Bride and groom portraits at Ole Hanson Beach Club wedding in San Clemente

Wedding Portraits at Ole Hanson Beach Club

After the ceremony, we captured wedding portraits around the property, taking advantage of the soft light and scenic ocean views. Ole Hanson Beach Club offers several beautiful portrait locations, including the terrace overlooking the Pacific and architectural details that add variety to a wedding gallery.

Because the venue sits right along the coast, timing portraits later in the afternoon often allows for softer light and stunning sunset tones. These moments are perfect for creating relaxed, romantic portraits that feel effortless and true to the day.

Wedding reception at Ole Hanson Beach Club with coastal views

Photography Tips for Ole Hanson Beach Club Weddings

Because Ole Hanson Beach Club is located directly along the coastline, lighting and wind can change throughout the day. Late afternoon or early evening ceremonies often provide the most flattering light for portraits, while shaded areas around the building work beautifully earlier in the day.

Building extra time into the timeline allows couples to stay present and relaxed while still capturing a well-rounded gallery that highlights both the venue and the emotion of the day.

Guests celebrating at Ole Hanson Beach Club wedding reception

Galway Downs Wedding Photographer

Galway Downs Wedding Photographer

Romantic equestrian-style weddings in Temecula, California

About Galway Downs Weddings

Galway Downs is one of Temecula’s most distinctive wedding venues, known for its expansive equestrian grounds, European-inspired architecture, and refined countryside atmosphere. Located in the heart of Southern California wine country, Galway Downs offers couples a wedding experience that feels both elegant and naturally beautiful.

With manicured lawns, grand barns, and open landscapes, Galway Downs is ideal for couples who want a timeless wedding setting with a touch of rustic charm. The venue’s scale allows for both intimate ceremonies and larger celebrations, while still feeling warm and intentional.

My Experience Photographing Weddings at Galway Downs

As a Galway Downs wedding photographer, I focus on capturing the balance between the venue’s sweeping scenery and the meaningful moments that unfold throughout the day. The open spaces, architectural details, and natural light create a stunning backdrop for wedding photography that feels effortless and authentic.

Having photographed weddings at Galway Downs, I understand how to work with the size of the property, shifting light, and timelines to create a gallery that feels cohesive and timeless. From emotional ceremony moments to relaxed portraits across the grounds, my approach is centered on documenting your day in a natural and storytelling-driven way.

Ceremony & Reception Locations at Galway Downs

Galway Downs offers several beautiful ceremony and reception locations throughout the property. Outdoor ceremony spaces provide a classic countryside feel with open skies and scenic views, while the reception areas blend refined design with rustic elements for an elevated celebration.

The variety of spaces allows couples to customize their wedding day, whether they envision an elegant outdoor ceremony, a romantic reception under the stars, or a seamless indoor-outdoor experience.

Lighting & Timing Tips for Galway Downs Weddings

Because Galway Downs features expansive outdoor spaces, lighting plays an important role in how the day photographs. Late afternoon ceremonies often provide softer, more flattering light and allow time for golden hour portraits across the property.

Planning buffer time for portraits helps take advantage of the venue’s open landscapes without feeling rushed. The natural tones and textures throughout Galway Downs photograph beautifully in warm, natural light.

Why Galway Downs Photographs So Beautifully

What makes Galway Downs such a stunning wedding venue is its blend of scale and detail. The wide-open grounds allow for dramatic, scenic images, while the architectural elements and natural surroundings add intimacy and depth to each photograph.

This combination creates a diverse wedding gallery — from sweeping portraits to quiet, emotional moments — all grounded in a timeless aesthetic.

Explore Other Southern California Wedding Venues

I’ve photographed weddings at many beautiful Southern California venues, including Casa Romantica, Ole Hanson Beach Club, and Strawberry Farms, each offering a unique setting and experience.

Lake Oak Meadows Wedding - Temecula Wedding - Rainy Wedding Day

This Lake Oak Meadows wedding gave us all the feels! Rain and all it didn’t matter...these two love birds had a blast! 

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Let’s get real though for a minute. In the months, weeks, days, before your big day the fear is always....”will it ACTUALLY rain”?! It is a concern, especially if your entire wedding is planned to be outside. Should we put the tent up or risk it? I don’t have all the answers but what I can say is if you work with an experienced photographer you will for sure have some amazing photos. Our team has worked countless rainy day weddings… through thunder and risk of flood. We still promise you will have fun and get AMAZING photos! You may get a bit damp and I do suggest bringing rain boots or shoes you don’t care about… but just look below....this day was raining but doesn’t it look perfect anyway? 💕

Muckenthaler Mansion Wedding - Muckenthaler Cultural Center

Muckenthaler Mansion wedding

Muckenthaler Mansion is such a stunning venue! We had a wonderful time photographing these two cuties’ wedding day. Such a beautiful day to fall even more in love. The wedding ceremony and wedding reception was all outside on the lush grounds of Muckenthaler Mansion. If you’re in need of an Orange County wedding venue definitely check out this stunning venue!

Wedding at Venue by Three Petals - Huntington Beach Wedding

Venue by Three Petals is a beautiful venue filled with long white walls lined with candles and let us not forget the stunning chandelier with hundreds of white flowers covering it. What a dreamy wedding day! Let’s also not forget the amazing vendors we had the pleasure of working with! Sparkling Soirées....the owner Nicolette is amazing and on top of the day, and of course the amazing Love is Cinema the owner (and my stud of a husband Brian) is MORE than talented! This Orange County wedding definitely had the DREAM team. Please check out some of our favorite wedding photos from this Orange County Wedding.

Lake Oak Meadows Wedding - Temecula Wedding

Lake Oak Meadows wedding venue is stunning! It really is a beautiful venue that honestly makes our job easier. Temecula weddings are a favorite spot to travel to. Being a Temecula wedding photographer we are blessed to work at so many amazing winery venues. The grape vines leave us longing for wine tasting and make us want to get our couples cuddling in the fields. Wedding Photography is a passion of ours and we love capturing the love and special moments of our couples’ wedding day. Please enjoy some of our favorites from our amazing couple’s special day.

San Juan Capistrano Engagement Session - Orange County Engagement Session

Photographing engagement sessions make me smile. The excitement in my couples eyes…..the fact that they will be beginning this new adventure together, it is amazing to see the hope and joy that fill their smiles. What an honor to be able to capture that and be able to give them a timeless image to treasure for a lifetime. San Juan Capistrano engagement sessions are beautiful. We were lucky enough to visit this beautiful trail filled with wild flowers. The long rains we received earlier this year gave us some stunning yellow flowers to enjoy. Please check out some of our favorites from this beautiful engagement session.

Dana Point Yacht Club Wedding - Dana Point Wedding

Dana Point California is definitely a favorite city of mine. If you ever have the opportunity to go exploring in downtown Dana Point you should. The city is filled with vast ocean views as far as the eye can see. The restaurants are all on point and tasty! Okay, enough traveling advice. ;)

Dana Point Yacht Club is literally on the harbor in Dana Point. The actual ceremony takes place on the quaint but lovely patio area. The ceremony site is filled with ocean views and a perfect place for any couple to say “I do”. For “romantics” of this bride and groom we sneaked away over to the beach next to the Ocean Institute which is about a 3 minute drive from the Dana Point Yacht Club. We had so much fun photographing this beautiful couple!! The beach photos are of course our favorite!! Check out this fun wedding below.

Thomas F Riley Wilderness Park Engagement Session - Orange County Engagement Session

Thomas F Riley Wilderness Park is a known beauty in Orange County. This park is filled with golden hills and lush trees. The perfect spot for photos! I had so much fun photographing these two. Being a wedding photographer is so rewarding and fulfilling. To top it off being able to work as an Orange County Wedding Photographer is truly a blessing. I hope you enjoy some of my favorites from this dreamy day.

Wedgewood Fallbrook Wedding - Wedgewood Weddings

Wedgewood weddings are always a favorite for us to photograph. Wedgewood weddings have venues all over the country and you’re guaranteed to have a beautiful wedding. Wedgewood Fallbrook is a beautiful venue with lush green trees and a stunning new wedding ceremony location. We had such a wonderful day photographing this wedding. SoCal weddings usually always have amazing weather and this San Bernardino wedding did not disappoint. Being a Southern California Wedding Photographer we have the pleasure of traveling all over Southern California for weddings and believe me when I say we have a ton! We are in love with this venue though and our couple…. well they were just perfect together. Please enjoy some of our favorites from the beautiful day.

The HomeStead Wedding - Oakglen Wedding

The HomeStead wedding venue in Oak Glen is definitely a hidden gem. This wedding venue is tucked up in the mountains. Decorated to a “T”, this venue is already to go needing no added decor. Oak Glen weddings are always guaranteed to have beautiful views of the mountain side and The HomeStead definitely gave us all the views. What a beautiful day for a wedding and a beautiful couple. We hope you enjoy some of our favorites from the day.

Montage Laguna Beach Engagement Photos - Orange County Engagement Session

Montage Laguna Beach ….. what’s not to love?! Views for days with all the perfect rocky beach spots. We are in LOVE with this location for engagement sessions. Laguna Beach never disappoints us. We had a beautiful cloudy day and the perfect couple. This stunning bride to be is a sports news anchor in Arizona… I know right?! What a rediculously awesome job! Let’s just say they made my job easy and had all the smiles and giggling the entire session. Check out some of our favorites below.