Hot off engagement season, chances are you or someone close to you is engaged. If not you, maybe it’s your sibling, best friend, cousin – the list goes on. We know that wedding planning starts with the venue so if you or your betrothed bestie are looking for an oceanfront venue with year-round sunshine and plenty of excitement in the area, we have the spot for you: The Waterfront Beach Resort in Southern California’s Huntington Beach. Checking all the boxes, this resort is home to luxurious accommodations, several event venues, beach access, and amazing views, for starters. The multi-functional property also lends itself to extracurricular wedding activities like bachelorette parties and rehearsal dinners so you can soak in everything The Waterfront has to offer. We’re diving into the details below so stay tuned.
A world renowned surf destination, Huntington Beach is a laid-back coastal town featuring expansive sandy beaches, a famous pier, and lots of dining and entertainment options. Lucky you, The Waterfront is an oasis in the middle of the action overlooking the ocean. Need some wedding guest activity idea starters? A 30 minute drive from the resort is Disneyland and 30 minutes south is Laguna Beach.
Every wedding booked at The Waterfront is assigned a Catering Manager to help you through the wedding planning process and to ensure a smooth experience all the way through the big day. Ceremony perks include everything from chairs to AV equipment because no one wants to stress about the mic situation day-of. Onto the reception, everything you’ll need from tables, chairs, and linens to the most important part, the dance floor, is included. In short, add a few flowers and you’re good to go.
Another to-do item you won’t be stressing about: food and drink. The Waterfront team is ready to create the food and drink package right for you that covers a hosted bar, cocktail hour, a multi-course dinner, and cake (amen to cake tastings). Backed by their executive chef of 20 years, you can rest easy knowing they’ve got this.
What better way to get your gals excited for the big day than to host your bridal shower onsite? You likely won’t need an entire ballroom (if so, see below) so opt for Offshore 9, the Rooftop Lounge, for maximum sunshine and views. The modern coastal space sets the perfect scene for your shower outfitted with breezy tones and natural materials. Inside tip: keep pitchers of the seasonal sangria coming.
In the spirit of keeping the excitement high before the main event, plan your bachelor or bachelorette party in the heart of Huntington to try all of The Waterfront’s onsite restaurants and bars as well as the Driftwood Beach Club and Drift spa. Inside tip: book the Beachwood Suite that’s able to accommodate six ladies or gents in your party crew or the Bungalow Suite with a patio that leads directly out to the Driftwood Beach Club.
The day before your wedding, your Catering Manager will coordinate a one hour rehearsal of your ceremony (seriously, another to-do handled!) followed by dinner with your families and inner circle to celebrate the final hours before exchanging your vows. Coordinate with Henry’s, Waterfront’s onsite elevated dining experience, where the team will design a multi-course menu with wine pairings for your crew.
The big day is finally here! You have options for your ceremony to make sure it’s the exact vibe you envisioned for your wedding. You’re here for the beach after all, so you can certainly make it official on the sand with the Pacific as your backdrop. Not a fan of sand? Opt for the Vista Lawns, a two-tiered set of manicured lawns with stunning views. If you’re looking to truly embody the surf town lifestyle, go with the Huntington Pool that feels relaxed and cool for your “I do’s.”
Ballrooms, ballrooms, ballrooms! The Waterfront has six ballrooms onsite across the property’s two towers. Floor-to-ceiling windows, panoramic views, chandeliers, fireplaces, and arched windows are just some of the thoughtful touches found throughout the ballrooms. Take note of the four options that have outdoor space as well, featuring ocean-facing terraces and cozy fireplaces. Feeling overwhelmed? Your Catering Manager will help you find the ballroom perfectly suited for your unique wedding.