Some love stories deserve two celebrations, and Riley and Bradley’s wedding was the perfect example of that! After running away to Las Vegas for their dream “cheesy” elopement in June 2022, they knew they wanted to save up and have a wedding with all their closest family and friends. Their dream became a reality at the beautiful San Clemente State Beach Historic Cottage, where they celebrated with breathtaking ocean views, stunning golden-hour portraits, and an unforgettable party.

If you’re looking for wedding inspiration with a relaxed coastal vibe, intimate beachside charm, and effortless elegance, keep reading!

The Perfect Coastal Wedding Venue: San Clemente State Beach Historic Cottage

Nestled along the cliffs of San Clemente State Beach, this historic 1930s cottage is a hidden gem for couples looking for a unique, coastal wedding venue. With panoramic ocean views, Spanish-style architecture, and a peaceful, private setting, it’s the perfect place for an intimate yet lively celebration. The charming courtyard, rustic beams, and lush greenery set the scene for a romantic, laid-back wedding day.

This venue is ideal for couples who:

✔ Want a stunning oceanfront wedding without the sand

✔ Love historic, Spanish-style architecture

✔ Prefer an intimate, private setting

✔ Want the flexibility to customize their wedding day

Check out the venues website by clicking here.

Getting Ready at the Beach Cottage

Riley’s wedding morning was just as relaxed as she is! She got ready at an airBNB close to the beach cottage, surrounded by her bridesmaids. The warm, golden sunlight pouring through the house windows made for dreamy getting-ready photos, capturing all the laughter, happy tears, and quiet moments before she walked down the aisle.

Her wedding details, a delicate sheen dress, a bouquet filled with neutral-toned florals, and subtle beachy accessories—perfectly complemented the coastal vibe of the day.

Meanwhile, Bradley and his groomsmen got ready in a separate space, enjoying a laid-back morning before the big moment. His blue linen suit and ocean-inspired boutonniere were the perfect fit for a San Clemente beach wedding.

A Romantic First Touch Before the Ceremony

Instead of a first look, Riley and Bradley chose to share a first touch, a quiet, intimate moment before the ceremony where they held hands around a doorway and exchanged sweet words and a shot. It was a beautiful way to calm their nerves while still keeping the excitement of seeing each other for the first time at the altar.

The Oceanfront Wedding Ceremony

With the Pacific Ocean as their backdrop, Riley and Bradley exchanged heartfelt vows in front of their closest family and friends. The soft sound of the waves, the warm California sun, and the salty ocean breeze created the most dreamy, romantic ceremony setting.

Their simple yet elegant ceremony decor featured:

✨ A floral-adorned arch framing the ocean view

✨ Neutral and earthy-toned floral arrangements

✨ Wooden chairs for a natural, beachy aesthetic

When Riley walked down the aisle, Bradley’s reaction was pure magic. You could see the emotion in his eyes as he watched the love of his life walk toward him.

Golden Hour Bride & Groom Portraits

After the ceremony, we took full advantage of the gorgeous golden-hour light along the cliffs of San Clemente State Beach. Riley and Bradley’s chemistry was effortless, making every photo feel natural, candid, and full of joy.

Pro Tip: If you’re getting married at San Clemente State Beach, plan your bride and groom portraits around sunset to get the most incredible lighting for your photos!

Here is sunset timing calculator for planning golden-hour photos.

Bridal Party Fun & Candid Moments

Riley and Bradley’s bridal party was just as fun and easygoing as they were! We captured a mix of classic wedding portraits and playful, candid moments—from the bridesmaids gorgeous dresses to the groomsmen hyping up the groom.

Their bridesmaids wore the most stunning yellow dresses, while the groomsmen kept it classic in blue suits with ocean-inspired boutonnieres. The relaxed, effortless style perfectly matched the beach setting.

The Reception: A Laid-Back Beachside Party

Once the sun set, the real party began! Riley and Bradley’s reception was all about good food, great music, and a relaxed, fun atmosphere.

Some of the best reception highlights included:

🎶 A lively dance floor under the stars

🍰 A simple but stunning cake adorned with fresh flowers

🔥 A cozy fire pit area for guests to relax and enjoy the ocean breeze

Instead of a traditional formal dinner, they opted for casual, delicious food options—giving their guests a fun, relaxed dining experience. The entire evening was filled with laughter, heartfelt toasts, and a whole lot of dancing!

Why We Love San Clemente State Beach Weddings

Riley and Bradley’s wedding is proof that you don’t need a big, extravagant venue to have a stunning, unforgettable wedding day. The laid-back beach setting, intimate atmosphere, and personal touches made their wedding feel uniquely theirs.

If you’re considering a San Clemente State Beach wedding, here are a few things to keep in mind:

✔ The venue allows you to customize your wedding day with your own vendors.

✔ It’s perfect for intimate weddings with a relaxed, coastal vibe.

✔ Golden hour photos along the cliffs are absolutely breathtaking.

✔ The historic cottage adds a unique charm and character to your wedding backdrop.

Here is a Link to a guide on getting a permit for beach weddings in California.

Planning Your San Clemente Wedding? Let’s Chat!

Capturing Riley and Bradley’s wedding was such an honor, and I’d love to help tell your love story through beautiful, timeless photography.

If you’re planning a San Clemente, Orange County, or Southern California wedding, let’s connect! Contact me here to book your session or inquire about wedding photography packages.