When it comes to planning a luxury coastal wedding in Southern California, few places rival the sheer beauty and elegance of Terranea Resort. Located on the blufftops of Rancho Palos Verdes, just 30 minutes from Los Angeles, this award-winning 5-star resort offers some of the most picturesque ocean-view ceremony venues in the region.
From intimate lawns overlooking the Pacific to expansive meadows framed by Catalina Island in the distance, Terranea delivers an unforgettable setting for couples dreaming of a romantic oceanside celebration. As expert luxury wedding planners, Dreams In Detail knows each corner of this 102-acre paradise, and exactly how to transform it into your dream “I do.”
In this guide, we’re showcasing the top ocean-view ceremony sites at Terranea Resort, complete with insider tips and design inspiration from our planning team.
1. Catalina Point – The Most Iconic Ceremony Site
Capacity: Up to 220 guests
Size: 1,900 sq ft
Best for: Sunset ceremonies and panoramic views
Catalina Point is perhaps Terranea’s most sought-after ceremony location, and for good reason. Positioned on the resort’s westernmost edge, this elevated bluff features an open-air wooden pergola with nothing but ocean and sky in view. You’ll exchange vows as waves crash below and the sun dips behind Catalina Island, creating cinematic lighting and unforgettable photos.
Why We Love It:
- Naturally dramatic with unobstructed ocean views
- Ideal for golden hour or sunset weddings
- Can be customized with floral arches, sheer drapery, or crystal chandeliers
Dreams In Detail Pro Tip: We recommend lush greenery and neutral blooms to complement the natural beauty, plus a white aisle runner that pops against the grass. Add live music, like a string quartet, to elevate the ambiance.
2. The Meadows – Spacious and Secluded
Capacity: Up to 700 guests
Size: 22,500 sq ft
Best for: Large-scale weddings, South Asian or multicultural celebrations
Set away from the main resort areas, The Meadows is a sprawling green expanse offering complete privacy and stunning coastal scenery. This venue is especially popular for multi-day wedding weekends, large South Asian weddings, and multi-cultural ceremonies that require ample space for guest seating, mandaps, or baraat processions.
Why We Love It:
- The largest outdoor space at Terranea
- Panoramic views of the Pacific, especially from elevated corners
- Plenty of room for creative staging and décor
Dreams In Detail Pro Tip: We love designing this space with floral arches, water features, and custom lounge areas. Draped structures with hanging florals create a lush, immersive environment for romantic or traditional ceremonies.
3. Ocean Lawn – Cozy & Cliffside
Capacity: Up to 350 guests
Size: 2,400 sq ft
Best for: Intimate ceremonies with close friends and family
Tucked closer to the ocean, Ocean Lawn offers a more intimate setting that still delivers stunning coastal charm. With the sound of the surf and the smell of sea air, this is one of the most sensorially immersive wedding locations at the resort. It’s ideal for couples looking for low-key luxury, sunset ceremonies, or private elopements with a scenic backdrop.
Why We Love It:
- Ideal for elopements or small destination weddings
- Unmatched ocean proximity
- Gorgeous at both sunrise and sunset
Dreams In Detail Pro Tip: Think minimalist elegance, coastal whites, pale blushes, and muted greenery. Add bistro lighting and flickering lanterns for a magical twilight ceremony.
4. Catalina Lawn & Terrace – A Perfect Indoor-Outdoor Pairing
Capacity: Up to 600 guests
Size: 10,600 sq ft
Best for: Ceremony + reception combo with seamless flow
For couples who want the flexibility of an outdoor ceremony and indoor reception, Catalina Lawn is an ideal choice. This expansive green space directly connects to the Catalina Ballroom, offering an effortless transition from ceremony to cocktail hour to dinner and dancing.
Why We Love It:
- Easy logistics for guests and vendors
- Beautifully landscaped grounds with ocean views
- Adjacent to luxurious indoor space in case of inclement weather
Dreams In Detail Pro Tip: We love creating an outdoor garden party vibe here, then elevating the evening with uplighting, chandeliers, and lounge vignettes inside the ballroom.
Bonus Tip: Pair Your Ceremony Site with the Perfect Reception Venue
Terranea Resort offers elegant indoor reception venues that complement each ceremony space. Whether you’re hosting a formal seated dinner, a black-tie affair, or a relaxed al fresco event, Dreams In Detail will ensure a smooth and stylish transition.
Top Reception Spaces at Terranea:
- Catalina Ballroom – Floor-to-ceiling windows, perfect for medium-sized celebrations
- Palos Verdes Grand Ballroom & Terrace – 18,000 sq ft of luxury, ideal for large receptions
- Marineland Ballroom – Contemporary space with sweeping views for boutique weddings
We handle everything from lighting and layout to entertainment and cuisine coordination—so you can simply enjoy the night.
A Photographer’s Paradise
One of the most Instagram-worthy wedding resorts in California, Terranea offers dozens of stunning photo locations, including:
- Coastal bluff walks
- Rocky outcrops near the beach
- Dramatic archways and Mediterranean-style architecture
- Private garden nooks
With the right photographer and planner, these backdrops elevate your gallery to editorial level.
Dreams In Detail Pro Tip: We coordinate with your photo team in advance to time golden hour portraits, set up first-look locations, and schedule seamless transitions without delaying your event timeline.
Why Work with Dreams In Detail for Your Terranea Wedding?
Planning a luxury coastal wedding at Terranea isn’t just about booking a space, it’s about curating an entire experience. From creative design to vendor coordination, Dreams In Detail specializes in making high-end weddings effortless, timeless, and utterly breathtaking.
What Sets Us Apart:
- Over a decade of experience with Terranea’s event team
- Full-service planning: design, florals, rentals, timelines
- Custom décor matched to each space’s unique layout
- Stress-free coordination for destination guests
- Cultural expertise in South Asian, Jewish, and multicultural weddings
Our in-house design team works hand-in-hand with you to tell your story through every detail, florals, fabrics, music, menus, and more.
Ready to Start Planning?
Whether you’re envisioning a cliffside elopement or a 500-guest gala, Terranea Resort offers unmatched views and luxurious service. With Dreams In Detail, your vision will be brought to life in a way that’s effortless and unforgettable.
Contact us today to schedule your Terranea Resort wedding consultation. Let’s turn the Pacific into your backdrop and your love story into an event to remember.
