A Casino San Clemente Wedding: Everything You Need to Know for Your Dream Beachside Celebration
I’ve shot weddings at some seriously beautiful locations, but if you want a mix of beach vibes, history, and a venue with a personality all its own, a Casino San Clemente wedding should definitely be on your radar! I’m talking about the real Casino San Clemente, not the one you’re picturing with slot machines and blackjack tables (though, I wouldn’t mind that either!). This gorgeous historic venue in San Clemente is perfect for couples who want something with a little beachy charm and a lot of character.
Why a Casino San Clemente Wedding?
Now, if you're thinking, "Casino? Really?" hear me out, this place is way more than you’re expecting! Not far from the ocean, this venue is in the heart of San Clemente and gives you those dreamy ocean views without the sand getting everywhere (yes, I said it, who doesn’t love the beach but not getting sand in their shoes at the wedding?). It's a historical landmark with a charming, vintage feel, but don’t get it twisted—it’s also perfect for modern couples who want that unique, standout location for their special day.
And let’s talk about sunsets, oh my god, the sunsets!! The views from the Casino are absolutely jaw-dropping, which is exactly what happened when I shot Angele and Max's wedding there. We squeezed in some sunset photos just after their ceremony, and the lighting was just magical.
What to Expect at a Casino San Clemente Wedding
When it comes to getting married at the Casino San Clemente wedding venue, here’s what I want you to know:
Location, location, location! The venue is literally across the street from the beach. Yep, that’s right! You get the best of both worlds, an elegant venue, close proximity to the sand, and epic views. After their ceremony, Angele and Max were able to step across the street, kick off their shoes, and enjoy the moment with their toes in the sand. I love it when couples take it easy and embrace those quiet, sweet moments!
Capacity & Layout: The venue can accommodate a solid amount of guests, making it perfect for intimate weddings but big enough to host a grand celebration. With its indoor/outdoor setup, the Casino San Clemente wedding venue is versatile and ready to work with whatever vibe you’re going for. Whether you want a small ceremony or a full-on dance party, this place has you covered.
Versatility: This venue can accommodate a variety of weddings, whether you’re dreaming of a small, intimate ceremony or a grand party with all your friends and family. Plus, they’ve got several different spaces to make your wedding even more memorable, including the Rock Garden, the Patio, the Grand Ballroom, the West Wing, and the Terrace. Each one offers a unique vibe and a perfect setting for your ceremony, reception, or wedding photos. It’s a photographer’s dream to have so many options to work with!
The Vibe: Picture this: rustic charm meets coastal elegance with a touch of history. It’s a beachy yet elevated atmosphere that suits laid-back couples, but also allows for fancy touches if that’s your style. Perfect, right?!
Casino San Clemente Wedding Cost
You may be wondering, “Alright, what’s this all going to cost me?” Great question! A Casino San Clemente wedding cost can vary depending on the day of the week, time of year, and how big of a production you want to throw (hello, peppermint schnapps shots). But on average, you’re looking at a reasonable price for the setting and everything it includes, especially considering how close it is to the beach and its historic charm. They’ve got a wide range of options that you can choose from, so your wedding doesn’t have to break the bank to feel like a total dream. See the investment page here to find out more!
Pro tip: Contact the venue early and ask about any packages they may offer or off-peak pricing (hint: Monday through Thursday weddings can sometimes be cheaper!). You’ll likely get more value out of your wedding day than you would at other venues that don’t offer the same amazing location. Contact them on their website for more info!
Angele and Max’s Casino San Clemente Wedding
Angele and Max's wedding was so amazing. From the moment we kicked off their ceremony at the Casino San Clemente wedding venue, I knew this was going to be a fun day. But what really took it to the next level was the reception (and the insane Russian tradition Max’s family pulled out, which honestly, was worth the whole day!).
Max's family, who are Russian, had this epic tradition where they banged on plates, wore foam hats, and knocked back shots of peppermint schnapps. It was honestly the most hilarious thing I’ve ever witnessed. I’m talking complete chaos, plates everywhere, everyone laughing, and the whole room dancing around. The photos from that part of the night? PURE GOLD.
Sunset Photos at Casino San Clemente Wedding Venue
Let's chat about those sunset photos real quick. Angele and Max were all about their sunset session, and it was such a perfect vibe for them. No fancy poses, just raw, candid moments with the ocean as a backdrop. They ran around in the sand, shared a kiss, and basically just enjoyed the sunset (and I captured it all on film, because film is life!).
I know a lot of couples feel pressured to have an hour-long photoshoot just for sunset shots. But here’s the thing, I love that we kept it short and sweet! Sunset photos can be low-key, spontaneous, and incredibly meaningful, even if it’s just 10 minutes of your day.
Other Tips for Your Casino San Clemente Wedding:
Get a Permit: Laguna Beach requires permits for photo sessions (trust me, you don’t want to skip this step). So make sure you take care of the paperwork in advance for your Laguna Beach elopement or wedding photos! Check that out here!
Plan Around the Sun: If you want those gorgeous sunset photos, plan your ceremony and portraits accordingly. The Casino San Clemente wedding venue is beautiful, but the beach across the street? It’s prime real estate for golden hour photos, so make sure you don’t miss it!
The Area Is Busy: If you’re shooting around the Casino San Clemente wedding venue and beach, keep in mind that it can be busy with locals and tourists, especially during peak season. Early mornings or weekday weddings tend to be quieter, but if you're planning on a sunset shoot, expect some onlookers. It’s all good, though! They’ll enjoy watching you get those perfect shots!
Book Your Southern California Wedding Photographer!
If you're vibing with the idea of a Casino San Clemente wedding, trust me, you’re making a killer choice. It's the best of all worlds: a unique and beautiful venue with the beach just steps away. I can already imagine the stunning photos we’ll create together! Whether you’re having a big celebration or an intimate ceremony with just your closest friends here or anywhere in SoCal, I’d love to be the one to capture your day!
Let’s get in touch! We can chat about your vision, your vibe, and how I can help you make your SoCal elopement or wedding as perfect as you are!
See more of my work on Pinterest!
Vendors:
Coordinator: Meghan from Pop the Champagne
DJ Ascension: Blake Smith
Content Creator: Alejandra from Always A Bride Events
Caterer: California Fresh
Florist: Kimberly's Flowers
Cake: Sugar Blossom
Lighting: Brilliant Event Lighting