How to Have a Luxurious Summer Wedding in Southern California

Okay, I don’t know who needs to hear this, but luxury weddings don’t have to feel stiff or serious! You can have champagne towers, designer florals, a planner who nails every detail, and still laugh your way through the whole day barefoot with your friends. That’s exactly what Chloe and Connor did for their summer wedding at Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa in Rancho Santa Fe, and it was pure joy from start to finish!

The couple embracing on a garden walkway, holding each other close during their summer wedding.

Bride and groom walking together on a garden path, the groom holding the train of her dress.

Close-up of the bride’s white heels surrounded by delicate yellow flowers, styled for a summer wedding detail shot.

Bride standing with her bridesmaids, showing the backs of their dresses and her flowing veil.

From the olive tree first look to the prettiest reception setup I’ve ever seen (just keep scrolling and you’ll see what I mean), every part of their day felt intentional and elevated, but still easy and full of life. It’s proof that you can have a luxurious wedding in Southern California without losing the fun or the feeling!

Bride walking toward the groom for their first look along a tree-lined path.

The groom reacting with a big smile as he sees his bride during their summer wedding first look.

The couple embracing forehead to forehead under the trees, sharing a quiet moment at their summer wedding.

Summer Weddings in Southern California: Why They’re the Dream Combo

I’ve photographed weddings all across California, and there’s just something about Southern California in the summer that never misses! The air feels light, everything’s green, and you can count on the kind of weather that keeps everyone outside all night long (literally the best part).

Black-and-white photo of the bride twirling her veil as it flows around her.

The bride smiling softly while holding her bouquet, captured during a beautiful summer wedding.

For couples who want a day that’s relaxed but beautiful, a summer wedding in Southern California checks every box (I’m not even exaggerating). You’ve got long days, soft light, and venues that feel like little vacation escapes. Rancho Valencia is one of my favorites because it’s luxurious without feeling too overwhelming! The property has this Mediterranean vibe with stone paths, lush gardens, and colorful tiles everywhere you turn. You could literally point your camera in any direction and get a good shot.

The key to making it work? Leaning into what’s already there! Don’t fight the heat or the landscape, use it to your advantage! Let the natural colors and textures guide your decor, color palette, etc., so it feels effortless instead of overly done!

Bridesmaids in matching blue floral dresses standing in a row holding white bouquets during the ceremony.

The couple walking hand in hand across the lawn, her veil trailing behind them during their summer wedding.

The bride and groom kissing while surrounded by their cheering wedding party in matching blue floral dresses.

The bride walking alone along a dirt path surrounded by tall trees, holding up her dress.

Choosing a Venue That Feels Luxurious but Comfortable

If you’re planning a Southern California wedding, your venue is everything! It sets the tone for the entire day. And if you want something that feels luxurious without being over the top, you need a space that has beauty built in!

That’s what makes Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa so perfect! It’s filled with lush greenery, terracotta rooftops, and tucked-away corners that make every moment feel private. Chloe and Connor’s first look was under a grove of olive trees. It was so quiet, peaceful, and completely special! There was no crowd, no chaos, just them being fully in the moment before the ceremony started, and it was SO sweet!

The couple embracing closely, framed by lush greenery and warm evening light.

The groom helps lift the bride’s dress as they walk down a garden path together at their summer wedding.

Close-up of the bride’s hands holding a bouquet of white flowers with delicate pearls and gold jewelry.

The bride gently cupping the groom’s face as they share a quiet moment at their summer wedding.

If you can, pick a venue that gives you those kinds of spaces. Somewhere you can sneak away for portraits or just breathe for a minute (especially on your wedding day), having a little pocket of calm changes everything!

There are so many amazing venues in California! Some of my favorites are The Bel Air Bay Club in Malibu, Casino San Clemente in San Clemente, and Vibiana in LA is an amazing location if you want a city wedding; this one is a cathedral, and it’s absolutely stunning! If you want to check out these venues, you can check out my blogs:

Malibu Wedding Venues You’ll Love: Bel Air Bay Club and Beyond
A Casino San Clemente Wedding: Everything You Need to Know for Your Dream Beachside Celebration
Modern Downtown LA Wedding at Vibiana: Inspiration for Couples Searching for the Best LA Wedding Locations

Guests mingling under white tents and string lights on a lawn lined with palm trees during cocktail hour.

Flat lay of the full invitation suite styled with florals and greenery, perfectly capturing the soft palette of a summer wedding.

The couple stands at the altar surrounded by bridesmaids and soft yellow florals as the officiant leads the ceremony.

Wedding Details: Fresh, Modern, and Full of Personality

Okay, can we talk about the decor for a second, because it was stunning!! Everbloom filled the whole space with these summery flowers that somehow managed to be bright and soft at the same time. It felt so fresh and happy, but not too perfect, just really alive and vibrant!

I’m still obsessed with the reception tables, too! The mix of colors, textures, and candles, all of it, just worked so well with the sun. And don’t even get me started on Monica from Details Darling, she was basically the fairy godmother of chill, keeping everything running while making it look effortless (as the planner should!)

Reception tables decorated with candles, white wildflowers, and striped linens as string lights glow overhead.

Escort card display wall reading ‘playing for keeps’ with rows of blue cards arranged neatly.

Yellow and white floral arrangements lining the base of the ceremony platform at a summer wedding.

The tablescapes had lots of texture but didn’t feel cluttered, and the color palette worked perfectly with Rancho Valencia’s natural tones. I loved how the entire setup matched the season, too, not too muted, not too bold, just that perfect pop!

This is such a good reminder that luxury design doesn’t have to mean too much. The best weddings find balance, and that’s exactly what made this one feel so good!

If you want more ideas for wedding decor and details, check out my Pinterest boards Wedding Reception Decor and Wedding Details!

Place setting at a wedding dinner table with a simple white plate, illustrated menu card, and green patterned bread plate.

Close-up of the bride holding a white bouquet while walking with the groom and cocktails at their summer wedding.

Long reception table set with candles, glassware, and white floral arrangements under an outdoor tent.

Letting Go of Timelines and Enjoying the Day

One thing I loved about Chloe and Connor’s day was how natural everything felt! You could tell they trusted their team completely, and that’s one of the best tips I can give to any couple: hire vendors you trust and then let them do their thing!

With planners like Details Darling, you don’t need to worry about your timeline or the logistics for anything (that’s literally the whole point of hiring a planner!) They make everything flow so you can actually enjoy it! There’s no better feeling than seeing your planner quietly adjusting the candles while you’re on the dance floor, having the time of your life!

Bridesmaids standing in a row holding white bouquets, wearing blue floral satin dresses.

Signed surfboard guest book displayed on a table with greenery behind it at a summer wedding.

The couple sharing a kiss at the altar surrounded by lush flowers during their summer wedding ceremony.

As a Southern California wedding photographer, I always tell my couples to build in “buffer time” not for photos, but for breathing and taking it all in. Weddings move so fast, and those little pauses are where the magic happens! Grab a drink, look around, take it in with your person! It’s those unscripted moments that you’ll remember forever!

If you want more on this, I wrote a blog about How To Stay Relaxed In Front of the Camera that totally applies to your wedding day, too!

Black-and-white photo of young flower girls in ruffled white dresses tossing petals from woven baskets.

Groom standing with his groomsmen, watching the ceremony with emotion.

Bride walking down the aisle with her father, holding a white and yellow bouquet at a summer wedding ceremony.

Groom kneeling to help a young ring bearer adjust his suit while the groomsmen watch during a summer wedding.

The Secret to a Summer Wedding That Still Feels Like You

I’ve seen couples get caught up in Pinterest boards and color palettes (I know, I do it too!) and totally forget the point, it’s about celebrating you!! The best weddings always reflect the couple, not a trend! Trends literally come and go DAILY, so if you really love a style or idea, go for it, but don’t hyperfocus on it!

Black-and-white photo of the bride and bridesmaids laughing together in matching pajama sets.

Bride reading a note with her parents in a garden before the ceremony.

Groom sitting outside under an umbrella, reading a handwritten letter before the summer wedding.

Here’s how to make your wedding feel like you, even when it’s full of luxury details:

Add texture, not clutter. Think natural linens, layered florals, and soft lighting!
Mix timeless and trendy. A few modern details go a long way without dating your photos.
Keep your guest list intimate. It gives you more time with everyone and keeps the energy relaxed.
Build moments into your timeline. Even ten quiet minutes together during sunset changes everything.

Chloe and Connor’s wedding was proof that you can have a high-end, design-forward wedding that still feels warm and personal! Their friends were laughing nonstop, the band, Renaissance Event Band, kept everyone on their feet, and you could just feel how loved they were!

The couple sharing a kiss beside their floral-covered cake during a summer wedding celebration.

Bride and guests dancing on a checkered dance floor, her satin gown trailing behind her.

Saxophone player performing with energy during a lively summer wedding reception.

Guests and kids dancing on the reception dance floor while the bride moves through the crowd.

Why I Love Shooting Luxury Weddings That Still Feel Real

There’s something about luxury weddings that feel effortless that just makes my heart so happy. The kind where everything looks stunning, but the vibe is still fun, light, and totally unforced. I love it when couples mix the fancy stuff with real moments, like beautiful florals next to someone laughing mid-toast or a perfectly set table with half-drunk margaritas sitting on it by the end of the night. That’s the good stuff!

Wedding reception table with striped linens, half-eaten cake slices, wine glasses, and candlelight at a summer wedding.

Bride dancing on the crowded reception floor with guests around her laughing and celebrating.

To me, luxury isn’t about how big the budget is or how many custom napkins you ordered. It’s about creating an experience that actually feels like you! The music, the people, the food, the tiny details that make your guests go “oh, this is so them.”

If you’re planning a Southern California wedding, don’t stress about chasing perfection! Focus on how you want it to feel. Because when the energy is good, the photos are even better (especially on film!) That’s what brings everything to life!

If you’re still searching for some other outdoor Southern California wedding spots, The Venue Report is amazing!

Groom smiling as he twirls the bride on the outdoor dance floor.

Close-up black-and-white shot of the couple holding hands while dancing at their summer wedding.

The couple slow dancing under woven lanterns during their summer wedding reception.

Bride and groom sharing their first dance on the checkered dance floor surrounded by cheering friends.

My Takeaway as a Southern California Wedding Photographer

At the end of the day, your wedding should look good (duh!!) but it should feel even better! That’s what I loved most about Chloe and Connor’s day: it wasn’t about perfection; it was about being fully present. And honestly, that’s the secret to every good wedding photo ever!

That’s what I love about summer weddings in Southern California: the energy is unmatched. You can feel the sunshine, the laughter, and the love all blending together in a way that feels effortless.

Bride and groom cutting their three-tier white floral wedding cake together at the reception.

The couple sharing a kiss beside their cake during their summer wedding celebration.

Ready to Book Your SoCal Wedding Photographer?

If you’re dreaming of a day like this, one that’s equal parts luxury and laid-back, you can reach out here and tell me all about your vision! I’d love to help you create something that feels totally, completely you!

And if you want more inspiration, you can check out my Pinterest boards or browse my latest blog posts for real wedding ideas and planning tips.

Venue: Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa

Coordinator: Details Darling

Band: Renaissance Event Band

Florals: Everbloom