Malibu Wedding Venues You’ll Love: Bel Air Bay Club and Beyond

Malibu really knows how to do weddings! The endless ocean and venues that somehow manage to be both luxurious and laid-back (not to mention the golden light that makes everything feel a little extra romantic), it’s the kind of place where your wedding feels like an experience, not just an event.

Bride and groom holding hands while walking across a sunny lawn with palm trees and ocean views.

Wedding party cheering around the bride and groom during a kiss at an outdoor ceremony at Malibu wedding venues.

Outdoor ceremony setup with wooden chairs and colorful floral arrangements overlooking the ocean.

Bride walking down the aisle holding a bouquet as guests with white umbrellas look on at Malibu wedding venues.

Julia and Adam’s wedding at Bel Air Bay Club was unforgettable. They started the day getting ready at the club, surrounded by their closest friends and family, which set a calm and joyful tone for the day. Their ceremony overlooked the Pacific (and yes, everyone gasped), their reception design was elevated and thoughtful, and after sundown, we ran around the lawn where they’d just said “I do,” capturing some of my favorite portraits of them. It was one of those days where everything just felt perfect!

Close-up of bride smiling softly while looking out a window before the ceremony.

Light blue and floral bridesmaid dresses hanging on a clothing rack at Malibu wedding venues.

Groom adjusting his cufflinks while wearing a black tuxedo.

Best Malibu Wedding Venues for Your Day

If you’re planning a Malibu wedding and trying to figure out where to host it, this blog is definitely for you! Malibu has so many good options, which is amazing… but also a little overwhelming when you’re trying to narrow it down. So here’s the breakdown of a few venues that I think you’ll fall in love with! From oceanfront estates to vineyards in the hills to beachfront options, let’s walk through some of my absolute favorites!

Bride and groom sharing their first kiss at the altar with ocean and palm trees in the background at Malibu wedding venues.

Close-up of the bride’s veil and dress train surrounded by yellow and white floral arrangements.

Bride and groom embracing while looking out at palm trees and ocean views at Malibu wedding venues.

Bel Air Bay Club Wedding Venue

Bel Air Bay Club is a standout. Julia and Adam celebrated their wedding here, and it’s clear why it’s a favorite for couples. The ceremony lawn sits just above the water, offering sweeping ocean views while still feeling private and intimate.

Why you’ll love it:

A ceremony view that literally stops guests in their tracks.
Gorgeous indoor-outdoor flow for the reception (your guests can wander between the ballroom and the terrace without missing a beat!).
A team that knows how to handle everything (aka, way less stress for you!).

Capacity: Up to 275 guests.

After sunset, we took portraits on the lawn, and it was so peaceful, just the two of them soaking in the day while the ocean glowed behind them. These are the kinds of moments this venue creates!

See more about Bel Air Bay Club here.

Bride and groom walking hand in hand along a sunny garden path with palm trees in the background.

Detail shot of the brides white lace heels laying on some blue and green florals.

Bride and groom holding hands on a green lawn with ocean views and palm trees at Malibu wedding venues.

Close-up of bride and bridesmaids holding wildflower-style bouquets in soft blue and yellow tones.

Adamson House Wedding Venue

If you want something with history and personality, Adamson House is for you. This Spanish-style estate gives you vibrant tilework and a lawn that overlooks the beach; it’s like having multiple backdrops all in one venue.

It’s also a great choice for smaller, more intimate celebrations. Plus, the Malibu Lagoon nearby is perfect for sneaking off for a few private photos before you head back to the party.

Capacity: 200 guests (outdoor only).

Explore Adamson House here.

Tiered stone fountain with flowers and string lights in a courtyard at Malibu wedding venues.

Rows of wooden chairs with floral aisle arrangements set up for an outdoor wedding ceremony.

Guests seated under white parasols during a sunny outdoor wedding ceremony at Malibu wedding venues.

Calamigos Ranch Wedding Venue

If you want something different from a typical beachside Malibu wedding, Calamigos Ranch sits in the Malibu canyons with oak trees strung in lights, unique water features, and flexible spaces that work for anything from intimate gatherings to larger celebrations. It has a romantic, slightly whimsical feel that makes it stand out among Malibu venues!

Capacity: Up to 500 guests (with multiple ceremony + reception sites).

Check out Calamigos Ranch here.

Close-up of floral arrangements and white parasols among seated guests at a sunny ceremony.

Bride walking down the flower-lined aisle with her escort at Malibu wedding venues.

Bride and groom standing at the alter while the officiant speaks to them. With the bridesmaids in the background.

Cielo Farms Wedding Venue

If a vineyard setting is on your wish list, Cielo Farms delivers. Set in the Malibu hills, it offers panoramic mountain views and a warm, European-inspired atmosphere. It’s an ideal choice for couples who want a relaxed yet upscale venue with a naturally beautiful backdrop.

Capacity: Up to 200 guests.

See more about Cielo Farms here.

Bride and groom smiling at each other under the bride’s veil with palm trees softly in the background.

A close-up shot of the bride and groom holding hands, her off-the-shoulder satin gown and his classic black suit creating a romantic, timeless frame.

The couple sharing an intimate moment under the veil, sunlight spilling through the sheer fabric for a dreamy, golden glow.

The bride twirling in her flowing off-the-shoulder gown, the ocean and coastal scenery in the background at a Malibu wedding venue.

A Beachfront Wedding with a Malibu City Permit

Yes, you can actually get married on the beach in Malibu! With a city permit, you can make your barefoot, toes-in-the-sand wedding dreams a reality. It’s intimate and casual while giving you the ultimate Malibu experience!

Pro tip: Consider a weekday ceremony if possible; you’ll get fewer crowds, better parking, and more privacy for those intimate moments!

Learn more about Malibu beach wedding permits here (just scroll down a little).

A playful black-and-white shot of the bride and groom walking hand-in-hand, smiling at each other mid-step.

The bride smiling softly at the camera, framed by palm trees and ocean views, her gown elegantly flowing around her at a Malibu wedding venue.

A blurred artistic capture of the bride and groom holding hands in motion, creating a dynamic, candid effect.

How to Choose Your Malibu Wedding Venue

Okay, so how do you actually choose the one?! Here are a few things to think about:

Guest count: Some venues (like Cielo Farms or Adamson House) are ideal for smaller, more intimate weddings, while others (like Calamigos) can handle larger guest lists.
Vibe: Do you want coastal elegance (Bel Air Bay Club), historic charm (Adamson), or a rustic escape (Calamigos)? Figuring out your wedding “feel” first will make this way easier.
Budget: Malibu venues range widely in pricing. Always ask for a detailed breakdown of what’s included (like catering, rentals, and staff).
Logistics: Parking, travel for guests, and noise restrictions are all worth discussing early. Malibu traffic is real; consider shuttles if your venue doesn’t have on-site accommodations.
Season: Summer is peak season for Malibu weddings (AKA pricier and busier). Spring and fall can be just as gorgeous with fewer crowds.

The bride and groom at the altar, hands joined as they exchange vows with the sparkling ocean as their backdrop.

A flat-lay of the wedding invitations, featuring delicate hand-painted illustrations and floral designs with soft blue and yellow details.

The wedding guests watching the ceremony while holding umbrellas during the sunny wedding at a Malibu wedding venue

Questions to Ask Your Venue Before Booking

Here’s your quick checklist!!

What’s included in the rental fee? (Catering, tables/chairs, rentals?)
Do you have noise or curfew restrictions? (Super important for outdoor receptions.)
What’s the parking situation? (Or do you need to arrange shuttles?)
Do you require us to use in-house vendors?
Is there a backup plan for bad weather?

A stunning multi-tiered wedding cake adorned with intricate pressed floral designs, placed by a window overlooking the California coastline.

A chef preparing a fresh oyster bar at the reception, a luxurious and coastal-inspired wedding detail.

A photo of the reception dinner tables including blue satin tablecloths, white florals, cuttlery, plates, and more at the Malibu wedding venue.

Why Couples Fall in Love with Malibu

Malibu weddings are more than just a pretty view (though… the views!!). They feel like a full-on experience, time slows down, the ocean is right there, and everything just feels elevated in that effortless California way.

Here’s why couples love it:

The light. Golden hour in Malibu is next-level. Build it into your timeline!! Most photographers (like myself) love golden hour and will be sure to add it in portraits during that time, but be sure to mention it if not!
The variety. Whether you want beachy, historic, rustic, or vineyard, there’s a venue here for you.
The vibe. It’s luxurious but still relaxed, you’ll actually enjoy your day instead of feeling rushed.

The bride and groom walk hand in hand surrounded by their wedding party on a sunny day at their Bel-Air Bay Club wedding.

Guests sitting down at the reception tables while the bride and groom walk to their table at a Malibu wedding venue

Elegant wedding reception table setting with beaded plates, gold flatware, candles, and a custom printed menu at a Bel-Air Bay Club wedding.

The bride and groom dance with guests at their wedding reception, the bride wearing an off-the-shoulder gown with puff sleeves.

The Dream Team Behind Julia + Adam’s Wedding

Your vendors will truly make your wedding day, so be sure to explore to find the best fit! Julia + Adam’s wedding came together with such a talented vendor team!!

Planning & Design: Array Creative Design
Florist: Blooms by Melly
Rentals: Adore Folklore
Stationery: Sincerely, Harveys
Videography: Griffin R. Dunn
Catering & Venue: Bel Air Bay Club
Desserts: Loria Stern
Wedding Dress: Strut Bridal
Entertainment: Good Mood
Beauty: Page Beauty
Production: Fresch Events

Bright wedding floral arrangement in white, yellow, and blue with daisy accents next to custom blue signature drink signage.

Fabric welcome sign for Julia and Adam’s Bel-Air Bay Club wedding, dated June 28, 2024.

A tiered pressed-flower wedding cake with bright yellow, white, and purple blooms at a Bel-Air Bay Club reception.

Planning Your Own Malibu Wedding & Need A Malibu Wedding Photographer?

Whether you’re dreaming of a coastal estate, a Tuscan-inspired vineyard, or a sandy beach ceremony, Malibu has a venue that’ll feel like you and I would love to capture it!

If you need more California wedding venue inspiration, check out my other blogs!