Are you interested in celebrating your commitment to one another with an Inn at Laguna Beach wedding? I've documented a few weddings there, so I'm very familiar with the premises. I'll be providing my tips on how to have a seamless and stress-free wedding at this gorgeous Laguna Beach wedding venue and hotel below.

Inn at Laguna Beach Wedding Photos

The photos below are from Claire and Brian's Inn at Laguna Beach Wedding. They got ready at The Inn at Laguna Beach, as well as took all their portraits there, including family, wedding party, and couple portraits. They followed this with their ceremony and reception at Claire's house, which was super close by! This wedding was incredibly lovely; it was sophisticated, classic, and heartfelt!

Getting Ready Tips for Your Inn at Laguna Beach Wedding

As far as Laguna Beach wedding venues go, the Inn at Laguna Beach is an amazing choice because of its proximity to the beach and beautiful views. It's about a 5 minute walk from the beachfront.

The Best Getting Ready Areas on the Property

I would recommend taking getting ready photos in a room at the the Inn at Laguna Beach. The space closest to a window or balcony is always the best in terms of light.

PRO TIP: Keep the spaces closest to any natural light sources (windows or balconies) clear of any items - clothes, luggage, bags, etc. This will help to create clean and clutter free photos!

Getting Ready Timing

Inn at Laguna Beach provides so many options as far as photography goes. For getting ready photos specifically, I recommend allotting a minimum of 1 hour and 15 minutes if you don't want detail shots. Examples of detail shots include:

• Dress hanging
• Flatlays in which your details are beautifully styled, such as your shoes, rings, invitation suite, etc.

If you do want these types of shots, I recommend 1 hour and 45 minutes. In general, these types of shots take a while to setup, needing that additional 30 minutes. Below are a few examples of these types of images.

My #1 Getting Ready Recommendation

I highly recommend for you and your partner to both write letters to each other before the wedding day. It doesn't need to be anything super long, just a short note will do as it's not something meant to add a lot of pressure or additional stress. Couples then individually read their note from their partner in the morning while he/she is getting ready.

I love this because it allows one to slow down, be present, and get re-centered. It reminds the couple about their love for each other, which really, is what the day is all about.

BEST First Look Location on the Property

The best first look location at the Inn at Laguna Beach is the side terrace located near the rooftop terrace area on the upper floor. The first look photos below were documented within this space. This space is fantastic for a first look for a couple of reasons.

1. It is secluded, providing an intimate moment for the two of you. While a Inn at Laguna Beach wedding offers a ton of gorgeous backdrops with beach access, most tend to have some people exploring the area. This space provides privacy.
2. It gets the best light. The white colored walls act as natural reflectors creating clean, beautiful, dreamy photos.
3. It's in a shaded area, making it a perfect spot for the first look since this is usually taken during the beginning portion of day while the sun is still pretty harsh. A shaded area will prevent squinting, harsh shadows, sweating, etc.

Views photos of Claire and Brian's first look below!

Best Photo Locations for Your Inn at Laguna Beach Wedding

There are SO MANY great backdrops for your Laguna Beach wedding at this venue, however, my personal favorites are included below:

Heisler Park

Inn at Laguna Beach is adjacent to Heisler Park. It's literally right next to it! You walk out of the hotel and boom, there's the park. Heisler Park stretches along the bluffs of Cliff Drive. This is an oceanfront park that offers walking trails, gardens, mini tide pools, a Gazebo, and a Monument point.

The walking trail along the park is pretty long and substantial. It has a lot of different spaces for photos that include Laguna Beach as the backdrop. One thing to keep in mind with taking photos here is that it's a public space meaning your photographer will have to be somewhat assertive in clearing certain areas to help ensure you don't have random people in the background. ;)

View some Photos Taken in this Space Below

The Pacific Terrance

If you were to have your Inn at Laguna Beach wedding ceremony, this is most likely where it would be held.

Con of using this space: One thing to keep in mind about this space is that there is no shade here whatsoever, so it tends to get very hot.

Pro of using this space: This space is quite large and offers some privacy, making it a good option for larger group portraits.

However, if it's too bright or you're taking photos in the middle of the day, it may be better to opt for the side terrace (I mention this in greater detail below!).

View some Photos Taken in this Space Below

The Monument Point at Heisler Park

This space is hard to describe, but it's basically a large space that can be found along the path down to the beach from the hotel. While the path is pretty narrow, this space widens up, making it great for larger group shots. I used it to take wedding party photos.

View some Photos Taken in this Space Below

The Side Terrace

I recommend this space not only for the first look and some couple portraits, but also for larger group photos, such as family portraits.

I recommend it for the following reasons:

1. It is secluded, providing an intimate moment for the two of you. While a Inn at Laguna Beach wedding offers a ton of gorgeous backdrops with beach access, most tend to have some people exploring the area. This space provides privacy.
2. It gets the best light. The white colored walls act as natural reflectors creating clean, beautiful, dreamy photos.
3. It's in a shaded area, making it a perfect spot for the first look since this is usually taken during the beginning portion of day while the sun is still pretty harsh. A shaded area will prevent squinting, harsh shadows, sweating, etc.

View some Photos Taken in this Space Below

Down by the Beach

This is another great option for photographs. Since Inn at Laguna Beach is only a short walk away from the beach, you can always take some photos on the sand!

Heisler Park

Heisler Park stretches along the bluffs of Cliff Drive. This is an oceanfront park that offers walking trails, gardens, mini tide pools, a Gazebo, and a Monument point.

The Inn at Laguna Beach Wedding Packages

If you're wondering what a wedding at the Inn at Laguna Beach includes, it's pretty all inclusive. It includes the following:

• A Getting Ready Room
• Ceremony Space + Chairs
• Rehearsal Time
• Fruit Infused Water Station
• Gift Table + Guest Book Table + Place Card Table
• Day of Coordination
• Bar Setup with One Bartender
• 2 High Cocktail Tables
• Sparkling Wine/Champagne Toast
• Table Linens + Napkins
• Flatware, Glassware, and Silverware
• 60’’ Rounds Or 6 X 40 Rectangular Tables
• Cake Cutting + Serving
• Table Side Wine during Meal Service with purchase of an Alcoholic Beverage Package
• Coffee & Tea Service
• Umbrellas and/or Heaters within Inventory
• Bistro Lighting Above Terrace
• Setup, Re-Set, and Tear Down
• Complimentary Ocean View Guest Room for the Night of the Wedding
• Priceless Photo Backdrops
• Discounted Guest Room Group Rate*

Inn at Laguna Beach Wedding Ceremony & Reception Options

There are two excellent ceremony and reception options for one's Inn at Laguna Beach wedding, which include the following:

The Pacific Terrace at Inn at Laguna Beach

The Pacific terrace offers breathtaking views of the sea. It's situated on the fourth floor and is perfect for up to 75 guests. It can be used for both the ceremony & reception.

On the Beach Walking Distance from Inn at Laguna Beach

Since The Inn at Laguna Beach is located within a 5 minute walk to the beach, you can always have a beach ceremony followed by an intimate cocktail hour + reception up on the Pacific Terrace.

The Best Wedding Day Timeline for Your Inn at Laguna Beach Wedding

I’m going to include an optional wedding day timeline below, specifically created for an Inn at Laguna Beach Wedding.

The Inn at Laguna Beach Wedding Timeline

Let’s say your ceremony start time is at 5:00 pm. Here’s a timeline for that.

9:00 – 12:30 – Hair/Makeup (This start time will vary depending on how many people will be getting their hair/makeup done; typically, the bride is last)

12:00 – Photographer(s) Arrive

12:00 – 12:40 – Details (Dress, shoes, rings, etc.)

12:45 – 1:45 – Getting Ready Photos (One photographer is with Partner A & second photographer is with Partner B)

*Note: If you don’t have a second photographer, more time is needed here as the solo photographer will have to take extra time to document Partner A & Partner B.

1:45 – 2:45 - First Look + Couple Portraits

2:45 - 3:15 - Wedding Party Portraits (More time is needed here is there is no second photographer)

3:15 - 3:45 - Family Portraits

3:45 – 4:40 – Buffer Time (Super important to always leave buffer time within the schedule should things run a bit behind schedule. It also allows the couple to just relax more…the day won’t feel rushed.) If the timeline goes exactly to plan, the couple can use this time to relax or take extra photos. ;)

4:40 – Couple Preps for Ceremony / Photographer Documents Ceremony Details

5:00 – 5:30 – Ceremony

5:30 – 6:30 – Cocktail Hour + Couple Portraits

*The cocktail hour typically takes place during the golden hour (best time for photos because of the light), so usually about 30 minutes of couple portraits are taken during this time.)

6:45 – Grand Entrance

6:45 – 10:00 – Reception (First Dance, Parent Dances, Speeches, Open Dancing, Etc.)

How Long Do Wedding Portraits Take?

Here’s an estimate of how long it takes to capture certain photos.

Benefits of Having an Inn at Laguna Beach Wedding

Prime Location

• Inn at Laguna Beach is situation in the middle of downtown Laguna Beach, meaning it's a short walk away from incredible restaurants, art galleries, and shopping.
• The hotel is also just a short walk away from the beach. If you'd like to take photos at the beach, you don't have to drive anywhere, you can simply walk to the beach. Additionally, if your guests are staying the night at the hotel, they can enjoy some time relaxing at the beach.
• Inn at Laguna Beach is also extremely close to Heisler Park, which offers beautiful gardens along with ocean views. This is another great location to explore and/or take photos at!

Hotel Room Group Rates

• Inn at Laguna Beach is a hotel, as well as a wedding venue, meaning your guests will be able to stay over night here. This makes things really convenient for everyone. I'd reach out to the hotel for special group rates when booking multiple hotel rooms for your guests.

Get in Touch

Those are my tips for your Inn at Laguna Beach wedding! If you'd like to discuss wedding photography, please feel free to get in touch below! Would love to hear about your day!