Bel-Air Bay Club Wedding Photographer
The Bel-Air Bay Club in Pacific Palisades is one of my favorite wedding venues in Southern California, hands down, and I have had the great honor of photographing weddings there since 2007. The backdrop and view of the Pacific Ocean is like no other in Los Angeles and when you add the romantic garden setting with lush florals and greenery, framed by magnificent palms and you have the perfect location for your celebration. Perched on a bluff between Santa Monica and Malibu, the Spanish style villa has the advantage of having the grounds and amenities of a hotel, with the privacy of a private club.
The spaces around the venue offer incredible spots for photos, from the back lawn with ocean views, to the stunning patio off the bridal suite, to the rose garden and bluffs. Once the party starts, the club transforms into the perfect party spot, from the spacious Living Room to the more intimate setting of the outdoor Courtyard with its lighted fountain and crackling fireplace as the stars start to blaze overhead. The Dining Room is party ready – where vaulted ceilings, wrought iron chandeliers and a grand fireplace create a perfect atmosphere for any event. Every room features grand windows with an endless view of the Southern California coastline, unmatched by all other Malibu wedding venues, twinkling all the way to the lights of the Santa Monica pier.
There are two wonderful rooms for the “getting ready” photos. The boardroom downstairs has the floor to ceiling French doors and big windows that provide ocean views and breezes. That patio is a perfect spot for photos of the bride or groom and wedding party, as well as family portraits. The Revello Room upstairs, also has incredible views and ample space for even the largest wedding party to get ready. My favorite spot for “first look” is the patio outside the board room. The rose garden and stone staircases provide stunning locations for photos of brides and grooms. The lawn is a perfect place to spread out and get photos of the entire wedding party and has dramatic views of the water. This spot is typically used for the ceremony, as well. Cocktail hour can be held on the lawn or in the gorgeous Spanish style courtyard. I like to collaborate with my clients to find out what specifically drew them to the club, and make sure that if they have particular spots on the property that they love, that we are sure to use those areas for photography.
Even off season, the Bel-Air Bay Club has ample spots inside for photos, from the living room with large picture windows that stream in natural light, to the entrance hallway with its vaulted ceilings and glass doors, to the lovely furnishings throughout the building. I have also photographed several nighttime weddings with the ceremony inside the living room, lit by candlelight - intimate, romantic and absolutely magical. The club is a great place for other types of events, from bridal showers to anniversary parties to birthday celebrations. The Bel-Air Bay Club never disappoints!