Pelican Hill Weddings
Weddings at The Resort at Pelican Hill | Photo & Film by One Story Weddings
As trusted photographers and videographers with several weddings captured at The Resort at Pelican Hill, One Story Weddings specializes in timeless, cinematic storytelling for Newport Coast celebrations. Our award-winning Orange County team blends natural photojournalism with luxury aesthetics at iconic venues like the Rotunda, Mar Vista Ballroom, and the Villas.
Planning a Wedding at Pelican Hill
Set on 504 ocean-view acres atop Newport Coast, The Resort at Pelican Hill is one of Southern California’s most iconic wedding destinations. Known for its Italian architecture, sweeping views, and impeccable service, it’s the perfect canvas for an unforgettable celebration.
Why Couples Choose This Venue
One wedding per location per day for complete exclusivity
Iconic architecture and natural landscapes—ideal for both photography and film
Multiple spaces: Rotunda, Event Lawn, Mar Vista Ballroom, and private Villas
Seamless guest experience with on-site lodging, dining, and event flow
Explore Pelican Hill Weddings on PelicanHill.com
Ceremony & Reception Locations
The Rotunda & Event Lawn
This Mediterranean-style domed structure is perched above the Pacific with panoramic views and a dramatic backdrop. Ceremonies here feel sacred, cinematic, and serene.
What We Capture Best:
Wide-angle views of the Rotunda framed by ocean and sky
Aerial shots showing the full scale of the Event Lawn
Close-ups of your vows with sunset in the background
Insider Tip: Book your ceremony for 5:30 PM in October to align perfectly with golden hour. At this time, the Rotunda’s creamy stone glows amber, the Pacific sparkles with soft backlight, and every moment—from your walk down the aisle to your vows—is bathed in cinematic warmth.
See how sunset transforms the ceremony into visual poetry →
Mar Vista Ballroom, Lounge & Terrace
A luxurious indoor reception space with floor-to-ceiling windows and an adjacent outdoor terrace. Great for dinners, dancing, and afterparties.
Why It Works:
Natural light in the ballroom creates beautiful footage before sunset
Market lights and chandeliers enhance cinematic reception shots
Easy transition from cocktail hour on the terrace to dinner inside
The Villas & Bridal Suites
Ideal for getting ready, portraits, and private moments, these spaces offer soft natural light and relaxed, elegant interiors.
Captured Moments:
Bridal details (dress, rings, stationery) styled with movement
First looks with parents or partner
Laughter and emotions with your wedding party
Cost, Capacity & Timing
Starting Investment: Single-day weddings from $83,000+; weekend celebrations may exceed $250,000+
Capacity: Rotunda ceremonies up to 300 guests; Mar Vista receptions up to 400
Timing Tips: Book 12–18 months in advance for peak season; begin ceremonies 60–90 minutes before sunset for best light
View Pelican Hill’s 2025–2026 Pricing Guide (PDF)
Real Wedding Inspiration
Sarah & Michael – October wedding at the Rotunda during golden hour with cinematic sunset portraits on the Event Lawn
Jennifer & David – Reception in Mar Vista Ballroom with glowing evening light, market string lights, and high-energy first dances
Best Times of Year to Get Married at Pelican Hill
October–November & April–May: Clear skies, golden sunsets, soft evening temperatures
June–July: Morning marine layer common; plan portraits later in the day
December–March: Off-season for pricing flexibility and intimate guest lists
Things to Consider
Venue investment starts at a premium level
Vendor list and insurance requirements are enforced
Outdoor music typically ends at 10 PM (plan for indoor transitions)
Photography & Videography Tips
Ceremony start: 60–90 minutes before sunset = golden hour glow
Use the Villas for soft, window-lit getting-ready shots
Mar Vista Terrace is ideal for cocktail hour portraits and evening drone footage (venue permitting)
Pelican Hill Wedding FAQs
Q: Can we use our own photographer and videographer?
A: Yes, as long as they meet Pelican Hill’s insurance and conduct requirements. One Story Weddings does.
Q: Are there curfews or sound restrictions?
A: Outdoor music typically ends by 10 PM. Receptions continue indoors after.
Q: What’s the best time of year for a Pelican Hill wedding?
A: October through November and April through May for light, weather, and color.
Q: How far in advance should we book?
A: 12–18 months in advance for Saturdays in peak season.
Pelican Hill Wedding Films & Photography | See Real Weddings in Motion
Watch Real Pelican Hill Weddings Come to Life
Award-winning Orange County wedding photography and videography at Newport Coast's premier Italian-inspired resort
Dream WeddingS at Pelican Hill
While photos capture moments, our films capture the emotion, the laughter, and the ocean breeze at The Resort at Pelican Hill. Watch how couples have celebrated at this spectacular Newport Coast venue. Our cinematography team works alongside our photographers to document every angle of your story.
Featured Real Wedding Films
Tiffany & Keegan - Rotunda Ceremony in February
Diana & Dean – Mar Vista Ballroom Reception in October
What Our Films Capture That Photos Alone Can't
Your voices saying "I do" with ocean waves in the background
Your father's speech and everyone's reactions
The energy of your grand entrance and first dance
Natural moments as they unfold in real-time
Every film package includes coordinated photography coverage to ensure you have both motion and stills from your day.
Learn More About Combined Photo and Video
Your Pelican Hill Wedding: What to Expect
Why Couples Choose Both Photography & Videography
While our films showcase the emotion and energy of Pelican Hill weddings, our photography provides the timeless portraits and detail shots you'll display for generations. Here's how our teams work together:
Coordinated Coverage:
2 photographers + 2 cinematographers working as one team
No competing for angles or duplicated setups
Photographers capture stills while videographers capture motion
Both teams know Pelican Hill's best locations and lighting
Photography & Videography Packages Include:
2 photographers for complete photo coverage
2-person cinematography team for video
8–10 hours of coverage (typically 2pm–11pm)
800+ edited images delivered within 6 weeks
5–7 minute cinematic highlight film
Full ceremony and speech films
Online gallery for photos and video delivery
Complimentary engagement session
Pre-wedding venue walkthrough and timeline planning
See the Difference Dual Coverage Makes
Our integrated approach means you get comprehensive coverage without the chaos of competing vendors.
Pelican Hill's Most Photogenic Locations
The Rotunda – Where Ocean Views Meet Italian Architecture
Golden hour ceremonies with glowing Mediterranean stone
Processional drama from multiple angles
Aerial ceremony overviews (where permitted)
Mar Vista Ballroom & Event Lawn – Indoor/Outdoor Elegance
Natural light and sunset reception transitions
Market lights creating bokeh in video footage
Smooth, cinematic shots of speeches and first dances
The Villas – Getting Ready in Natural Light
Dress, ring, and flat lay motion details
First looks and quiet pre-ceremony moments
Window-lit portraits that feel timeless
Sample Wedding Day Timeline (Rotunda Ceremony)
1:00 PM – Photography begins at Villas
2:30 PM – First look on Event Lawn
3:30 PM – Wedding party portraits
4:00 PM – Family formals
5:00 PM – Ceremony begins
5:45 PM – Sunset portraits + cocktail hour
7:00 PM – Reception coverage begins
10:00 PM – Grand exit
Ready to See More?
Three Ways to Explore Our Work:
Why Couples Choose One Story Weddings for Pelican Hill
Experience That Shows
We’ve documented 300+ weddings at Pelican Hill and other Premiere Orange County Venues since 2017.
True-to-Life Approach
We honor the venue's natural beauty and your real emotion—no filters, no fakery.
Stress-Free Presence
We guide you gently and document moments naturally.
Trusted by Pelican Hill
We understand their protocols, staff, and timeline expectations.
Recognition & Experience
California Wedding Day Best of 2023 Videographer Award
4.9/5 stars from 40+ verified couples
Trusted by Luxury Orange County Venues, Wedding Planners and Clients for both photography and video
Established Pelican Hill specialists since 2019
Read Our Reviews →
Get Started: Your Pelican Hill Wedding
We typically book 9–12 months in advance for peak season weddings at Pelican Hill. Let’s connect to check your date and create something unforgettable together.
Pelican Hill Resort in Newport Coast is a premier Southern California wedding destination, known for its ocean views, Italian-inspired architecture, and iconic Rotunda ceremonies. It’s the perfect blend of coastal elegance and timeless luxury.
Pelican Hill Resort
22701 S Pelican Hill Rd South,
Newport Coast, CA 92657