VEA Hotel Newport Beach Weddings
Weddings at VEA Newport Beach, A Marriott Resort & Spa
Nestled in the heart of Newport Beach's most coveted address, VEA Newport Beach offers couples a sophisticated coastal sanctuary that seamlessly blends contemporary luxury with laid-back California elegance. Following an $85 million transformation completed in Spring 2022, this AAA Four Diamond resort delivers destination-worthy celebrations just steps from Fashion Island and minutes from the Pacific coastline.
Having documented weddings at VEA Newport Beach, our team has developed an intimate understanding of this property's unique light patterns, architectural flow, and hidden photo opportunities. We know how afternoon golden light filters through the tropical landscaping on the Sunset Lawn, how the Marea Canvas transitions beautifully from daylight to evening ambiance, and how to navigate the property's multiple levels to capture every meaningful moment without disrupting your celebration.
Our approach mirrors the refined service you expect from a luxury resort—professional, anticipatory, and nearly invisible. Because we've mastered VEA's layout and rhythms, we work with confident efficiency, positioning ourselves in the right places at the right moments to deliver imagery that feels both cinematic and authentically you.
Planning a Wedding at VEA Newport Beach
VEA Newport Beach combines Marriott's world-class hospitality standards with a distinctly cosmopolitan coastal aesthetic, making it an exceptional choice for couples seeking modern luxury without sacrificing warmth and accessibility. The resort's dedicated wedding team supports each couple through every phase of planning, from initial venue tours to day-of coordination.
Key Planning Details:
Location: 900 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach, CA 92660 — directly across from Fashion Island and just 10 minutes from John Wayne Airport (SNA), making it remarkably accessible for out-of-town guests.
Guest Experience: With 400 coastal-inspired guest rooms, 33 reimagined suites, a 14,000-square-foot spa, multiple dining venues, and an 85-foot-long pool, guests enjoy a full resort experience that transforms your wedding into a weekend destination.
Service & Coordination: VEA's Event Management Team works alongside your required resort-approved wedding planner to manage venue logistics, catering, and day-of execution. All food and beverage is handled exclusively in-house by their seasoned culinary team.
When you partner with One Story Weddings, we proactively plan your photography and videography timeline around VEA's signature light patterns, architectural highlights, and event flow—ensuring your visual story captures the venue at its most stunning while maintaining the effortless feel of your celebration.
Why Couples Choose VEA Newport Beach
Sunset-Facing Ceremony Lawns
VEA's outdoor ceremony spaces feature westward orientations that capture spectacular golden hour light. The Sunset Lawn, in particular, offers sweeping views across the Pelican Hill golf course toward the Pacific—creating natural infinity backdrops that photographers dream about.
Contemporary Indoor-Outdoor Flexibility
The Marea Canvas, a signature addition from the 2022 renovation, features floor-to-ceiling retractable walls that allow seamless transitions between climate-controlled comfort and ocean-breeze ambiance. This architectural hybrid gives couples the best of both worlds.
Central Newport Beach Location
Unlike remote destination venues, VEA sits at the epicenter of Newport Beach's social scene. Fashion Island's world-class shopping and dining sits directly across the street, while Balboa Island, Corona del Mar, and pristine beaches are minutes away—providing endless options for welcome dinners, after-parties, and guest entertainment.
Photography & Videography Advantage
The property's blend of tropical landscaping, contemporary architecture, warm market lighting, and golf course vistas provides diverse visual settings within a single venue. We know exactly when and where to schedule portraits, ceremony coverage, and reception moments to maximize both natural light and architectural drama.
Explore how we capture VEA Newport Beach's signature elegance. View our portfolio or Watch wedding films.
Ceremony & Reception Locations
Here are VEA Newport Beach's standout wedding spaces—complete with photography insights and lighting notes to help you envision how each setting captures in both photo and film.
The Sunset Lawn — Premier Outdoor Ceremony
Capacity: Up to 450 guests
Atmosphere: VEA's signature ceremony location and the largest ocean-facing event lawn in the Newport Beach area at 8,000 square feet. This oval-shaped lawn overlooks the Pelican Hill golf course, with rolling greens that fade into distant Pacific views. The westward orientation means late-afternoon ceremonies are bathed in spectacular golden hour light.
Photography Tip: Schedule your ceremony 60–90 minutes before sunset. The sun sets behind your guests, creating soft, dimensional lighting on the couple without harsh shadows. The edge of the lawn where grass meets the golf course delivers the signature "hero shot" of this venue.
The Marea Lawn — Intimate Garden Ceremony
Capacity: Up to 200 guests
Atmosphere: A lush, tropical garden setting surrounded by palm trees and coastal landscaping. The Marea Lawn offers a more intimate feel than the Sunset Lawn while maintaining VEA's sophisticated aesthetic. Perfect for couples seeking a garden-party atmosphere with seamless flow to adjacent reception spaces.
Photography Tip: The tropical foliage provides natural framing and soft, diffused light throughout the afternoon. Ideal for first looks around 3:00–4:00 PM when the surrounding greenery creates beautiful dappled lighting.
The Marea Terrace — Elevated Cocktail Space
Capacity: Up to 180 for reception
Atmosphere: Slightly elevated above the Marea Lawn, this terrace offers a different vantage point with ocean breezes and warm market lighting. An excellent choice for cocktail hour or intimate ceremonies that transition directly into reception spaces.
Photography Tip: The terrace's positioning provides excellent sunset-facing angles. We often capture couple portraits here during the transition from ceremony to cocktail hour.
The Marea Canvas — Indoor/Outdoor Reception
Capacity: Up to 320 seated
Atmosphere: VEA's architectural showpiece from the 2022 renovation. This 7,000-square-foot space features floor-to-ceiling retractable walls that open directly to the lawns and terrace, allowing ocean breezes to flow through while maintaining climate control when needed. Clean lines, contemporary design, and warm lighting create a sophisticated yet welcoming atmosphere.
Photography Tip: Begin your reception with walls open to capture the natural coastal light transitioning to evening. The clean architectural lines photograph beautifully, and the indoor-outdoor flexibility allows for dramatic lighting transitions throughout the night. Best light flows through the open walls between 4:30–6:30 PM.
The Riviera Ballroom — Grand Indoor Reception
Capacity: Up to 600 seated
Atmosphere: At 8,000 square feet, the Riviera Ballroom is VEA's largest and most formal reception space. Warm carpeted floors, a built-in dance floor, intimate lighting, and soft neutral furnishings create an elegant backdrop for large-scale celebrations. Ideal for couples planning extravagant receptions, cultural celebrations, or multi-day wedding events.
Photography Tip: Coordinate lighting transitions with your DJ or lighting designer—spotlighting during toasts, warm ambient tones for dinner, then shifting to dramatic party lighting for dancing creates beautiful visual variety in both photos and film.
The Riviera Lawn — Outdoor Reception Extension
Capacity: Up to 430 seated
Atmosphere: A lush 7,000-square-foot lawn featuring tropical flora and warm string lighting. The Riviera Lawn connects to the Riviera Ballroom, making it perfect for outdoor cocktail hours, lawn games, or al fresco reception segments.
Photography Tip: The market lighting creates a romantic, almost fairy-tale atmosphere as evening falls. We love capturing candid moments here during cocktail hour or late-evening portraits with the string lights as backdrop.
The Amalfi Ballroom — Mid-Size Indoor Reception
Capacity: Up to 350 seated
Atmosphere: A refined ballroom option for mid-size celebrations, offering cosmopolitan interiors, intimate lighting, and the same Marriott service standards in a more intimate footprint than the Riviera Ballroom. Can be sectioned into smaller salons for rehearsal dinners or intimate celebrations.
Photography Tip: The room's warm neutral palette provides a beautiful canvas for bold floral designs and dramatic lighting installations.
Smaller Spaces — Intimate Celebrations
VEA offers multiple smaller spaces for micro-weddings, rehearsal dinners, welcome parties, and post-wedding brunches:
Monaco Room (up to 100 guests)
Capri Room (up to 80 guests)
Positano & Portofino Rooms (up to 100 guests combined)
Top Wedding Photo Locations at VEA Newport Beach: An Insider's Guide
While VEA's ceremony lawns offer the most obvious photo opportunities, the property is filled with architectural details and hidden corners that truly shine on camera. Drawing from our experience documenting luxury celebrations here, we've curated this list of the most cinematic spots to ensure your wedding gallery feels both grand and intimately personal.
1. The Sunset Lawn Edge
The edge of the Sunset Lawn where manicured grass meets the golf course is VEA's signature "hero shot." About 45 minutes before sunset, the light filters through the trees lining the property, creating soft, dimensional lighting that flatters every skin tone.
Photographer's Insight: This location delivers stunning results at two key moments in your timeline. For couples doing a first look, the Sunset Lawn works beautifully earlier in the day when the sun is still high—the open lawn provides even, flattering light without harsh shadows. Then during golden hour, typically 45–60 minutes before sunset, the same spot transforms with warm directional light that makes the rolling golf course greens glow while the distant Pacific horizon adds cinematic depth to your portraits.
2. The Tropical Landscaping Corridors
Throughout the property, lush tropical landscaping creates natural "rooms" with palm trees, bird of paradise, and coastal greenery. These corridors provide intimate settings that feel worlds away from the formal event spaces.
Photographer's Insight: The deep greens make white wedding gowns "pop" and provide textured, organic backgrounds for intimate couple portraits. These spots work beautifully throughout the day, with the foliage providing natural shade during harsh midday light.
3. The Contemporary Architecture
VEA's 2022 transformation introduced striking contemporary design elements—clean lines, warm wood tones, and dramatic entrance features including the property's signature entrance oculus.
Photographer's Insight: These architectural elements create high-fashion editorial opportunities. We use specific wide-angle lenses to capture the scale of these features, creating images that feel distinctly "VEA" while showcasing the venue's modern luxury aesthetic.
4. The Floating Lanai at VIEW Restaurant
One of VEA's most unique features is the floating lanai extending from VIEW Restaurant—a pier-like structure that creates a stunning sense of being suspended above the landscape.
Photographer's Insight: This location works beautifully for romantic couple portraits, particularly during blue hour (15–20 minutes after sunset) when the sky turns violet and the resort's warm lights begin to glow.
5. The Poolside Cabanas
VEA's 85-foot pool and surrounding cabana area provide a chic, resort-lifestyle backdrop that photographs beautifully for both editorial portraits and candid getting-ready moments.
Photographer's Insight: If your timeline allows, we love capturing "lifestyle" moments here—perhaps the bridal party enjoying morning poolside mimosas or the couple stealing away for a quiet moment during cocktail hour.
6. The Golf Course Overlook
Multiple vantage points throughout the property offer sweeping views across the Newport Beach Country Club golf course toward the distant Pacific.
Photographer's Insight: These elevated perspectives work beautifully for wide establishing shots that capture the venue's spectacular setting. We often use these angles during ceremony coverage to show the full scope of your celebration.
7. The Marea Terrace at Night
After sunset, the Marea Terrace transforms with warm ambient lighting that creates an intimate, romantic atmosphere.
Photographer's Insight: The combination of market lighting, terrace architecture, and evening sky creates perfect conditions for nighttime portraits that feel both elegant and modern.
Pro-Tip: Coordinating Photo + Video
At One Story Weddings, our dual-team approach ensures that while photographers capture one angle, cinematographers document from another—maximizing your time at each location while capturing both still and motion imagery that tells a cohesive story.
Cost, Capacity & Timing
A wedding at VEA Newport Beach represents a premium investment in contemporary luxury. Known for its sophisticated coastal aesthetic and Marriott service standards, the venue provides a seamless experience for couples seeking elevated celebrations.
Pricing Overview
Ceremony Site Fees: Typically range from $7,500 to $8,500 depending on location, plus tax and service charge.
Dinner Reception Packages: Start at approximately $250 per person, plus tax and service charge.
Reception Venue Fees: Range around $15,000 depending on which spaces you select for cocktail hour and dinner/dance reception, plus tax and service charge.
Total Investment: Most couples spend between $35,000 and $40,000 for their wedding at VEA Newport Beach. Larger celebrations with premium dates and extensive customization can reach $75,000–$100,000+.
What's Included: VEA's packages are relatively comprehensive—pricing includes rental items (chairs, linens, flatware, glassware), service staff, bartenders, and access to getting-ready rooms.
Seasonal Pricing: Peak season runs March through November, with lower rates available in January and February.
Key Requirements
Wedding Planner Requirement: VEA requires couples to work with a resort-approved wedding planner for coordination. This planner must be present and on-site at all contracted events.
Catering: All food and beverage is handled exclusively in-house. Outside catering is not permitted, though you can bring in a specialty wedding cake.
Pro Timing Tip
Because VEA's ceremony lawns face west toward the ocean, golden hour is spectacular—but the optimal window moves with the seasons. We recommend starting your ceremony 60–90 minutes before sunset to ensure family portraits and "just married" sunset photos are captured in the most flattering, directional light before the sun dips below the horizon.
Timing & Booking Notes
Lead Time: Popular Saturday dates during peak season typically book 12–18 months in advance. Flexible couples can sometimes find availability 6–9 months out for off-peak dates.
Payment Schedule: Initial deposit to reserve your date, with subsequent payments due at defined intervals before your wedding.
Light & Seasonality:
For outdoor lawn ceremonies, ideal timing is 60–90 minutes before sunset for golden light
Coastal marine layer ("June Gloom") may linger through early afternoon in May–June—plan portraiture after 3:00 PM
Fall offers some of the clearest skies and most reliable sunset conditions
Sound & Curfew: Outdoor spaces may have event close-out times—verify specific curfews with your event manager.
Guest Experience
A wedding at VEA Newport Beach is more than an event—it's a full weekend luxury experience for you and your guests. Every detail is executed with resort-level polish.
Luxury Accommodations
The resort features 400 coastal-inspired guest rooms and 33 reimagined suites, many with private balconies offering golf course or Pacific views. Suite options include:
Ocean Suites: Separate bedroom and living areas with floor-to-ceiling windows
Panorama Suites: Expansive living spaces with dramatic ocean views
Luxe Suites: Spacious layouts with dining areas and kitchenettes
Wellness Suites: Nature-inspired design with deep soaking tubs for ultimate relaxation
Suites range from 600 to 1,250 square feet and feature Molton Brown bath amenities, Frette robes and linens, Nespresso machines, and 55" smart TVs.
SPA VEA — Wellness Sanctuary
The 14,000-square-foot SPA VEA features 14 treatment rooms, a dedicated saltwater pool, eucalyptus steam room, and serene cabanas. Pre-wedding spa treatments for bridal parties are popular, offering a relaxing way to begin the celebration.
Dining & Culinary Excellence
VEA offers four distinct dining concepts:
VIEW Restaurant & Lounge: The signature restaurant featuring California coastal cuisine with a cosmopolitan perspective. Think tableside martinis, fresh sushi, signature lobster rolls, and stunning golf course and ocean views.
Elan Café & Bar: European-inspired coffee bar and patisserie in the lobby lounge—perfect for morning meetings with vendors or a quiet moment before the festivities begin.
Edge Bar: Poolside dining reimagined with chef-driven California-inspired bites, maki rolls, craft cocktails, and sweeping coastal views.
Reveal: An intimate evening lounge with skillfully crafted cocktails, elevated bar bites, and 90s/2000s-inspired ambiance.
Weekend Celebration Possibilities
VEA naturally lends itself to multi-day weddings:
Welcome Dinner: Private dining spaces, Edge Bar patio, or VIEW Restaurant
Spa Day: Bridal party treatments at SPA VEA
Main Ceremony & Reception: Sunset Lawn, Marea spaces, or Riviera Ballroom
After-Party: Reveal lounge or Marea Terrace
Farewell Brunch: VIEW Restaurant or private event space
Guests can enjoy resort amenities including the pool, spa, fitness center (featuring Peloton bikes and TRX equipment), and easy access to Fashion Island shopping, Balboa Island exploration, and Newport Beach's pristine coastline.
Group Coordination
The resort's events team provides dedicated group booking and room block management. At One Story Weddings, we integrate our coverage with this coordination—ensuring photo and video logistics align seamlessly with your venue timeline and guest flow.
Real Weddings at VEA Newport Beach
Couples from across the country have celebrated at VEA Newport Beach, embracing its sunset-facing lawns, contemporary indoor-outdoor spaces, and sophisticated coastal aesthetic.
Explore more real VEA Hotel weddings:
Photography & Videography at VEA Newport Beach
The resort's contemporary architecture, sunset-facing lawns, and indoor-outdoor flexibility make it ideal for integrated photo and film coverage. At One Story Weddings, our dual-team approach ensures your imagery is cohesive, intentional, and tailored to this venue's aesthetic.
Our Signature Coverage Includes:
Two lead photographers + two cinematographers
Full-day coverage (10 hours)
800+ edited high-resolution images
5–7 minute cinematic highlight film
Full ceremony & toast edits
Drone footage (where permitted)
Delivered in six-eight weeks via online gallery
Choosing photo + video together ensures seamless visual storytelling—from sweeping lawn ceremonies to intimate reception moments—so your wedding story unfolds in both still and motion with premium execution.
Why Photo + Video Together
Booking both services with one creative team ensures your imagery feels seamless and cohesive.
Benefits of Combined Coverage
Coordinated angles for both mediums
Consistent editing and color grading
Streamlined planning with a single point of contact
Savings up to 10% compared to separate vendors
Unified storytelling that blends movement, sound, and still imagery
Discover the difference of an integrated team — Contact us to inquire about photo + video collections.
Content Creation at VEA Newport Beach
Beyond wedding day coverage, VEA Newport Beach's contemporary coastal aesthetic makes it an exceptional location for professional content creation sessions. Whether you are looking to capture timeless engagement photos against the tropical landscaping or require a social-first approach to produce high-impact Reels and brand imagery, we offer tailored packages to suit your vision.
The property's diverse settings—from the architectural entrance oculus to the floating lanai at VIEW Restaurant—provide immense variety within a single location. Our process ensures that while the content is optimized for immediate sharing and social trends, the quality remains polished, intentional, and reflective of the resort's sophisticated atmosphere. Learn more about our social media ready content creation services services at VEA Newport Beach.
Sample Wedding Photography Timeline
Here's a refined sample timeline for a 5:00 PM ceremony on the Sunset Lawn followed by a Marea Canvas reception:
1:00 PM — Getting ready in ocean-view suites; detail shots, candid moments
2:30 PM — First look in tropical landscaping; couple portraits
3:15 PM — Wedding party portraits around the grounds
4:15 PM — Family formals; guests begin arriving at Sunset Lawn
5:00 PM — Ceremony begins on Sunset Lawn with golden hour light approaching
5:45 PM — Cocktail hour on Marea Terrace; couple uses golden hour for sunset portraits at lawn edge
6:30 PM — Reception begins in Marea Canvas; grand entrance, toasts, dinner
8:00 PM — Dancing begins; lighting transitions to party atmosphere
10:00 PM — Grand exit (confirm options with venue)
For a deeper look at timing and logistics, see our Wedding Day Timeline Guide.
Best Times of Year to Get Married at VEA Newport Beach
Each season offers a distinct mood—here's how we recommend planning with your photography and film in mind:
Spring (March–May)
Fresh landscaping and moderate coastal weather
Golden hour begins around 6:30–7:15 PM
"May Gray" marine layer may linger—plan outdoor portraits for late afternoon
Ideal for couples who love soft, diffused light
Summer (June–August)
Long daylight hours and dramatic sunsets
"June Gloom" marine layer common through early afternoon—plan portraiture after 3:00–4:00 PM
Peak season pricing; book well in advance
Guests enjoy resort pool and beach proximity
Fall (September–November)
Some of the clearest skies and richest golden hour light of the year
Sunset timing shifts earlier (~5:30–6:30 PM), accommodating dinner transitions
Warm temperatures with minimal marine layer—excellent for outdoor ceremonies
Our recommended season for photography
Winter (December–February)
Cooler air and earliest sunsets (~4:45–5:30 PM)
Off-peak pricing available
Ideal for couples preferring indoor receptions with dramatic lighting
Holiday season may affect availability—book early
Venue Considerations (Logistics & Vendor Info)
Vendor Policies
Wedding Planner Requirement: Couples must hire a resort-approved wedding planner to coordinate all contracted events.
Catering: All food and beverage handled exclusively in-house. Specialty wedding cakes may be brought in from outside vendors.
Other Vendors: Couples are generally free to select their own photographers, florists, DJs, and other vendors.
Sound & Weather
Outdoor Ceremonies: Lawn ceremonies can experience coastal wind—plan décor and hair accordingly.
Indoor Options: The Marea Canvas and ballrooms offer weather-independent reliability.
Backup Plans: The resort can coordinate smooth transitions indoors if weather conditions change.
Accessibility & Mobility
The property is fully wheelchair accessible, including ceremony and reception spaces. Multiple levels and outdoor terrain may require accessible planning for older guests.
Photography & Drone Coverage
Aerial and ground coverage are possible—our team coordinates permissions and timing in advance.
Guest Parking & Arrival
The resort offers valet parking. Large guest counts may benefit from coordination of arrival timing.
Nearby Airports
John Wayne Airport (SNA): 10 minutes / 5 miles
Long Beach Airport (LGB): 25 miles
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX): 44 miles
VEA Newport Beach, A Marriott Resort & Spa
900 Newport Center Drive
Newport Beach, CA 92660
Phone: (949) 729-6953
Official Website
Nearby: Fashion Island (across the street), John Wayne Airport (10 min), Balboa Island (10 min), Disneyland (30 min)