The gorgeous Palos Verdes Peninsula is nestled beautifully in the South Bay region, and is an absolute gem for solo travelers, friends, families, and lovers.

This is because Palos Verdes has a number of incredible cities, each with their own unique charm and eloquence. 

In fact, I am a big fan of taking a trip down to this area to enjoy the sweeping view of the Pacific Ocean, and to soak up the seemingly always sunny climate. 

But what do I enjoy more than that? Photographing lovebirds who choose to get married in Palos Verdes. 

You see, a Palos Verdes wedding simply has a sense of magic to it that’s hard to find elsewhere. 

This could be because of the dramatic ocean and city views that make for a perfect backdrop. Or, it could be because of its out-of-town peacefulness that has the power to warm anyone’s heart. 

Whatever the reason, it’s safe to say that celebrating a wedding in Palos Verdes is always a good idea. 

With that, let’s zoom in on one of my favorite wedding locations in Palos Verdes… The Terranea Resort. 

Getting Married in Palos Verdes: The Terranea Resort

The Terranea Resort is a mere 20 miles from Los Angeles International Airport, which is why it’s such a popular venue for destination weddings and those traveling from afar. 

(Bonus: this resort has ocean-view hotel rooms, suites, residential-style villas, casitas, and bungalows.)

The Terranea Resort is also a multiple award-winning wedding venue that has been highly praised for their bespoke amenities, accommodation, and venue spaces. And the views? Wow, incredible!

To get married at The Terranea Resort means you’ll have uninterrupted sea views, be treated to lush greenery, and have a choice of saying your “I do’s” in their indoor or outdoor spaces.

Indoor & outdoor wedding spaces at The Terranea Resort

At The Terranea Resort, there is a premiere indoor space, the Catalina Room, that has a breathtaking grand staircase. Picture it: the beautiful bride glides down the stairs to make a dramatic entrance! 

Another reason to love the Catalina Room is that it has direct access to an enchanting terrace spoiled with views of the ocean. Amazing.

Their outdoor space is 75,000 square feet, and really steals the show with its manicured lawns, gorgeous gardens, and its bluff-top oceanfront gazebo. Imagine that sweet golden hour with the one you love… priceless!

All in all however, the Terranea Resort has nine different event spaces and rooms, so you really can bring your wedding in Palos Verdes to life.

For more information about having your wedding at The Terranea Resort, you can contact the venue directly by filing in their request form.

And now, let’s change the tempo a little. I’d love to introduce you to two people in love who tied the knot in Palos Verdes. That is, Nessa and Pooya. 

Nessa and Pooya celebrated a blended traditional wedding, made up of elements from Nessa’s culture (Mexico), and Pooya’s culture (Iran). 

Lucky me, I got a front row seat to see it all as their Palos Verdes wedding photographer. How incredible it was to bear witness to all kinds of new traditions and rituals. 

But let’s rewind a little… 

The story of how Nessa and Pooya tied the knot at The Terranea Resort

Firstly, how did these two crazy kids meet? At work! 

Both Nessa and Pooya have a career in the medical field—and staying true to science, there was most certainly a chemical reaction when they locked eyes. 

Their love continued to grow until the question was popped and the pair decided to go big with a Palos Verdes wedding ceremony. 

They chose the luxury Terranea Resort which, as one would imagine, did not disappoint. Sure, the weather was slightly gloomy, but it actually added in an element that felt dream-like and romantic… a wedding photographer’s ultimate vision come to life.

What really stood out for me however, was the mixing of cultures. It was a beautiful thing to witness, as they both honored where they’re from and their heritage. Intertwined and in love, I got to see a variety of rituals that were like icing on the (wedding) cake.

I particularly loved seeing the Persian “Sugar Rubbing” tradition. This is when the couple takes a seat and a few of the closest women in their lives come forward in order to spread more sweetness into their marriage. 

They do this by placing a Cloth of Unity over their heads, then various ladies come up and rub together large cones made of hard sugar. As it crumbles onto the cloth, the pair are then blessed with sweetness in love and life.

And, among many other things, I really enjoyed seeing Nessa and Pooya dancing to Mariachi music to honor one of Nessa’s cultural traditions. What a wonderful way to integrate two people in marriage.

And so, to sum up Nessa and Pooya’s Palos Verdes wedding in a few words: magical, breathtaking, a cultural experience, and a real testimony of true love. Here’s to Nessa and Pooya and all of the happy years to come!
If you’re also intrigued about getting married in Palos Verdes, or even more specifically—at The Terranea Resort, get in touch! I’d love to capture your special moment so that it lasts a lifetime.

Venue: Terranea Resort

Wedding Planner: Master Plans Events