Of all the wonderful wedding locations California has to offer, The Resort at Pelican Hill continues to be a favorite among our couples. Pam Wolter, Assistant Director of Weddings & Social Events, discusses what brides and grooms-to-be can expect when planning a wedding at this spectacular Newport Coast destination.
GO: If you had to describe the property in three words, what would they be?
A: Unparalleled, unforgettable, and timeless.
GO: How far in advance does a couple need to reserve a wedding date?
A: For high-demand weekend dates, most wedding couples reserve their preferred date a year or two in advance. For weekday weddings, we have welcomed celebrations as little as a month in advance. Every day is a wedding day at The Resort at Pelican Hill.
GO: Are onsite wedding planners available for the wedding process?
A: All Pelican Hill wedding clients hire their own wedding planner, who collaborates with our on-site team of three wedding managers to ensure a seamless process and personalized celebration.
GO: Are accommodations and buyouts available? What is the capacity limit?
A: Pelican Hill offers 204 Bungalows & Suites, as well as 128 Villa accommodations ranging from two to four bedrooms for six to 10 guests. When available, a buyout of all Bungalows and Villas would accommodate more than 1,000 guests!
GO: What spaces are available for ceremonies and receptions?
A: Situated in a gorgeous seaside setting, The Resort at Pelican Hill's Wedding Estate is designed for privacy and exclusivity. Our iconic, ocean-view Rotunda Event Lawn – the most popular ceremony location – is conveniently located just steps away from the Wedding Estate Bridal Suite, reception terrace and ballroom. Spanning 504 coastal acres, Pelican Hill also offers many additional outdoor and indoor function spaces for pre-and-post-wedding events during multi-day celebrations.
GO: What are some of the amenities, incentives, and activities The Resort at Pelican Hill offers a couple?
A: As a complete resort destination, Pelican Hill features a Five-Star spa, two ocean-view golf courses, three pools, four restaurants, a year-round children's retreat, retail shops, and complimentary coach transport to the beach adjacent to the resort. Activities include wellness classes, golf academy clinics, live entertainment, cooking classes, beach hikes, bike tours, sunset boat cruises, and all kinds of ocean recreation, from stand-up paddle boards to kayaking.
One unique activity we offer is Wedding Etiquette Soirees for wedding couples and their families preparing for the big day. We have an expert who covers topics like invitations, couple’s cake cutting, and gracefully entering a car, so everyone feels confident and relaxed when the spotlight and cameras are on them all day.
GO: Food is such an important element at a wedding. Tell us about your menu customization.
A: With chefs on our staff from around the world, we customize wedding menus with cultural touches, special dietary preferences, and even family recipes! Incorporating family traditions in the menu continues to be a growing trend, and we love bringing this type of vision to the table!
GO: Service is imperative in the wedding industry. What does The Resort at Pelican Hill offer couples and their guests that set you apart?
A: Pelican Hill is known for Five-Star service and the passionate team of professionals who make every celebration memorable and personalized. We limit weddings to one at a time, so couples enjoy heightened exclusivity and attention on their special day. Personalized attention includes a wedding manager to oversee all event details, a wedding butler to personally support the bride, and a wedding concierge to assist the wedding guests. Additionally, the service ratio is one server to every 10 guests, which is better than the luxury industry standard.