Located in Dana Point, The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel is where some of Southern California’s most discerning brides and grooms celebrate their nuptials. Shannon Gilbert, Director of Sales & Marketing, shares more about what couples can expect when planning a wedding at this five-star property.
GO: If you had to describe The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel in three words, what would they be?
A: The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel offers a breathtaking location with stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and a timeless setting for every couple’s most memorable moment.
GO: How far in advance does a couple need to reserve a wedding date?
A: The wedding date is of upmost importance; and with each unique wedding occurring at different dates throughout the year and varying in number of guests, we strive to accommodate each couple’s desires and needs.
GO: Are onsite wedding planners available for the wedding process?
A: We are delighted to have wedding experts assist each couple through the wedding planning process. After securing the venue, a Special Events Manager will be the main point of contact on property to arrange the menu and venue details. In addition to the Special Events Manager, we have a preferred list of wedding planners to coordinate all the details from wedding day logistics, invitations and vendor selections. We are happy to provide recommendations for preferred partners including local wedding planners, furniture rentals, musicians and DJ’s, florists, and more. Since this is such an important decision, we can only provide recommendations and we leave the rest up to the bride and groom.
GO: Are accommodations and buyouts available? What is the capacity limit?
A: Absolutely. We are proud to offer a wide selection of indoor and outdoor event spaces with our largest ballroom, The Ritz-Carlton Ballroom, accommodating up to 500 guests. In addition to event space, our resort also offers 396 guestrooms including suites, fireside rooms, and an exclusive Club Level. We are open to entertaining weddings of all sizes, from a weekend of celebrations, to an intimate wedding on The Bluff.
GO: What spaces are available for ceremonies and receptions?
A: Set atop the breathtaking bluff, the resort offers more than 80,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor event space including a spacious ballroom, luxurious lawns, and ocean view pavilions. With multiple venues available with the backdrop of the Pacific Ocean, we can accommodate a wide variety of guests depending on the size of the event.
GO: What are some of the amenities, incentives and activities that the property offers a couple?
A: The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel offers a variety of activities for couples including our rejuvenating Spa featuring luxurious sea-inspired treatments from a relaxing couple’s massage to revitalizing facials. Presenting exquisite dining outlets, RAYA showcases Pan-Latin coastal cuisine with floor to ceiling windows overlooking the ocean and beach below; enoSTEAK, the resort’s boutique steakhouse, offers prime meats, local produce and bold wines. Couples looking for adventure can experience a playful excursion with our Eco-Adventure Center where naturalists lead the way on a whale watching tour, surfing and stand-up paddle boarding can be learned in the harbor, or tide pools can be explored when the tide is low. Bachelors looking for a retreat can plan an exciting day of golf at exceptional courses just minutes away. With the resort’s premiere location, the possibilities are endless.
GO: Food is such an important element at a wedding. Tell us about your menu customization.
A: The culinary team at The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel offers exquisite dishes to suit every palette. From ethnic cuisine to California favorites, the culinary chefs create the perfect customized menu to fit the needs of every couple.
GO: What does the property offer couples and their guests that set you apart?
A: The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel is centrally located on the southern California coast where every angle presents stunning views of the Pacific Ocean, and a walk to the beach is only minutes away. Our ladies and gentlemen are the key in our service commitment; we strive to exceed expectations and create lasting memories for couples and their families to cherish for a lifetime. Weddings at our romantic surfside retreat invite couples and their loved ones to celebrate one of the most special days of their lives and experience The Ritz-Carlton’s legendary service and luxury accommodations.
