Pelican Hill Resort Wedding Photography | Bri + Austin

Some days I have to pinch myself. Being a professional wedding photographer is one thing, but to get to travel to awesome destinations like Pelican Hill Resort is another. Based in the UK, most the wedding I shoot are over here, but I get to photograph a few weddings each year in other areas of the globe. There could not be a better location than South California. Having the opportunity to be a Pelican Hill Resort wedding photographer for Bri and Austin is something I will cherish forever.

Pelican hill Resort wedding photos from a UK photographer

Set on the Pacific Coast by Newport Beach, just north of Laguna Beach, is the luxury resort of Pelican Hill. This is one of the US’s high-end wedding venues and it certainly proved to be the case. Bri and Austin has been guests at a wedding I photographed near Leeds in the UK and had fallen in love with my natural style of photography. When they themselves got engaged I felt blessed that they wanted me to fly to California for their wedding. Not only where they having their outdoor ceremony at Pelican Hill Resort, but at sunset also. It’s a photographers dream to be able to capture such an incredible backdrop. I remember standing and and just appreciating where I was for a brief moment and feeling chuffed I made the right decision to move my career into wedding photography.

Wedding ceremony at Pelican Hill Resort

The wedding ceremony took place under the domed rotunda. The entire wedding was expertly planned and dressed by The Lynden Lane Co. The planers were simply ace on the day, catering for my unique style of wedding photography. I don’t like to stop or pose anything on a wedding day and just want all the events to flow and happen natural. If you are looking for a photographer who poses then I am not your guy, but if you LOVE the idea of NOT posing, then I certainly am.

If you are getting married at Pelican Hill Resort and looking for a wedding photographer then although I am based in the UK, I am available to travel over. You might be surprised how achievable it would be for me to do so. I love an adventure, and I’d love to join you on yours. Just get in touch and we can discuss options. It is essential you look closely at my work, as my natural style of photography is not common-place in the States. If you love my work, please get in touch.

A special thank you to Paul Rogers who was the second shooter at this wedding. Not only is his photography incredible, but a great friend to make the journey with. A big shout out to Jeff Wood who travelled with us for cinematography. A great team we all were.

Although I am UK based, I’m available for your Pelican Hill Resort Wedding

With the famous Californian coast as your backdrop, Pelican Hill is the suitably breathtaking, glamorous, luxury setting that you need.  For a luxurious outdoor wedding, that will outshine all the rest, Pelican Hill is the one to beat.

Photography at this luxurious setting

Pelican Hill Resort is a no expense-spared, 5-star luxury resort on the Newport Coast. Designed with Italian, renaissance- style architecture in mind, the buildings of Pelican Hill are reminiscent of the grand rural villas that can be spotted across the Italian countryside. With marble columns, and garden terraces, edged by extraordinary views of the coastline beyond, Pelican Hill is quite simply stunning. Thus, of course, this hotel complex is the ultimate location for dazzling wedding photos. The venue is conveniently located for the Pacific Coast Highway, if travelling by car, or John Wayne Orange County Airport and Los Angeles International Airport, if journeying by plane.

Offering both indoor and outdoor venues, Pelican Hill’s outdoor facilities are the best way to make the most of the stupendous views, although indoor spaces do make good use of the divine scenery beyond. Outside is where the venue particularly sets itself apart. 504 acres of manicured lawns are decorated with century-old olive trees, ornamental gardens and lavender borders. Cresting the wave of lush gardens, is the venue’s magnificent, striking, Palladian-style, high-domed Italian rotunda. It can’t help but take your breath away – it looks incredible in wedding photos. With exclusive use of the venue and your own private entrance, this multi-roomed venue is yours for the day. In addition, this location even comes with its own team of staff, as well as a butler and concierge.

Pelican Hill Resort’s incredible features for your wedding

At 300 feet up, the views of the Pacific Ocean and Californian coast below are unforgettable, so there are plenty of options for using the outdoor space and garden terraces throughout the day. Inside, the resort has two spaces. La Capella is a gorgeous space for your ceremony or an additional breakout room. With a wood-beam ceiling, fireplace and ornate decor, it is a great additional space to have. Then there is the ballroom. This huge, contemporary space is exquisitely decorated with glittering chandeliers, lavish detailing and floor-to-ceiling windows, for phenomenal ocean views of the setting sun. When it is time to hit the dance floor, there is more than enough space, as well as plenty of facilities to cater to all of your entertainment needs.

As part of the famous Pelican Hill Resort, if guests want to stay on, or you all want to soak up your surroundings ahead of time, there are an expanse of rooms to stay in, on the resort. Your guests could spend a few moments walking around with their camera taking breathtaking photography from this superb location. For you and your partner, the luxury bridal bungalow awaits, a complimentary gift from the venue, at no extra cost. With so much to do and see, in and around the resort, as well as the possibility to take some of your wedding celebrations off-site, you and your guests might well want to make things last longer than 24 hours. From spas to beaches, plush shopping areas, partner resorts, kayaking and golf, there is plenty to keep everyone thoroughly entertained for as long as you want. The team are able to do just about anything to create the custom, knockout wedding that you desire. The only query left, is whether the venue is free on the date that you want!

For couples looking for a high-standard of wedding photography at Pelican Hill Resort, and LOVE the idea of NOT posing.