At first, you will be captivated by the century-old olive trees, rows of lavender and 180-degree views of the Pacific as golden light sparkles across its surface. But it is our unequaled service that defines the Pelican Hill Wedding.

GO: If you had to describe the property in three words, what would they be?
PH: Timeless, luxurious and exclusive!

GO: Food is such an important element at a wedding; tell me about your menus/culinary team?
PH: We customize all of our menus to the couple’s desires. We offer traditional Filet Mignon and Lobster dinners, authentic eight-course Chinese dinners, Japanese fusion menus, authentic Persian menus and everything in between.  Our talented culinary team can perfectly create most any cuisine requested by couples. Our Executive Chef, Jean-Pierre Dubray, hand-selects all of the produce for The Resort from the local Irvine Ranch each week, so that we are always using the freshest locally grown products.

GO: What do you do for couples and their guests that set you apart from everyone else?
PH: Couples enjoy the ultimate in personalization throughout the planning stages, to ensure every detail of their event is arranged and implemented to their preference. Pelican Hill books just one wedding per day, ensuring unwavering attention and heightened exclusivity. Once the couple checks in, a wedding butler is assigned to tend to their every need. Wedding guests are looked after by a dedicated Wedding Concierge, who greets guests, organizes the couple’s gifts and creates a gift list. Additionally, our server-to-guest ratio is twice the luxury standard at one server for every 10 guests.

GO: Do you have selected areas where a couple can elect to take images?
PH: Since we host only one wedding per day, our couples have full and exclusive use of the grounds for photos. With 504 acres of natural beauty overlooking the Pacific coastline, breath-taking Palladian inspired architecture and a feeling of being transported to an Italian seaside village, the grounds offer a beautiful backdrop with many stunning settings for wedding photos.

GO: What are some of the amenities/special activities that you offer for a couple planning to have a weekend wedding?
PH: Conveniently located just steps away from ceremony and reception spaces, the Bridal Suite provides a private place to enjoy moments together with family and friends.  It features a spacious dressing room, adjoining gown storage and a luxurious salon and make-up station.  A rich backdrop for photography, the Suite’s comfortable upholstered seating, silk pillows and an elegant color palette of soft greens, gold and ivory allows the bride to relax and take center stage.

For rehearsals and other destination wedding events, Pelican Hill features multiple private dining rooms, outdoor event spaces and off-premise catering locations, including historic sites, private villas and museums. In fact, we offer comprehensive off-premise event services for weddings, as well.

For families and friends attending a Pelican Hill destination wedding, The Resort offers 128 villas with magnificent coastal views and an unparalleled array of appointments; 204 luxuriously appointed bungalow guest rooms and suites with private terraces; a rejuvenating Five-Star spa with a menu of the world’s most celebrated therapies; world-class restaurants, including Andrea serving authentic Northern Italian cuisine; an iconic “Coliseum Pool,” one of the largest circular pools anywhere with tiered decks and luxurious cabanas; and Pelican Hill Golf Club with 36 dramatic holes by Tom Fazio, nearly all with ocean panoramas.

Around Newport and Laguna Beach, a variety of destination activities include shopping trips with a personal stylist, hiking excursions across miles of local trails, and a wide range of ocean activities, such as surfing, kayaking and boating.

GO: Do you have unique guest spaces, where out of town guests can feel like they’re also on vacation?
PH: Inspired by Rome’s famed landmark, the Coliseum Pool is among the most striking swimming pools at any resort.  At the heart of Pelican Hill, guests gather here to see and be seen, while relaxing, pampered by pool attendants, and taking in the magnificent backdrop of endless sea and coast. Perfectly circular and 136 feet in diameter, the Coliseum Pool – one of the world’s largest circular pools – dazzles with its radiant blue bottom created by 1.1 million hand-cut glass mosaic tiles and amphitheater of terraced decks, offering private cabanas, sunbathing areas, dining and fabulous ocean views.

The furnished cabanas at the Coliseum Pool are suite-like with every amenity, from private servers, wet bars, Bose sound systems and flat-screen HD TVs to 12-foot-high ceilings, dining tables, chaise lounges and draping curtains for privacy. The saltwater pool features soft water that feels good on the skin. For vacationing families, a separate children’s area features its own circular pool complemented by a circular interactive bubble-jet fountain.

GO: What is the first thing a couple should do if they are interested in getting having a destination wedding at your property?
PH: We have a wonderful website at www.pelicanhill.com/weddings, or couples may contact The Resort’s wedding team at (800) 820-6800 for more information and to arrange site visits.

GO: Any other information that you would like to share with our readers?
PH: The Resort recently added signature restaurant Andrea as a venue for sophisticated couples seeking a casually chic ambiance, gracious service, and acclaimed Northern Italian cuisine and wines. Wedding guests are treated to Andrea specialties, including fresh hand-made pastas from our temperature-controlled Cucina della Pasta, and artisan-style gelato from our Laboratorio del Gelato. Whether it’s an intimate celebration, vow renewal or less traditional wedding, Andrea is the perfect setting to create a memorable day – and an unforgettable dining experience – for the happy couple, their friends and family. For a Sunday Brunch or afternoon soirée for 80 guests or less, Andrea weddings feature customized menus, table settings, décor, and entertainment to reflect the style and taste of the couple. Celebrations may be designed throughout a variety of spaces within Andrea, including an ocean-view veranda, elegant main dining room, private dining room and the Andrea Bar.

Pelican Hill
22701 Pelican Hill Road South
Newport Coast, CA 92657
T: 949.467.6800
PelicanHill.com