Proposals and weddings at Pelican Hill: spaces, capacities and timing
Pelican Hill offers a range of ceremonial lawns, terraces, ballrooms and private rooms for proposals and weddings, from the Mar Vista Event Lawn & Rotunda (the largest outdoor ceremony site) to indoor ballrooms such as the Mar Vista Ballroom and Pacific Ballroom. Outdoor events may run until 10:00 PM before moving indoors; couples typically book 12–18 months in advance and the resort requires a non-refundable initial deposit (30% of the food & beverage minimum) to secure a date.
In this guide
Key wedding and proposal venues
Pelican Hill lists multiple ceremony and reception sites across the estate, with both ocean-view outdoor lawns and several ballrooms and meeting rooms for indoor events.
Prominent named spaces for ceremonies and receptions include Mar Vista Event Lawn & Rotunda, Mar Vista Ballroom (and adjoining Lounge & Terrace), Mar Vista Lower Terrace, and the Pacific Ballroom (divisible into Pacific A, B, C).
- Mar Vista Event Lawn & Rotunda — outdoor garden setting with Pacific Ocean views (capacity: up to 520 theatre-style; 400 reception; 320 banquet).
- Mar Vista Ballroom (with Lounge & Terrace) — indoor/outdoor option with ocean views (Mar Vista Ballroom/Mar Vista Lounge/Mar Vista Terrace combined capacities vary up to roughly 350–380 depending on layout).
- Mar Vista Lower Terrace — elegant outdoor terrace for plated dinners (capacity: 300).
- Pacific Ballroom (Total A, B, C) — largest flexible ballroom (capacity up to 520 reception / 270 banquet).
- Private Dining Room — smaller private dining for up to 75 guests; Table 200 — enclosed private room for up to 8 guests.
| Venue | Common use | Noted capacity |
|---|---|---|
| Mar Vista Event Lawn & Rotunda | Outdoor ceremony / reception | Up to 520 (theater); 400 reception; 320 banquet |
| Mar Vista Ballroom (+Lounge & Terrace) | Indoor ballroom with outdoor options | Varies; Mar Vista Ballroom listed up to ~250–380 depending on configuration |
| Pacific Ballroom (A, B, C) | Large indoor receptions or ceremonies | Up to 520 reception; 270 banquet |
Capacities and layout notes to plan by
Capacities change with layout: theater-style, banquet (seated), and reception (standing) figures differ, and many spaces can be combined (for example, the Mar Vista Ballroom with its Lounge & Terrace).
For larger celebrations the Pacific Ballroom and Mar Vista Event Lawn are the primary options; smaller private dinners fit in the Private Dining Room or Table 200.
- Mar Vista Lower Terrace — often used for plated dinners, listed capacity around 300.
- Pacific A, B, C — rooms divisible for smaller breakout events (Pacific A ~150 reception, Pacific B ~250 reception, Pacific C ~80 reception).
- Executive Terrace — has published rental minimums and can host cocktail or seated formats (check with the resort for current minimums and configurations).
| Room (example) | Reception capacity | Banquet / seated notes |
|---|---|---|
| Pacific A | 150 | Smaller banquet or breakout room |
| Pacific B | 250 | Larger reception or banquet option |
| Pacific C | 80 | Intimate reception or meeting room |
Timing: ceremony hours, noise curfew and booking lead times
Outdoor events at the Mar Vista Event Lawn & Rotunda and similar terraces are permitted until 10:00 PM; after that time receptions or after-parties move indoors to a ballroom. Confirm exact timing and any exceptions with the resort event team.
Wedding planners and venue guides recommend reserving Pelican Hill 12–18 months in advance for peak season; the resort enforces a one-wedding-per-location-per-day approach for exclusivity.
- Outdoor events may be held until 10:00 PM, after which activities typically move inside.
- To secure a date the resort requires an initial non-refundable deposit equal to 30% of the food & beverage minimum.
- Ask the resort about any seasonal variance to timing (sunset, staffing or local noise rules) when you confirm your date.
| Planning item | What to expect |
|---|---|
| How far ahead to book | Commonly 12–18 months for peak dates |
| Deposit to hold date | Non-refundable initial deposit = 30% of F&B minimum (per resort policy) |
| Outdoor curfew | Outdoor events allowed until 10:00 PM; then move indoors |
Proposal spots and small ceremony ideas
For a proposal or intimate elopement, consider the Mar Vista Rotunda or one of the resort terraces that overlook the golf course and ocean for dramatic views. The Rotunda and colonnade are often used for photos and smaller ceremonies.
If you prefer a private indoor setting, ask about the Private Dining Room or a small ballroom salon. The resort also has terraced lawns and sheltered courtyards that can work for quiet moments or surprise proposals.
- Mar Vista Rotunda / colonnade — ocean-facing, photographic option for proposals and small ceremonies.
- Private Dining Room — enclosed, ocean-view dining space suitable for small proposal dinners (seats up to 75).
- Hotel terraces and quieter villa lawns — ask the event team for availability and privacy options.
| Spot | Best for |
|---|---|
| Mar Vista Rotunda | Proposals, small ceremonies, photos with ocean backdrop |
| Private Dining Room | Intimate dinner proposals (up to 75 guests) |
| Terraces / Lower Patio | Small gatherings, cocktail or champagne after proposals |
Accommodations for wedding parties
Pelican Hill’s accommodations include Bungalows and a range of Villas (two-, three- and four-bedroom configurations) that can house wedding parties and families. Villa reservations include breakfast at the Villa Clubhouse for the number of guests covered by the villa size.
When planning a rehearsal dinner or morning-after brunch, the Villa Clubhouse Pool & Restaurant serves breakfast for villa guests and the property offers multiple on-site dining outlets that can be arranged for private functions.
- Sample room names available for wedding stays: Bungalow, Terrace, Ocean View; Premium Bungalow, Ocean View (Terrace); Villa, 2 Bedrooms, Ocean View; Villa, 4 Bedrooms, Ocean View.
- Villa reservations include Villa Clubhouse breakfast (coverage scales by villa size, e.g., up to eight guests for a Four Bedroom Villa).
- Valet parking and a daily resort fee cover a range of guest amenities (confirm specifics and inclusions with the resort).
| Accommodation type | Typical use for weddings |
|---|---|
| Bungalow (various types: Terrace, Garden View, Ocean View) | Guest rooms for individuals or small groups |
| Villa, 2/3/4 Bedrooms (Ocean View / Garden View) | Housing for wedding party, family or multi-night group stays |
| Premium Bungalow, Ocean View (Terrace) | Upscale room for couple or VIP guest |
Catering, private dining and reception formats
Pelican Hill manages on-site catering with several venue-appropriate food & beverage options, from plated seated banquets in ballrooms to cocktail-style receptions on terraces and lawns. The resort also offers private dining rooms for smaller groups.
Menus and minimums vary by space; ask the events team for sample menus and the food & beverage minimum tied to your chosen venue and date.
- Private Dining Room — up to 75 guests with ocean view and private terrace.
- Table 200 — private enclosed room seating up to eight for intimate meals or tastings.
- Reception formats typically available: plated seated banquets, buffet or family-style dinners, and cocktail reception/standing hors d’oeuvres (confirm permitted formats per venue).
| Space | Typical formats |
|---|---|
| Ballrooms (Mar Vista, Pacific) | Seated banquets, staged receptions, dance floor |
| Mar Vista Event Lawn / Terraces | Ceremony, cocktail receptions, plated outdoor dinners (until 10 PM) |
| Private Dining Room / Table 200 | Intimate seated dinners, tastings, rehearsal dinners |
