2022 SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA WEDDING TRENDS
Why more and more couples are saying “I Do” in Oceanside.
BY SUZANNE DAVIS
The only thing more fun than a wedding? A beach wedding! The only thing more fun than a beach wedding? A beach wedding held at Mission Pacific!
That’s right: The sleek Oceanside respite at the water’s edge is nothing less than cinematic. Thanks to beach butlers, unforgettable dining options, and a plethora of Instagrammable guest rooms — all just across from the sand — it’s the place where fairytale dreams come true. So it’s no wonder couples flock to Mission Pacific for their Big Day like so many seagulls.
To find out what wedding trends are rising to the surface at this seafront hideaway, we asked the pro — namely, Rebecca Venturi, Event Sales Manager for Mission Pacific. Here are a few themes and thrills that couples in the know are saying “I do” to right now:
BOHO BEAUTY
“Couples are really going with the coastal bohemian vibe that the hotel already offers,” says Venturi. “They are choosing neutral tones and natural elements that speak to what the space has to offer. Dried florals and grasses and statement pieces that match the overall feel of the property.” The ideal setting for that theme? The hotel’s Upper Terrace, where guests can gather around the rooftop’s flickering fireplaces for cocktails overlooking the famous Oceanside Pier.
ANYTHING BUT GARDEN VARIETY
What if you could hold your ceremony or reception in a lush, manicured garden that peeps out onto the misty sea? You can at Mission Pacific’s 2,800-square-foot Pacific Garden, which has an iconic neighbor in Oceanside’s 1887 Grave’s House (it had a star turn in Tom Cruise’s Top Gun). “We are also seeing the Pacific Garden utilized as a true garden space,” Venturi says. “Couples really love that they can have an intimate outdoor setting which still offers views of the ocean without being over-exposed.” Dressing the groom in aviators and a Maverick-style jumpsuit is entirely up to you.
PET-FRIENDLY NUPTIALS
If you’re among the bajillion couples who’ve had fur babies before human babies, you may appreciate this little factoid: Mission Pacific is as dog-friendly as it gets. No wonder soon-to-be newlyweds are including their pets in their Oceanside wedding plans. “One of our couples had their pup as part of their wedding procession and he wore a little doggy tuxedo!” Venturi recalls. “It was so cute!” Staffers are happy to share nearby pet-friendly dog parks, restaurants, and of course, beaches, should your four-legged friend need a breather before or after the ceremony.
FOODIE DELIGHTS
Remind your wedding guests to come hungry. Chefs at Mission Pacific source many of their ingredients from regional waters and farms. Translation: the freshest possible dishes for your wedding. Reception options include everything from BLT bites with heirloom tomatoes and thick-cut bacon to lobster bisque with lemon chive crème fraîche. “The inspiration of local SoCal culture, and the access to amazing food and views really makes you feel like you’re on vacation in paradise,” Venturi says. Don’t miss treating your guests to California cheese plates with local honeys, apricot sourdough bread, and sherry-soaked raisins.
A BIT OF FINE PRINT
If you want to wed on Oceanside’s shores, there is a little legalese to keep in mind. “Oceanside allows beach weddings September 15 to May 15 each year with permitting that can be obtained through the City of Oceanside,” Venturi says. “A lot of couples ask about this and we are happy to help guide the process. However, most couples love the idea of staying at Mission Pacific for all of their events because everything is available here in one place. We make it easy for them in that way.”
GUESTS HONOR
The best part of hosting your wedding in Oceanside may just be the megawatt VIP treatment you receive at Mission Pacific. “We have access to Sunny’s Spa at the Seabird, the amazing rooftop pool with cabana rentals, an amazing intimate rehearsal dinner space located within Valle, with Chef Roberto Alcocer. And the proximity to the beach!” Venturi adds. She and her staff can organize room blocks and customize the event according to your preferences. “Couples love that their guests are going to be impressed and entertained when coming here. We create and execute an event they will truly be proud of, and take these special moments they are trusting us with and turn them into memories they will have forever.”
Interested in learning more about booking your Oceanside wedding at Mission Pacific? Email directly with our Event Sales Manager Rebecca Venturi:
Email directly with our Event Sales Manager Rebecca Venturi Here
