Terranea Resort

Wedding Venue Highlight

Terranea
100 Terranea Way, Rancho Palos Verdes, California 90275
844 391 5689

About Terranea Resort

Terranea is a resort and wedding venue on the Palos Verdes Peninsula, a stretch of Southern California coastline. In 1913, a group of New York investors led by Frank A. Vanderlip purchased 16,000 acres and built grand estates reminiscent of coastal Mediterranean villages. In 1954, Marineland of the Pacific, a seaside animal theme park, opened on the site and later sold to SeaWorld in San Diego in 1986. Lowe Enterprises began developing Terranea as a luxury resort in 1998 with the goal of weaving it into the cultural, historical, and social fabric of the Peninsula.

Couples are drawn to Terranea for the destination quality it brings to a wedding weekend, the ability to keep guests together at the resort, and the full set of amenities that gives everyone a meaningful experience. That combination means the celebration turns into a multiday event for everyone.

Ceremony and Reception Spaces

Catalina Point

 Catalina Point is an outdoor ceremony site on the bluff, facing west over the Pacific. Catalina Island is visible in the distance on clear days, and the site's elevated position means there is a clean view of the ocean behind the couple throughout the ceremony.

The Meadows 

The Meadows is a large outdoor lawn with panoramic coastal views, suited to grand receptions and sizable gatherings. The grounds offer substantial open space while keeping the sense of being near the water.

Ocean Lawn 

Ocean Lawn is a more intimate outdoor ceremony area with direct views of the Palos Verdes coastline. The site sits on an elevated bluff on a more secluded part of the property.

The Point Lawn and Terrace 

The Point Lawn and Terrace is a setting that combines an open lawn with an adjoining terrace, suited for ceremonies or outdoor receptions with views of Catalina Island. The layout allows for a natural transition from a seated ceremony on the lawn to a standing reception on the terrace.

Marineland Ballroom 

The Marineland Ballroom is the resort's second largest indoor reception space, with a wall of floor-to-ceiling windows and ocean views. The room is named for the Marineland of the Pacific that operated on the site through 1986 and accommodates formal seated dinners and large receptions.

Catalina Ballroom

 The Catalina Ballroom is an indoor ballroom with floor-to-ceiling windows facing towards the ocean. The space offers considerable flexibility for couples who want a large indoor reception with an outdoor terrace and lawn with coastal views.

Catalina Lawn and Terrace 

The Catalina Lawn and Terrace is an outdoor setting that connects directly to the Catalina Ballroom, it can host a receptions or create a natural flow between an outdoor cocktail hour and an indoor reception. Views of the ocean and Catalina Island are seen across the full length of the space.

Palos Verdes Grand Ballroom and Terrace 

The Palos Verdes Grand Ballroom and Terrace is the largest event space on the property, combining an expansive ballroom with a west-facing terrace set above the resort grounds. The scale and orientation make it the primary choice for large celebrations.

Cielo Point Pool

Cielo Point Pool is an adults-only pool set above the Pacific, available for exclusive use as a private event space. Its elevated setting and ocean views make it a natural fit for a welcome party, giving the wedding weekend a relaxed start before the more formal events begin.

What We Love About Terranea

Coastal Views

The ceremony sites face west over the open Pacific with ocean views visible from the ceremony to the reception rooms. We keep an eye out for dolphins in the waves throughout the day, and on clear days we can see Catalina Island in the distance behind the couple during the ceremony.

Secluded Location

Terranea sits at the edge of the Palos Verdes Peninsula, about 30 miles south of downtown Los Angeles. We notice the difference in how guests relax and move about the property. The distance from the city creates an escape, and everyone enjoys a slower pace surrounded by nature.

Range of Event Spaces

We like being able to pull something different from each space and build the shots around whatever that location offers. Moving through multiple environments is what makes the coverage feel complete and a gallery its variety.

Insider Tips

We always recommend renting a golf cart for portraits after the ceremony. The property is large and coastal trails go a lot further than couples realize, and a cart gets you to spots along the bluff that would otherwise not be possible to access.

The Casitas and Villas are our favorite space for getting ready. They're set apart from the main building, so mornings stay quiet and private. The light is great, and the space gives everyone room to prepare for the day.

We always tell couples to let guests know about the resort's activities ahead of time. Between the ocean excursions, the golf course, the pools, and the spa, there's plenty to fill the weekend.

Who is the Right Couple for a Terranea Wedding?

Terranea suits couples looking for a genuine luxury experience, something backed up by the AAA Four-Diamond rating the resort has held every year since 2010. The peninsula itself is a big part of that draw too, with ocean views and coastal bluffs that put the outdoor ceremony sites right next to the water. By evening, when the day shifts into something more formal, the property's indoor ballrooms give the reception real polish after an outdoor ceremony.

Terranea offers a timeless and classic atmosphere for weddings, with ocean views and a secluded location that provides an easy getaway from the hectic feel of LA. With a diverse range of reception spaces, from smaller intimate rooms to grand ballrooms, Terranea accommodates all types of weddings, making it an ideal destination for couples. Additionally, the resort offers many amenities, including bungalows, suites, and villas for guests, a par 3 golf course, pools, spa, numerous restaurants, and top-notch service to ensure that every detail of the wedding weekend is taken care of.

Inspiration

The best way to get a feel for what your day could look like at Terranea is to see real weddings we have photographed at this property. Take a look at the celebrations of Jasmine & Ravjit, Katherine & Colin, and Jamie & Will to see how different couples have brought their vision to life here.

Considering a Terranea Wedding?

Whether you are still exploring venues or have already chosen Terranea, we would love to connect. We have photographed here throughout the year and would love to share what we have seen and learned from documenting weddings at this property.