Hi everybody,

My daughter just got engaged.

Her fiance's grandfather has a beach house in Ventura. They're considering having the wedding reception there, but would like to have the ceremony elsewhere, preferably on a more private section of beach.

I don't think I've ever been to Ventura, so haven't a clue about possibilities except for one nearby state park and would love to learn about possible locations.

Thanks in advance.

Shanti Congrats~ Ventura is lovely - it is the most southern point I believe of the Central Coast - we drove through it on our way to Cambria in Feb. I do know in general it is a little harder than thought to get married ON the beach - at least here in Orange County - we went through this with DIL and ds.

Thanks, MomDDTravel.

I'm not sure if it will work out in Ventura, but we have time to look into. I know there's at least one lovely place on the coast in Sonoma where they can get married. They have time to figure it out. But I'm a planner, whether it's for a trip or for a wedding, so I like to explore the possibilities. Although in this case, I'm trying not to interfere too much.

Try doing a google search for beach weddings in Ventura. Here's one that caught my eye because my wife and I have stayed at the Crowne Plaza.

http://www.weddingcelebrations.com/v...a-beach-hotel/

Any skin cacer I get will be due to all my summers spent on teh beach in Ventura.

You can get married at San Buenaventura State Beach. it's very nice.

Suzie, that's a good idea. When I do go to the beach, I usually go there. I took the liberty of looking up a link.

http://www.theyellowumbrellas.com/index.html

My skin cancer, if I get it, will come from summers spent at Montrose beach as a teenager in Chicago.

Shanti, be forewarned that in certain months of the year, June for example, it can be overcast and rather cool at the shore in Ventura. This often burns off later in the morning or by midday. Think about that when deciding on the time of day.

Congratulations to you and yours! How exciting. I LOVE weddings. Such a happy time for all!

How large is the party? Then there's that horrible thing called a budget.

The most popular in that area is the Embassy Suites-five minutes from Ventura Harbor.

http://embassysuites1.hilton.com/en_...ornia/index.do

I have seen private wedding ceremonies on Hollywood Beach (very nice part of Oxnard)- I believe there is a size limit and you need to go through the city for a permit.

This location is for small parties. The hotel isn't much, but the location is breathtaking. Locals love the restaurant. Up the 101 about 10 minutes from Ventura.

http://cliffhouseinn.com/

Also, it's not the beach, but locals like to get married at the cross on top of a hill that over looks the city and coast. You would need a permit from Ventura and caterer for set up.

Weddings are also held at the hotels, restaurants and yacht clubs in Channel Islands and Ventura Harbor.

Those are what come to immediate mind.

Wow! Thanks for all of the suggestions. San Buenaventura State Beach was the park I had read about - it's good to learn that it is a nice beach. We'll also check into the other recommendations.

dbdurand - I used to usually go to Foster Avenue beach and occasionally to Oak Street beach. Don't remember if I ever went to Montrose Avenue beach.

Oh, my, budgets. I don't even want to think about that.

Thanks again.

Hey did you know that you can put the litte Google Maps man right on the San Buenaventura Beach and see what it looks like (based on pics others have submitted)? Pretty cool.

Go to Google Maps search on San Buenaventura State Beach then pick up the little man and put him on one of the dots on the beach. Enjoy!