Adamson House
A 1929 Spanish-Moorish estate between the Malibu Pier and the lagoon, nicknamed the “Taj Mahal of Tile” for its hand-crafted Malibu Potteries tilework.
The “Taj Mahal of Tile,” on the beach
Built in 1929 for Merritt Huntley Adamson and Rhoda Rindge Adamson — daughter of Malibu’s founding Rindge family — the Adamson House is famous for its extensive, hand-crafted ceramic tilework from Malibu Potteries, the tile works Rhoda’s own mother founded. Now a California Historical Landmark and National Register site run as a public museum, the estate sits directly between the Malibu Pier and Malibu Lagoon, giving every ceremony a natural backdrop of ocean, lagoon, and pier.
Weddings here happen entirely outdoors across the sycamore lawn, front courtyard, or rear lawn by the star fountain — the historic house interior isn’t used for ceremonies or receptions. Because it’s a California State Parks site, bookings go through the Malibu Special Events office directly, only one wedding is permitted per day, and the season runs April through October.
Recurring weddings on the lagoon
We’ve shot multiple weddings at the Adamson House across several years, working with planners including 3 Little Birds Event Planning (catering by Hungry Bear Catering) and Pastiche Event Productions (catering by Liquid Catering, rentals by A Rental Connection), each time submitting our own Certificate of Insurance directly to California State Parks’ Malibu Special Events office as part of the standard vendor process for this venue.
Good to know before you book
- Weddings are outdoor-only — the historic house interior isn't used for ceremonies or receptions
- Booked directly through California State Parks' Malibu Special Events office; one wedding per day
- Wedding season runs April through October, no holiday weekends
- No on-site guest parking — guests typically shuttle in from nearby beach lots
Where we like to shoot
- The sycamore lawn and front courtyard for ceremony coverage
- The star fountain on the rear lawn
- The Malibu Potteries tilework up close for texture and color
- The open beach and lagoon view for a wide Pacific backdrop
What couples and guests notice about Adamson House
Dramatic ocean and lagoon views paired with Spanish-Moorish tiled architecture are called uniquely photogenic, unlike a typical rental venue.
The museum/historic character — docent-led tours, preserved tile interiors — is a meaningful bonus beyond an ordinary outdoor site.
Very limited or no on-site parking is the top logistical note, along with needing a full-service planner since the site is a bare outdoor space.