Shutters on the Beach Wedding Photography
Set directly on the sand at 1 Pico Blvd, Shutters on the Beach is one of the few Santa Monica hotels with true oceanfront access, just steps from the Pier and Third Street Promenade. Cape Cod cottage-inspired architecture gives the property a relaxed, shingled charm, while the Pacific Terrace and Grand Salon offer everything needed for a ceremony and reception without leaving the sand.
Why Couples Love Shutters on the Beach
Couples are drawn to the rare combination of a true beachfront setting and full-service hotel comfort. The Pacific Terrace can host up to 250 guests with the ocean as a literal backdrop, and with 186 guest rooms plus 12 suites on-site, out-of-town guests can walk from their room straight to the ceremony.
Getting Ready at Shutters on the Beach
With 186 guest rooms and 12 suites on the property, getting ready happens just steps from the sand. The Cape Cod cottage-style interiors, all white shutters and soft coastal tones, make for relaxed, naturally lit preparation portraits.
Couple’s Session
Being directly on the sand means portraits can move from the Pacific Terrace to the beach itself in minutes. The Cape Cod-inspired architecture also offers charming shingled backdrops for couples who want a mix of ocean and hotel-front photos.
Wedding Ceremony
Ceremonies take place on the Pacific Terrace, which comfortably holds up to 250 guests with the ocean as the backdrop. Few Santa Monica venues offer this direct a relationship between the ceremony space and the sand.
Wedding Reception
Receptions move indoors to the Grand Salon, where the day’s coastal energy gives way to a more formal, elegant setting. It’s an easy transition since the room sits just steps from the Pacific Terrace.
Sample Wedding Day Timeline
1:00 PM — Getting ready in a Shutters on the Beach guest room
2:00 PM — First look and portraits on the beach
2:45 PM — Wedding party and family photos on the Pacific Terrace
3:30 PM — Ceremony on the Pacific Terrace
4:00 PM — Cocktail hour overlooking the ocean
5:00 PM — Reception begins in the Grand Salon
6:30 PM — Golden-hour portraits on the sand
8:00 PM — Dancing and send-off
Shutters on the Beach Wedding Galleries
Planning a Wedding at Shutters on the Beach?
Shutters on the Beach is an oceanfront hotel directly on the sand in Santa Monica, with the Pacific Terrace for ceremonies and the Grand Salon for receptions. Below are a few common planning questions, plus how to check our availability.
How many guests can Shutters on the Beach accommodate?
The Pacific Terrace comfortably holds up to 250 guests for a ceremony, with the Grand Salon available for receptions of a similar scale.
What makes the Pacific Terrace special?
It’s a true oceanfront ceremony space — guests are seated with the Pacific directly behind the altar, something few Santa Monica venues can offer.
Can out-of-town guests stay on-site?
Yes. With 186 guest rooms and 12 suites, most of the wedding party and out-of-town guests can stay right at the hotel, just steps from the ceremony.
How do we check your availability?
Inquire availability or schedule a call — we respond within minutes. You can also review rates and collections.
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