A Sunny & Romantic San Clemente Shores Wedding: Julia + Darrin


If you’re picturing a Southern California wedding day filled with ocean breezes and that relaxed, sun-soaked charm, you’ve likely looked at San Clemente Shores by Wedgewood Weddings. It’s one of those spots that honestly doesn’t need much, the venue just speaks for itself. Located right along the Orange County coastline, it hits that sweet spot between understated beauty and classic coastal elegance.

A couple exchanges vows during an outdoor wedding ceremony surrounded by green and white columns at San Clemente Shores.

A Meaningful Start to the Day with Personal Details


The day began at a nearby hotel, where Julia and Darrin exchanged handwritten notes and thoughtful gifts. These quiet moments were filled with happy tears, laughter, and anticipation and was such a heartfelt way to begin their wedding day. Capturing these emotional, behind-the-scenes moments is always one of my favorite parts of being a wedding photographer, especially when they set such a beautiful tone for the rest of the celebration.

Emotional bride in white lace dress wipes tears while reading letter in modern interior setting.
A groom in a dark suit and green tie reads a letter from his bride while standing in a room.
A collection of wedding stationery and decor items arranged on a light wooden surface with a soft, muted sage green color scheme.

First Look Photos at Calafia Beach Park’s Iconic Cliffs


For their first look, Julia and Darrin chose Calafia Beach Park, just minutes from San Clemente Shores. This location is a dream for couples who love nature and dramatic coastal scenery. The rugged cliffs, textured rock formations, and sweeping ocean views provided the perfect backdrop for an emotional and intimate first look.

A bride walks down a beachside path in a dreamy coastal scene against limestone cliffs and palm trees at Calafia Beach Park in San Clemente.
A couple in wedding attire shares a joyful moment against dramatic sandstone cliffs at Calafia Beach Park in San Clemente..
Romantic wedding couple shares intimate moment against weathered rock wall backdrop at Calafia Beach Park in San Clemente..
Newlyweds in black suit and white lace dress embrace tenderly against natural stone backdrop at Calafia Beach Park in San Clemente.
Wedding couple poses intimately against textured canyon walls at Calafia Beach Park in San Clemente.
A black and white wedding photo shows a couple walking along a palm tree-lined path at Calafia Beach Park in San Clemente..

A Romantic Ceremony at San Clemente Shores


The ceremony took place back at San Clemente Shores by Wedgewood Weddings, framed by the venue’s elegant Spanish-style banisters and coastal architecture. Surrounded by their closest friends and family, Julia and Darrin exchanged vows while reflecting on their journey together.

A wedding ceremony takes place under a wooden pergola with green hedges and trees in the background at San Clemente Shores.
A sequence of wedding ceremony moments captured under a wooden pergola on a tiled patio with potted plants at San Clemente Shores.
Newlyweds celebrates during outdoor wedding ceremony with white chairs and floral petals at San Clemente Shores.

Golden Hour & Sunset Portraits by the Coast


As the sun began to set, we took advantage of the dreamy coastal light for sunset portraits. This is where San Clemente Shores really shines. The warm glow and peaceful energy created some of the most romantic images of the day. A dog even came in to join the photo session!

A flowing wedding veil catches the sunlight as it billows in the breeze during an outdoor sunset photoshoot at San Clemente Shores.
Newlywed couple celebrates riding in a golf cart after a beachy wedding ceremony at sunset at San Clemente Shores.
Romantic wedding couple embraces under a flowing white veil during golden hour photography session at San Clemente Shores.
A couple in wedding attire plays with a fluffy brown dog on a stone pathway at sunset at San Clemente Shores.
Close-up of hands showing wedding rings with white flowers and greenery in the background at San Clemente Shores.

A Color Palette Inspired by California Nature


Julia and Darrin’s wedding design pulled directly from the colors of the California coast. Their palette of soft whites, fresh greens, and ocean-inspired blues complemented the surroundings beautifully. Every detail felt intentional yet understated, proving that simple can be incredibly stunning.

This nature-inspired color scheme blended seamlessly with the venue, enhancing the beachy atmosphere rather than competing with it. San Clemente Shores truly doesn’t need much, it’s already beautiful on its own.

Elegant wedding reception tables set with white linens, floral centerpieces, and formal place settings at San Clemente Shores .
Elegant white and blue floral wedding bouquets with roses and delicate baby's breath arranged for a table setting at San Clemente Shores.

A Joyful Reception Filled with Love, Laughter, and Dancing


The evening flowed effortlessly into a lively reception filled with delicious food, heartfelt speeches, ice cream sandwiches, and plenty of dancing (yes, lots of Taylor Swift, and it was amazing). The layout of San Clemente Shores makes it easy for guests to move from ceremony to cocktail hour to reception without missing a beat.

Wedding reception table decorated with white flowers and 'Mr & Mrs' sign while the couple gives a toast to their guests.
Couple shares their first dance at wedding reception while guests watch from tables in an indoor reception setting at San Clemente Shores.
White rose petals scattered on hardwood floor next to a pair of white wedding heels and formal black shoes at San Clemente Shores.

Planning a Wedding at San Clemente Shores or Along the California Coast?

If you’re planning a wedding at San Clemente Shores by Wedgewood Weddings, or at any beautiful venue in San Diego or the San Francisco Bay Area, I’d love to help you capture your day in a way that feels natural, emotional, and true to you.


I offer wedding photography and videography that tells your story while highlighting the beauty of your surroundings, especially those beachy California vibes.


Check our availability: https://www.tangerineweddings.com/get-in-touch


A couple in wedding attire stands in front of a rocky cliff formation with textured sandstone walls at Calafia Beach Park in San Clemente.

Julia and Darrin's dream team:


Venue: San Clemente Shore by Wedgewood Weddings

Photography: Kelsey Nevell Photography

Videography: Alfred Pearl Films

Hair: Jenny Mitch Hair