Waterfront weddings at Balboa Bay Resort in Newport Beach

Known as one of the prettiest yacht and bay backdrops for weddings, the Balboa Bay Resort had hundreds of weddings and charity benefits before COVID-19 closed down the interior ballrooms. The management and staff got creative and set up a new outdoor wedding lawn to kick off the wedding season.

Photo by Jill Weinlein

They offered a giveaway contest for couples to have their dream wedding outside along the waterfront, after so many couple’s original wedding plans were uprooted by the pandemic. The resort chose couples who posted a request for a wedding on the resort’s hosted giveaway contest through Instagram. The winning couples received accommodations, and catering, amounting to $10,000.

Balboa Bay Resort partnered with local vendors to help execute the romantic ceremony. Rebecca Calagna Events provided wedding planning services with floral and decorations, Heather Kennedy at  Dolled Up OC provided full hair and make-up, and Jim Kennedy Photography took keepsake photos.

Across the breezeway from the hotel is the landmark Balboa Bay Club with more than 1,700 members. It’s a social haven for area residents, families, and friends. Opened in 1948 as a private yacht club, members and visiting guests include John Wayne, Ronald Reagan, George Bush, Jerry Seinfeld and others dining, boating and enjoying the

Walking through the Balboa Bay Resort with our masks on, we passed by a hallway displaying framed photos of celebrities and dignitaries that have enjoyed the amenities at the Balboa Bay Club. There were rows of photos of the late actor and Orange County resident John Wayne, Presidents Ronald Reagan and George Bush, as well as comedian Jerry Seinfeld dining, boating and enjoying the clubs facilities.

In 2107, the new owners refreshed the Balboa Bay Resort, opening a hotel for the public to enjoy its Olympic-size swimming pool, beautiful waterfront dining options, and elegant guest rooms and luxury suites. All rooms offer private balconies with courtyard, swimming pool or exciting marina and bay views.

Photo by Jill Weinlein

Each guestroom has been enhanced with varying shades of blue to match the theme of harbor outside. The upholstered headboard bed offers a pillow-top mattress, and luxury linens by Frette. Inside the refrigerator is a complimentary bottle of Chardonnay and two bottles of water to keep guests hydrated.

The courtyard view rooms offer swimming pool views, and the luxury suites range from 1,100 to 3,000 square feet with a private bedroom with a king bed, comfortable living room, and five fixture marble bathroom, and separate half bath. The Presidential Suite offers a dining room for twelve people and three private balconies looking out on the marina.

For non members and leisure travelers, they can also enjoy some of the club’s amenities including renting a Duffy boat, paddle board, kayak or bicycles to explore the largest boat-filled harbor in the West Coast.

Photo by Jill Weinlein

A&O Kitchen+Bar is an outdoor dining terrace offering fire pits and heaters to keep guests warm when the sun goes down. On Thursdays through Sundays there is live music or a DJ to elevate the ambiance.    

Photo by Jill Weinlein

For casual and picnic dining, Blend off the lobby, offers freshly brewed coffee drinks, pastries, paninis, gelato, and grab ‘n go sandwiches. To-go orders can be placed for a picnic on a Duffy boat, perfect for cruising around the bay.

For those who would like their dog to be part of the wedding, the resort welcomes one dog, a maximum of 35 pounds per room. The cost is a one-time, non-refundable fee of $150, however the fee is waived for service animals. Your pampered pooch will receive an in-room dog bed, set of bowls, a goodie bag full of canine fare, and toys.

The Balboa Bay Resort is currently offering a flexible cancellation policy. Reservations for stays through December 30, 2020 can be cancelled up to 24-hours in advance (with the exception of December 16th – 20th).

Make a reservation online at balboabayresort.com.