Venue Spotlight: The Casino San Clemente
Alright so you did it, you got engaged to the love of your life. And the hard part is over… or is it?
The stresses of wedding planning can be overwhelming at times and the hardest part about the wedding industry is that almost nobody is familiar with it going in to their wedding. This is because most people only have ONE wedding.
So when it comes to choosing a venue, unless your sister, cousin, or friend got married there last year you really probably don’t know what to expect on the day of.
That is why I wanted to start writing about venues I have worked at as a photographer and videographer. In addition to covering weddings for couples, I have also spent the last several years creating content for a wedding DJ company so I have been able to work at a ton of venues in Southern California.
All that said, let’s dive into this one:
The Casino San Clemente
The Casino is nestled into the southern coastline of San Clemente and it is literally right across the street from the beach. San Clemente is one of the most beautiful towns in Orange County and it is the last stop in OC before you hit Camp Pendleton and consequently San Diego County. It is heavily influenced by the early Spanish mission settlers of the 1800s which is reflected in the iconic adobe style homes and buildings. And the Casino is no exception. Expect pueblo style walls, spanish tiles, and spanish roofing in addition to more greenery than you might expect from the outside of the building.
When you enter on the right there is a beautiful courtyard which most people utilize for cocktail hour at their weddings. This is also useful for portraits.
Most ceremonies take place in the back courtyard which somehow magically transports you from being surrounded by busy streets to a tranquil garden.
All of the interiors are pueblo style and littered with historical artifacts.
Now let’s dive into some of the pros and drawbacks of the Casino SC.
Pros: very beautiful outdoor settings, multiple courtyards, close to the beach for portraits, amazing city for guests to stay in
Drawbacks: They force you to use their catering (no outside food vendors), It can get pricey, the reception area is pretty outdated and the lighting is not great
I hope you found this article helpful in deciding what venue to go with for your wedding and if you are currently searching for a Photographer or Videographer please check out my portfolio link at the top of the page!
