Half Moon Bay Site 010604avian
Halfway between Santa Cruz and Halfmoon Bay lies the charming town of Pescadero--home to this site featuring a lighthouse. The lighthouse has a fascinating history and as of 2017 is going through a multi-year refurbishment.
This site has several glorious overlook locations (see the photo slideshow below) that can accommodate groups of 2 to 30. Onsite is also a hostel which can be reserved for informal lodging. You can also reserve an entire "house" of the hostel if your group is large enough.
A permit is required for weddings by the lighthouse. However, if we go up the driveway just a few hundred yards, there are bluffs overlooking the water that offer a splendid view. If your wedding is small and informal, we can pop over there without a permit.
If a permit is required, the permit fee is $325. We will roll that amount into your package fee and obtain the permit for you. The State of California also requires a refundable damage deposit and event liability insurance, both of which Blue Sky Elopements will cover on your behalf.
What we love about this site:
Beautiful setting with incredible views of the Pacific Ocean.
Accessible for most.
Potential drawbacks of this site
No dogs allowed.
Does require a permit for weddings near the lighthouse.
Accessibility
Parking: near the lighthouse is a concrete lot that has about 20 spots, as well as a dirt lot that has about another 15 spots. Near the bluffs, the parking situation is all on the side of the road.
Access from parking: To the lighthouse is a short walk over concrete from the parking lots. To get to the bluffs, the paths are all dirt.
Additional Logistics
Dogs/Pets: no.
Bathrooms: yes.
Suitable for children: yes. Make sure someone is holding their hand near the overlooks.
Max vehicles accommodated: 35. We strongly recommend carpooling.
Max number of guests at this site: 30.
Dates of Availability: year-round.
Type of site: public, reservable.
Update May, 2023:
Restoration work on the Lighthouse tower is set to begin this summer, marking a major milestone for this beloved historic landmark. The Lighthouse has been standing tall on the California coast since 1872. Over the years, this iconic structure has weathered many storms and has become a symbol of resilience and hope for the local community and visitors alike.
Unfortunately, the years have taken their toll on the lighthouse, and it has fallen into disrepair. The tower has been closed to the public since 2001. But thanks to your love and support for the lighthouse, we have raised 18 million dollars towards the restoration efforts. This would not have been possible without the countless donations, volunteer hours, and advocacy efforts from individuals and organizations throughout the years.
The restoration process will be a multi-year effort, spanning a predicted 2-3 years to complete. During this time, skilled craftsmen and restoration experts will work tirelessly to bring the lighthouse back to its former glory. The tower will be stabilized, the brickwork will be restored, and the lens will be returned to its place atop the tower.
When the restoration is complete, the Lighthouse will once again be open for tours, allowing visitors to climb the spiral staircase to the top of the tower and take in the stunning views of the coast. The lens will once be illuminated in its proper place atop the tower, shining its beacon of light out to sea to guide ships safely home.
NOTE: we do no know how this will affect weddings and wedding permits at the location, but if this is a location of interest, let us know and we'll check into current conditions for you.
Permits, Fees and Other Information
For weddings near the lighthouse, the permit fee is $325. We will roll that amount into your package fee and obtain the permit for you. The State of California also requires a refundable damage deposit and event liability insurance, both of which Blue Sky Elopements will cover on your behalf.
If your group is small enough, the ceremony can be held along the bluffs a short drive down (2-3 minutes), where a permit isn't necessary.
Photos
Video
Location
Note: place marker is approximate; the actual location will be provided upon booking.
Half Moon Bay Calendar of Events
IMPORTANT: be sure to check the calendar of events for the dates you're considering before you submit your date to us. Local events can impact traffic and the accessibility of your site.
Half Moon Bay Average Temps and Precipitation
