Located in the Los Angeles area, Newport Beach is known for its stunning coastal beauty and upscale charm. It is the ideal location for couples looking to host a wedding that combines laid-back luxury with breathtaking ocean views. One of the most elegant ways to celebrate your love in this picturesque setting is with a brunch wedding—a trend that’s been gaining popularity. Brunch weddings offer a relaxed atmosphere and everyone’s favorite foods. When you add sunny Southern California and a City Cruises luxury yacht as the setting, it’s a recipe for an unforgettable event and the perfect start to your love story. So, what are you waiting for? Here’s everything you need to know about planning a brunch wedding with City Cruises in Newport Beach!
Why a Brunch Wedding in Newport Beach?
Brunch weddings offer a fresh and creative twist on traditional wedding receptions. They’re an excellent choice in a location like Newport Beach for several reasons. A brunch wedding allows you to take advantage of the soft, natural lighting of the California sun, creating a picture-perfect backdrop for photos. It also provides a more laid-back vibe, which can translate into a relaxed, joyful, and stress-free wedding atmosphere. Hosting a wedding earlier in the day can often be more budget-friendly than an evening reception.
What Makes City Cruises the Perfect Wedding Venue in Newport Beach?
For a truly unique experience, consider hosting your brunch wedding aboard a yacht with City Cruises. Selecting the right venue can be the difference between having a dream wedding and regretting your decision. Adding the luxury and elegance of a yacht elevates your wedding event. With City Cruises at the helm, you can expect unbeatable views of the Newport Harbor and the Southern California coastline. You’ll also have privacy and exclusivity. It’s just you, your loved ones, and the open water, creating a romantic, personal atmosphere for your big day. City Cruises also offers customizable all-inclusive wedding packages, allowing you to choose from different yachts, brunch menus, and décor styles to suit your vision.
The Brunch Wedding Experience
Timing and Schedule
A main advantage of a brunch wedding is that it typically starts earlier, around 10:00 or 11:00 am, and wraps up by mid-afternoon. Here’s a sample timeline for a yacht brunch wedding in Newport Beach:
- 10:00 am – Boarding and Pre-Ceremony Reception: Guests board the yacht and are welcomed with light refreshments such as coffee, tea, and sparkling water. They can take in the views of Newport Beach while they await the ceremony.
- 10:30 am – Ceremony on Deck: Exchange your vows on the open-air deck, surrounded by loved ones and picturesque views, to say “I do.”
- 11:00 am – Cocktail Hour: After the ceremony, guests can enjoy a cocktail hour on deck, with mimosas, Bellinis, and light bites like smoked salmon crostini or mini quiches.
- 12:00 pm – Brunch Reception: Move indoors for the brunch reception. City Cruises offers a range of customizable brunch menus, from classic breakfast fare to California-inspired dishes. Live entertainment via a band or onboard DJ can enhance the relaxed, celebratory atmosphere.
- 1:30 pm – Toasts and Cake Cutting: After everyone has had their fill of brunch delights, you can proceed to speeches, toasts, and the cutting of a beautiful cake. You can also offer a dessert station with sweet brunch options like waffles, fruit tarts, or macaroons.
- 2:00 pm – Final Cruise and Send-off: As the yacht makes its final pass through Newport Harbor, guests can enjoy one last round of drinks or desserts. The couple is then sent off with a special farewell as the yacht returns to the dock.
Creating the Perfect Brunch Menu
One of the best parts of hosting a brunch wedding is curating the menu. Get creative and blend breakfast classics with elegant, modern dishes. Our access to fresh, local ingredients helps to create a one-of-a-kind brunch spread. Here are some ideas to inspire your menu:
- Mimosas and Bellinis – Start your brunch wedding with a mimosa or Bellini bar. Offer guests a selection of fresh juices—such as orange, peach, and grapefruit—paired with champagne or sparkling wine.
- Gourmet Coffee Station – Set up a coffee bar with barista services, allowing guests to enjoy freshly brewed espresso, cappuccinos, and lattes. Add artisanal syrups, flavored creamers, and fresh whipped cream for extra flair.
- Savory Stations – Create food stations offering upscale versions of brunch staples, such as lobster eggs Benedict, avocado toast with smoked salmon, mini chicken and waffles, or locally inspired breakfast burritos.
- Sweet Treats – A dessert station can tickle your sweet tooth with options like assorted pastries and croissants, Belgian waffles with fresh berries and whipped cream, churros with chocolate dipping sauce, and freshly baked cinnamon rolls.
Wedding Decor and Ambiance
For a brunch wedding, the decor can be light, airy, and elegant. Coastal chic is a popular theme in Newport Beach, where nautical colors—blues, whites, and soft neutrals—are seamlessly blended with natural textures like driftwood and seashells. You’ll have to opportunity to create the theme that perfectly represents you and your partner. You will choose floral arrangements, centerpieces, table settings, and string lights.
Explore Our Newport Beach Brunch Wedding Venues
City Cruises in Newport Beach offers a variety of yacht options to suit weddings of different sizes and styles. Whether you’re hosting an intimate gathering or a larger celebration, there’s a yacht that can accommodate your needs. Here are some of the options available:
- The Newport Legacy – A stunning yacht that offers modern décor and multiple levels for guests to enjoy. With panoramic windows and open-air decks, this yacht allows your guests to take in the full beauty of Newport Harbor. It’s perfect for larger brunch weddings, offering ample space for dining, dancing, and toasts.
- The Dream Maker – This smaller yacht offers a cozy yet luxurious atmosphere, ideal for couples who want to create a personal and close-knit experience with their guests. The yacht’s open-air deck is perfect for your ceremony, while the indoor dining area offers a chic setting for your brunch reception.
- The Mojo – Mojo is a sleek, modern yacht with spacious decks and indoor lounges. Its contemporary feel makes it perfect for couples looking for a stylish, upscale wedding experience. The yacht’s flexible layout allows for both seated dining and cocktail-style receptions, making it ideal for a brunch wedding that encourages mingling and relaxation.
Newport Beach Fleet and Venues
Make the Most of Your Yacht Wedding Experience with City Cruises
City Cruises offers full-service wedding packages, making it easy to plan your big day with minimal stress. From expert staff to customized menu options, we will take care of every detail to ensure your wedding is flawless. You’ll also have the opportunity to work with one of our experienced event coordinators, who can help personalize your yacht wedding to reflect your style and preferences. It’s an ideal choice for couples who want a wedding that feels both luxurious and laid-back. Ready to set the date? Fill out this form, and we will contact you to plan the wedding of your dreams!