Say, “I Do,” at a Romantic Beach Wedding in California

What are the deposits based on and when are they due?

The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel requires full pre-payment for all events. Deposits are based on the contracted/estimated number of guests, food and beverage minimum, room rental, Staff and House charge of 26 percent (30% outdoors), applicable sales tax, and the following schedule:

• An initial deposit is required to reserve space for your event.
• A second deposit is required (180) days prior to your event.
• A third deposit is required (90) days prior to your event.
• Final deposit is based on the final estimated number of guests and summary of charges plus an additional 10% of the overall estimate for any additional costs, per The Hotel Credit Policy is due (21) days prior to the actual event date.
• All deposits are non-refundable and non-transferable.
• Events booked and scheduled within 90 days of event date will require full prepayment at time of contract.

A completed electronic credit card link will be required to confirm your event and to guarantee payment of any additional charges incurred during the Event. Deposits by checks are acceptable and due (14) days prior to initial deposit due dates.

Does the Couple get a complimentary room for the wedding night?

The resort provides a complimentary ocean view guestroom for the couple on the night before and the night of their wedding.

Can the complimentary room be upgraded?

The complimentary guestroom may be upgraded at an additional cost, based on availability. You may choose to extend the complimentary room to a member of your wedding party or family. A separate room reservation for an upgraded room would be made for you by your Special Events Manager and the room would be charged at the prevailing rate.

Where does the wedding party get ready before the wedding?

We recommend guestroom reservations be made for a minimum two night length of stay with a check-in date of the night before the wedding and check-out the day after the wedding. This will eliminate the stress on the day of the wedding of having to check-in and out of guestrooms.

The bride, groom, bridesmaids and groomsmen can also enjoy services and treatments at The Ritz-Carlton Spa, Laguna Niguel. Hair styling, make-up, manicures, pedicures, massages and couples treatments are all available on property.

Does the hotel offer a discounted room block?

A special rate may be contracted for 10 or more rooms based on availability. The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel strongly recommends that a room block be arranged for all wedding celebrations. A room block guarantees a certain number of rooms exclusively for your guests, with a signed agreement and deposit.

Guest parking?

The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel is pleased to offer a reduced valet parking fee for any of your guests attending the wedding. Reduced valet parking is only applicable to day parking and does not apply to overnight parking. The hotel offers only valet parking and you may choose to host the parking fee for your guests. Please consult with your Catering Sales Manager for current pricing.

May we take wedding pictures at The Ritz-Carlton if we are not holding our reception at the resort?

Photography is permitted exclusively for couples having their wedding at The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel.

Are dogs allowed onsite and to be a part of our wedding?

The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel is a pet-friendly resort and welcomes dogs to participate in your special day. For more information about our pet policy click here.

What is the responsibility of a Special Events Manager?

• Act as the on-site liaison between your wedding coordinator and Hotel operations staff.
  
  
• Establish your guest room block and monitor the status of reservations (if applicable).
  
  
• Personally oversee the details of the Couple’s room reservations (if applicable).
  
  
• Recommend Special Event Professionals to provide wedding coordination, music, floral, photography, ceremony officiant, invitations and amenities.
  
  
• Act as menu consultant for all food and beverage selections.
  
  
• Detail your Banquet Event Order and Wedding “Resume” outlining all of your event specifics and overnight accommodations to ensure that all information is communicated successfully to the operational team of the Hotel.
  
  
• Create an estimate of charges outlining your financial commitments and deposit schedule.
  
  
• Create a floor plan of your function space in order for you to plan and provide the Hotel with your seating arrangements.
  
  
• Oversee the ceremony and reception room(s) set-up, food preparation and other Hotel operations.
  
  
• Ensure a seamless transition to the Banquet Captain on the day of your event.
  
  
• Review your banquet checks for accuracy, prior to the completion of your final bill.
  
  
• What are the responsibilities of a Wedding Coordinator?
  
  
• Assist with etiquette and protocol for invitations, family matters, ceremony and toasts.
  
  
• Create a timeline for your entire wedding day, including the ceremony and reception to supply to the Special Events Manager.
  
  
• Organize and coordinate your ceremony rehearsal. Remind wedding party of all pertinent “call times” and “don’t forgets” on the wedding day.
  
  
• Confirm call times and details with all vendors several days prior to the wedding day.
  
  
• Be the liaison with your family, wedding party and all vendors.
  
  
• Assist the bride and wedding party with dressing.
  
  
• Ensure the ladies have their corsages and bouquets, etc., and assist with pinning of the gentlemen’s boutonnières.
  
  
• Deliver and arrange ceremony programs, escort cards, place cards, favors and any personal items.
  
  
• Coordinate your actual ceremony (i.e. line up bride party, assist bride with dress, etc.)
  
  
• Coordinate your reception (i.e. grand entrance, first dance, toasts, cake cutting, etc.)
  
  
• Coordinate with vendors and the Hotel Banquet Captain to ensure timeliness of your events.
  
  
• Collect any personal items you may have brought at the conclusion of the reception.
  
  
• Count and collect all wedding gifts and deliver them to the appropriate location at the conclusion of your event.
  
  
• Assist you with full-service coordinating from your engagement to your honeymoon, should you select a full-service package.

What is the average cost per person for food and beverage?

Based on current banquet menus, on average you may expect to spend approximately $250 USD per person for lunch and $250 USD to $375 USD per person for dinner, exclusive of current taxable service charge and current sales tax. These averages would encompass hors d’oeuvres during your welcome reception, two-course plated meal, wedding cake, wine service with the meal, sparkling wine toast and a hosted bar for four hours.

Please be aware that our menu items and pricing are subject to change and are guaranteed 90 days in advance.  Your final menu pricing will be based on your actual selection.

Can food or beverage be brought in from the outside?

It is our policy that all food and alcoholic beverages must be provided by the resort. However, the Resort will evaluate the requests for ethnic outside catering on a case by case basis. The sale and service of alcoholic beverages is regulated by the California State Liquor Commission, and The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel is responsible for the administration of those regulations. It is our policy that all alcoholic beverages must be provided by the resort.

Please explain the food and beverage minimum.

The food and beverage minimum is the least amount of money that you are required to spend on a combination of food and beverage, excluding Staff and House charge and sales tax, but it is not all that you could spend. The food and beverage minimum is reached by selecting individually priced, a la carte menu items to equal or exceed the required dollar figure.

The following examples would apply towards the food and beverage minimum:

• Hors d’oeuvres, food display and carving stations, plated or buffet meal, wedding cake, dessert stations, late night snack stations, wine service, champagne toast and bar service.
• Centerpieces, upgraded linens/china/silverware, décor, and specialty lighting would not apply towards the food and beverage minimum.

When do I need to finalize my menu?

Food and beverage selections must be finalized and confirmed with your Special Event Manager a maximum of 6-8 weeks prior to the date of your wedding.

When do I need to let the hotel know exactly how many guests will be attending my event?

Your Special Events Manager must be notified of the exact number of guests attending a function at least five business days prior to the start of the event. This will be considered a guarantee, for which you will be charged, even if fewer guests attend the event.

Do you offer ethnic cuisine?

Our culinary team is happy to create customized menus incorporating authentic ethnic cuisine. The chefs are particularly familiar with Indian, Mexican, Italian, Spanish, as well as Kosher dishes.

We are having a green themed wedding. What are your organic offerings?

Our culinary team is happy to work with you to incorporate sustainable and organic products into your menu. Please note this may increase the total cost of your food & beverage package, as these ingredients tend to be more expensive.