Beaches in Half Moon Bay are just south of San Francisco.

California State Beach use for a wedding ceremony must be approved in advance through a permit process through the California State Beach Coordinator for under 50 people or the Santa Cruz District Office for over 50 people. The permit fee is varies. The following are the RESTRICTIONS on the use of a State Beach.

1. Less than 50 (Fifty) People.
2. No Alcohol.
3. 3. Minimal Venue Impact: a.) No Set Up – Only “Walk On – Walk Off”. b.) No Decorations, Chairs (Unless Challenged), or Structures c.) No Balloons, Rice, Birdseed, Confetti, or Plants Going to Seed.
4. One Hour or Less.
5. Wedding Ceremony and Pictures Only – No Reception.
6. $10.00 Day Use Fees charged for all vehicles entering the Parks.
7. Leave Only Footprints and Memories.

The following locations are available through the wedding ceremony Permit process (we have links to view some of the locations, but not all of them).

• Montara State Beach
• Roosevelt State Beach.
• Dunes State Beach.
• Venice State Beach.
• Francis Beach.
• San Gregorio State Beach.
• Pescadero State Beach.
• Pomponio State Beach.
• Bean Hollow State Beach

The following are not available for use:

• Cowell Ranch State Beach.

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Contact information for the California State Beaches: Inquire about a permit to smpermits@parks.ca.gov . The HMB State Beach Office  telephone is (650) 726-8819. Website link There are other beach wedding ceremony locations possible on the San Mateo County Coastside.

• Miramontes Point Rd. Beach access is from the parking lot near the Ritz-Carlton. Limited parking restricts use to 10-15 for a wedding ceremony. The city of Half Moon Bay does not require a permit for a ceremony on the beach..
• Montara Lighthouse. Arrange through the Youth Hostel.
• Poplar Street Beach. The city of Half Moon Bay does not require a permit.
• Harbor Area beach. Contact Pillar Point Harbor.

• Sweetwood Park requires reservations. The Summer fills the available weekends by 6 months ahead. 1-800-444-7275.