A Local’s Guide to El Matador Beach Wedding | Malibu, CA
This Post May Contain Affiliate LinksFew places capture California’s rugged beauty quite like El Matador State Beach, a stretch of coastline where golden light and dramatic rock formations create a stunning photography backdrop. So why not plan an El Matador Beach Wedding with the help of a Malibu Local!
As a born and raised Malibu local, I’ve spent years exploring it’s ever changing sand, and perfecting the art of capturing couples here in beautiful light, any time of the year.
In this guide, I’ll share everything you need to plan your El Matador Beach Wedding, from permits and seasons, to a sample elopement timeline and after sunset reception ideas!
Table of Contents
El Matador State Beach Wedding Permit Information
Can I legally get married at El Matador State Beach?
Long story short, no.
Hiring a paid officiant or ordained photographer to marry you at a California State Park/Beach requires a Special Event permit, and they do not issues those for El Matador State Beach.
You can find more information about Special Event Permits and legally getting married at a California State Park/Beach here.
So what can you do?
My suggestion is to get married and say your vows at a separate location such as the courthouse, your AirBnB, or another venue, then go over to El Matador State Beach for your dreamy Wedding/Elopement photos!
When do I need a Permit at El Matador?
You need a permit any time you hire a professional photographer (with professional equipment) to take your photos, whether or not the images are going to be used commercially or personally.
Photography Permits for El Matador State Beach
start at $100 plus $15 per vehicle (2025 info).
Your photographer needs to contact the permit department and apply for the photography permit at least 2 weeks in advanced! You can contact the permit department at the contact information here.
Please note, your photographer needs to have insurance otherwise they will not be able to obtain the permit!
Now that we have the permit info out of the way, we can talk about the fun stuff!
Why choose El Matador State Beach for your Wedding Photos?
Iconic Scenery
El Matador State beach is Malibu’s most photogenic beach.
It has the sea stacks, the cliffs, the tunnels and sea caves. Everything you need to have stunning wedding images to look back on and pass down to future generations.
Year Round Appeal
Malibu’s mild, Mediterranean climate makes El Matador State Beach a gorgeous option for any season! However, in my opinion as a born and raised Malibu local, fall and winter are the prettiest months for El Matador!
Learn More About Photoshoots at El Matador!
The Ultimate El Matador Beach Photoshoot Guide
Capture stunning photos at El Matador Beach with this ultimate photoshoot guide! Get expert tips on the best spots, lighting, outfits, and posing for dreamy shots.
When to take your El Matador State Beach Wedding photos
El Matador State Beach is beautiful year round. However, there are special considerations if you want professional photos taken! And just to have an overall enjoyable experience!
Sunrise/Early Morning
El Matador’s parking lot opens at 8am, so you won’t be able to access it until then. So sunrise photos are kind of out of the question, unless you want to park along PCH and walk!
Early morning (parking at 8am and starting immediately) is an option if you don’t want to take the risk walking along PCH! There are going to be way less crowds, and the tides during summer are perfect!
I’d skip sunrise wedding/elopement photoshoots in the winter since the tides are super high in the morning.
Sunset
Sunset golden hour is my FAVORITE time for photos at El Matador, any time of the year!
If you’re really looking for the wow factor for your El Matador Beach Wedding Photos, Fall and Winter truly have the prettiest sunsets. The sun sets over the ocean, creating the dreamiest light.
In the summer, the beach gets super crowded, the tide gets so high you can’t even access the beach sometimes, and the sun sets over the mountains, meaning you lose the sun half an hour earlier.
Seasonal Considerations
Like I’ve said over and over in this section, El Matador State Beach is gorgeous year round. However, there are pros and some cons to each season!
Fall
This is my FAVORITE time of the year for photos at El Matador State Beach. The tide is starting to even out (meaning more dates are available), it starts to get less crowded (but watch out for heatwave days, the crowds come flooding back), and the sun is once again setting over the ocean!
Winter
This is my second favorite time of the year for photoshoots at El Matador! The sunsets are the absolute softest and dreamiest out of the entire year! However, because it’s winter it does get chilly at the beach, so bring cozy, photogenic layers and cuddle up with the love of your life!
Spring
Spring is so beautiful at El Matador, especially when the giant coreopsis and other wildflowers are at peak bloom along the cliffs! However, we tend to get a lot of heavy fog and marine layer toward the later spring months so be aware! There’s nothing wrong with taking photos in the fog as long as you’re willing to meet one to two hours before sunset.
Summer
This is probably my least favorite time of the year for photoshoots at El Matador State Beach. It just gets so crowded, every other week the tide is way too high at sunset to even access the beach, and the sun sets over the mountains, meaning you don’t get the beautiful sunset glow like you do the rest of the year. Plus, in the early summer months, we get heavy fog.
El Matador Wedding Day Timeline Example
Here is an example 4 hour timeline I created for an El Matador Beach Wedding that takes place near the Fall Equinox!
Note: Since El Matador State Beach does not allow officiated ceremonies on location, plan your vows at a private AirBnB, estate, or other Malibu venue, then head to the beach for portraits!
3:15pm - Photographer arrives and begins taking getting ready photos and detail shots.
3:45pm - Optional first look photos with bride and groom.
4:00pm - Intimate ceremony begins with your officiant and under 20 guests at the venue.
4:30pm - Family/Couples portraits at the ceremony venue.
5:00pm - Travel, park, and walk down to El Matador State Beach. Allow for longer travel time for locations farther away.
5:45pm - 90 minutes for portraits at El Matador State beach during golden hour.
7:15pm - Photography coverage ends.
If you want a less rushed feel, consider booking 8 or 10 hours of photography coverage so that you can enjoy and fully document your wedding day.
Reception Ideas after your El Matador Beach Wedding
Don’t forget to celebrate your new marriage after your dreamy El Matador Beach Wedding photos! Here are a few ideas you can use to extend the night and make the most out of your elopement day!
Best Restaurants for Elopement Receptions in Malibu
There are so many beautiful restaurants in Malibu! In my opinion as a Malibu Local, Nobu Malibu, Geoffrey’s and The Sunset Restaurant have the most romantic feel. The Sunset Restaurant actually has an upstairs portion that can be used as an official Reception Venue.
Camping Receptions in Malibu
If you’re after a more Adventurous Elopement Experience, consider camping in Malibu! We have three great camping spots here, Leo Carrillo State Beach, Malibu Creek State Park, and Sycamore Canyon Campground.
Invite your friends and family for a camping adventure and enjoy your reception dinner and wedding cake under the stars!
Hire Catering back at your AirBnB
This is probably the most popular option for El Matador State Beach Weddings! While you’re out taking portraits at El Matador with your Photographer, have your AirBnB transformed into a beautiful reception area with catered food and either an elegant wedding cake, or a stunning homemade cake like Kate’s below.
Interested in an El Matador Beach Wedding?
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About Megan W Photography
Megan is a Fine Art Maternity, Couples, and Family photographer who was born, raised, and is still living in Malibu, CA. She is here to capture you and your loved ones in images that you will want to cherish, and pass down to future generations.
Not only is she a photographer, but she is a mother, wife, daughter, and sister.
Maternity, family, and couples hold a special place in her heart because she knows how quickly time flies by. Megan W Photography wants to help you preserve those sweet little smiles, those tender, affectionate moments, and the love you share with each other.
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Hi! I’m Megan
I’m a boutique, Malibu, CA based photographer who specializes in Maternity, Couples, and families. I serve Los Angeles and Ventura County, as well as all of California. I value tangible, heirloom art pieces versus digital and I focus on quality over quantity.
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