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Get Married at Half Moon Bay State Beach Self-Book Venue Guide
Here's exactly how to get your permit, what it costs, and what to expect, from the Our Little Wedding team.
Half Moon Bay · Self-Book Venue Guide
Can you get married at Half Moon Bay State Beach?
Yes. A Half Moon Bay State Beach micro wedding is one of the most rewarding self-book ceremonies in Half Moon Bay, you handle the permit, and the setting does the rest. Capacity is up to 50 guests.
Half Moon Bay is famous for giant-wave surfing at Mavericks in winter. Your ceremony can happen any time of year here, and the coastal scenery is striking in every season.
In brief
Half Moon Bay State Beach micro wedding: book it yourself with a permit, keep it to 50 guests or fewer, and bring everything in. We can coordinate the permit, the vendors, and your day if you’d like a hand.
The Details
What to know
Capacity
Up to 50
Guests for an intimate ceremony at Half Moon Bay State Beach. We usually recommend 20–30 for the best experience in this kind of setting.
How to book
Permit required
Contact the San Mateo Coast District of California State Parks for a Special Event Permit: SMPermits@parks.ca.gov or call (650) 726-8819. The park page is parks.ca.gov/?page_id=531.
Lead time
Plan ahead
Permit fee: not publicly listed on parks.ca.gov, so contact the park directly for current pricing. Apply at least 30–60 days in advance; the park accepts applications up to 6 months in advance for this location.
Good to know
Bring it in
Half Moon Bay is famous for giant-wave surfing at Mavericks in winter. Your ceremony can happen any time of year here, and the coastal scenery is striking in every season.
Ceremony spaces
On the land
Contact SMPermits@parks.ca.gov for current rules on chairs, décor, sound, structures, and alcohol. CA State Parks generally prohibits temporary structures on the sand and may require a park monitor for some events.
How to book
How to book Half Moon Bay State Beach for your ceremony
The exact process, sourced from the permit office and verified by our team.
1
Step 1
Contact the San Mateo Coast District of California State Parks for a Special Event Permit: SMPermits@parks.ca.gov or call (650) 726-8819. The park page is parks.ca.gov/?page_id=531.
2
Step 2
Permit fee: not publicly listed on parks.ca.gov, so contact the park directly for current pricing. Apply at least 30–60 days in advance; the park accepts applications up to 6 months in advance for this location.
3
Step 3
Contact SMPermits@parks.ca.gov for current rules on chairs, décor, sound, structures, and alcohol. CA State Parks generally prohibits temporary structures on the sand and may require a park monitor for some events.
From the Team
Things the permit office won’t tell you
OLW tip
Half Moon Bay's beaches run for miles. Francis Beach and Venice Beach sections are the most popular for ceremonies. Francis Beach has the best parking for guests.
OLW tip
Summer mornings here are foggy until 11 AM. Golden light arrives in the afternoon. Winter and spring days can be crystal clear and dramatic, so don't sleep on an off-season ceremony here.
OLW tip
Half Moon Bay is 45 minutes from San Francisco with no traffic, 90 minutes in rush hour. Plan accordingly and give guests a precise time with buffer.
Where to go for dinner after
A couple of favorites near Half Moon Bay State Beach for celebrating once the ceremony’s done.
Pasta Moon
Beloved Half Moon Bay Italian restaurant, private dining room for small groups
10 min drive from Francis Beach
Mavericks Restaurant
Casual coastal dining, good for groups, Half Moon Bay harbor views
Other self-book venues
More venue guides to explore
A starting point for your shortlist. Every one is a real place we've planned or scouted, permit info, costs, and insider tips inside each guide.
Garrapata State ParkPfeiffer Big Sur State ParkRoberts Regional Recreation Area
Questions
Half Moon Bay State Beach wedding questions, answered
Do I need a permit to get married at Half Moon Bay State Beach?
Yes. Contact the San Mateo Coast District of California State Parks for a Special Event Permit: SMPermits@parks.ca.gov or call (650) 726-8819. The park page is parks.ca.gov/?page_id=531. Contact the San Mateo Coast District of California State Parks for a Special Event Permit: SMPermits@parks.ca.gov or call (650) 726-8819. The park page is parks.ca.gov/?page_id=531.
How many guests can I have at Half Moon Bay State Beach?
Half Moon Bay State Beach accommodates up to 50 guests for a ceremony. Our Little Wedding recommends keeping it at or under 50 for a comfortable, intimate micro wedding at this site.
How far in advance do I need to book Half Moon Bay State Beach?
Contact the San Mateo Coast District of California State Parks for a Special Event Permit: SMPermits@parks.ca.gov or call (650) 726-8819. The park page is parks.ca.gov/?page_id=531. We recommend starting the process at least 6–8 weeks before your date, or earlier for peak summer weekends.
What can I bring to Half Moon Bay State Beach, chairs, decor, flowers?
Half Moon Bay is famous for giant-wave surfing at Mavericks in winter. Your ceremony can happen any time of year here, and the coastal scenery is striking in every season. Check with the permit office for the current list of allowed and prohibited items for your specific date and location.
You found the spot. Now let's make it happen.
Want us to coordinate the permit, vendors, and your day?
Our packages start at $4,500 for up to 10 guests. You make the calls, venue, photographer, caterer. We coordinate everything else, from the paperwork to the walk-through.
Free consultation · No obligation · We reply within 24 hours
Half Moon Bay photo: Fastily, Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
