Its Beach
Santa Cruz · West · Evening
Near the lighthouse; some cliff shade late in the day.
This beach sits inside Lighthouse Field State Beach, which is a separate record in this guide. See Lighthouse Field State Beach and West Cliff for the full permit details.
The site
Orientation
West
Tree cover
Light
Fog exposure
Coastal
Best light
Evening
The practical details
Capacity
Up to 50
Capacity notes
Pajaro Coast weddings are capped at 50 people.
Permit conditions
Lighthouse Field State Beach is an approved Pajaro Coast venue, so a ceremony here is bookable. Pajaro Coast weddings are capped at 50 people and alcohol is prohibited. Drones not permitted. Amplified sound generally prohibited. Events run 8am to half an hour before sunset.
Commercial photography
A paid shoot needs a separate commercial photography permit alongside the special event permit.
Lead time
File thirty days ahead, with the insurance certificate sixty days ahead.
Alcohol
Prohibited on Pajaro Coast beaches.
Parking
The park is open 6am to sunset and the parking lot 8am to sunset. Entry is free. Restrooms, outdoor showers and drinking water on site. Dogs allowed on a leash, including on the beach.
Permit authority
California State Parks, Santa Cruz District. (831) 423-4609.
Pricing
Filing fee $25, or $100 inside thirty days. Permit fee $300 up to 50 people, $400 for 51 to 100, $500 for 101 to 150, $625 for 151 to 200. Security deposit $250. Ranger monitor $700.
See it on your wedding date
Set your date and this page fills in with the tides, what the weather is usually like, sunset, and where the sun will be.
Sunrise, sunset, and twilight computed for this location. The marine layer rating reflects the time of year on this coast. Orientation and cover recorded for this spot.