Here you can find immediate answers to your top questions! We are hosting an informational zoom on 1/8/22 at 12pm PST/3pm EST to explain all of the moving parts and answer any questions you may have. Our wedding is full of fun, surprises, and adventure (isn't that what life is about?!) and we can't wait to celebrate with you!
FAQ's
Are there 2 different parties?
Yes! This wedding is an all day extravaganza! We have designed a unique event for our family and friends to celebrate our special day. There are 2 event venues, the Dana Point Yacht Club and the Catalina Island Museum. The wedding events begin at 9:30am at Dana Point Yacht Club, followed by the Catalina Ferry (boat ride from Dana Point to Catalina Island) departing at 2:45pm. Guests will have time to settle into their lodging on Catalina Island, and the afterparty begins at 7pm at the Catalina Island Museum.
Where do I Stay?
We have secured a group rate at the Dana Point Marina Inn for only $120 per night. Guests can stay Wednesday and/or Thursday nights, at this lovely hotel right on the Dana Point Harbor. The hotel is walking distance to the wedding venue and across the street from long-term parking for the Catalina Express. Shuttles will be provided to and from the Catalina Express and Dana Point Yacht Club.
Guests taking the ferry to Catalina will need to secure lodging, as there are no return ferries until Saturday March 5th. There are many lovely hotels to chose from, with most hotels having 10-20 total rooms, and options for every budget. There are ample Airbnb/VRBO options as well, should you prefer. Our venue is walkable from most accommodations of the island, excluding "Hamiltons Cove" - where the rentals provide golf cart rental for travel.
What are the closest airports?
There are 3 options for your travel plans. Los Angeles (LAX - 66 miles), Orange County (SNA - 25 miles), and San Diego (SAN -66 miles).
We recommend renting a car, as Southern California is tricky without one. Parking at Catalina express is $14 per day.
Where do I park?
For guests attending only the Dana Point Yacht Club portion of the event, there is parking available on site at the Yacht Club. For guests who are traveling on the ferry to Catalina, guests will park in the long-term parking lot ($14 per day) and we are providing a shuttle to and from the Catalina Express to the Dana Point Yacht Club.
How Do I Get My Luggage from the Wedding to Catalina?
We will provide storage for your luggage for guests departing the 2:45pm ferry. Guests will drop off luggage upon arrival at the Dana Point Marina Inn and board shuttle for the wedding and reception. Guests will pickup luggage in the same spot upon drop-off from Dana Point Yacht club, and will then be responsible for loading their own luggage on board the ferry vessel, per USCG regulations.
What If I Just Want To Attend the Wedding?
Yes you can! There are 2 separate RSVPs: 1 for Dana Point Yacht Club (Wedding Ceremony, Plated Lunch, Reception) and a separate RSVP for the Afterparty in Catalina (ferry + Party at Catalina Island Museum) You may certainly attend the Dana Point portion only and we hope many will join us for the whole affair! We are excited to have all of our guests for the portions they can attend!
Thank you for your gracious offer! We are asking our guests not to bring a physical gift, as there is limited space and a lot of moving parts on the day of the wedding. The wedding couple has created gift levels for their dream of purchasing land in Joshua Tree in the next 3-5 years. As they move onto their next adventure outside CA, they want to own a piece of the desert and invite all guests to visit and use this space for camping and vacationing in the future as they develop this dream!
What Activities are there to do on Catalina?
Catalina is California's only island resort, with a Mediterranean feel & Climate, with a rich conservation history, historic landmarks, and beautiful scenery. There are limited cars on the island, and most residents get around via golf cart. The island is all walkable, and most hotels and Airbnbs are walking distance to the Catalina Island Museum and wedding events. Recreation activities are available such as snorkeling, scuba diving, boat tours, wildlife tours, and more. Guests are invited to a brunch on Saturday at Tremont Hall, and a casual karaoke event on Saturday night, should you remain on the island for the weekend.
Is My Catalina Ferry Ticket Round Trip?
The wedding RSVP to Catalina Island includes your ferry to Catalina Island on Friday June 10th. Guests will secure their own ticket(s) back to Dana Point, for whenever works for them. Ferries depart approximately 12pm and 5pm daily back from Avalon to Dana Point. Adults $39, Senior $35.50 and children 2-11 $31.25. Advanced reservations for your return are recommended and can be made at www.catalinaexpress.com
Are Kids Welcome?
Kids ARE welcome! Gilbert is a huge part of our lives, and we welcome all families of all ages and stages to join us. There will be a separate kids lunch of chicken nuggets and fries for all children under 12 (And any kids at heart who wish to have this option! ha) Children are also welcome at the afterparty as well!
Do I Have to Rent a Car?
Depending on the length of your stay in California, we recommend renting a car. Should you chose not to rent a car, transportation (uber, Super Shuttle, etc) is available from SNA to the Dana Point Marina Hotel, and the hotel is walkable to the ferry landing, and you do not need a car in Catalina, so it IS possible without a car should you fly into SNA and plan to not travel elsewhere.
How Do I Connect with other Travelers?
We will update as we get closer regarding Saturday afternoon group activities, and ways to connect. Sign up for our email list to stay informed!