Standing at the edge of the ocean between Zuma State Beach and Broad Beach, the Malibu West Beach Club occupies one of the most desirable chunks of real estate in Southern California. Glorious white sand stretches 200 yards from the Clubhouse to the breaking surf, and from the facility’s deck, there’s a 180-degree panorama of the vast Pacific and miles of Malibu coastline. When it’s clear, you can see Catalina Island and the Channel Islands, and almost daily you’ll spot dolphins leaping out of the water as they swim by. 

This private club built in 1962 is an unassuming two-story structure partially screened from the street behind bougainvillea and evergreen trees; you’d never know it was there if you didn’t go looking for it. The event space, which is on the top floor, is basically one large room with a high, vaulted ceiling and an adjacent deck.  There is also a private room off to the side of the entry for use as a bride’s room, kid’s room or whatever your event might require.  It’s clean, simple and unadorned as can be—a blank canvas on which to create your own vision. A dance floor and several leafy Kentia palms are the only elements that you’ll have to incorporate into your grand plan. Of course the sunsets, visible through the club’s glass façade, complement any décor.  

Speaking of sunsets, that’s when most ceremonies take place. Guests are seated facing the ocean on the tiled 50-foot-wide deck, while bride and groom tie the knot under a flower-covered arch, canopy or chuppah. Afterwards, the newlyweds and attendants are invited to go down to the beach for wedding photos. All the elements are there for fabulous pictures: sun, sand, ocean—there’s even a Baywatch-style lifeguard tower on which everyone can pose for a group shot.  

Generally, dinner and dancing are indoor activities, while sipping champagne, sampling hors d’oeuvres and lingering over a setting sun all take place on the deck. If you prefer, tables can be set up on the deck for an al fresco reception. From your oceanfront perch, you’ll feel the cool breezes and taste the tang of sea salt in the air. At night, you can look up and see millions of stars being born.  

Given its beachfront location, genial ambiance and affordable prices, the Club is understandably in demand.