About Half Moon Bay
Half Moon Bay has a small-town vibe but with immense scenery. It is part of the San Mateo County Coastside, with easy access to open spaces, redwood forests, and white sandy beaches. With awe-inspiring ocean views, spectacular nature sights, and tons of activities to do, it’s easy to see why Half Moon Bay has become a favorite weekend getaway from San Francisco.
This coastal community began as a rural agriculture area but later attracted a flourishing fishing industry. In the 1840s, it began to develop as San Mateo County’s first real town, initially known as San Benito. However, it was renamed Spanishtown due to its Spanish-speaking inhabitants. In 1874, Spanishtown became officially known as Half Moon Bay due to the bay’s unique crescent shape.
The Half Moon Bay Coastside is an enchanting seaside nestled between the Pacific Ocean and Santa Cruz Mountains. With its location, dramatic features, and breathtaking sights, there’s plenty of reason you should book a wedding reception venue in Half Moon Bay.
Wedding Reception Options in Half Moon Bay
There’s no such thing as small detail when organizing a wedding reception venue in Half Moon Bay. You’ll have to make various decisions all the time, so it’s easy to get overwhelmed and stressed. Having a team of vendors and suppliers to work with you throughout the process will save energy and time, and ensure you stay within your budget.
- Decorator
Wedding decorators in Half Moon Bay will make your reception venue look like no other. They know what elements, shapes, colors, and accessories look best and fit your style and personality.
- Photographer
When booking a photographer, don’t rush into any decisions. It’s essential to look at a few different options to find the one who understands your vision and can work within your budget.
- Stationery
Plan your invitations and save-the-date cards as soon as you’ve confirmed your wedding reception venue in Half Moon Bay and determined your wedding style. It’s best to send the save-the-date cards as early as a year from the wedding date and the invitations at least six weeks before your wedding.
- Caterer
A wedding reception without food and drinks isn’t much of a celebration at all. Hire a caterer in Half Moon Bay to help you pick the right menu for your event. They may offer packages or customized services to meet your specific requirements.
- Entertainment
You can’t call it a party without entertainment. Whether a wedding band or a DJ, music plays a massive part in your reception entertainment. You can also hire dancers, comedians, or any performer to make your wedding reception lively and full of fun.
Wedding Reception Companies in Half Moon Bay
The most overwhelming part of wedding planning is realizing how many moving parts there are to consider. These event suppliers and service providers can be your aid to achieving a stress-free and smooth wedding, from the ceremony to the Half Moon Bay wedding reception venue.
- Coastside Weddings & Events
If you need help organizing and planning your wedding, Coastside Weddings & Events can help. From venue selection and budget comparisons to décor design and on-site management, they will assist in making your dream wedding come true. Kelsey Currier has an extensive network of industry professionals to make your wedding reception the best it can be.
- Christine Robin Photography
Nestled between the coastline and acres of protected open space, Christine Robin Photography portrait studio will take care of your wedding photos. It has the best equipment and innovative technology to capture stunning images and immortalize the special moments on your big day.
- Sam's Chowder House
Opened in October 2006, Sam's Chowder House has the experience and expertise o handle all of your wedding catering needs. Since its inception, it has received numerous awards due to its excellent service, flexibility, and food quality. Plus, it offers oceanfront outdoor dining where you can enjoy the beautiful sunset while enjoying luscious foods. For your wedding reception, book the amazing Sam’s Chowdermobile!
Pros and Cons of Wedding Receptions in Half Moon Bay
There are many clear benefits to holding a Half Moon Bay wedding reception venue. Still, it pays to know its downsides to see if it, indeed, is worth your time, money, and effort.
Advantages
- Friendly community
Many people are drawn to Half Moon Bay due to its lovely community atmosphere and family-oriented lifestyle. If you want a break from the city noise, this quaint beach town is the perfect place to relax and settle down.
- Natural scenery
Half Moon Bay boasts beautiful outdoors with its fantastic scenery, perfect for wedding receptions. Visit the beaches or explore the state’s popular towering redwood trees. There are also trails for biking, hiking, jogging, and spots to run along the beach.
- Warm weather
You’ll love the city’s warm Mediterranean climate, which is comfortable for most of the year. There are only minimal changes in its temperature between every season.
Disadvantages
- Population size
If you’re looking for a big city living, you won’t find that here in Half Moon Bay. With only over 12,800 residents, this city is considered very small.
- Cost of living
It can be expensive to live in Half Moon Bay. Its cost of living is significantly higher than in most cities in California and the national average. Work with a budget as you plan your wedding reception here.
- Nondiverse
This small city isn’t much less diverse than other cities in the state. Its diversity level is lower than both the national and state average.
Famous Locations in Half Moon Bay
- Pigeon Point Light Station State Historic Park
The Pigeon Point Lighthouse is a 115-foot lighthouse built in 1871. It is one of the country’s tallest lighthouses currently preserved in the Pigeon Point Light Station State Historic Park, featuring a bookshop, visitor center, and various accommodations. You can’t tour the lighthouse itself, but guided history tours are available to learn about its history.
- Francis Beach
Francis Beach is one of four state beaches in Half Moon Bay, located at the end of Kelly Avenue. Although it’s not ideal for swimming, this beautiful, wide sandy beach is perfect for beach walking and sunbathing. It also has a grassy park with picnic tables for a small gathering.
- Lemos Farm
Lemos Farm is the right place to be if you want to expose your young ones to farm animals, such as sheep, goats, bunnies, and pigs. They can also enjoy train rides, pony rides, hayrides, bounce houses, and more. This farm-themed amusement park has everything for you and your little kiddos.