Oak-covered hills, a Tuscan clubhouse with an arched loggia, and a terrace that opens onto the whole canyon.
Shady Canyon is a private club in the hills above Irvine, and it does not photograph like anywhere else in Orange County. The clubhouse is Tuscan, built in warm stone, and the loggia that runs along it holds soft reflected light for most of the afternoon. That one covered walkway will give you portraits in the middle of a hot day that look like they were made at dusk.
Ceremonies happen on the terrace with the canyon behind you, and the slope means guests can see everything from every row. Receptions go under the vine-covered pergola on the lawn or inside the clubhouse. The sycamores along the course are worth walking to at the end of the night; they are enormous, and ten minutes out there gives you the quietest frames of the whole day.
Questions Couples Ask
Where do ceremonies happen? On the terrace above the canyon. The ground slopes, so every row sees the whole thing. Receptions go under the pergola on the lawn or inside the clubhouse.
When should we do portraits? Late afternoon, once the sun is behind the western ridge. Before that, the loggia gives us soft light at any hour, which is why I use it so much here.
Is it a private club? Yes, so weddings are generally hosted by a member. Your club contact handles vendor access, and I arrange my arrival and scouting time with them ahead of the day.
Can we see a full wedding from this venue? Yes, Shayna and Chance's wedding at Shady Canyon is on the site.