Planning a proposal or luxury picnic on the coast? Beautiful idea—and it usually requires paperwork. Cities and agencies around Los Angeles and Orange County have rules for gatherings, décor, photography, amplified sound, open flames, glass, and commercial activity. The good news: The Hidden Date manages all permits, insurance, timelines, and on-site compliance for you, so your only job is to show up and ask the question.
Below you’ll find an at-a-glance guide to the most requested locations we serve. Policies can change, and each site has its own nuances; we confirm current requirements with the city or agency before your event.
What to know: Laguna’s shoreline and parks are stunning—and popular. When a setup includes décor, rentals, or professional photo/video, permits are commonly required. Restrictions may include no open flames, limited staking in sand, protected habitat zones, and specific drop-off points.
How we help: We identify quieter coves, confirm tide timing, prepare insurance documents, and design wind-smart décor that meets the city’s guidelines. If a beach isn’t a fit on your date, we’ll present nearby parks or private venues that deliver the same aesthetic.
What to know: Manhattan Beach tends to be strict about commercial activity on public sand and in parks. Group size caps, limitations on furniture, and photography rules typically apply—especially during peak hours and weekends.
How we help: We advise on feasible time windows (often sunrise or weekday golden hour), build a minimalist layout that passes review, and secure any required permissions for a photographer so your moment is captured legally and beautifully.
What to know: Malibu spans city beaches, county beaches, and state parks—each with its own authority. Depending on the exact spot, you may need a special event permit, a film/photography permit, or both. Parking logistics and beach access paths also matter.
How we help: We match the experience you want to the right jurisdiction, streamline applications, coordinate parking passes where available, and stage a camera-friendly layout that respects sensitive zones and public access.
What to know: OC beaches and parks (beyond city limits) follow county rules that can include advance notice, insurance, and site monitors for styled setups. Alcohol and glass are typically restricted; some parks require reservations even for small gatherings.
How we help: We compare county vs. city options for your date, handle any reservation fees, and provide décor alternatives for glass and flame restrictions—think LED candles, acrylic glassware, and wind-tested lanterns.
What to know: Santa Monica beaches are very active, with clear policies on commercial use, group sizes, and equipment. Some areas limit amplified music and large props. Parking fills quickly and can affect load-in timing.
How we help: We lock the correct permit type for your setup, plan a fast, compliant load-in/out, and time the proposal to avoid peak crowds—often pairing it with a nearby rooftop or garden backup if marine layer rolls in.
What to know: Long Beach offers scenic sand, shoreline parks, and vistas—each with permitting steps for décor and professional photography. Certain stretches are more permit-friendly than others, and some require reservations.
How we help: We pre-screen locations for feasibility, recommend the best angles for photos, and submit all paperwork with accurate site maps. If a monitor or Ranger is required, we coordinate directly so there are no surprises on the day.
What to know: The HB coastline includes city and state-managed areas. Requirements can include special event permits, defined hours, and restrictions on stakes, arches, or flame. Weekend surf and event calendars may affect availability.
How we help: We’ll guide you to the right zone for your vision, secure approvals, and stage wind-resistant styling that works on wide, open sand—so your aisle of petals and lanterns looks exactly as imagined.
What to know: Newport’s beaches, bluffs, and parks are proposal favorites. Permits are common for styled setups and pro photo/video. Some overlooks have space limits, and parking plans are essential.
How we help: We recommend the best vantage points for golden hour, confirm space allowances, and design a refined, compact setup that complies with site guidelines while keeping that “wow” reveal.
If public-space rules or crowds aren’t the vibe, we can pivot to rooftops, private residences, or boutique venues. These spaces often allow more décor, better privacy, and controlled timelines—perfect for proposals with live musicians, marquee signage, or chef-prepared dinners. We coordinate building approvals, elevator timing, and any fire-safety requirements so everything runs smoothly.
We’ll handle the paperwork, logistics, and compliance—so you can focus on the moment, the view, and the “yes.”
