Southern California Brides : A Match Made in Heaven : Orange County offers gorgeous gardens and bluffs with ocean views for receptions. But plan early, and don’t be surprised at glitches.

In the winter of ‘97-98, when heavy rains sent a small landslide rolling through a Laguna Beach restaurant, Susan MacDonald was swamped with couples searching frantically for another site to stage their wedding receptions.

“I had people scrambling, calling me up and asking me where they could go,” said MacDonald, a Newport Beach wedding coordinator.

Although some ceremonies were only weeks away, she managed to find a dry place for everyone.

Even without floods, locating the perfect spot for a wedding reception can be the hardest part of the nuptial planning process. The most desirable hotels, country clubs and restaurants, particularly those with ocean views, get snapped up faster than a bride can say, “I do.”

“It’s like closing escrow on a house,” said wedding coordinator Maria Lindsay of Laguna Beach. “You won’t feel good until you know the place is yours and no one else can have that facility.”

As in real estate, the first rule of receptions is location, location, location. Lindsay has spent weeks escorting prospective brides and grooms around Orange County in search of sites.

Most couples have a fairy-tale vision of the kind of place they want for their reception: Some insist on ocean views, others prefer garden settings.

“Some say, ‘I want waterfalls. I want a country club. I like arches.’ One girl just said, ‘Nature. I have to have nature around me,’ ” Lindsay said.

Before checking out locations, however, couples should first decide on a guest list and budget. It’s foolish to fall in love with a pricey oceanfront hotel if they can’t afford the price tag, coordinators say.

“Because the reception takes up so much of the budget, couples need to be sure they know what they want to spend,” MacDonald said.

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If money is tight, she suggests going for “quality over quantity”: Cut the guest list instead of scrimping on the reception.

“Guest lists need to be within reason. Receptions are very expensive in Orange County,” MacDonald said. The average hotel reception runs $65 to $135 per person, she said, and that does not include flowers, photography and other frills.

One bride called Costa Mesa wedding coordinator Judy Feenstra in a panic: She’d invited all of her relatives from Guadalajara, figuring that few would make the trip to Orange County for the reception. She was wrong--and ended up with 350 on her guest list instead of 150.

“We had to scurry around for another location,” Feenstra said. “It was Valentine’s [Day] weekend, and everything was booked.”

Feenstra eventually found a site at a hotel where a convention had been canceled at the last minute.

Once they have a reasonable estimate of their guest list and budget, couples need to determine if their dream location is available.

Coordinators advise booking early--ideally at least one year before the big day. Lindsay is already having trouble booking Saturday weddings at Orange County’s prime sites for ceremonies scheduled for August 2000.

“I’ve been booking weddings for Y2K since the end of last year,” she said. “I have no clue why couples are booking so far in advance. I’m already booking them for the year 2001. It’s so hard for me to think that far ahead.”

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Most weddings take place on Saturdays, but couples willing to tie the knot on a Friday or a Sunday often have better luck getting into a popular reception site.

“You can do a Friday or Sunday reception in a lot less [lead] time, and the prices are a lot better because it’s harder for restaurants to generate revenue on those days than on a Saturday,” MacDonald said.

When selecting a site, couples should not only consider the ambience but also the expertise of the caterer.

“Do a tasting before you do the booking to be sure you like their food,” Lindsay said. “You don’t want to book a facility and find out they have rubber chicken.”

Orange County has plenty of restaurants, oceanfront hotels, parks, restored mansions and other sites for receptions to suit a wide range of tastes and budgets.

“You can do whatever you want, from upscale to lower-end,” MacDonald said.

With unbeatable views of the ocean and rolling greens, The Clubhouse at Pelican Hill on Newport Coast has become a favorite venue for wedding receptions, coordinators say. There’s a tent on the property that can also be used for a reception.

“It has the same gorgeous view as the clubhouse, and you can decorate the tent to look magnificent,” Feenstra said.

Receptions can range from a casual picnic at Eisenhower Park in Orange to an elegant sit-down gourmet affair at the swanky Ritz-Carlton overlooking the ocean on a bluff in Dana Point.

“If you’re creative, you don’t have to spend a lot of money,” Feenstra said. For an inexpensive but elegant affair, she suggests serving cocktails and hors d’oeuvres on the deck of Bistro 201 in Newport Beach, which has a romantic waterfront view.

Feenstra also recommends “Here Comes the Guide” by Lynn Broadwell and Jan Brenner available for about $25 at area bookstores, which offers lists of reception sites for Orange County and other areas.

On this page begins a sampling of sites throughout the county where couples can celebrate their happily-ever-afters.

Some Romantic Spots for a Perfect Reception

* Balboa Bay Club, 1221 W. Coast Highway, Newport Beach. (949) 645-5000. Prime waterfront location; wedding guests can watch boats go by in Newport Harbor while dancing in the main ballroom or dining on gourmet fare prepared by chef Jean Pierre Eigenheer.

* Balboa Pavilion, 400 Main St., Balboa Peninsula. (949) 673-4633. Built in 1905 as a Victorian bathhouse and Pacific Electric terminal, the pavilion has become a recognizable icon and a charming locale for receptions. Harbor views, many food options (seafood, beef, pasta) and great dance floor.

* Bistro 201, 3333 W. Coast Highway, Newport Beach. (949) 631-1551. Known for its creative bistro fare, this harbor-side restaurant also has an excellent waterfront view and a deck that’s ideal for cocktail receptions.

* Center Club, 650 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa. (714) 438-3860. Elegant dining rooms, water and sculpture gardens and private ambience makes the Center Club a unique choice for receptions. Member sponsorship is required, but the club can help make arrangements.

* Discovery Museum of Orange County (original site), 3101 W. Harvard St., Santa Ana. (714) 540-0404. Couples can trade vows in the museum’s gazebo, then hold a reception in the rose garden. The historic Kellogg House is available for use by the bride and her entourage. You need to hire a caterer.

* Disneyland Hotel, 1150 W. Cerritos Ave., Anaheim. (714) 956-6527. Through Disney’s Fairy-tale Weddings program, couples can arrange to exchange vows on the hotel grounds adorned with Disney’s fabled landscaping and gazebos, then adjourn to an elegant banquet hall or formal ballroom where trumpet fanfare can announce the arrival of the newlyweds.

* Eisenhower Park, 3894 N. Tustin Ave., Orange. (714) 744-7274. Ceremonies and receptions can be staged in the park amid rolling hills, a duck pond and streams. However, tables and chairs must have round-bottomed legs to prevent holes in the ground. If that sounds like too much of a hassle, head to nearby Mazatlan restaurant for a reception with a Mexican flair (1615 Lincoln Ave. [714] 529-6666).

* El Adobe de Capistrano, 31891 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano. (949) 493-1163. A historic landmark (parts of the building date back to 1778), El Adobe offers receptions in an outdoor garden setting. Its Palenque room has a retractable ceiling in case of rain. Mexican and American fare offered.

* Four Seasons, 690 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach. (949) 759-0808. The place to go for an elegant resort setting. The hotel ballroom is well-suited for formal sit-down affairs. Wedding coordinators have high praise for the food and service.

* Five Crowns, 3801 E. Coast Highway, Corona del Mar. (949) 760-0331. For those who want their reception in an English country home--without traveling to merry olde England; restaurant also features lovely garden and patio. Menu has varied fare, but prime rib is a house specialty.

* Fullerton Arboretum, Associated Road and Yorba Linda Boulevard on Cal State Fullerton campus. (714) 278-3579. A 26-acre botanical garden with several sites for outdoor weddings amid waterfalls, streams and lush vegetation. With weather in mind, weddings are best from April to October.

* Green Parrot Cafe, 2035 N. Main St., Santa Ana. (714) 550-6040. Many people get married at the Bowers Museum and hold the reception across the street in this cafe’s pretty outdoor courtyard, featuring fountains and Spanish-style architecture. The cafe offers a varied cuisine, including pastas and Mexican fare, served in its art galleries.

* The Hacienda, 1725 College Ave., Santa Ana. (714) 558-1304. For those who like historical settings, this early California hacienda has an oasis-like courtyard with balconies and fountains. Eclectic menu includes French, American and Italian fare.

* Waterfront Hilton Beach Resort, 21100 Pacific Coast Highway, Huntington Beach. (714) 960-7873. True to its name, the Waterfront Ballroom offers a great ocean view, as do smaller reception rooms at the hotel. The outdoor Pacific Courtyard features turn-of-the-century gazebo, canvas pavilion and romantic walkways. International fare.

* Historic George Key Ranch, 625 W. Bastanchury Road, Placentia. (714) 528-4260. With its one-acre orange grove, historic ranch house and vintage farm equipment, the ranch offers a bit of Orange County’s agricultural past. Receptions are held next to the house beneath a giant oak tree, but alcohol is not allowed. Bring your own caterer.

* The Hyatt Newporter, 1107 Jamboree Road, Newport Beach. (949) 729-1234. With its lush tropical gardens, California-Mediterranean architecture and view of the Back Bay, the hotel has many options for receptions, from formal to relaxed. Catering service offers wide range of menu options.

* Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort (formerly Dana Point Resort), 25135 Park Lantern, Dana Point. (949) 487-7511. This hotel has three outdoor areas with ocean views for ceremonies and receptions, and an elegant grand ballroom with crystal chandeliers that can accommodate up to 600 guests. Flexible menu, including seafood, beef and pasta.

* Las Brisas, 361 Cliff Drive, Laguna Beach. (949) 497-5434. Las Brisas boasts of a panoramic ocean view and a creative menu specializing in seafoods of Mexico. Restaurant has a contemporary decor, and the patio is open for receptions from September to the end of May.

* Richard Nixon Library & Birthplace, 18001 Yorba Linda Blvd., Yorba Linda. (714) 993-3393. Love is in full bloom as couples exchange vows in the largest public rose garden in Orange County; receptions can be held outdoors or in the library foyer with its high vaulted ceiling. Available for hire are caterers who will re-create a White House menu.

* Orange Hill Restaurant, 6410 E. Chapman Ave., Orange. (714) 997-2910. Waterfalls, fireplaces and a to-die-for view from high on a hill make this a coveted reception spot. Couples can exchange vows on the private patio overlooking Orange. Orange Hill has two large banquet rooms and serves a continental cuisine.

* PJ’s Abbey, 182 S. Orange St., Orange. (714) 771-8556, Ext. 3. This century-old Victorian-style church with towering stained glass windows and tall ceilings makes for a charming reception site. Offers fine American cuisine that includes steak, fish and chicken.

* The Clubhouse at Pelican Hill (and tent), 22651 Pelican Hill Road South, Newport Coast. (949) 721-6460. On a bluff overlooking the ocean and Pelican Hill golf course, the clubhouse and adjacent tent have become popular sites for weddings thanks to their fabulous views. Clubhouse banquet facilities managed by Four Seasons hotel in Newport Beach. Catering for receptions in the tent available through Hyatt Regency Irvine or the Four Seasons. Filet mignon, salmon, veal and lamb are popular choices at both locales.

* Queen Mary, 1126 Queens Highway, Long Beach. (562) 435-3511. Feel like the star-crossed lovers of the movie “Titanic” without leaving the safety of the harbor. The luxury liner has a Royal Wedding Chapel and 16 Art Deco salons adorned with murals, wood paneling and leaded glass accents available for receptions. Many menu options.

* Rancho Capistrano, 29251 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano. (949) 347-4000. For couples who love old California, this historic adobe ranch house offers a Spanish patio, mission-style fountains and courtyard lawn, with views of lake and hills. Catering service has full range of menus.

* Rancho Las Lomas, 19191 Lawrence Canyon, Silverado. (949) 589-9630. A Mediterranean-style estate on 40 acres that includes a botanical garden, cozy alcoves where guests can retreat for privacy and a creek winding through the property under stone bridges. For a romantic touch, hosts can float flowers and candles in the blue-tiled pool. Book early.

* The Ritz Restaurant, 880 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach. (949) 720-1800. The perfect venue for an intimate affair, although it can hold up to 400 in four different dining areas. The Ritz has a warm, elegant atmosphere, a scenic garden patio and superior service. The food consistently earns high praise; noted for its Colorado rack of lamb and roast duckling.

* Ritz Carlton, 33533 Ritz Carlton Drive, Dana Point. (949) 240-2000. This place has it all: dreamy ocean views from its bluff-top location, romantic courtyard, beautiful ballroom and gourmet fare. Small wonder it was named “Most Romantic Hotel in the World” by Gourmet magazine. But it’s not inexpensive. Book early.

* Sequoia Conference Center, 7530 Orangethorpe Ave., Buena Park. (714) 739-4141. Featuring a massive sky dome, huge dance floor and grand ballroom for large parties. This is a good site for couples who think big, but don’t have huge budget. Variety of menus offered.

* Sherman Library and Gardens, 2647 E. Pacific Coast Highway, Corona del Mar. (949) 673-2261. The ultimate garden wedding--the grounds are lush and immaculate, and the in-house caterer serves “coastal garden cuisine.” Outdoor evening receptions feature sparkling twinkle lights throughout the grounds.

* The Summit House, 2000 E. Bastanchury Road, Fullerton. (714) 671-4111. Set on the highest point in the city, Summit House has a sweeping view. It offers fine American/European and Pacific Rim fare, along with traditional continental items such as prime rib, roast beef and duck.

* Surf & Sand Hotel, 1555 S. Coast Highway, Laguna Beach. (800) 664-7873. A Mediterranean-style beach resort with garden walkways and coastline views from terraces, patios and reception rooms. Guests can enjoy the sound of the surf and gourmet fare prepared by the hotel restaurant, Splashes.

* Tivoli Terrace, 650 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach. (949) 494-9650. Nestled against a hillside, Tivoli Terrace offers indoor and outdoor receptions in a garden setting complete with waterfalls and fountains. Varied cuisine, including French, American and Italian dishes, also served at Tivoli Too, 777 Laguna Canyon Road.

* Topaz Cafe at the Bowers Museum, 2002 N. Main St., Santa Ana. (714) 835-2002. The Bowers has a 1930s mission-style courtyard and the hip Topaz Cafe for receptions. Topaz is known for its creative cuisine with a Southwestern flavor.

* Tortilla Flats, 27792 Vista del Lago, Mission Viejo. (949) 830-9980. A Spanish-style building with pretty patios overlooking the lake and lots of plants, flowers and fountains for added ambience. Mexican and American fare offered.

* Victorian Manor Tea Room and Gardens, 1532 W. Yale Ave., Orange. (714) 998-2972. For old-fashioned romance, couples can stage their reception at this quaint Victorian house, with gardens that have a romantic footbridge, courtyard and fountain. Catering service provides all kinds of cuisine.

* Villa Nova, 3131 W. Coast Highway, Newport Beach. (949) 642-7880. This restaurant has the warm ambience of a villa in Tuscany with a view of Newport Harbor. Traditional Italian cuisine, including seafood, chicken and veal dishes.

* Westminster Manor Banquet & Catering House, 14041 Beach Blvd., Westminster. (714) 895-1171. Tudor-style estate features decorative brickwork, stained glass windows, Victorian artwork and interior adorned with English mahogany. Variety of menu options.

* Zov’s Bistro, 17440 E. 17th St., Tustin. (714) 838-8855. Zov’s serves Mediterranean food in a cozy bistro and patio that features twinkling lights, inviting greenery and fountain. Receptions are held on Sundays only.