La Palapa Del Mar in Belmont ShoreYou don’t usually see the words “beach wedding” and “affordable” in the same sentence, but they go together quite nicely when describing the Del Mar Room. This family-owned establishment is really one of the few places in the area where you can get married on the sand, host a beautiful reception, and not have to be a Rockefeller to carry it off.Taking over the entire second floor of a beachfront building, the Del Mar Room comes with a lounge, bar, prefunction space (called the Mezzanine), changing areas for the bride and groom, and even a small private room for seniors, tired kids or anyone who needs to rest. But its most appreciated asset is probably the view, framed by floor-to-ceiling windows running the length of the west wall. During the day you can see Seal Beach, Catalina Island and the ocean stretching out before you; as evening falls, palm trees are silhouetted against the setting sun, and at night the vista glitters with city lights. Dining in the Del Mar Room can be quite a romantic experience, with tea candles or silver candelabras on the tables. The deep burgundy swag drapes, as well as the swags of fabric radiating out from the crystal chandelier overhead, soften the room and make it feel more intimate. French Empire-inspired details, like gilded mirrors and a gold fluted column topped with flowers add more sparkle to the space. The room works equally well for daytime tabletop décor to suit your taste.Parties are done buffet style, with all the food made fresh on site, displayed in the Mezzanine, and hand served by Del Mar staff. The cake is showcased in a special lattice gazebo with a petite chandelier to highlight the prized confection. After dinner, a band or DJ plays from a stage in the Del Mar Room, and guests can alternate between dancing and relaxing in one of two lounge areas. The first is the cocktail lounge across from the bar, and the second is a cozy niche at the far end of the Mezzanine, outfitted like a casual den with plumply cushioned wicker couches, an Oriental carpet and a coffee table.Since most couples that celebrate here opt to tie the knot on the beach, the Del Mar Room has a ceremony package that includes a Nantucket Gazebo, chairs set up on the sand, and an aisle runner (which looks ever so lovely sprinkled with rose petals). The bride gets ready upstairs in the Red Room, and then it’s just a few steps over to the beach for a glorious sunshine or sunset wedding.The Del Mar staff has worked together for over 10 years, and is very experienced at planning events. They’ll provide a wedding coordinator (at no cost) so you don’t have to hire one, and since they only allow a single event per day, you’ll have plenty of time to enjoy yourselves.