Perched high on the dramatic cliffs of Rancho Palos Verdes, Trump National Golf Club Los Angeles is now one of Southern California’s most iconic oceanfront wedding venues. Panoramic Pacific views, lush fairways, and luxury event spaces make it a dream location for couples — but few know the dramatic story of how this venue came to be.
A Shaky Beginning: The Ocean Trails Era
Before the Trump National name, the property was known as Ocean Trails Golf Club. Built on a breathtaking peninsula, it offered golfers unmatched ocean views — but the beauty came with a hidden risk. The area’s geology, shaped by sedimentary rock and steep cliffs, made it prone to landslides.
In June 1999, disaster struck just days before Ocean Trails’ grand opening. A massive landslide reactivated an ancient fault line and sent most of the 18th hole, walking trails, and portions of the bluff sliding into the Pacific Ocean. The collapse left the course unfinished, caused millions in damages, and even stranded a nearby resident on a newly formed island.
The Most Expensive Golf Hole in History
Restoring the property was no small task. Engineers launched a $20 million geotechnical project that required 1.25 million cubic yards of earth to rebuild and stabilize the land. At the time, golf historians called it “the most expensive single hole in golf history.”
But the delays and costs bankrupted the development. For three years, the property sat in limbo — partially open for golf, but far from its original vision.
The Trump Transformation
In 2002, Donald Trump purchased the 300-acre property and set out to complete the work. His vision: a world-class golf destination and luxury wedding venue that would withstand the test of time — and the forces of nature.
By 2006, Trump National Golf Club Los Angeles officially opened as an 18-hole championship course, with the stabilized 17th and 18th holes sitting atop advanced geological reinforcements. The venue combined elite golf with event spaces designed for weddings, corporate gatherings, and high-end celebrations.
A Luxury Wedding Destination
Today, Trump National Los Angeles is celebrated as one of California’s most exclusive oceanfront wedding venues. Couples exchange vows with panoramic cliffside views, host receptions in elegant ballrooms, and take stunning golden-hour portraits with the Pacific as their backdrop.
From intimate ceremonies to lavish celebrations, the venue offers:
Oceanfront ceremony sites overlooking the bluffs
Expansive ballrooms with floor-to-ceiling windows
Championship golf course views for unforgettable photo backdrops
World-class catering and event coordination services
What began as a near-catastrophe has evolved into a symbol of luxury, resilience, and timeless beauty — making Trump National Los Angeles not just a golf course, but a destination for unforgettable love stories.
Ready to Capture Your Trump National Wedding? At Prince Productions, we specialize in cinematic wedding videography and fine-art photography that captures the beauty, elegance, and emotion of your wedding day. If you’re planning a wedding at Trump National Golf Club Los Angeles, we’d be honored to tell your story.
