Top San Diego Wedding Venues
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San Diego is a city that is the perfect choice for all of life’s major events. So it is natural to have chosen it as the place you will tie the knot. La Jolla weddings are always special. The only question is where to get married in San Diego. You can randomly point to any spot on the map and end up making an exceptionally good choice. That said, we don’t recommend it. There are much better ways to choose.
Outdoor wedding venues in San Diego are plentiful. Small wedding venues in San Diego offer a more intimate setting. Sometimes, the key to making the event truly special is to heavily curate the guest list to those people in your life that constitute your inner circle. A wedding does not have to be big to mean everything to those who participated. If you are not careful, you can end up in a paralysis of indecision. That’s no good for anyone. Here are a few suggestions for narrowing down your options:
How to Find The Best San Diego Wedding Venues
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One of the benefits of San Diego wedding venues is the endless diversity. There is no exhaustive list of the best wedding venues in San Diego. So rather than try to find the best venue, try thinking about what the best venue would be for suiting your particular needs. The first thing you need to consider is the price. In 2019, the cost of the average wedding was around $34,000. How much of that do you want to spend on the venue?
You can do it for as little as a few hundred dollars to over $20,000. There are also special needs to consider. Do you need a Jewish wedding with appropriate catering? Not everyone specializes in that. How about a wheelchair-accessible venue? Or, maybe you want a wedding website builder showcasing all your nuptial moments to share with friends and family. Identifying your special needs will narrow things down quickly. Finally, there is a matter of size. Event halls and other popular wedding locations are very specific about capacity. Here are a few other considerations:
What to Look for in a San Diego Wedding Venue
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Do you need everything done indoors? Some venues are indoors-only. For some people, that’s a bug. For others, a feature. Another thing to consider is the bar. Some are strictly BYOB. Others require you only use their alcohol service. Be sure to check this small detail before booking. Venues with multiple elements will often have different fees and capacities for those elements. So if you are shifting from one spot to another, be sure the capacity in both spots can handle your guest list. There are a lot of small details like this to consider.
When to Start Searching for a Wedding Venue in San Diego
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Choosing and securing the venue has to be the first thing you do. Everything else depends on it. Eighteen months out is a good general rule. If you use a place like Torrey Pines, you need to book as far in advance as possible. The same goes for hotels and cottages. The bigger the guest list, the earlier the rooms have to be booked if you want to keep everyone together. You can likely secure small events in public parks as early as six months out. Send out save the date postcards the moment you have decided on a date.
Types of Wedding Venues to Consider in San Diego
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Churches, hotels, and parks are obvious. A barefoot beach wedding is less obvious. But you wouldn’t be the first to do it. If you are getting married on a beach in San Diego, you will need to start the process of finding caterers and musicians who can accommodate that need pretty early in the process. There are plenty of San Diego beach wedding venues. If you want to leave the beaten path, check out some of the Airbnb wedding venues San Diego has on offer.
You can also get married on a boat. It is hard to beat the romantic factor of a wedding at sea. If you want something different, get married on horseback. This option is permissible at some county parks. One of the most fun and interesting venues for a wedding is the zoo. It is great for those who want to take a walk on the wild side.
Popular San Diego Wedding Venues
If you are looking for something a bit more traditional, here are a few elements for your consideration. They range in style and price. The least of them is elegant, and they go up from there. These are all popular venues, so be sure to book early.
Hilton La Jolla Torrey Pines
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The Grande Ballroom at the Hilton La Jolla Torrey Pines can accommodate your guest list of up to 1,500. That is a lot of friends and family enjoying the first-class treatment, including fine dining from world-class chefs. Torrey Pines is one of the most prestigious golf destinations in the world; it is gorgeous on TV and breathtaking in person.
This option is one of the more unique wedding venues in San Diego and can cater to your individual needs, including Indian, Persian, and Jewish weddings. Dietary requirements are also taken into consideration.
As far as location goes, the Hilton Torrey Pines is a great wedding venue because it is relatively easy to access by guests traveling from any direction in San Diego. Eventually they’ll find themselves on the I-5 freeway. Guests traveling from out of town can stay at the Hilton.
- Address: 10950 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA
- Phone: (858) 450-4515
The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe
This wedding venue accommodates 400 people for seating and buffet and 600 standing. The price per person ranges from $50 – $150 plus additional fees. That said, you get a lot of bang for your buck. You can be indoors or outdoors and enjoy options like catering, alcohol, music, and the works.
Eighty guests can stay in the 17 cottages. You can even secure cottages for individuals on the 21 acres. It is an ideal location for photos, the ceremony, reception, and even your honeymoon.
- Address: 5951 Linea Del Cielo, Rancho Santa Fe, CA
- Phone: (858) 381-8241
San Diego Botanic Garden
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This option is one of the surprisingly cheap wedding venues in San Diego. It is also among the best Garden wedding venues in San Diego. The picturesque setting offers many options for your special event. Venue pricing ranges from $950 to $5.500. Settings include:
- The Victorian Gazebo Lawn
- The Walled Garden
- Lawn House Garden
- The Waterfall View Deck
The Gazebo Lawn can accommodate 300 seated or 200 at tables. The Waterfall View Deck is limited to 30. Therefore, each setting should get considered individually as the accommodations and pricing does vary. Funds from weddings go to preserving this 37-acre treasure.
- Address: 300 Quail Gardens Dr. Encinitas, CA 92024
- Phone: (760) 436-3036 x211
Brick
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This option offers an indoor venue with a maximum capacity of 220. That number does not change whether the guests are seated or standing. It also does not shift between ceremony and reception. If that works for you, prepare yourself for an elegant event in a luxurious and customizable environment.
Venue pricing ranges from $2,500 – $7,500
Event packages range from $21,500 to $23.500
The options include hors-d’oeuvres, brunch, hi-resolution digital photography, music, and so much more. This selection is not a cookie-cutter affair. Your special day will be uniquely yours.
- Address: 4863 Historic Decatur Rd., San Diego, CA 92106
- Phone: (619) 432-7597
Carmel Mountain Ranch Estate
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The Aberdeen Lawn can accommodate 500, while the Mountain View Terrace Ballroom puts the cap at 200. There are a variety of spaces from which to choose. The main hall offers breathtaking mountain views. What else would you expect from a venue with mountain, ranch, and estate in one name? It easily delivers on the promise of elegance and decadence.
They have you covered from oft-overlooked details like a changing room for the groom to full dining in high style. No detail is too small.
All your wedding wishes are covered. You will have to contact them for pricing.
- Address: 14050 Carmel Ridge Rd, San Diego, CA
- Phone: (858) 487-9224
Hidden Gems: Lesser-Known San Diego Wedding Venues
As you’re dreaming and scheming about perfect San Diego wedding venues, you might be surprised to know that there are several unlikely but special options that may tick all your boxes for marriage ceremony bliss. These lesser-known gems might not be the top wedding venues in San Diego – but they are certainly worth consideration:
Paradise Point Resort and Spa
Located on its own island in Mission Bay, this tropical paradise offers beach, garden, and bayside settings.
- Address: 1404 Vacation Rd, San Diego, CA 92109
- Phone: (858) 240-4913
Darlington House
A historical gem in La Jolla, the Darlington House boasts a mix of architectural styles and romantic gardens. Its charm and beauty make the Darlington House a great contender among wedding venues in San Diego.
- Address: 7441 Olivetas Ave, La Jolla, CA 92037
- Phone: (858) 454-7625
Leo Carrillo Ranch Historic Park
A hidden oasis, this venue offers rustic charm with its vintage structures and roaming peacocks.
- Address: 6200 Flying Leo Carrillo Ln, Carlsbad, CA 92009
- Phone: (760) 476-1042
Eco-Friendly Wedding Venues in San Diego
Some of the most meaningful wedding venues in San Diego are the ones that honor our precious planet. Here are a few key choices for environmentally conscious couples to consider:
The Cology Center
A hub for environmental sustainability, this place also doubles as a serene wedding venue. If you, your partner, and your wedding party are advocates for the environment, this might be a fresh pick among the best wedding venues in San Diego
- Address: (This is technically located in San Juan Capistrano, outside of San Diego) 32701 Alipaz St, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
- Phone: (949) 443-4223
Terra Madre Gardens
An organic farm and event venue in one, it promises a beautiful backdrop and sustainable practices.
- Address: 9928 Protea Gardens Rd, Escondido, CA 92026
- Phone: (760) 505-7900
Unique and Quirky San Diego Wedding Venues
For nuptials a little outside the traditional scene, here are a few options to ponder:
San Diego Air and Space Museum
Tie the knot amid historic aircraft and spacecraft.
- Address: 2001 Pan American Plaza, San Diego, CA 92101
- Phone: (619) 234-8291
Maritime Museum of San Diego
Get hitched aboard one of the museum’s historic ships.
- Address: 1492 N Harbor Dr, San Diego, CA 92101
- Phone: (619) 234-9153
Queen Califia’s Magical Circle
This colorful, mystical sculpture garden designed by Niki de Saint Phalle offers a whimsical setting.
- Address: 3333 Bear Valley Pkwy S, Escondido, CA 92025 (Inside Kit Carson Park)
- Phone: (760) 839-4691
Affordable Wedding Venues in San Diego
For those on a budget, San Diego offers a range of wedding venues that provide charm and beauty without breaking the bank.
The Thursday Club
A historic venue in Point Loma, The Thursday Club offers an elegant setting for a reasonable price.
- Address: 1224 Santa Barbara St, San Diego, CA 92107
- Phone: (619) 224-5264
Cosmopolitan Hotel and Restaurant
When considering the best wedding venues, San Diego Old Town might be your best bet. The Cosmopolitan Hotel and Restaurant located in Old Town San Diego offers historical charm at an affordable price.
- Address: 2660 Calhoun St, San Diego, CA 92110
- Phone: (619) 297-1874
Marina Village Conference Center
Set right by the water, Marina Village offers a serene setting. Compared to other San Diego venues, this location might be a good choice for its multiple venue options that will suit different budgets.
- Address: 1936 Quivira Way, San Diego, CA 92109
- Phone: (619) 222-1620
Cuvier Club
Known for its beautiful courtyard and affordability, the Cuvier Club provides a lovely backdrop for both ceremonies and receptions.
- Address: 7776 Eads Ave, La Jolla, CA 92037
- Phone: (858) 459-1685
What is the Average Cost of a Wedding Venue in San Diego?
While prices for San Diego venues vary greatly depending on the location, size, and inclusions, couples can expect to spend anywhere from $3,000 to $30,000 for a venue. Always check with individual venues for specific pricing details.
Conclusion
The truly magical thing about getting married in San Diego is, while countless thousands are married there every month, no two weddings are the same. In San Diego, everything is uniquely yours. You can choose based on budget, size, or favorite sci-fi franchise. While they call it a wedding day, it is an event that will live in your heart for a lifetime.
About the author: David Johnson is a professional writer whose relationship with La Jolla started with a family vacation at a young age. A former professional musician, he enjoys creating music in his free time.
