La Jolla Wedding Bowl: Everything You Need to Know About Cost & Booking
The Wedding Bowl La Jolla is a highly desired hidden gem of a wedding venue hidden in plain view. This mesmerizing oceanfront setting offers the perfect backdrop for any occasion. With hues of pristine blue waters contrasted with grassy green seaside cliffs, it’s no wonder why people are encouraged to lock in their wedding reservations months–if not years–in advance. If you are in the market for the idealistic wedding in La Jolla, look no further, because Cuvier Park’s Wedding Bowl is a truly unmatched place to get hitched.
The Wedding Bowl has been around since the 1920’s, though back then it was more of a social hub for the residents, communities, and clubs of La Jolla to gather, connect, dance, and celebrate. This vibrant environment and chic aesthetic remains one of the top places on the California coast to gather–though primarily for holy matrimony.
If you want to relish the beauty of San Diego with guaranteed timeless photos, scenery, and gorgeous outdoor wedding decor, you’ve found the right place! La Jolla Bowl will wow your guests as the ultimate wedding experience.
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Why Choose The Wedding Bowl for Your Wedding
So what makes The Wedding Bowl La Jolla so special? Perhaps it is the simplicity, or the mesmerizing beauty of the blue waters melting into the blue sky at the horizon. Or could the proximity of the nearby cliffs, rippling waves, white sand beaches, and gentle ocean breeze? It’s undeniable–any beach lover couldn’t dream up a more magical setting for an elopement!
While this outdoor wedding venue is small in size, it is mighty in enchantment. Throw a beautifully shaped wedding arch and some floral arrangements into the mix and you’ve got yourself the most picture perfect backdrop to say “I Do.”
La Jolla Wedding Bowl Gallery
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Location Overview: Where is the Wedding Bowl?
The location of the Wedding Bowl in La Jolla is perched up right on the water, directly across the street from the San Diego Museum of Contemporary Art. It lies a bit more north than the La Jolla tide pools, and further west than La Jolla Park and Mount Soledad–just a few blocks from La Jolla Village. The address is 590 Coast S Blvd, La Jolla, CA 92037.
How to Get There
Whether you are traveling by plane, train, or car, you can easily access La Jolla Wedding Bowl. We all know that it is frowned upon to arrive tardy to someone’s special day, so keep tabs on traffic and leave some cushion for arrival time in case there are delays.
If you’re flying in from out of town, the park is less than a 20 minute car ride from the San Diego International Airport. You can easily grab a ride share, taxi, or rent a car. Be mindful of what time of day the wedding is, as traffic may delay your arrival during rush hour both in the mornings and afternoons–but not by too much–this isn’t LA!
By car take Route 52 West to La Jolla Parkway, then continue on as the street name becomes Torrey Pines Road. You’ll then take a right on Prospect Street and another right on Cuvier Street and voila! You’ve made it.
For those who love a good train ride, the nearest stations to this wedding venue are Nobel Drive Station and Balboa Avenue. You’ll want to either call a ride share or take the bus from one of these stations, as walking is out of the question–especially if you’re wearing fancy shoes!
Driving Tips
Whether you are hosting a La Jolla bowl wedding or simply attending, you’ll want to consider parking. There is strict parking enforcement surrounding the venue, and while parking around the area is free, on a warm day you can bet that it will be challenging to find parking close to the water. It is always best to leave at least 30 to 60 minutes before the ceremony starts to play it safe on finding a parking spot and getting situated at the Bowl.
About the Venue
Without question, this venue is one of the most sought after locations on the California coast, and with good reason! Feeling engulfed by the ocean and glassy shores provide an instant dose of happiness. The venue’s hours are between 8am and 8pm, great for the early risers or those who have plans for an after wedding celebration. What more to say? If you love the beach, ocean views, and a grand ol’ time–this place is sure to satisfy.
Permits & Regulations
A wedding permit is required in order to elope at this stunning location. That said, depending on what company you use to help you with your wedding, a permit fee may be included in a specific wedding package. Permit fees are roughly $200, give or take, and certain companies can maintain a permit on your behalf, depending on the agreement. Permits issued for wedding ceremonies are given a 4 hour time window, including setup and breakdown of the event.
Cost Breakdown
The cost breakdown of your wedding is dependent on several layers, but a rough breakdown of a wedding venue in La Jolla could be anywhere from $5000 to $30000. For more personalized estimates, you’ll want to consult with a wedding planning professional or wedding venue who can gauge the overarching costs (catering, beverages, music, staffing, decorations, seating arrangements, etc). If you have specific requirements for decor, seating, archways, props, etc. this should also be factored into total cost.
Venue Capacity
La Jolla Wedding Bowl is designed for intimate experiences, so if your party is on the larger side you may want to reconsider your attendee list and slim it down to fit the bill. Just kidding, but the venue capacity holds only 40 so bear that in mind when booking.
Weather Considerations
While there are many things to consider when wedding planning, arguably the most important consideration is the weather. San Diego residents are blessed with warm weather practically year round, though it does have its moments when it comes to the marine layer, fog, wind, rain, and on a rare occasion a heat wave.
If you prefer moderate temperatures between the mid 60’s and low 80’s with a very low chance of rain, late Spring and early Summer might be your best bet. However there is a chance of being confronted with May gray or June gloom. An alternative would be to tie the knot in early Fall–September or October, with agreeably warm and dry conditions.
Tips for the Perfect Wedding Day at The Wedding Bowl
Tips we have include planning as early as possible. Permits can take a long time to acquire, especially at a venue as highly sought after as the La Jolla Bowl, so it is best to secure your permit early on. If the time frame of your wedding doesn’t align with what is available, of course there are tons of other jaw-dropping wedding venues in San Diego to choose from.
For this particular venue, aim small in terms of your guest list. Consider whether bringing a plus one is something you’d like to offer given the venues small capacity. To help ensure that your guests will arrive on time and find parking, consider offering a shuttle service or party bus. This eliminates worry from all parties and gives your guests a chance to connect on the way to the venue to get amped up for your once-in-a-lifetime ceremony.
While San Diego mostly has agreeable weather, it doesn’t hurt to have a back up plan in the event it starts to sprinkle. It wouldn’t hurt to have an easy pop up gazebo ready to go if the rain gods randomly decided to spice it up with a heavy downpour.
Considering the venue does not offer receptions, planning to book a nearby spot for a reception–perhaps with some sort of limo or shuttle situation–wouldn’t be a bad idea. Lastly, while you are far above the ocean, if you plan to make it down to the water after taking some photos, you may want to check the tides. Safety first everyone!
Frequently Asked Questions About The Wedding Bowl
Can I set up chairs or decorations at the Wedding Bowl?
Elopement should be tailored to your needs, and if you have your own vision for decor and seating, no one should be able to stop you from carrying out that vision on your big day! It is permissible to set up chairs and decorations at the Wedding Bowl in La Jolla, however you will need a permit, to be acquired from the city’s permit department, whether you go through a wedding service or not.
Is the Wedding Bowl wheelchair accessible?
Yes! Even for those who do not typically need ADA accessible routes, it is recommended to use the ramp. On one side of the park there is a narrow staircase, and on the opposite side of the park there is a smooth entrance by the ramp.
Are there restrooms available at the Wedding Bowl?
Due to its proximity to the water, there are no restrooms available at the Wedding Bowl. Be sure to empty your bladder prior to the event to avoid having to leave the venue mid-ceremony.
Can we have a reception at the Wedding Bowl?
Receptions will not be permitted at the Wedding Bowl. That said, there are countless places to host your reception prior to the actual wedding ceremony, which can enliven things up for both you and your guests, and gives plenty of options for photo ops!
What is the best time of year to have a wedding at the Wedding Bowl?
The best time of year to have a wedding at the Wedding Bowl depends on several factors, including weather, anticipated crowds, high season, etc. If you prefer to have your ceremony with minimal crowds, then you’ll want to avoid booking your wedding during the busiest times of the year–holidays like Christmas, 4th of July, or the peak of Summer where tourists flock and crowds can ruin photos.
Generally speaking, there really is no bad month to get married, though you may want to opt for a month where less people are likely to be in the surrounding areas. October or early November, April and May are among the optimal times of year to book your wedding in San Diego.
Is there a time limit for events at the Wedding Bowl?
Yes, you will be allotted a 4 hour time frame to have your ceremony. This 4 hour period also includes setup and breakdown time, so be sure to factor that into your wedding planning.
Are you ready to lock in this lovely oasis for your elopement? With picturesque ocean views overlooking the La Jolla Cove, the charm is sure to captivate all of your wedding guests! Oh, and did we mention a wedding bowl is quite literally symbolic of marriage? In fact, a bowl represents a space to hold, foster, and nurture the love and connection the bride and groom have–how cute to get married in a bowl shaped venue to really close the loop (or should we say tie the knot!
Image credit: The license for the image at the top of this article was obtained from Adobe, and is copyright of LaJolla.com
Courtney is a San Diego-based, San Francisco bred millennial with a passion for design and self-expression. She prides herself in her charcuterie board making skills and has a soft spot for animals. When she’s not writing, you can catch her playing tennis and enjoying the diversity of events and restaurants San Diego has to offer.
