The Best Wedding Venues In San Diego
February 14th, 2024
Hello and welcome! My name is Ben and I'm a wedding photographer and videographer based in San Diego, California. As a seasoned wedding photographer I am blessed to have the opportunity to explore some of the most beautiful venues in California. Today however, I'm going to share some of my favorite and the best wedding venues in San Diego. Whether you’re looking for a beach, or a get away at a private golf course this list will have something for you. You can also click the names of each of the venues for more details and info if one of these catches your eyes!
Grand Tradition Estate and Gardens
In the heart of Fallbrook lies Grand Tradition Estate and Gardens. So much beautiful scenery at this venue. From the moment you walk in, expectations are set high, and it does NOT disappoint. From the romantic waterfall garden ceremony to the unlimited photo locations here, this is one of my top recommendations for couples that want to be surrounded by lush greenery on their wedding day! In terms of pricing, It does start a bit higher at around ~15,000-20,000 and includes all you would need for a wedding such as getting ready suites, and separate cocktail hour, ceremony and reception spaces.
Cuvier Club
Located at the coastal beauty of La Jolla, Cuvier Club stands as a beacon of elegance and charm. This venue offers a ceremony at Cuvier Park with an exceptional view of the La Jolla cove, or an outdoor garden ceremony surrounded by botanical greenery and flowers. Followed by a reception in a grand hall with romantic string lights and Japanese style paper lanterns. Pricing varies throughout the year but they do have a minimum spend of $15,000 during the busy season. With also a variety of different options for your bridal suite, ceremony, reception, and even sparklers!
The Point
The Point is an amazing beach/bay option for smaller weddings, they offer two options for the ceremony. The lawn which provides a stunning 180 degree view of Mission Bay or the beach ceremony which gives a great view of the beach and the pacific beach pier to the north side and belmont park to the south. Being a smaller venue they don’t offer a getting ready suite but also being in the vacation rental capital of the city, it isn’t tough to find somewhere to get ready. Although I say small, weddings can still hold up to 120 guests and the prices range from $6,000-10,000.
Vista Valley Country Club
Vista Valley is a unique wedding venue that combines historical elegance with natural beauty. It features a canopy of trees under a large wooden arbor draped in crawling ivy, adding to the idyllic setting for your ceremony. Following the choice of an indoor space highlighted by a grand fireplace, wooden rafters, and tiered chandeliers or an outdoor reception can be under the stars. They offer bride and groom getting ready suites in the terracotta stone French style building, along with stunning views of the valley! The wedding package at Vista Valley ranges from $4,000 to $10,000 and menu prices vary from $125 to $205. Keep in mind there's a minimum guest requirement of 100 Sunday-Friday or 125 on Saturday and a 22% service charge.
The Oaks at Duncan Lane
The Oaks at Duncan Lane is a charming and newly built wedding venue in the mountains of Pala, California. It offers a serene countryside setting with overhanging trees and string lights, a perfect setting for couples seeking a peaceful and natural ambiance for their special day. They offer an all inclusive package that starts at $9,750 with a $1,500 bar service add-on. The photo locations are phenomenal at this venue ranging from mountains to the forest, and of course I already mentioned the string lights which makes for a really romantic reception!
Carlsbad Windmill
The Carlsbad Windmill is a luxurious and contemporary wedding venue, blending a historic windmill's old-world charm with modern styling. The indoor space features airy bright rooms with cathedral ceilings, urban beams, and modern chandeliers. Pricing varies throughout the year but they do have a minimum spend of $15,000 during the busy season. In terms of photo locations you have plenty of options like the courtyard with the gazebo, the balcony, out front of the windmill and even if you want to leave the venue you can go to the state beach and Terrmar point. This is also a great venue if you are willing to take a chance with the weather and go with a winter wedding as it's all inside and accommodates bad weather really well.
La Jolla Shores Hotel
A Venue like the La Jolla Shores Hotel is one of the easiest venues to get a beach ceremony with an equally stunning reception. They do have multiple options starting around ~$7,500 depending on the time of year, but I would say a more fair budget is 10-15k for this venue. Like I said you have multiple options indoor and out for your reception. Keep in mind if you do want to do a beach ceremony it does require a permit if you have more than 50 guests. This venue does a great job blending the natural beauty of its coastal location with touches, offering a unique and memorable experience for your wedding ceremony.
Flora
Flora, located in East Village, Downtown San Diego, is a chic and versatile wedding venue that combines urban elegance with a touch of nature. This 5,000 sq ft space features lofted ceilings, a 70-foot living wall, skylights, and over 130 live plants, offering a capacity of 150 guests. It's surrounded by fantastic photo spots like Horton Plaza Park and Balboa Park, with convenient parking options nearby. Wedding packages at Flora start around $11,250, with total expenses usually ranging from $13,000 to $18,000. While there are no on-site getting ready suites, its central location compensates for the travel needs of vendors. Ideal for modern couples seeking a unique, downtown experience, Flora provides a customizable, sophisticated setting with the option to bring in outside vendors and caterers, ensuring a seamless and memorable event.
