With gorgeous weather, beautiful bays and beaches, stunning views, and historic charm, the San Diego area offers a wonderful mix of wedding venues.
San Diego is home to some of the world’s top resorts, making them ideal wedding venue choices. Your guests can enjoy a host of amenities and activities and you’ll have your pick of garden, bay, or beach ceremony locations. These spectacular full-service properties are also ideal for couples planning destination weddings.
But the San Diego area is more than just resort-style weddings. There are romantic properties reflecting the area’s rich past, restaurants with unique themes, fun and flexible event venues, and even classic paddlewheel boats.
Here are some of our favorites to go on your list of must-see wedding venues in the San Diego area. We’re sure one will help make the wedding of your dreams.
Top San Diego Wedding Venues
Bahia Resort Hotel
Max. Capacity: 500
This premier resort overlooking Mission Bay offers beachfront and garden wedding ceremonies, a fabulous ballroom, indoor spaces for more intimate occasions, an expansive terrace, and two paddlewheel vessels for a true wedding on the water.
Exchange your vows on a secluded bay beach with hillside views or in the historic wedding gazebo next to the lagoon. Then take the party to the Mission Bay Ballroom, a penthouse with breathtaking views from floor to ceiling windows, marble top bars, and crystal chandeliers. Add a voyage on one of the sternwheelers so your guests can take in San Diego’s sites or even host your reception onboard.
Cosmopolitan Hotel & Restaurant
Max. Capacity: 300
Located in the heart of Old Town San Diego Historic State Park, this property was built as a state-of-the-art adobe home in 1827. After several reincarnations – from stagecoach stop to cannery, to Mexican restaurant – The Cosmopolitan has returned to its historic roots and glory.
There’s a lush garden courtyard for ceremonies and receptions. Surrounding it is the hotel’s balcony where your guests can get a bird’s eye view of your wedding celebration. And your bridal party and special guests will step back in time with 10 antique appointed rooms at this boutique hotel.
Paradise Point Resort & Spa
Max. Capacity: 400
This island resort on Mission Bay is secluded while still convenient to the airport, downtown, and top attractions. This 44-acre island has verdant gardens, peaceful lagoons, bayfront lawns and pristine beaches along with three beautiful ballrooms. And if you’re looking for a beachfront wedding without the sand, you’ll love the Sunset Terrace.
Each of the venue’s ballrooms offers outstanding Southern California views along with terraces overlooking the bay or gardens. And if you’re planning a South Asian wedding, this resort specializes in Indian weddings – from a groom’s grand entrance to building a stage for the festivities.
Bali Hai Restaurant
Max. Capacity: 200
What can you say about a Polynesian restaurant that keeps count of the number of Mai Tai’s served on its website? How about FUN! Located on Shelter Island, this culinary landmark boasts a circular room giving a 360-degree view of San Diego Bay and downtown.
There’s also an outdoor bayfront pavilion allowing couples to take advantage of San Diego’s exquisite climate. And for more intimate wedding receptions, the Tiki Room offers private party space for 30. Choose from a luau buffet, plated meal service, or private brunch buffet.
San Diego Mission Bay Resort
Max. Capacity 700
Intimate or lavish, this bayside resort can fill the bill. The three ballrooms are designed for flexibility and can accommodate from 50 to 700 guests. Ceremonies are held on the beach or in the garden by the bay. And the resort’s all-inclusive wedding packages cover you from cocktail hour to wedding cake.
Choose from one of the resort’s theme buffets – Old World, Pacific Rim, Mexican, or Around the World. And if you’re looking for a more casual reception, consider a wedding brunch at Solrisa, the resort’s casual California lounge with views of the boardwalk and Mission Bay.
The Point
Max. Capacity: 200
Have big wedding daydreams but a not-so-big budget? This San Diego event venue offers price-friendly ceremony and reception packages. You choose the caterer and bar service that fit your needs and wallet.
The Bay Room & Garden is an indoor/outdoor space with an open floor plan and lots of natural light. And it features a living plant chandelier! You can also have a sunset ceremony under the palm trees in front of a custom wooden arch. And with waterfront access, you can sail off happily ever after.
Catamaran Resort Hotel
Max. Capacity: 350
Take your pick of sand or lawn ceremony sites. The South Beach Lawn offers a grand staircase for a memorable entrance. Or say “I Do” in the Garden Gazebo. This peaceful tropical setting is perfect for smaller guest lists.
The Catamaran lives up to its island name with the Kon Tiki Ballroom. This Polynesian-style ballroom is accented by its South Pacific-inspired cathedral ceiling and elegant chandeliers. And the Aviary Ballroom overlooks the bay and offers an open-air balcony. You can also host an outdoor reception on one of the two lawns.
Mt. Woodson Castle
Max. Capacity: 350
If you’re searching for a fairytale wedding location that offers gorgeous “first look” photos, you must put this historic venue in Romona on your must-see list. Built-in 1921 by San Diego fashion designer Amy Strong, Mt. Woodson Castle offers 12 picturesque acres and Craftsman-style architecture. Your youngest guests have their own party space with a children’s playroom. And best of all, there’s a windmill!
All-inclusive wedding planning includes your choice of ceremony and reception sites, a buffet, a day of venue coordinator, and decor from “Amy’s Closet.” You will need to select your wedding pros from their Approved Vendor List.
Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa
Max. Capacity: 420
This La Jolla resort combines Hacienda-style architecture with nine acres of gardens. The Garden Courtyard contains over 100 botanical varieties and showcases two sweeping staircases and a trickling fountain. And ceremonies for up to 130 guests can be held on the charming Olive Lawn.
The resort’s La Jolla Ballroom offers upscale, custom-designed decor, walnut floors, and wrought iron chandeliers and candelabras. The connecting garden patio makes a terrific spot for a lounge, cigar bar, or photo booth. A professional wedding coordinator is required.
Tom Ham’s Lighthouse
Max. Capacity: 230
Californian Tom Ham infused his love of the state’s history and adventure into the design of this restaurant, shaping it in the form of the state itself and incorporating the working Beacon #9 Lighthouse into its design. The private ceremony site pays homage to the San Diego art scene. It spotlights a one-of-a-kind sculptural backdrop by local artist Christopher Puzio.
You and your wedding guests will enjoy views of downtown San Diego and Coronado Island. The California Room has a wrap-around patio overlooking San Diego Bay. And your guests can choose from four hotels just half a mile away.
Martin Johnson House
Max. capacity 130
As part of the Scripps Institution of Oceanography, the historic oceanfront cottage, built-in 1916, has two patios, a courtyard, and a lawn for ceremonies. You and your guests will enjoy breathtaking LaJolla views and lush cypress trees. Must choose from their list of required caterers.
The Dana on Mission Bay
Max. capacity 250
While this gorgeous resort may offer three ceremony locations, it hosts only one wedding at a time. What could be more romantic than exchanging vows on the Sunset Lawn? And ballroom can accommodate up to 250, so you always have a Plan B.
Tower Beach Club
Max. capacity 150
A relatively new beach club venue (built in 2019), this space offers an open-air bar and patio for a relaxed wedding reception. The open floor plan works well for 150 with a dance floor. Enjoy Mission Bay views and an adjacent park-like waterfront for an outdoor ceremony. Bring your own caterer and bar (provided you have a licensed and insured bartending service).
Harbor View Loft
Max. capacity 200
Some happy couples call this a “hidden gem” of a San Diego wedding venue. Enjoy a 360-degree backdrop of marina views and city lights from the wraparound balcony. And there’s outdoor space for ceremonies or cocktails.
The Thursday Club
Max. capacity 150
Built in 1927 in the Spanish architectural style, this Point Loma clubhouse sits on a half-acre with a stunning ocean view. Vibrant gardens offer a flowing fountain, green arbors, trellises, and winding paths. The comfortable indoor space includes a stage for a band or DJ.
The Guild Hotel
Max. capacity 250
This brand new downtown hotel is housed in a century-old YMCA building. The two ballrooms were once the basketball court and the pool. Convenient to the San Diego Zoo, Balboa Park and Seaport Village. Part of Marriott’s Tribute Portfolio.
Coasterra
Max. capacity 300
Celebrate modern Mexican cuisine at this premier bayfront dining establishment. The floating event center is a wonderful covered patio that holds up to 120 and provides beautiful night views of the city skyline.
Tower23 Hotel
Max. capacity 80
If you’re planning an intimate wedding, this ocean view boutique hotel is just the place. Tower23 Hotel gets its name from a lifeguard tower positioned on Pacific Beach right by the hotel. Jrdn Restaurant offers fresh, seasonal menus.
La Valencia Hotel
Max. capacity 175
This Mediterranean-style luxury resort and hotel is set on the La Jolla coastline and has been an iconic San Diego wedding venue for nearly 100 years! The property bills itself as “Hollywood Glamour on the California Riviera.” Romantic garden ceremonies for up to 150 and a ballroom with oceanfront views that can comfortably seat 175.
Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens (Escondido)
Max. Capacity: 150
If you and your guests appreciate environmental responsibility as well as finely crafted beer, you’ll enjoy this special wedding location. And if your tastes lean towards the grape, there’s also an extensive wine list.
Start with a garden ceremony, then make use of the beautiful indoor/outdoor settings for cocktails and reception. In-house catering offers “farm to fork” custom menus in a variety of styles. And with a minimum of only 25 guests, this venue is ideal for intimate weddings.
Marina Village Conference Center
Max. Capacity: 350
This waterfront venue has a choice of indoor spaces with incredible vistas and two outdoor ceremony locations with picturesque marina backdrops.
Each room has its own exceptional features, including vaulted ceilings and loft spaces, curved walls, built-in dance floors, and second-story views. Off-premise caterers permitted. Convenient to the airport, beaches, and Downtown San Diego.
Carmel Mountain Ranch Estate
Max. Capacity: 400
Combine reception elegance with Mother Nature for a spectacular setting. The Mountain View Terrace room boasts 180 degrees of breathtaking scenery.
Here you’ll find ornate chandeliers, high vaulted ceilings, crown molding, and a custom hardwood dance floor. And it’s all just steps away from beautiful gardens for an outdoor ceremony. In-house catering provided.
Water Conservation Garden
Max. Capacity: 350
San Diego is the ideal location for outside wedding celebrations. Located in El Cajon, you’ll find nearly six acres of beautiful surroundings and unique spaces at this environmental treasure.
You’ll make wedding memories with a ceremony in the Victorian Gazebo. Spacious patios and courtyards await your reception vision with swaying palm trees, lush gardens, and twinkling lights. Bring your choice of caterer and alcohol is permitted.
Birch Aquarium
Max. Capacity: 500
Invite some aquatic guests to your wedding! Your family and friends will enjoy dramatic ocean views and the exhibits are part of the reception entertainment at this flexible event space.
Located in La Jolla, the aquarium hosts exclusive after-hours events as well as semi-private daytime functions. Exclusive catering partners have been selected for their commitment to the environment. And your rental fee supports the aquarium’s exhibits and educational programs.
Sheraton San Diego Hotel and Marina
Max. Capacity: 350
Soak in waterfront views in the heart of San Diego Harbor. This full-service property is a top choice for a wedding with lots of out-of-town guests.
Choose the outside ceremony space with a view of the marina or the charming garden terrace. Then adjourn to one of five elegant ballrooms or host your reception on the Bay View Lawn. All-inclusive packages – and always a Plan B if it rains.
Kona Kai Resort
Max. Capacity: 750 (outside); 600 (inside)
Surrounded by magnificent views of Shelter Island waterways, this grand resort has its own private beach. Take your vows in the sand as the sun sets, then enjoy a night under the stars.
This property also offers the spacious Point Loma Ballroom with floor-to-ceiling windows and crystal chandeliers. Smaller weddings (up to 80 guests) fit perfectly in the Coronado Room which opens onto the Cabo Courtyard. Select from several locations for your outdoor ceremony.
Mission Beach Women’s Club
Max. Capacity: 120
This non-profit club has been helping the San Diego community since 1926. Exchange your “I Do’s” under the club’s white arch in front of the water.
The bayside patio is great for cocktail time. The charming historical cottage includes a fully equipped caterer’s kitchen. Show your video montage on the projection screen. Generous time frame with 8 hours of exclusive use and a terrific list of preferred vendors.
Coronado Cays Yacht Club
Max. Capacity: 250
Thinking of a nautical wedding theme? Then check out this coastal wedding venue on tranquil San Diego Bay.
Enjoy an outdoor waterfront ceremony with panoramic views before you and your guests’ party in the clubhouse. Want your pooch at the ceremony? CCYC is pet friendly! In-house catering and bar service make for stress-free reception planning.
Scripps Seaside Forum
Max. Capacity: 200
This environmentally responsible venue features modern, award-winning architecture just steps from La Jolla Shores. Here’s where cutting-edge meets the water’s edge.
The tiled veranda is ideal for your ceremony and cocktail time. The Samuel H. Scripps Auditorium offers an open floor plan and floor-to-ceiling windows. Caterer is required from an approved list. Bring your own alcohol (must be served by their in-house beverage provider).
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