Top San Diego Wedding Venues
Finding a wedding venue can be the hardest part about planning your wedding. It really dictates so much more of the planning process. So I've broken down some of my favorite wedding venues for you through a photographers perspective and someone who has photographed there often.
1: The Darlington House
The Darlington House is a dreamy house right out of the 1920's! The house was inspired by Spanish and Moroccan Architect, so it showcases beautiful courtyards and character. The Darlington House in La Jolla, San Diego is such a great venue if you are planning a wedding for a more intimate wedding or a big wedding! The venue allows for both!
The Darlington House is just two blocks away from La Jolla beaches and right next to downtown La Jolla. After talking with the venue host, I learned that the Darlington House was built in the 1920’s and Mrs. Darlington herself traveled all round the world for architectural inspiration! Throughout the house you can see bits and pieces from everywhere, like the Spanish and Moroccan tiles, which makes for some pretty epic settings for photos! A photographer's dream space!
It is also just a few blocks away from the beach, so during sunset hour it is super easy to walk down to the sand and take your couple photos!
FAQs about the Darlington House
1. What is the capacity of Darlington House for weddings and events?
- The venue can accommodate up to 150 guests for a wedding ceremony and reception.
2. Can we bring in our own outside vendors, such as florists or photographers?
- Yes, you are welcome to bring in your preferred vendors, or you can choose from the venue's list of recommended vendors.
3. Is there a designated bridal suite for the bride and her bridesmaids to get ready on the wedding day?
- Yes, Darlington House provides a beautiful and spacious bridal suite for the bride and her bridal party to prepare and relax before the ceremony. Side note though, the house is so old that you will not be able to do hair at the venue since the electrical is so old in the upstairs and will not be able to handle a hair dryer or curler.
4. Do they offer on-site catering services, or do we need to hire an external caterer?
- You have the option to choose from the venue's list of preferred caterers who have experience in providing top-quality food for weddings, or you can bring in your own caterer with prior approval.
5. Is parking available for guests attending the event?
- There is limited street parking available around Darlington House, but I have seen many time Valet parking is available.
6. Are there any noise restrictions or curfews at the venue?
- The Darlington house is in a residential neighborhood, there is a noise curfew at Darlington House, typically ending at 10:00 PM. Outdoor music must also adhere to local noise regulations.
2: Leo Carrillo Ranch in Carlsbad
Leo Carrillo Ranch is a historic venue nestled in the heart of Carlsbad, California. I love this venue because it is so pretty and has SO many great spots for photos! There are cacti everywhere, old Spanish style buildings, and it even had peacocks roaming around! If your lucky you might even see the famous albino peacock!
This venue is all outdoors, so it's better for those summer months. The venue is also very large, so it gives you lots of options for where to have your ceremony.
This is a great venue if your looking for a rustic desert venue.
Ceremony and Reception Space
In weddings I have photographed at Leo Carrillo Ranch, most have their ceremony in a little courtyard area with a massive oak tree as a backdrop. Then Guests walk down a few stairs to a lawn area for the reception. I’ve also seen ceremonies in front of the main ranch house as well which would be good for larger weddings.
Capacity and Accommodation
Leo Carrillo Ranch offers a versatile range of accommodation options to cater to couples hosting weddings of various sizes. With its diverse event spaces, the venue can accommodate intimate gatherings as well as larger celebrations with ease.
- The venue's outdoor garden areas can host ceremonies and receptions for up to 120 guests.
- For couples planning a more grand affair, Leo Carrillo Ranch can facilitate tented events to accommodate larger guest lists while maintaining the rustic charm and allure of the location.
Accommodation
While Leo Carrillo Ranch does not offer on-site accommodations for guests, there are numerous lodging options available in the surrounding area to suit various preferences and budgets. From boutique hotels to cozy bed-and-breakfasts, guests attending weddings at Leo Carrillo Ranch can find comfortable and convenient places to stay nearby.
Catering Options
Leo Carrillo Ranch offers a flexible approach to catering, allowing couples the freedom to choose their preferred caterer for their special day. This catering policy enables couples to customize their wedding menu according to their taste, dietary preferences, and budget.
Bar Services
- Couples have the option to arrange bar services through their selected caterer or hire a separate vendor for beverage service.
- The venue allows flexibility in customizing bar services to suit the couple's preferences, whether they opt for an open bar, cash bar, or a combination of both.
3: Botanical Gardens
The San Diego Botanical Gardens, formerly known as Quail Botanical Gardens, is located in Encinitas, California. The garden's history dates back to 1957 when it was established by a small group of local enthusiasts aiming to create a space that celebrates and showcases diverse plant species.
This venue is so much fun because there is so much unique greenery, that you can go wild with all the places to take photos! You really can't go wrong in any area of the gardens.
The Gardens also has tons of spots to choose from for ceremony and receptions spaces depending on how big your wedding is.
This is the perfect venue for anyone looking for a garden oasis!
FAQ's
1. What are the available event spaces for weddings at the San Diego Botanical Gardens?
-Various picturesque indoor and outdoor spaces are available, including the Walled Garden, Lawn House Garden, and Hamilton Children's Garden.
2. Can we choose our own vendors for services like catering, photography, and decorations?
-While the gardens have a list of preferred vendors, couples are often allowed to choose their own vendors with prior approval from the venue.
3. Is there parking available for guests attending the wedding?
-Yes, the venue provides ample parking facilities for guests.
4. Are there indoor options in case of inclement weather?
-Yes, the botanical gardens offer indoor backup options in case of unfavorable weather conditions.
5. Is there a bridal suite or changing room available for the bride and groom?
-Yes, the venue provides a dedicated bridal suite or changing room for the convenience of the wedding party.
7. Are there any restrictions on decor or setup for wedding ceremonies and receptions?
-The gardens have specific guidelines regarding decor and setup to preserve the natural beauty of the surroundings, which will be discussed during the planning process.
8. Can we host both the ceremony and reception at the San Diego Botanical Gardens?
-Yes, couples have the option to host both their ceremony and reception at the gardens, offering a seamless transition between the two events.
4: Rancho Guajome Adobe Ranch
The Rancho Guajome Adobe Ranch is somewhat of a well kept secret in Vista, but quickly becoming one of my favorites.
Listed in the National Register of Historic Places, the 28-room, 7,000-square-foot historic adobe served as the headquarters of Rancho Guajome, a Mexican land grant. The large rambling Spanish Colonial style hacienda has two courtyards, an arcaded veranda, and a chapel. The original adobe bricks and tiles were made by Luiseno Indians who learned the trade at the Mission San Luis Rey during the Mission Era.
So as you can see, there is a ton of character and charm that comes with this venue! Plus the area is so big, allowing you to pick and choose which backgrounds you want.
5: Martin Johnson House
If you're looking for a venue with views, the Martin Johnson House is you venue! This house is located in the top of the scripps beach cliffs overlooking La Jolla Cove!
This is a quaint little house that only holds wedding with max about 100 quests. The venue is mostly all outdoors, every wedding I've shot there they use the house for catering or to store things. I would really just call it a room instead of a house haha. Though there are two bathrooms available next to the house.
The surroundings are so beautiful with a view at every turn. The other nice thing about the venue, is that you can take a short drive down to the beach and take sunset photos is you like.
The most popular photo spot is the building right next to the Martin Johnson House. There is a balcony that reflects the view below and it is so jaw dropping!
FAQ's about the Venue
Q: What is the capacity of the Martin Johnson House?
A: The Martin Johnson House can accommodate up to 150 guests for both ceremonies and receptions.
Q: Can we bring in our own vendors or do we have to use preferred vendors?
A: Couples have the flexibility to choose their own vendors, including caterers, florists, and photographers. However, the venue also offers a list of preferred vendors for convenience.
Q: Is there parking available for guests?
A: Yes, free parking is available for guests at the Martin Johnson House. There are designated parking areas near the venue for easy access.
Q: Does the venue offer on-site accommodations for the wedding party or guests?
A: While the Martin Johnson House does not provide on-site accommodations, there are various hotels and lodging options in the vicinity for guests' convenience.
Q: What areas of the Martin Johnson House can be used for events?
A: The venue offers multiple event spaces, including the courtyard, ocean-view terrace, and indoor banquet room.
Q: Is the Martin Johnson House wheelchair accessible?
A: Yes, the Martin Johnson House is wheelchair accessible to ensure that all guests can comfortably attend events at the venue.
Q: Are there restrictions on decorating the venue?
A: While couples are welcome to decorate the venue to personalize their event, there may be certain restrictions on decor to preserve the historic integrity of the Martin Johnson House. It's advisable to discuss specific decoration guidelines with the venue coordinator.
Q: Is the venue pet-friendly for ceremonies or photo sessions?
A: The Martin Johnson House has specific guidelines regarding pets on the premises. It's recommended to consult with the venue staff to discuss any arrangements for incorporating pets into events.
6: La Jolla Womens Club
The La Jolla Womens Club, San Diego is another one of my favorite venues to photograph weddings at. The La Jolla Womens Club is such a great venue if you are planning a wedding for a more intimate wedding or even a big wedding.
It is also just a couple blocks away from the beach, so walking down for sunset photos is super easy! Though if you just want to stay at the venue for photos, there are so may great areas that you can choose from!
The La Jolla Womens Club is one of those venue that you really don't need to do much to because it is already so pretty!
FAQ's
Consider the size of your guest list: The venue can accommodate up to 200 guests for a seated reception. Make sure to consider the size of your guest list when planning your wedding at the Women's Club.
Outdoor Ceremony: The Women's Club has a beautiful outdoor garden that is perfect for ceremonies that are smaller and more intimate. Its also has a lange lawn area where you can fit a larger group up to 200 people.
Reception Space: The Women's Club has an indoor reception space with a large ballroom and stage. You can also use the outdoor large lawn area for your reception space as well.
Catering and Bar Services: The venue has a list of approved caterers and bar services to choose from. You are required to use their bar service, but for Catering you can bring in any caterer you like! We had a taco truck for ours! Del Mar Taco CO. They’re the best!
Decor and Floral Arrangements: The venue's historic architecture and beautiful gardens make a great backdrop already, so it’s nice because it doesn’t require much to make it look amazing since it is already beautiful. Consider enhancing the space with floral arrangements and decor that complement the venue's ambiance.
Parking: The Women's Club only has street parking, so make sure to give your guests extra time to find parking especially in the summer months.
Photography Opportunities: The Women's Club offers a variety of photo opportunities both indoors and outdoors. The beach is also 2 blocks away, so it's very easy to walk over to the beach for photos as well.
7: The Wedding Bowl In La Jolla (aka Cuvier Park)
I've photographed a lot of elopements at the wedding bowl, and it never disappoints! The Wedding Bowl, aka Cuvier Park is located in La Jolla, right on the cliffs overlooking the ocean. There is a nice flat grassy area that makes it convenient for setting up any chairs/flowers/etc... and is right by the road, so easy access for guests.
Another thing that I love is all the options for photos after your ceremony! You are right on the cliffs, so you can walk around the area to take photos on the beach or surround cliff areas.
The Wedding Bowl is also right next to downtown La Jolla, so a lot of times people will go to a nearby restaurant for their reception afterwards. Here are a few great spots near by for dinner after your ceremony!
I've also had a lot of people have the reception at a nearby venue like the La Jolla Womens Club.
The Wedding Bowl/Cuvier Park requires a wedding permit, and permits go quickly for this location. Permit fees vary but are around $200 for about 40 people. Contact San Diego Parks Department at (619) 235-1169 to acquire one.
Keep in mind that there are no restroom at this location and only street parking available.
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