San Diego Wedding Venues

Your ultimate source for San Diego wedding venues is here. Browse our list of top wedding venues in San Diego, from outdoor gardens to historic buildings, and view photos of weddings at each one. Then get in touch with your favorites.

San Diego Wedding Venues:

Everything You Need to Know

Let’s go to the beach! For couples planning an epic beach bash for their special day, finding the best San Diego wedding venues and vendors is one of the top options. San Diego has a great deal to offer couples who are planning a wedding in the area. From the San Diego wedding venues beach enthusiasts recommend to customized event packages, Carats & Cake is the perfect starting point for your wedding planning journey.

This guide will provide you with a look at some unique San Diego wedding venues and the information you need to take your plans from ideas to realities in the most practical way. From advice on the best time of year to plan your San Diego wedding to the types of vendors you will need for your ceremony and reception, there are so many checklist items you need to consider (and check off!) before your celebration in sunny San Diego.

Whether you are looking for San Diego wedding venues beach style or planning an indoor wedding geared toward your foodie lifestyle, there are practically endless options in this Southern California city. With more information and context to include in your thought process, we hope you can more easily find the best wedding venues in San Diego and the surrounding communities. An event for locals or destination weddings in San Diego all involve a few key elements: finding the best venue and vendors who can bring your vision to life. 

What's the best time of year for San Diego weddings?

With its mild temperatures and comfortably crisp fall air, October is generally accepted as the most popular month for wedding venues in San Diego. That being said, Southern California wedding venues are incredibly popular because of the consistently gorgeous weather (especially near the water) year-round. If you are planning a San Diego wedding, there are a few key factors to keep in mind about Southern California wedding venues, in general, and outdoor San Diego wedding venues, in particular:

  • Outdoor temperatures: Outdoor San Diego wedding venues can be chilly during the winter months or at night. If you are looking for the San Diego wedding venues beach fans recommend, you may want to schedule your wedding during the warmest part of the day or during the summer months. This can allow you to soak up the sun while enjoying these San Diego beach wedding venues.
  • Inclement weather: While rain is an infrequent visitor to most San Diego wedding venues, creating a workable back-up plan to be implemented in case of rain is a good idea. For outdoor San Diego wedding venues, a tent can often provide shade from the sun and protection from rain for your ceremony. With this in mind, working with a company that offers San Diego wedding rentals can often allow you to manage weather concerns in the most effective and practical way.
  • Crowded conditions: While June is one of the most popular months for California weddings, tourists tend to flock to San Diego during the summer months. If you are interested in one of the San Diego wedding venues beach goers recommend, you can expect to see plenty of tourists in these locations during the summer months especially.
  • Avoid the holidays: Holiday weekends throughout the year are another peak time for tourism in some of the most unique San Diego wedding venues. Keeping holidays in mind when scheduling San Diego weddings can help you to avoid the crowds of tourists to make your wedding as smooth and potentially traffic-free as possible.
  • Availability: If you already have a date in mind for your San Diego wedding, you may need to look beyond the most popular options. This could include garden wedding venues in San Diego, or beachfront locales that are in high demand. It’s important to remember that some of the best San Diego wedding venues are booked months or even years in advance. With that, you can also expect to pay a high price for wedding venues in San Diego and Southern California compared with venues in other parts of the state or in other parts of the country.

Finding the San Diego wedding venues beach lovers most recommend can allow you to enjoy the wedding of your dreams. Identifying and booking some of the best San Diego wedding venues can be much easier with a little extra research and keeping these considerations in mind during the planning process.

What are the different types of San Diego wedding venues?

Whether you and your partner have your hearts set on elegant wedding venues in San Diego that offer seaside views or smaller event spaces with outstanding food and decor, you can find the perfect indoor or outdoor option for you.  

If you are looking for the most beautiful garden wedding venues San Diego has to offer or are exploring your options for some of the top attractions in the area, Southern California wedding venues can provide the perfect backdrop for your upcoming nuptials. You can also opt for one of the all inclusive wedding packages San Diego venues may offer, which can allow true one-stop shopping for your wedding venue and vendor needs. Here are some of the best San Diego wedding venues to consider:

  • Hotels are a great source for San Diego wedding packages that include accommodations, reception rooms and other amenities for your upcoming wedding day celebration. Some might even have outdoor San Diego wedding venues for your ceremony, and ballrooms or other indoor spaces to hold your reception.
  • Rooftops are unique San Diego wedding venues that are typically associated with hotels, resorts, and other taller buildings in the area. With a view of the bustling city and breathtaking ocean, this is a standout option for any couple planning a San Diego wedding.
  • Museums sometimes offer rental space for San Diego weddings that can provide you and your partner with an elegant environment for your celebration. If you’re an art lover or history buff, museums might be the perfect place for your San Diego wedding. 
  • Ballrooms may be part of the many standalone wedding venues in San Diego, or they could be located in a hotel. Some hotels and resorts in the area might offer all inclusive wedding packages for San Diego couples, so make sure to ask if you decide on this type of venue.
  • Estates and vineyards are among the most elegant wedding venues in San Diego that could create the perfect look and feel for your upcoming celebration. With plenty of greenery and garden spaces, this is definitely an option for cottagecore and nature lovers.
  • Zoos, including the world-famous San Diego Zoo, are among the most unique San Diego wedding venues and can be the perfect spot for your upcoming celebration. Fair warning, though: The animals who live here might not provide the most quiet, serene environment! 
  • Gardens that include the beloved San Diego Botanic Garden can offer elegance and natural beauty for your wedding. Exploring the numerous garden wedding venues available can allow you to find the perfect, flower-filled setting for your ceremony or reception too.
  • Beaches are an iconic part of this city and the county as a whole, which makes San Diego beach wedding venues a popular choice for couples in the area. Depending on your choice of event space, this could also work for a more boho style or one of the many San Diego rustic wedding venues.
  • Parks are some of the most appealing San Diego rustic wedding venues and offer natural views that will make for the most beautiful backdrops.
  • Courthouses and other downtown San Diego wedding venues can make it easy to obtain a marriage license or to schedule space for San Diego weddings. San Diego wedding courthouse ceremonies are ideally suited for elopements and microweddings in the area. If you are considering an elopement ceremony at a San Diego wedding courthouse, you and your partner may want to schedule a small reception afterwards to allow for photos of this very special day in your lives.
  • Restaurants are among the most popular downtown San Diego wedding venues for foodies. Finding the best restaurant wedding venues in San Diego can ensure that you and your guests dine well during your wedding reception.
  • Churches and other religious gathering places can be ideal options, and might be more widely available compared to other downtown San Diego wedding venues. 

Whether you are looking for the all inclusive wedding packages San Diego venues sometimes offer or are interested in outdoor spaces with a rustic flair, you can find the guidance and information you need online. With plenty of resources out there, including in our directory, the downtown San Diego wedding venues and the best restaurant that can host your event are just a click away.

What are the different areas for San Diego weddings?

San Diego is a diverse city with numerous neighborhoods, each with their own unique style and scene, and it’s also within San Diego County. Doing some research on the various areas within San Diego County can allow you to determine whether Encinitas wedding venues or a La Jolla wedding is the right option for you and your partner (among many other options!).

North County features walkable neighborhoods and plenty of surfing opportunities for you and your guests. Some of the most popular options for San Diego beach wedding venues are located in this region, including:

  • Carlsbad wedding venues: South of San Clemente in Orange County and north of downtown San Diego, you’ll find a plethora of popular Carlsbad wedding venues. Some of the most beautiful beach wedding venues in San Diego are located in or near Carlsbad, since it’s situated right on the water. Selecting one of the numerous Carlsbad wedding venues can provide the ideal backdrop for your upcoming wedding plans. If you are looking for outdoor San Diego wedding venues that reflect your own aesthetic sensibilities, this city could be a great option. For guests with kiddos, taking some free time to go to the beach or check out Legoland is another perk of selecting one of the many Carlsbad wedding venues.
  • Encinitas wedding venues: Perfect for boho weddings, Encinitas wedding venues offer the perfect blend of rustic, beachy, and relaxed. The city is just south of Carlsbad and north of San Diego, and has a variety of San Diego beach wedding venues for your reception and ceremony. Because of their prime location, Encinitas wedding venues can often be booked well in advance, so reserving your space early is essential. 
  • Carmel Valley wedding venues: Heading down south, you’ll find even more popular wedding venues in San Diego. Carmel Valley is known for offering elegant San Diego wedding venues at hotels and other event spaces, and it borders the renowned Torrey Pines State Reserve.

Exploring some of the centrally located or coastal wedding venues in San Diego can allow you to find the perfect options for your upcoming wedding. Some of the most popular garden wedding venues San Diego has to offer are located along the coast or in the central part of the city. Even more, some of these venues also offer San Diego wedding packages that can take a lot of the guesswork out of planning for your upcoming event.

La Jolla wedding venues: Planning a La Jolla wedding can be easier with a little inspiration. This region of the county includes Torrey Pines State Reserve, La Jolla Shores Beach, and the University of California, San Diego, among other landmarks near wedding venues in San Diego. La Jolla wedding venues offer easy access to some of the best beaches and boutiques in the area. If you are looking for the perfect outdoor San Diego wedding venues, a La Jolla wedding could be the perfect option for you. Beach and seaside options are among the available La Jolla wedding venues and can allow you to enjoy stunning views and the perfect backdrop for your once-in-a-lifetime wedding day.

Mission Hills wedding venues: Some of the best park and garden wedding venues San Diego offers for couples are located in Mission Hills. If you are looking for the all inclusive wedding packages San Diego couples need to streamline the planning process, hotels in this area could be the perfect choice for you..

Little Italy wedding venues: If you are looking for wedding venues in San Diego with an Italian flair, Little Italy offers plenty of restaurants and other potential venues for your wedding day celebration. Waterfront Park is one of the most popular park wedding venues in San Diego and can provide an elegant setting for your upcoming celebration.

Pacific Beach wedding venues: San Diego beach wedding venues are among the most popular options for couples, and with good reason. In some cases, you may even be able to purchase the all inclusive wedding packages San Diego couples recommend most. San Diego wedding packages can make your Pacific Beach celebration more affordable and stress-free, as they feature all (if not, most) of what you need for your event. One key feature of Pacific Beach wedding venues in San Diego is the boardwalk, which can make it easy to capture the most incredible pictures.

Looking inland for San Diego wedding venues can often allow you to find the dreamiest space, while also cutting down on the expense of your location compared with beachfront properties. North Park, South Park, and Normal Heights are three of the most popular locations for San Diego wedding venues in the inland area.

North Park wedding venues: Combining the easy walkability and boutique shops of an urban area with the tranquility of a residential neighborhood, North Park offers an array of San Diego wedding venues designed with you in mind. When in North Park, don't miss out on the weekly farmer's market on North Park Way, which is held every Thursday.

South Park wedding venues: Focusing more on the quiet and calm of residential neighborhoods, one of the San Diego wedding venues in South Park that could work is in nearby Balboa Park. If you want to avoid the noise and bustle of typical Southern California wedding venues, South Park could provide you with the perfect location for your celebration.

Normal Heights wedding venues: Art and architecture lovers alike will enjoy the atmosphere of Normal Heights. The San Diego wedding venues in this area are likely to have an avant-garde atmosphere that could be the perfect solution for you and your partner. There are banquet halls, theaters, and other spots couples will certainly love.

Finding the most beautiful San Diego wedding venues can make your celebration even more special. Whether you are planning a La Jolla wedding and looking for the best La Jolla wedding venues or are interested in exploring your options for other options in the San Diego area, this is a thriving county that’s full of inspiration. We can help you find the garden wedding venues San Diego couples recommend most, among others, and assist you in determining which style and vendors are right for you. 

How much does a wedding in San Diego cost?

One of the first items on your to-do list for your San Diego wedding should be establishing a budget. Since the average cost of a wedding in 2020 was $33,931, you may need to make some adjustments to your plans to accommodate the cost of La Jolla wedding venues and other venues in San Diego and the county’s surrounding communities.

According to experts, you should set aside about 40 to 50 percent of your entire wedding budget for catering and venue costs. One of the most practical tips for planning a San Diego wedding is to reduce the number of guests you plan to invite to your special day. You may also be able to save money by opting for San Diego rustic wedding venues or other potentially lower-cost places that feature lower price tags than comparable hotels, resorts, or estates.

You can also manage costs by coming up with your own San Diego wedding designs and decor. From ballrooms with effortlessly-chic San Diego rustic wedding venues, there’s so much you can do to make your event as special as possible. Since Southern California wedding venues tend to be more expensive than those in other areas of the state or located elsewhere in the United States, finding ways to make San Diego weddings more affordable can be a practical step in managing costs for your entire planning process.

When making the arrangements for San Diego weddings, it can often be helpful to check the availability of some of the most common items needed for these big events. Because of supply chain issues and the high demand for these locales, costs are currently high for many essentials. Opting for floral decorations that complement whichever hotels, estates, or other San Diego rustic wedding venues can sometimes reduce your need for rented decor and can allow you to create the most elegant environments.

How do you find San Diego wedding vendors?

Whether you are looking at Carlsbad wedding venues or other options for your upcoming San Diego wedding, your planning process typically starts with the selection of where everything will happen. Once you have chosen your favorite Southern California wedding venues for your ceremony and reception, however, it will be time to start looking for the pros who can help you with your celebration.

Some San Diego wedding venues may have restrictions on the vendors with whom you can work with on their premises. These may include your San Diego wedding caterers, photographers, or musicians. Consulting with your San Diego wedding venues before making definite arrangements with your vendors can allow you to avoid problems that could have a negative effect on your wedding day plans. Plus, San Diego wedding packages could offer recommendations or assigned pros who will be there for you every step of the way.

  • San Diego wedding caterers: Catering options are as varied as the couples who plan San Diego weddings. San Diego wedding caterers can charge by the plate or offer buffet-style dining to allow your guests to choose the exact items they want to eat. Your San Diego wedding caterers will often provide you and your partner with the opportunity to sample the food options as you plan everything. For outdoor San Diego weddings, you may also want to investigate the option of food trucks. These San Diego wedding caterers, which are incredibly popular all over Southern California, can provide a fun and totally unforgettable food experience for those attending your celebration.
  • San Diego wedding planners: These trusted pros can take some of the stress out of finding the perfect San Diego wedding venues and vendors for your celebration. San Diego wedding planners can provide you with detailed information on some of the best wedding venues in San Diego and the restrictions associated with certain areas. For instance, if you are planning a San Diego wedding courthouse ceremony, most San Diego wedding planners can provide you with practical guidance on restrictions about flowers and decor and other elements that could affect your experience. In addition to all of this, your planner can also help you figure out the ins and outs of venue selection and decoding the San Diego wedding packages that might be offered.
  • San Diego wedding photographers: These experts are responsible for creating lasting memories that you and your partner will cherish forever. By choosing experienced and knowledgeable San Diego wedding photographers, you can capture every moment of your celebrations at your Southern California wedding venues. Your planner can also provide you with recommendations for the right San Diego wedding photographers for your special event.
  • San Diego wedding florists: Flowers are an integral part of most wedding decor. Choosing the right florists for wedding venues in San Diego is essential to create the perfect look for your upcoming celebration. The most trusted San Diego wedding photographers and planners may be able to provide you with guidance on talented experts they’ve loved working with in the past too. This can allow you to further personalize a variety of wedding venues in San Diego in the most appropriate and beautiful way.
  • San Diego wedding dresses: You can take fashion cues from the sun, sand, and surf that characterizes this coastal city. When selecting your San Diego wedding dresses for yourself and for your wedding party, however, you will need to keep in mind the effects of sand and water on delicate fabrics. While your San Diego wedding photographers may be able to shoot around or edit out any damaged or stained areas, choosing San Diego wedding dresses that do not trail on the sand is a must for beach weddings. When selecting attire for the members of your wedding party, keep the design of your decor, your floral arrangements, and your San Diego wedding dresses in mind to ensure a cohesive and pulled-together look for your entire wedding.
  • San Diego wedding DJs: It’s time to think about hitting the dance floor! San Diego wedding DJs can set the mood for the most romantic and celebratory San Diego weddings. Choosing the best San Diego wedding DJs can keep everyone on the dance floor and moving and grooving to the beat of your favorite songs. Depending on which wedding venues in San Diego you choose from, you may need to bring in certain additions for the space. Talk to your DJ about any necessary San Diego wedding rentals to help them achieve the best sound or create the biggest impact, and go from there. In some cases, you may be able to find San Diego wedding DJs to suit your taste by consulting with your planner. 
  • San Diego wedding cakes: This perennially popular dessert is often the focal point of the reception. You will usually need to order your San Diego wedding cakes from a bakery that specializes in these confections. Caterers might also be able to provide San Diego wedding cakes, so make sure to check in with them beforehand. Of course, San Diego wedding planners should be able to recommend a local bakery that can create the perfect cake for you. San Diego wedding cakes can be designed to match other elements of your decor, attire, and more to create a cohesive style throughout your day or weekend. With that, keep your color palette and style ideas in mind as you try on San Diego wedding dresses and make other design decisions. 
  • San Diego wedding rentals: These rentals may include furnishings, portable bathrooms and decor to dress up your wedding venues in San Diego. The right San Diego wedding planners can often provide you with information on the available companies that provide San Diego wedding rentals for your chosen venue.

Whether you are planning to get hitched at a San Diego wedding courthouse or to exchange your vows at one of the most elegant wedding venues in the area, finding the right vendors can make a big difference in the look of your wedding. The most successful San Diego weddings are headed by these trusted professionals, and your team can make your overall experience so much easier and more enjoyable.

What are some things guests can do before or after San Diego weddings? 

This vibrant and cosmopolitan city offers plenty to see and do for guests attending San Diego weddings. Including this information on your wedding website can make your celebration even more appealing and special for those who plan to attend. Here are some popular attractions for guests attending San Diego weddings:

  • Soaking up the sun at one of the many beaches in San Diego
  • Visiting the San Diego Museum of Art or San Diego Natural History Museum
  • Attending concerts
  • Visiting the Del Mar Racetracks
  • Strolling through the greenery at the San Diego Botanic Garden
  • Getting in touch with nature and saying “hi” to animals at the San Diego Zoo
  • Checking out historical sites close to wedding venues in San Diego
  • Catching some rays while golfing, surfing or attending professional sports team games
  • Walking tours close to some of the top San Diego wedding venues

By including these activities and other information on the websites for San Diego weddings, couples can inform their guests about their chosen San Diego wedding venues, available accommodations, transportation arrangements, and some of the top attractions in the area. Fortunately, the top San Diego wedding venues are located near or around the most popular sites. And by sharing this information with your invited wedding guests, especially those who are traveling for your big day, you can ensure that they’ll have an incredible time, while also easily navigating to any of the wedding venues in San Diego.

Have celebrities gotten married at wedding venues in San Diego?

Yes! San Diego wedding venues are popular options for celebrities as well as other couples. While a trip to a San Diego wedding courthouse is an option for couples regardless of their levels of fame or notoriety, celebrities like Kaley CuocoMatthew Lawrence, and Lebron James have all tied the knot at wedding venues in San Diego. The popularity of San Diego wedding venues has resulted in increased demand and higher prices for these spaces too.

While not everyone can afford the top San Diego wedding venues, there are many options for couples to choose from. When deciding among the many wedding venues in San Diego, you can look into recreating your favorite celeb’s big day or do something that’s totally your own. Luckily, there are wedding venues in San Diego along the coast, more inland, and all over the county. You may also be able to select San Diego wedding venues at public parks or other outdoor venues to create a beautiful wedding celebration without the high cost of similar events hosted at resorts, hotels, and estates.

How do you get to wedding venues in San Diego?

Many San Diego wedding venues are located close to the San Diego International Airport (SAN), which is close to downtown San Diego and to many of the most popular destinations around. It is a single-runway airport that serves more than 15 million passengers each year, which makes it the second busiest single-runway airport in the entire world. So, if you know your guests will need to travel to one of the San Diego wedding venues, this is the best option.

Car rentals available at SAN can make it easy and convenient to reach many of the most popular wedding venues in San Diego. The Metropolitan Transit System also operates between downtown San Diego and the airport, which can make it much more convenient for your guests to reach your San Diego wedding venues on time. Shuttle buses also are available to provide transport to local hotels, which can also make it easier for your guests to travel to your San Diego wedding venues.

How do you start finding wedding venues in San Diego?

At Carats & Cake, we offer information on wedding venues in San Diego and other elements of your wedding to help you find the right solutions for your wedding day celebration. Whether you are looking for beachy wedding venues in San Diego or searching for inspiration for your wedding decor, we’re here to help. For more about hosting events in this city, and additional information on Southern California wedding venues, browse through real weddings and then start dreaming about your ultimate San Diego ceremony and reception.