Weddings are some of the most fun, emotional, and downright magical days of our lives. Wedding planning, on the other hand, can become a different story. There are so many decisions you need to make from where to wed, what to eat and wear, how many people to invite, and which extra adventures and surprises you should include with your day that it’s easy to get overwhelmed. Worse still, as you face down each of these decisions, the pressure mounts to make sure you’re not messing up and that you’re creating the most perfect day.
While we can’t exactly make those decisions disappear, we can make them a whole lot easier — dare we even say fun?! All it takes is some assistance from an experienced group of venues, jewelers, industry experts, and more who may have done this whole wedding planning thing a time or two before.
The people on this list can help you achieve the ultimate beachfront wedding or a more romantically rustic vineyard ceremony with laidback charm. You can treat your guests to a private yacht chartering the San Diego Bay or an afterparty that includes an appearance from one of the San Diego Zoo’s favorite furry, scaled, or feathery friends. We’ve got jewelers who can offer you rings with edge or classic elegance, lighting companies who can make it look like the stars are twinkling above even though you’re getting married in the middle of the city, and mixologists who create cocktails inspired by you and your partner that look just as good as they taste.
Maybe best of all, these experts’ ultimate goal is always to get rid of the external pressures and put together a wedding that feels the most like you. Because wouldn’t you know it, that’s exactly how you end up creating the most perfect day of all.
WHERE TO WED
Santa Barbara
Seriously, how could we not include Santa Barbara, known as The American Riviera®, when putting together a list of great wedding locales? The venue options are limitless, from the Santa Barbara County Courthouse to the city’s many luxury hotels. There’s great weather year-round, so you can pick whatever month works best for you. There’s world-class food and drink, gorgeous Spanish-colonial architecture, and the views, making Santa Barbara an ideal backdrop for a wedding celebration. Truly, words can’t capture the beauty of these views.
The Seabird Ocean Resort & Spa
Nestled in Oceanside, the original Southern California beach town, The Seabird offers couples an exclusive beachfront wedding experience. Beyond its stunning coastline views, The Seabird offers a few other California staples: A vibe that manages to be both high-end luxury and laidback and breezy, as well as fresh, locally sourced catering options. The Seabird’s dedicated team offers flexible packages where you can customize everything from the venue to the menu to the décor.
Alila Marea Beach Resort
If you’ve always dreamed of an oceanfront wedding atop a coastal bluff—or if you’d never thought about it before, but the idea sounds pretty ideal now that we mention it—you might want to consider the Alila Marea Beach Resort in Encinitas. Venue options that are equal parts sophisticated and coastal chic include an outdoor ocean bluff, an open-air terrace, and an elegant ballroom for up to 200 guests, and all come with views as romantic as they are breathtaking.
Omni La Costa Resort and Spa
California coastal ease meets a gorgeous Spanish-colonial style backdrop at the Omni La Costa Resort and Spa. The Omni offers customizable wedding packages, indoor and outdoor venue options, and some of our favorite event add-ons—like trips to the resort’s award-winning golf courses and spa. Omni La Costa’s team assists with everything from flowers to menus to seating charts, meaning you can let them stress about the details while you focus on enjoying your day
La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club
Picture this: The sun is setting over the ocean as you walk down the aisle barefoot on the beach. It’s the quintessential San Diego beach wedding, and who else could pull this off like La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club? Its many packages and venues accommodate ceremonies of all sizes, and the experienced catering team is ready to make every wedding day want come true.
CHAPEL at Liberty Station
You can get married at a storied San Diego institution by booking at the historic CHAPEL at Liberty Station. Snake Oil Venue Company recently restored and reopened this Spanish-style, multi-faith chapel, which housed wartime Navy events during WWII. The space retains period-specific 1940s Douglas Fir flooring, stained-glass windows, and other original details that make it a one-of-kind space for smaller gatherings or services up to 425 guests. Naturally, Snake Oil Cocktail Company will handle all beverage services—which can include creating signature drinks.
Weddings at Twin Oaks
Located at the Twin Oaks Golf Course, Weddings at Twin Oaks offers couples a backdrop of rolling hills, trees, ponds, rock formations, and vibrant gardens. This venue prides itself on offering packages that are both flexible and affordable, and it handles everything from the menu to the dance floor right on-site.
San Diego Zoo Safari Park
If you want to ensure your wedding guests have a real wild time, consider booking with the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. Its truly one-of-a-kind ceremony spaces include a savannah with views of giraffes and rhinos as well as a lagoon overlook filled with rare birds and plants. You can even add an animal encounter to your reception for an afterparty experience your guests will never forget. Even better, every wedding held here helps support the alliance’s invaluable conservation work.
Adventuress Luxury Catamaran
Enjoy the romance and elegance of saying “I do” on board a gorgeous 60-foot luxury catamaran as you sail through the tranquil waters of San Diego Bay. Every wedding aboard the Adventuress Luxury Catamaran is fully customized, ensuring an intimate and unforgettable celebration tailored to your vision. Exclusively available for private charter, this stunning yacht offers an elegant sailing experience for gatherings of 2 to 48 guests. Choose from breathtaking ceremony backdrops—including the rugged cliffs of Point Loma, a stunning sunset on the horizon, downtown San Diego’s skyline and the iconic Coronado Bridge—for a truly magical on-the-water wedding experience.
Bernardo Winery
The rustic charm of the 136-year-old Bernardo Winery makes it a must-see for anyone considering a vineyard wedding. You’ll be well-supplied with a California-style bar of Bernardo wines, as well as local draft beers and non-alcoholic options. On-site catering as well as nearby hotels make it an especially convenient location for guests.
Roy’s Restaurant
A wedding at Roy’s guarantees you’ll receive the restaurant’s signature Aloha service and a dedicated private dining director ensuring your day looks and tastes exactly as desired. You can work with the team to put together your perfect Hawaiian Fusion menu. And you can choose from venue options that can accommodate 400 guests or 20, including an intimate wine room, the lanai patio for an al fresco event, or the entire restaurant for the biggest bash. Of course, with every space, you’ll get Roy’s sweeping views of the San Diego Bay.
Wedgewood Weddings & Events
Wedding planning should be fun—that’s why we love Wedgewood Weddings & Events. The company has helped put together more than 46,000 weddings(!), meaning it has perfected the art of hassle-free planning. It has pre-created build-your-own package options, plus venues of all styles around Southern California (and beyond!). We’re partial to The Headquarters in Seaport Village, a historic Art Deco-style venue steps away from the bay, and the unique Carlsbad Windmill, a contemporary space with vaulted ceilings and oversized windows enclosed in classic Dutch architecture.
Malibu Farm
Can’t decide between rustic cowboy and modern coastal vibes? Malibu Farm might just be your answer. This coastal venue is located in the heart of Seaport Village right on the San Diego Bay, combining all the best elements of boho and waterfront weddings.
Rimrock Ranch
Sitting just outside Joshua Tree National Park, there’s really no wedding spot quite like Rimrock Ranch. You can exchange vows in this open-desert venue surrounded by nothing but Joshua Trees and the vast, open wonder of untouched nature. And don’t worry: though the surroundings are au naturale, the accommodations offer a thoughtfully designed mix of rustic and modern character.
Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa
Begin your forever at Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa— San Diego’s only Forbes Five-Star rated, Relais & Châteaux sanctuary. Romantic gardens, lantern-lit pathways, intimate courtyards, fountains, and sweeping views create a breathtaking backdrop for weddings and honeymoons. Indulge in couples’ spa rituals, award-winning cuisine, and warm, anticipatory service, all elevated by a dedicated concierge and wedding specialist who perfect every detail—from the ceremony to extraordinary sendoffs. From 10 guests to 500, Rancho Valencia’s enchanting 45-acres sets the scene—then invites you to retreat to private, spacious, casitas for effortless relaxation in absolute luxury.
WHAT TO WEAR
Passion Fine Jewelry
Passion Fine Jewelry doesn’t just sell rings—it crafts stories in metal and stone. Each bespoke engagement ring is created in tandem with clients, resulting in a piece that is unique to each person. Designs are infused with symbolism and inspired by nature, with organic forms and elemental details woven into each piece. Beyond the studio, Passion Fine Jewelry also hosts wellness and jewelry retreats, creating experiences that weave creativity, connection, and self-discovery.
Friar Tux
Whether you’re renting or buying, Friar Tux simplifies the process from start to finish. With services designed to fit your schedule, bringing your wedding look together is seamless and stress-free. A dedicated stylist will help you find a look that feels like you and fits the occasion.
Presley & Co. Fine Jewelers
If you’re looking for an engagement ring that’s not only unique but has a bit of edge to it, try Presley & Co. The store’s jewelry with attitude only uses ethically sourced and lab-created diamonds and gemstones. Its pieces come at a variety of price points, so you’ll stay on budget while getting something you love.
Unicorn Jewelry
As the largest independent family-owned and -operated jewelry store in the city, Unicorn Jewelry is the place to find the biggest selection of designer jewelry brands and custom-made pieces. The 46-year old San Diego staple is known for its top-tier service and no-pressure environment.
WHAT TO PLAY
Williams SoCal Entertainment
The right music can make or break a wedding reception. To make sure yours meets the moment, try Williams SoCal Entertainment. This company does it all from the hits to the classics, whether that means country, rock, EDM, hip-hop, disco, or a special request from the dance floor.
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Studio S
SEPTEMBER 11, 2026
Vi at La Jolla Village – Senior Living in the Heart of Everything
At Vi at La Jolla Village, residents don't have to choose between security and adventure, connection and independence. They get all of it.
Today’s seniors are more connected than ever, with a renewed focus on retirement as a time of discovery and enriching experiences. The ultimate reward for a retirement well-earned is the wisdom to appreciate it all, and what better place to enjoy that unique perspective than Vi at La Jolla Village, in the heart of San Diego.
All-access pass to good living.
As a Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC), Vi provides access to a connected and fulfilling community while making it easy to plan for future care, should the need ever arise. With a care plan in place, residents enjoy greater financial predictability and long-term value, freeing them to focus on making the most out of retirement.
Resort-style amenities at the epicenter of a cultural hub like San Diego offer a retirement experience unlike any other. Paired with exceptional dining, spacious accommodations and dedicated staff, the best of maintenance-free living is all around. And with the introduction of Vista 360 Well-Being, Vi’s panoramic approach to wellness, there are more ways than ever for residents to access it all.
The harmony of mind, body and community.
Courtesy of Vi at La Jolla Village
The key to longevity is striking the right balance in maintaining an active lifestyle with an active mind in a fulfilling community. With newly renovated community spaces and restaurants, Vista brings a variety of opportunities for residents to elevate their well-being through Vi-exclusive “Signature Experiences.”
Vista Enrich takes an evidence-based approach to brain vitality, keeping residents at the forefront of cognitive health through exergaming (exercising + gaming), nutritional plans and informative workshops. It is also home to The Brain Vitality Studio, an innovative facility dedicated to cognitive fitness that has garnered national recognition.
Vista Discover invites residents into stimulating educational experiences, from chef-led cooking demos and guided wine tastings to lectures at local universities and intimate lectures following cultural outings.
While Vista Enrich focuses on brain health and Vista Discover engages residents intellectually, Vista Explore cultivates a sense of adventure through curated travel and local excursions. But broadening one’s horizons doesn’t always require a plane ticket. One recent event brought a taste of the world right to the community: an onsite “jazz cruise” featuring live music and global cuisine served at a series of themed “ports” all within the community’s own ballroom.
“Location, location, location”
Courtesy of Vi at La Jolla Village
One of the biggest perks of life at Vi at La Jolla Village is its proximity to just about everything. With easy access to transportation and local attractions just steps away, residents can explore and engage with their community at their own pace.
“There are trolley and bus stops within a 5-minute walk that will get you to the beach, UCSD Campus, medical appointments, downtown La Jolla or San Diego, et cetera. We rarely use our car,” said resident Tom Yager.
With the best of San Diego just steps away, residents don’t just live in the city, they live within reach of everything that makes it special.
The best of all worlds.
Courtesy of Vi at La Jolla Village
At Vi at La Jolla Village, retirement isn’t a chapter to slow down; it’s an invitation to discover more. Tailored community experiences created by Vista, paired with the vibrant pulse of San Diego just outside the door, mean that residents don’t have to choose between security and adventure, connection and independence. They get all of it.
This is what an all-access pass to good living looks like: the comforts of an elevated lifestyle, a community built for growth and a city made for discovery – all in one place.
To learn more about Vi at La Jolla Village or for details on available floor plans, visit ViatLaJollaVillage.com/SDM.
Growing up, Laika Nur, MD, Scripps Clinic sports medicine specialist, loved watching beach volleyball when the Association of Volleyball Professionals tour came to her hometown of Chicago. A talented volleyball player herself, she remembers sitting in the stands all day, and once, even got a couple autographs. Years later, Dr. Nur was attending a professional event focused on women’s sports, and the discussion turned to a new professional women’s volleyball league. The general manager and coaching staff for San Diego’s team, the Mojo, happened to be in attendance, and Dr. Nur took the opportunity to ask them if they needed a team doctor. Flash forward to the Mojo’s inaugural 2024 season, when Dr. Nur officially became the team physician. Click here to read more about Dr. Nur and how she incorporates lessons she learned on the court into her practice.
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Your feet and ankles probably aren’t something you give much thought to—until something goes wrong. Orthopedic surgeons at Scripps Clinic are on the leading edge of foot and ankle reconstruction, treating patients with sports injuries, deformities, traumatic injuries and other conditions. That includes repairing torn Achilles tendons with a minimally invasive procedure that shrinks the incision site to less than a centimeter, and performing advanced ankle replacement on some patients with ankle arthritis. Read more about Scripps’ innovations in foot and ankle care here.
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Mai Vue was just 34 weeks pregnant when she delivered her baby. Her pregnancy had been complicated, and she’d had a recent second trimester pregnancy loss, which led to her receiving specialized care from Sean Daneshmand, MD, a Scripps Clinic perinatologist who oversees high-risk pregnancies. Dr. Daneshmand and his team took care of Mai during her pregnancy, through the birth of her healthy baby girl and beyond. Mai was part of a program Scripps launched to provide support to new moms in the weeks and months after delivery. The postpartum program, known as Scripps Health’s Fourth Trimester Continuum of Care, provides care for women with high-risk pregnancies to optimize their health after childbirth and reduce the risk of complications in future pregnancies. Click here to learn more.
For more nutrition, wellness, and healthy living tips, sign up for the San Diego Health newsletter here.
It’s estimated that one in five people in the U.S. will develop skin cancer at some point in their lives. When you factor in living in a sun-soaked city like San Diego and the outdoorsy lifestyle that comes with it, that figure can jump to as high as one in three, which makes early detection and intervention all the more important. Dermatologists at Bighorn Mohs and Dermatology Center are using innovative imaging methods and advanced surgical techniques to diagnose and treat skin cancer. For certain cancers in sensitive spots, like the face, dermatologists perform Mohs surgery, removing skin tissue layer by layer until reaching healthy, cancer-free tissue. They also use a process called immunohistochemistry to view tissue samples taken during Mohs surgery in far greater detail than previous methods. Read more about how Scripps is advancing skin cancer care here.
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When endurance athlete Isaac Sanchez learned he had cancer, he felt blindsided. He was healthy, surfed often and was training for an Ironman triathlon. But he had to put that on hold to undergo treatment. His physicians at Scripps Cancer Center developed a plan to treat the cancer in his tonsil and lymph nodes that included six-and-a-half weeks of near-daily radiation and weekly chemotherapy. He also worked with a Scripps Cancer Center dietitian to enhance his nutrition to promote strength and healing. Today, Isaac’s back to doing what he loves. Read more of his story here.
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