Here’s the good news: You’ve found the love of your life, and the two of you are getting married. Better still: You’re having the wedding right here in beautiful San Diego. With that settled, you’ve only got about a million other decisions to make before you take your vows.
If that feels a little overwhelming, don’t worry. We’ve got even more good news for you: We’ve put together a list of awesome venues with events teams, vendor lists, and more to help you create your perfect wedding day.
A ”Destination” Wedding At Home
One of the best things about getting married in San Diego is that you can have any kind of wedding you want.
You can take advantage of our premier cultural institutions by exchanging vows at the world famous San Diego Zoo or Safari Park or at the Museum of Contemporary Art. If you’re seeking something more romantically rustic—say, a century-old, family-owned winery—consider the Bernardo Winery.
If you want to be near the water, walking down the aisle with sand beneath your feet or with the iconic views of the San Diego Harbor as
your backdrop, we’ve got multiple options to choose from. And if focusing on food is your thing (without sacrificing ambiance, service, and style, of course), you couldn’t have picked a better city. Award-winning chefs abound, as do your choices for cuisine, from delectable seafood to Hawai‘ian fusion.
All of the options here can accommodate different wedding sizes and budgets, so whatever it is you’re looking for, you’ll find it in sunny San Diego.
Venues & Vendors
The La Jolla Shores Hotel
You can celebrate surrounded by lush foliage in the garden courtyard or barefoot on the beach with a wedding at The La Jolla Shores Hotel. The hotel offers numerous venues, with picture-perfect oceanfront views, and it has several packages to choose from, which accommodate different event sizes and styles.
The onsite team will handle every detail, from dining to planning your perfect gathering, so your only job when the wedding arrives is to enjoy your day.
ljshoreshotel.com/weddings
The Westin Carlsbad Resort and Spa
With rolling green lawns and endless coastline located just outside of San Diego, The Westin Carlsbad Resort and Spa is a no-brainer for any couple seeking ocean views for their wedding—whether that’s indoors or outdoors. You can even plan a full wedding weekend here that takes advantage of the resort’s restaurants, spa, and other amenities.
San Diego Zoo & San Diego Zoo Safari Park
Animal and adventure lovers alike should consider the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance when booking a wedding venue. Couples can celebrate surrounded by lush bamboo and Sumatran tigers, overlooking elephants on an expansive terrace, or taking in views of a lagoon with rare birds and plants. You can even add an animal encounter with a furry, scaled, or feathered friend—just ask the expert event staff. Plus, a wedding here helps support the alliance’s invaluable conservation work.
weddings.sandiegozoo.org
Museum of Contemporary Art
The Museum of Contemporary Art is a true blank canvas for weddings, offering a variety of spaces to host your ceremony and reception. Say “I do” in an iconic museum surrounded by art or on a breathtaking terrace overlooking the ocean; either way, you’ll be surrounded by spectacular architecture and modern design—and be able to take one-of-a-kind wedding photos with hundreds of pieces of modern art. Even better, newlyweds receive free one-year museum memberships.
mcasd.org/page/rentals
Roy’s Restaurant
Views of San Diego Harbor and venues including the entire second floor of the restaurant or an intimate wine room make Roy’s perfect for weddings, whether your guest list contains 400 names or 20. Roy’s private dining director will create your dream day, including a delicious Hawai‘ian fusion menu—with seated, buffet, and reception options.
roysrestaurant.com
Bali Hai and Tom Ham’s Lighthouse
Take in impeccable sights of the San Diego skyline and harbor with a ceremony at either Bali Hai or Tom Ham’s Lighthouse. Bali Hai combines that awesome urban view with delicious, authentic Polynesian cuisine, while Tom Ham’s offers some of the best seafood in San Diego. Both have multiple event rooms to choose from.
Bali Hai: balihairestaurant.com/weddings | Tom Ham’s Lighthouse: tomhamslighthouse.com/weddings
Bernardo Winery
The 135-year-old Bernardo Winery combines rustic charm with romance—making it the perfect backdrop for a wedding. Couples can pick a caterer from the winery’s onsite vendor list and expect a California-style bar with Bernardo wines, plus draft beer and nonalcoholic options. Nearby hotels with shuttle services make this location especially convenient.
bernardowinery.com/pages/private-events
The Moniker Group
The Moniker Group’s wedding venues include everything from Building 177, a former Naval training center library turned gorgeous, airy event space, to The Lane, a sleek, minimalist space with views of the San Diego Bay. Venues are completely customizable, so let the events staff know what you want, then watch them deliver.
monikerevents.com/venues
Dress to Impress
The pressure on your wedding day to look your absolute best is real—but San Diego couples are lucky to have great shopping options to make getting gussied up a little easier.
Costa Mesa’s South Coast Plaza is the premiere shopping destination for brides with designer dresses, jewelry, shoes, and more. Whether you’re imagining a sweetheart neckline, old Hollywood glam, or beach bride perfection, this one-stop-shop for all things bridal has you covered.
To find a suit or tux, try Friar Tux. Book an in-store appointment or set up a virtual session—either way, a stylist will get you fitted in a look that matches your wedding’s vibe and your personal style. Plus, you can buy or rent, depending on your preference.
