You’ve done it. You’ve found the love of your life, gotten engaged, and set the intention to say “I do.”
Now for the hard part- decisions, decisions, decisions! With so many choices, planning the ultimate dream wedding can sometimes seem less than dreamy.
Fortunately, for those deciding to get hitched in beautiful, perpetually sunny San Diego, our incredible venues and vendors make planning a cinch. Whether you’re choosing an intimate, rustic-style wedding or a big glitzy extravaganza packed with friends and fam, we’ve got all the best suggestions for taking the stress out of saying yes.
A ‘Destination Wedding’ At Home
Whether you’re native to San Diego or a happily resettled transplant, it’s highly likely that you’ve bragged about our city and its bounty of beautiful scenery to your future wedding guests. From the pristine beaches of La Jolla to the vibrantly cosmopolitan Gaslamp Quarter and the rustic mountain charm of Julian, San Diego has a wide range of options for planning a “destination* wedding without the hassle of traveling far from home.
Looking for a venue that expresses your wild, adventurous spirit? Choose one of two world-renowned San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance parks and prepare to thrill your guests with lions and tigers and bears–oh my! Or perhaps the sophisticated, modern elegance of the San Diego Museum of Contemporary Art is the perfect stage for proclaiming your everlasting love in style. Treat your guests to breathtaking views of the San Diego Bay by tying the knot at the marina or adjacent to historic, picturesque salt ponds. Dance the night away in a decadent grand ballroom at a Carlsbad luxury resort or escape the city lights in favor of dazzling stars and fresh mountain air in Alpine. Or maybe an artsy-yet-timeless boutique hotel facing the Oceanside Pier and shoreline is calling your name.
No matter your guest count or the size of your budget, our curated list of spectacular San Diego venues is sure to speak to whatever suits your fancy. So, get ready for the wedding staycation of a lifetime and a romantic adventure to remember.
From an intimate gathering of loved ones directly on the beach to a lavish reception of up to 200 guests, La Jolla Shores Hotel presents couples with a host of options for taking the proverbial plunge. With six unique venues on site, all replete with gorgeous views of La Jolla’s golden sands and sparkling sea, this classic beachfront hotel is the perfect setting for the beachy wedding of your dreams. What’s more, the hotel’s highly experienced catering department will handle every detail upon request, from mouthwatering menu options to elegant decor.
With stunning modern architecture, breathtaking ocean views, and a world-class collection of more than 4,700 unique works of art created after 1950, the newly expanded La Jolla campus of the San Diego Museum of Contemporary Art provides the opportunity for couples with exquisite taste to throw a sophisticated wedding for the ages. Choose from a variety of rooms and terraces for your ceremony and reception, and prepare to wow your guests with the spectacular combination of art, architecture, and nature.
What’s better than the option of booking your wedding at a stylish, oceanfront resort with a MICHELIN Star restaurant AND the actual house from Top Gun? How about adding in access to an award-winning full service spa and beauty lounge, exclusive bookable golf experiences with Titleist Performance Institute and a host of activities and amenities your guests and family are sure to love? Sister properties Mission Pacific Beach Resort and The Seabird Ocean Resort & Spa sit side by side adjacent to the historic Oceanside Pier. With a diverse offering of wedding event venues, each resort offers multiple ways to create the beachfront wedding of a lifetime.
Dreaming of sipping custom cocktails on the veranda of a rustic lodge, surrounded by manzanita and oak trees at your reception? Or how about a luxury log cabin, replete with a pool and hot tub, for your bridal suite? Look no further than Red Hawk Ridge in Alpine. A mere 45-minute drive from downtown San Diego, this mountain venue is the perfect romantic hideaway for those prioritizing the coziness of the countryside over the hustle and bustle of a city wedding.
With over 200.000 square feet of indoor and outdoor spaces in sunny, coastal Carlsbad, the Park Hyatt Aviara Resort, Golf Club, and Spa offers unparalleled possibilities for engaged couples to design the dreamiest of weddings. From trips to the Miraval Life in Balance Spa, to private poolside cabanas, to 18 holes of championship golf, this five-star, five-diamond resort is the ideal luxury setting for those wishing to spoil themselves and their guests. For couples wishing for a grand affair or those simply hoping for an intimate elopement, special wedding packages help all the details come together like magic.
For couples fantasizing about a magical mountain wedding, Sacred Mountain Julian is calling. Nestled within 61 enchanted acres of unspoiled natural splendor, Sacred Mountain offers newlyweds all the romance and tranquility of a mountain retreat with the warm, welcoming atmosphere of a country inn. In addition to luxurious destination packages, including accommodations for up to 32 overnight guests, the property is also eco-conscious, family-oriented, and pet-friendly for those eager to incorporate man’s best friend into the proceedings.
Whether you prefer your feet on the sand, a ballroom floor, or the bow of a Victorian era paddlewheel boat, the Bahia Resort Hotel in Mission Bay has something truly special for every betrothed couple. This multi-venue, expansive resort is perfectly customizable for weddings big and small, from an intimate ceremony under a gazebo surrounded by lush tropical gardens to an enormous reception in the Mission Bay Ballroom, which seats up to 500 guests.
Check the “something old” off your list by booking this 130-year-old winery, the oldest in Southern California. A mere 25 miles from downtown San Diego, Bernardo Winery is nestled in the green hills of Rancho Bernardo and comes fully stocked with rustic charm and, of course, locally made wine. On-site catering options and shuttles to nearby hotels sweeten the deal.
Looking to plan an actual destination wedding that’s still close to home? A quick romantic road trip to Santa Barbara, The American Riviera’, is sure to inspire. Situated between majestic mountains and the sparkling Pacific, Santa Barbara’s classic Spanish-influenced architecture, cinematic ambiance and laid-back coastal elegance make it the ideal setting to host your happily ever after. From intimate gatherings to opulent affairs, Santa Barbara is a treasure trove of splendid venues suited for every love story.
Venue 808 is a one-of-a-kind venue housed within the historic 1933 TR Produce warehouse, located in downtown San Diego. The expansive venue features a built-in bar, sunken cocktail lounge, multiple furnished lofts, a vintage farmhouse building, and a grove of real olive trees! Seriously, you need to see this all-inclusive venue to believe it. Venue 808 is the perfect venue for a ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception all in one for 100 to 350 guests.
Get ready to embark upon your journey to marital bliss as the sun sets behind you on a gorgeous, idyllic marina in San Diego’s South Bay. Safe Harbor Marinas provides the perfect spot to tie the knot. With stunning views of the active marina and city skyline, the spacious waterfront pavilion accommodates up to 150 guests and is perfect for DIY couples looking for flexibility and the ability to create their own perfectly unique wedding experience.
Imagine exchanging vows as the sun sets on a sweeping savannah, big cats roaring in the background, without leaving town. Those looking to have a wildly romantic wedding can bring their imaginations to life by booking with the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance. Weather choosing the world-famous zoo’s lush Balboa Park location or the expansive Safari Park in Escondido, an unforgettable adventure awaits. The zoo’s award winning team will guide you effortlessly through every detail. You can also feel great about your choice, knowing you are contributing to the alliance’s important conservation efforts.
For couples looking to impress their guests with a feast for the senses, Roy’s Restaurant— named after famed Japanese-American chef Roy Yamaguchi—is the perfect pairing of culinary adventure and romantic ambiance. Located in the Marriott Hotel on the San Diego waterfront, Roy’s offers a spectacular array of Hawaiian-fusion delicacies for guests to enjoy while taking in the stunning sights of the marina.
Salt Drift Pointe can accommodate up to 300 guests, it provides clean, modern indoor spaces with rolling windows that open onto a deck overlooking a historic salt pond and the expansive San Diego bay. The venue also offers a curated list of unique vendors including food trucks that can roll up right to the reception.
Southern California’s gorgeous, nearly perfect weather means more than just the ideal conditions for your big day-it means the wedding fashion options are endless! From strapless sweetheart cocktail dresses to backless Hollywood style gowns to demure lace frocks, the San Diego bride has more sartorial freedom than most and plenty of outlets for finding a flawless look. For a one-stop-shop for all things bridal, look no further than Irvine’s South Coast Plaza. A hop, skip, and a jump up the 5 Freeway, South Coast Plaza has a multitude of shops with everything from jewelry to designer dresses, to tuxes for the groom. Walk down the aisle in style without the hassle of driving all over town.
Looking to pull off a truly one-of-a-kind, bespoke wedding but afraid of getting lost in all the details? PoshVows offers “elevated wedding day management” and a streamlined planning process, empowering you to fully enjoy the day you worked so diligently to create. Have your cake and eat it too by entrusting your carefully curated decisions to this award-winning team.
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AUGUST 10, 2026
The Secret to a Home That Feels Just Right
Behind every beautiful space is a thoughtful process, and ASID San Diego is helping homeowners understand the value of professional design.
A perfectly designed home rarely happens by accident. Those kitchens that feel effortless and rooms that seem to tell a story the second you walk in? They’re usually the work of someone who knows exactly what they’re doing.
It’s knowing which ideas will actually work, which materials will hold up over time, and how to turn a collection of choices into a space that feels intentional. That’s where a professional interior designer comes in.
For the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) California San Diego Chapter, the goal is to help people see interior design as more than just the finished look. Behind every well-designed space is a process built on technical expertise. Designers are educated in everything from professional software and construction details to building codes, space planning, materials, and functionality.
Courtesy of ASID
“People don’t always realize how much goes on behind the scenes,” Kirsten Recce , current president of the ASID California San Diego Chapter, says. “Our designers are not just doing furniture placement and color selection and picking out new fluffy pillows. That’s not what they’re trained for.”
ASID members bring formal education, continued learning, and industry knowledge to their projects, helping create spaces that are not only beautiful, but designed to work. A paint color that changes completely depending on the lighting. A material that looks beautiful in a showroom but doesn’t make sense for everyday life. A layout that photographs well but doesn’t function for the people living there. These are the details where professional guidance can make all the difference.
Still, one of the biggest misconceptions about hiring an interior designer is that it’s reserved for massive renovations, luxury homes, or people who already know exactly what they want. The process can feel intimidating. Where do you begin? Is a designer worth the investment? What if you only need help with one room?
ASID’s answer: start with one hour.
ASID’s Spruce Up events break down one of the biggest barriers between homeowners and professional design: knowing where to begin. Held twice a year, the community program gives homeowners the chance to work directly with an ASID designer through a one-hour, $125 consultation in their own home. Whether you’re looking for advice on furniture placement, window treatments, kitchen and bath updates, remodeling ideas, vacation rentals, color selections or something else entirely, the upcoming September 2026 event offers an approachable way to get expert guidance before committing to a full project. Signups are open through Sept. 7, with consultations taking place Sept. 21 through Oct. 31. Proceeds benefit ASID San Diego’s educational and community programs. Register here!
Courtesy of ASID
“It’s a great opportunity for people who are in that exploratory phase,” Recce says. “Maybe they’re not sure they want to hire an interior designer yet, or they think it sounds daunting or expensive. This gives them a chance to discover what working with a designer is actually like.”
Design is personal. A good designer isn’t just creating a beautiful room; they’re helping create a space that fits the way someone lives.
“We’re a resource to all of San Diego County,” Recce says. “It doesn’t cost anything to pick up the phone and call and ask. We’ll answer.”
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.
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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.
For more nutrition, wellness, and healthy living tips, sign up for the San Diego Health newsletter here.
