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
OCTOBER 22, 2026
Milan Design + Build Helps San Diegans Remodel Their Homes
The San Diego home remodeling company works on full homes, kitchens, bathrooms, home additions, ADUs, garages, landscapes, and hardscapes.
Most homeowners want two things before they commit to a remodel: a realistic sense of cost and a clear picture of what the finished space will look like. Milan Design + Build helps deliver both through its online remodeling estimator and personalized design consultations, supported by a showroom experience and 3D renderings.
“The online estimate gives homeowners a starting number in about a minute, and the showroom and 3D renderings let them see materials and layouts before anything is built,” says David Noriani, CEO of Milan Design + Build. “Keeping design, permits, and construction with one team helps us manage expectations and keep everyone working toward the same vision.”
Courtesy of Milan Design
Modern design is a particular focus for Milan, with an emphasis on clean lines, natural light, functional layouts, and carefully selected materials. The team adapts each design to the homeowner’s lifestyle and the character of the property. Milan Design + Build combines thoughtful design with construction expertise, creating spaces that are as functional as they are beautiful.
The online estimator covers kitchen remodels, bathroom renovations, full-home remodels, and ADU construction. At Milan’s showroom on Carroll Road, visitors can review real materials, finishes, and design options, meet the design-build team, and discuss project scope, budget, and timing. Consultations can also be held virtually for homeowners who prefer to start remotely.
At Milan Design + Build, one integrated team works on the entire project. Design and construction aren’t divided between separate firms. The process begins with a consultation and feasibility review, followed by design, space planning, and 3D renderings developed from detailed measurements and digital scans. The team also coordinates architectural plans, structural engineering, city approvals, and material selection, with construction overseen by a dedicated project manager.
Homeowners can explore their remodeling options, get an initial estimate, or request a design consultation at MilanBuild.com.
At any given time, there are roughly 200 research investigations and clinical trials being conducted at Scripps Health in as many as 25 medical specialties. Research and patient care go hand-in-hand at Scripps. Those studies can be categorized as clinical trials of a medication or device that are conducted by Scripps physicians and studies designed by Scripps’ physicians and clinicians. Click here to learn about three exciting studies underway at Scripps and the benefits to patients.
For more nutrition, wellness, and healthy living tips, sign up for the San Diego Health newsletter here.
Scripps has recently unveiled new features in the MyScripps patient portal and mobile app to help patients connect with their primary care team and simplify the payment process. Among the recent updates is the addition of primary care E-visits for minor conditions. Patients who have an established primary care physician can schedule an E-visit, complete an online questionnaire and, if needed, send a photo. Their doctor can then advise and prescribe medication, when appropriate. Autopay is also now available through MyScripps. Patients can enable or disable autopay, allowing them to more easily manage payments. Learn more about MyScripps and how it helps patients stay connected here.
For more nutrition, wellness, and healthy living tips, sign up for the San Diego Health newsletter here.
Farrah Adams had a persistent dull ache in her lower back that her massage therapist suggested might be caused by the way she sat or drove. That explanation seemed reasonable, but when coupled with heavy, painful periods led the then 46-year-old to seek answers. When she looks back on it now, she’s beyond grateful she trusted her gut. She made an appointment with a Scripps OB-GYN, who determined she had Stage 3 cervical cancer that had spread to several lymph nodes. Farrah was overwhelmed, but immediately found a “champion” in Scripps Clinic gynecologic oncologist Jo Marie Tran Janco, MD. After undergoing successful treatment at Scripps Cancer Center, Farrah is now using her story to inspire other women to make time for care. Read more of her story here.
For more nutrition, wellness, and healthy living tips, sign up for the San Diego Health newsletter here.
Association of Fundraising Professionals San Diego To Recognize 11 Honorees at 54th Annual National Philanthropy Day in November
This year’s theme, 'Impact Through Philanthropy,’ spotlights the impact of individuals, businesses and community organizations throughout San Diego County.
“Impact through Philanthropy isn’t just a theme; it’s what we see every day in San Diego’s diverse communities,” said Ingrid de Llamas, CFRE, IAP, AFP San Diego chapter president. “The honorees show what’s possible when intention meets generosity, leadership and dedication come together. We’re honored to celebrate the honorees alongside our presenting sponsor, PNC Bank.”
“Philanthropy is one of San Diego’s great strengths—not just because of this community’s generosity, but because of what happens when people unite around the belief that our region can be better,” said Mark Stuart, President & CEO of the San Diego Foundation and Honorary Committee Chair for National Philanthropy Day. “National Philanthropy Day lets us recognize the donors, volunteers, fundraisers, and organizations who turn that belief into action, strengthening lives throughout our community. Celebrating them reminds us all of the extraordinary power we have when we work together.”
Eleven honorees, including eight individuals and three organizations, were selected from scores of nominees submitted from throughout San Diego County. Honorees were selected through a rigorous vetting process by AFP San Diego’s Honorary Committee.
2026 National Philanthropy Day Honorees:
Outstanding Development Professional, Emerging Leader – Miguel Lopez, CFRE (San Diego Foundation)
Outstanding Development Professional, Mid-Career – Amie Brown, CFRM (Meals on Wheels San Diego County)
Outstanding Development Professional, Career Achievement – David Hanses (Scripps Institution of Oceanography)
Outstanding Organization, IDEA – The San Diego LGBT Community Center
Outstanding Grantmaking Organization – David C. Copley Foundation
Outstanding Philanthropic Business or Corporation – Maya’s Cookies
Outstanding Student Volunteer – Chris Zheng (Casa de Amistad)
Outstanding Volunteer – Dr. Suzanne Afflalo (A Healthier Me)
Outstanding Volunteer – Fred Davis (Serving Seniors)
Outstanding Philanthropists – Mel & Linda Katz
Special Lifetime Achievement Award – Ingrid de Llamas, CFRE, IAP
National Philanthropy Day Supports AFP San Diego’s Empower Fund
Beyond recognizing local philanthropic leadership, National Philanthropy Day supports the Empower Fund, powered by U.S. Bank, which provides scholarships, educational opportunities and professional development for nonprofit leaders.
In its inaugural year, AFP San Diego raised $28,000 for the Empower Fund through National Philanthropy Day, with a goal of $50,000 in 2026. Contributions directly support educational initiatives for nonprofit professionals throughout the region. Donations are accepted year-round.
AFP San Diego’s National Philanthropy Day is made possible through the generous support of Presenting Sponsor PNC Bank, Empower Sponsor U.S. Bank, Focus Sponsor Sanford Institute of Philanthropy at NU and dozens of partners. View the full list of 2026 sponsors.
Event Details
Friday, Nov. 13, 2026 | 11 a.m.–1:30 p.m. Manchester Grand Hyatt, 1 Market Place, San Diego, CA 92101
Tickets and partnership opportunities are available at AFPSD.org – NPD 2026! For more information, contact Fiona King at 619-538-6605 or [email protected].
About AFP San Diego
The Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) San Diego Chapter has supported fundraising professionals and nonprofit leaders throughout San Diego County since 1974. Through professional education, mentorship, networking and leadership opportunities, AFP San Diego connects people at every stage of their careers while advancing ethical and effective fundraising practices. With more than 350 local members and connections to a global network of fundraising professionals, AFP San Diego invests in the people behind philanthropy to strengthen nonprofits and the communities they serve. Learn more at AFPSD.org & follow AFPSD on LinkedIn
