Top 10 Unique San Diego Wedding Venues
Updated: Nov 5
So you're getting married in San Diego. Congratulations! You couldn't have picked a better spot. Here at Violet Cake Company we have the luxury of working in a different venue every week. From elegant to rustic, modern to contemporary, we've made a list with what we believe to be the best San Diego Wedding Venues that currently align with the vision of todays' couples. This is the view we are seeing. We are about to share with you our thoughtfully gathered info which hopefully will help you as you begin your journey. Join us as we unpack the goodies.
MOUNT PALOMAR WINERY
33820 Rancho California Road - Temecula, California 92591
Mount Palomar Winery is one of the oldest wineries in the Temecula valley. Its spans over 315 acres of land, 65 of which are vineyards located in the heart of the Temecula Wine Country. Take a drive, sip some wine, enjoy the clean crisp air. Here's why we love Mount Palomar Winery:
indoor and outdoor sites that can hold 120 indoors and 700 outdoors.
package prices begin at $115 to $150 per person
recite your vows on the highest hill of Temecula's wine trail
expansive, incredible views of rolling hills, vineyards and the Temecula valley
award winning wines
Italian inspired columns
This is me standing next to the cake I made for my sister's wedding. She wanted a 3 tiered semi-naked cake with flowers. We did 3 flavors - Snickers, Maracujá and Chocolate Truffle. For the remaining servings, I did 6 dozen cupcakes in Vanilla, Raspberry Pistachio and
Red Velvet. It was a great evening!
SUNSET CLIFFS NATIONAL PARK
San Diego, California
Rounding out our Top 10 is the Dark Horse of San Diego Wedding Venues.
This is a little known coastal location which runs the length of nearly 5 miles and has become a home away from home to writers, artists, teachers, joggers, and surfers chasing the elusive perfect wave. Sunset Cliffs with it's expansive ocean views and cliffs that drop down to the ocean is the perfect site for a destination wedding.
Things you need to know about Sunset Cliffs as a San Diego Wedding Venue:
As magnificent and as beautiful as it is, the cliffside is unstable and can be dangerous to those who want to walk or hike in restricted areas. Stay on course and you will be fine.
There are areas designated for intimate weddings and guests. Each area holds anywhere from 10 to 50 chairs comfortably. Florists in the area are well acquainted with areas where they can set up an arch.
The weather is always nice. Best times are in the fall, spring and summer months, there can be rain and wind during the winter months.
For the best photo opps try and plan your ceremony on the cliff during sunset. The sunsets are dramatic and unforgettable.
There are beautiful locations in the area where you can celebrate post-ceremony. One such venue is the Thursday Club, an approximate 5 minute drive from the Cliffs. The Clubhouse is well equipped with everything you need and you can continue enjoying balmy ocean breezes well into the night.
Photos by Vincent Zamora
Cake by Malissa Sanfilippo
Violet Cake Co.
THE MARTIN JOHNSON HOUSE - 8840 Biological Grade La Jolla, California 92037
The Martin Johnson House, an historic oceanfront cottage, set on the grounds of the UCSD campus, was once used to house professors and their families.
Completely refurbished, the venue is now used exclusively for weddings, gatherings, meetings and social events.
photos by True Photography
cake by Malissa Sanfilippo Violet Cake Co.
THE MARTIN JOHNSON HOUSE will impress you with the following:
Expansive views of the Pacific Ocean, Scripps Pier and La Jolla Cove
Beautiful and picturesque, it offers a charming coastal setting
Sits atop a high bluff in La Jolla
Built in 1916, the cypress trees that grow on the property are the same ones that were planted over 100 years ago.
Seats up to 130. Day rates start at $3,000
If your timing is just right, you can schedule your ceremony to take place just as the sun is setting. It's the warm California glow at its finest.
BALBOA PARK - San Diego 1549 El Prado San Diego, California 92101
Called the "Crown Jewel" of all San Diego wedding venues, Balboa Park offers something for everyone. Founded in 1915, Balboa Park has become known as a national historic landmark. There are museums, landmarks, restaurants, gardens, theaters, fountains, courtyards, terraces and ballrooms.
For information on weddings, contact the Prado at Balboa Park; info@pradobalba.com or
619-557-9441 x2
There is so much to love about Balboa Park
Weddings and events at Balboa Park are catered by the Cohn Restaurant Group, a proud member of the award winning Cohn Restaurants.
There are 5 locations to hold your wedding, from grand ballrooms to fountain courtyards, all capturing the historic charm and elegance you would expect from such an iconic venue.
Balboa Park is centrally located in San Diego.
Colonial Charm and unique architecture unlike any other
There is no place like Balboa Park. Anywhere.
Grand Ballroom's seated capacity is 340.
Allie Lindsey Photography
R. Cohn Events
Cake by Malissa Sanfilippo
Violet Cake Co.
SHADOW RIDGE GOLF CLUB - VISTA, CALIFORNIA
1980 Gateway Drive - Vista, California 92081
SHADOW RIDGE GOLF CLUB is our pick of many due to its innumerable perks which we list below. If intimacy is in your top 3, this venue's ceremony site sits on a hilltop with complete privacy. Encircled by beautiful bougainvillea bushes, sculptured boulders and tall hedges, it easily gives the feel of a secret getaway or a secret garden. Shadow Ridge Golf Club can accommodate anywhere from 170 to 800 guests
After the ceremony Shadow Ridge Golf Club will provide transportation on luxury buses for a short ride to the reception venue.
Reception venue is styled in the Spanish/Mediterranean design, with white exterior walls and red tile roofs.
The circular drive leading to the reception provides drama and elegance fit for all "royal" brides and grooms and their guests.
We love the entryway as it gives way to an exquisite welcome patio, perfect for a toast. The patio has the added bonus in that it overlooks the lush, green golf course.
Photos by Paisley Photogrpahy
and
Mariel Filippone
Cake by Malissa Sanfilippo
Violet Cake Co.
BIRCH AQUARIUM
2300 Expedition Way La Jolla, California 92037
Possibly the most unique, one-of-a-kind facility with more than 60 diverse marine habitats and a 2 story Giant Kelp Tank, Birch Aquarium is a place where guests feel surrounded by the ocean world. There are 7 dedicated sites for weddings at Birch Aquarium.
The Galleria accommodates 200 for a sit-down dinner and 160 for a buffet-style dinner.
The Café Pavilion is an open air venue which can accommodate 500 for a sit-down dinner.
Blue Beach is a 6,000 square feet plaza which seats 300 for dinner and has dramatic ocean views.
Entrance Courtyard open air space seats 170 for dinner and extends into the indoor Galleria for continued parting and dancing.
All packages start at $5,500.
photography by True Photography
cake by Malissa Sanfilippo
Violet Cake Co.
MARGARITAVILLE HOTEL - SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA
435 6th Avenue San Diego, California 92101
Formerly Hotel Solamar, the new Margaritaville Hotel is alive with all things tropical. Here's why you should consider celebrating your wedding day with the South Sea paradise gem in San Diego, complete with corresponding bar and menu choices.
Put on your island attitude and experience a dash of paradise.
Relaxed vibe, great food and Margaritaville's very own signature cocktails.
Urban oasis surrounded by ongoing entertainment, San Diego's world famous Gaslamp District.
**** check the San Diego Padres schedule if your wedding is during the baseball season ****.
Pet friendly
It's 5 o'clock somewhere!
Cake by Malissa Sanfilippo
Violet Cake Co.
Photos by Wedgewood Weddings