10 wedding venues in or near San Diego for every vibe
SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — The most popular time to get married is between June through October, according to a recent study by The Knot, with 19% of couples planning their weddings in six months or less. Whether you know exactly how you want your wedding to look or if you’re newly engaged and still don’t know where to start planning, San Diego offers plenty of venue options to explore.
From its picturesque coastline and peaceful outdoor gardens to extravagant ballrooms and rustic barns, we’ve compiled a list of venues across the county to help you get started on your wedding planning.
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If you dream of an outdoor wedding:
Botanica, which is located in Oceanside, is ideal for couples dreaming of a destination-style wedding without having to leave California. Featuring natural waterfalls, ponds and tropical foliage, Botanica would fit the boho-chic trend.
Venture northeast to Grand Tradition Estate & Gardens in Fallbrook and find yourself immersed in more lush greenery. The arbor terrace features a natural site shaded by palm trees with a cascading waterfall that could serve as the perfect backdrop for your ceremony or sweetheart table.
Tivoli, also located in Fallbrook, is another good option for couples envisioning an outdoor wedding. Surrounded by olive groves and sweeping mountain views, Tivoli takes inspiration from the Roman countryside and offers versatile options for ceremonies and receptions.
If you seek a romantic but intimate setting:
Have a guest list of under 45? Nolita House and Nolita Hall in Little Italy are two venues under the same management worth checking out if you just want to celebrate your wedding with good food and good vibes. Both offer ample natural lighting and chic modern architecture accented with green ferns and vines to add just a touch of nature.
The Japanese Friendship Garden tucked inside Balboa Park is another good option for smaller weddings. The garden offers a “minimony” package Mondays through Thursdays in several locations, including the koi pond, the ceremonial gate, the earth bridge, in front of the Kannon Bosatsu statue and the courtyard. The garden has a few other spaces with larger capacity for receptions with up to 200 people.
For the luxurious couple:
Located in Del Mar with coastal views, L’Auberge Del Mar is an award-winning luxury resort with a variety of settings for your wedding day. Couples can choose from four different locations on the property to suit their needs, whether it’s for an intimate ceremony for up to 20 guests on the ocean terrace or room for both a ceremony and reception for up to 200 guests at Seagrove Park.
La Valencia Hotel is another celebrated wedding venue with several event spaces for all of your needs. Located in La Jolla, this Mediterranean-inspired hotel features a unique pink exterior and potted palms for an added touch of tropical ambience. It has as an elegant ballroom decorated with crystal chandeliers and a stunning black-and-white checkered foyer which leads to a romantic balcony ideal for whisking away your partner to catch an unobstructed view of the sunset (weather permitting).
If you can’t decide whether to have your wedding indoors or outdoors:
Take a tour of Europa Village in Temecula and take in the sights of Southern California’s wine country. The property boasts several different mix-and-match venues for your ceremony, cocktail hour, and seated reception. You can choose to say your vows inside a cave with rounded ceilings and host your cocktail hour at a Tuscan-style open-air terrace before leading your guests into an outdoor piazza for an al fresco dinner reception.
Alternatively, you can say “I do” in a more traditional wedding lawn with vineyards as the backdrop followed by a cocktail hour in a blooming rose garden and a seated reception in the veranda.
Whether you envision a glamorous or more rustic wedding, you may consider hosting your event at one of San Diego’s county parks. History buffs could find their dream venue in Rancho de Los Penasquitos, a ranch with a small adobe structure built in 1823 located in the Los Penasquitos Canyon Preserve. The surrounding area has more than 10 miles of trails as well as a community garden, making it a popular destination for special events.
No matter where you choose to start your wedding planning journey, rest assured knowing there is no shortage of fairytale venues to say “I do” in San Diego County.
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