Wedding Venues - San Diego Wedding Photographer

Top Twenty San Diego Wedding Venues You Probably Haven't Heard About!
by Jessica Petty
1) Darlington House, La Jolla, 858 454 7625
Think of Darlington House as your own private beautiful Spanish villa. It features a quaint house decorated in a Victorian style
and a large lovely courtyard with two patios and a beautiful rose garden perfect for gatherings. It accommodates up to 200 guests.
It is located on a quiet street in La Jolla but does not have an ocean view. The music must be turned down at a reasonable hour as
the location is in a residential neighborhood.
See more of Nathan's photos of Marina & Aaron's Darlington House reception!
2) Ponte Family Estate, Temecula, 951 694 8855
Nestled in the heart of Temecula and surrounded by 300 acres of vineyards, Ponte Family Estate is a charm in place to have a
wedding. On the property there are four ceremony sites and four reception sites including a vineyard garden, a fountain garden, a
courtyard, a pavilion and a barrel room some of which can host up to 400 guests. There are many onsite coordinators to help you
plan your special day.
See more of Nathan's photos of Andy and Robin's Ponte Family Estate wedding!
3) The University Club Atop Symphony Towers, Downtown San Diego, 619 798 9978
The University Club is on the 34th floor of one of the tallest buildings in San Diego. It's spectacular views of Downtown San
Diego make for an amazing wedding venue. The Club can accommodate about 150 guests and there are on-site wedding
coordinators to help you plan everything to the smallest detail. The food is incredible and there is a ballroom for dancing.
See more of Nathan's photos of Gwen and Rick's University Club wedding and reception!
4) Mount Woodson Castle, Ramona, 858 638 0672
Built in the 1910's, Mount Woodson Castle was once the home of a famous designer, Amy Strong. The castle has a romantic and
homey feel. The castle is a multi-level, 12,000 square foot structure with 27 rooms featuring rock buttresses and a windmill.
Mount Woodson Castle has an all-inclusive wedding package and can accommodate up to 300 guests. There are several different
option locations on the property for the ceremony and reception. The castle can also be illuminated by DJ Pat of Sound Prodigy.
See more of Nathan's photos of Scott and Lisa's Mount Woodson Castle wedding and reception!
5) Grand Tradition Estate, Fallbrook, 760 728 6466
Grand Tradition Estate has two wedding facilities. The first is the Victorian style Beverly Mansion overlooking a beautiful lake
and gazebo, which is a gorgeous location for a ceremony. A horse and carriage are available for a picturesque setting. The
Mansion has the Crystal Ballroom which is lovely for a reception with it's crystal chandeliers. Arbor Terrace is Grand Tradition's
newer addition and has more of a rustic atmosphere with tropical gardens and amazing waterfalls. At night the gardens are lit up
for a dramatic backdrop. The pavilion is a dramatic location for an amazing reception. Grand Tradition has an on site wedding
planner to assist you in planning your perfect wedding.
See more of Nathan's photos of Nishke and Andrew's Grand Tradition wedding and reception!
6) Melrose Ranch, Escondido, 760 751 9138
Melrose Ranch was built in 1927 in Escondido as a 6,000 square foot 18 room Mediterranean villa surrounded by acres of grape
vineyards. The home has hosted British royalty. Melrose Ranch features include a rustic bar, a lovely gazebo and a "royal car". A
horse drawn carriage or wagon is also available as an additional feature. Melrose Ranch has an all-inclusive wedding package and
can accommodate up to 500 guests.
See more of Nathan's photos of a stylized wedding shoot at Melrose Ranch!
7) Rancho Buena Vista Adobe, Vista, 760 726 1340
If you want your wedding and reception in an absolutely gorgeous location but really need your dollars to stretch, I would
definitely consider Rancho Buena Vista Adobe. Run by the City of Vista, Rancho Buena Vista Adobe's hacienda style adobe and
courtyard make for an enchanting affair and stunning photography. The grounds have antique roses, native plants and fruit trees.
There's also more than enough room to set up a dance floor and dance the night away! Rancho Buena Vista Adobe can host a
maximum of 250 guests and has a limit for an event of five hours (not including set up and clean up).
See more of Nathan's photos of John and Ashley's Rancho Buena Vista Adobe wedding and reception!
8) The Thursday Club, Point Loma, 619 224 5264
The Thursday Club has the unique advantage of being lesser known and one of the most picturesque wedding venues in San
Diego. Built in 1927 in Spanish architectural style, The Thursday Club has a beautiful clubhouse with blooming gardens and a
stunning ocean view. The garden can seat up to 100 guests for an outdoor ceremony. The clubhouse can seat 175 guests for a sitdown affair or up to 350 guests for a non-seated event. You'll need to book this one in advance as dates fill up quickly.
See more of Nathan's photos of Jenna and Josh's The Thursday Club wedding and reception!
9) The Martin Johnson House, La Jolla, 858 534 5604
The Martin Johnson House is a historic cottage built in 1916 that features panoramic ocean views. Located on the Scripps
Institution of Oceanography campus, The Martin Johnson House features two lovely decks ideal for wedding ceremonies
beneath cypress trees. The interior is better for a small party or a standing reception. The total guests The Martin Johnson
House can accommodate is 130.
See more of Nathan's photos of Rachelle and Ander's The Martin Johnson House wedding and reception!
10) Levyland Estates, Carlsbad, 760 213 2467
Levyland is a stunning 6,000 square foot property with a private home ensconced in the Buena Vista Lagoon reserve in Carlsbad.
The luxurious property features two separate buildings, a main house and a tree house, connected by a sky bridge. Levyland is
rented for weekly rates only, so it is possible to book your wedding and honeymoon with one venue! It is popular for Levyland
wedding couples to have their ceremony on the beach and have the reception at the house.
See more of Nathan's photos of Lisa and Brandon's Levyland wedding and reception!
11) Junipero Serra Museum, Presidio Park, 619 232 6203
The Junipero Serra Museum is a mission-style building above San Diego's historic Old Town. You've probably seen it from the
freeway as it overlooks the city and the ocean. It was built in 1929 and offers a rustic outdoor terrace and am intimate interior
gallery. Both are perfect for either a ceremony or a reception. Having your wedding at the Junipero Serra will also benefit San
Diego History Center's educational programs and exhibitions.
See more of Nathan's photos of Kim and David's Junipero Serra Museum wedding!
12) Powerhouse, Del Mar, 858 755 1524
Powerhouse Community Center is a beautiful facility located right on the beach in Del Mar and is adjacent to a beautiful park
that can make for lovely bridal photos. Run by the city, the venue is available to rent by the hour. There is outdoor or indoor areas
for arranging tables and dance floors. The maximum number of guests is 120 and cleanup must start by 10pm.
See more of Nathan's photos of Melissa and Brennan's Powerhouse reception!
13) The Wedding Bowl, La Jolla, 619 235 1169
The Wedding Bowl is a small park, also known as Cuvier Park, overlooking the ocean in La Jolla. It is the perfect spot for an
outdoor ceremony (no receptions allowed). It is best for a small to medium ceremony with up to 40 guests. It is very reasonably
priced and books up quickly. The downsides are there are no facilities (aka bathrooms), no cover (we've shot through the rain
there!) and no privacy (you may have some passerby onlookers). But it is a very popular and beautiful site and your photos will be
gorgeous!
See more of Nathan's photos of James and Megan's The Wedding Bowl ceremony!
14) El Cortez Don Room, San Diego, 619 338 8338 x109
El Cortez' Don Room is one of the most famous rooms in California hosting events for past and recent U.S. presidents. It is a
restored landmark with a 24 karat gold ceiling. The 10,000 square foot outdoor terrace has an urban fireplace and the 3,300
square foot octagon-shaped Don Room is an elegant setting for a wedding and reception hosting up to 375 guests. The Don
Room has a wedding coordinator that can assist you with all your wedding planning needs and no other events will be hosted at
the Don Room on your special day.
See more of Nathan's photos of Genia and Shaun's El Cortez reception!
15) Marine Room, La Jolla, 866 644 2351
The Marine Room is an exquisite restaurant on the water in La Jolla. Capable of hosting up to 200 guests, The Marine Room
offers incredible views of pounding surf an gorgeous sunsets while dining on delicious entrees prepared by chef Bernard Guillas.
The restaurant has smaller rooms for private parties or host a larger party in the new oceanfront restaurant. Your experience at
The Marine Room will be unforgettable.
See more of Nathan's photos of Dominique and Mike's Marine Room wedding and reception!
16) Rancho Bernardo Inn, Rancho Bernardo, 858 675 8420
Rancho Bernardo Inn has been hosting weddings for over 40 years and has seven ceremony sites and five reception locations
including scenic lawns, courtyards, terraces and a ballroom. Rancho Bernardo Inn has event planners that will make your day
fabulous with facilities that can host up to 1,000 guests. They also have their own floral department. Their accommodations have
custom furnishings and breathtaking views to host many different styles of weddings.
See more of Nathan's photos of Justina and Brady's Rancho Bernardo Inn reception!
17) Leo Carrillo Ranch Historic Park, Carlsbad, 760 476 1042
Leo Carrillo is in the heart of a 27 acre canyon. The park has hand-crafted adobe buildings, antique windmills, a reflecting pool,
hidden courtyards, custom flagstone patios, wooden footbridges, a variety of lovely foliage and many, many gorgeous peacocks.
Previously owned by actor Leo Carrillo and now operated by the City of Carlsbad, Leo Carrillo is a historic landmark. Rental
areas include the reflecting pool and cabana area and the hacienda patio. There is also a bride's room. Some things to consider is
that the terrain is rather rough and appropriate shoes are recommended and the area can tend to get hot during the day but can
make for a warm evening reception.
See more of Nathan's photos of Chris and Norma's Leo Carillo reception!
18) Kona Kai Resort, San Diego's Shelter Island, 619 221 8000
Kona Kai is a waterfront location on the tip of Shelter Island with a tropical island ambiance. With lush tropical gardens, Kona
Kai has 43,000 square feet outdoors for a ceremony or reception on the beach, in the courtyard, on the terrace or in the gardens.
It also has 13,000 square feet of a tropical-themed indoor banquet hall. Kona Kai offers wedding professionals to help you plan
your day down to the tiniest detail.
See more of Nathan's photos of Ute and Tom's Kona Kai wedding and reception!
19) The Steakhouse at Azul La Jolla, 858 268 1031
Azul's is a beautiful restaurant in La Jolla ideally for a small reception. There are two dining options available including the "Wine
Room", an intimate glass enclosed room that looks out over the ocean hosting up to 24 people or the lush garden courtyard with a
fire ring that can accommodate up to 65 guests. The menu is superb and there are pretty locations for photos.
See more of Nathan's photos of Chris and Audrey's The Steakhouse at Azul La Jolla reception!
20) Star of India/The Berkeley, Maritime Museum of San Diego, 619 234 9153
Star of India is the world's oldest active sailing ship. Built in 1863, the Star of India has circumnavigated the world many times.
The ship is rather small and is best for a smaller wedding. Also at the Maritime Museum is the steam ferryboat from San
Francisco The Berkeley. The Berkeley can host up to 800 guests and has a wonderful ballroom for events. Both vessels make for
an unforgettable wedding. The Maritime Museum has an on-staff event coordinator to help you plan your special day.
See more of Nathan's photos of Jessica and Mark's wedding aboard the Star of India and reception aboard The Berkeley!
I hope you've enjoyed this article. If you have any questions, I'd be happy to answer them. I've shot hundreds of events
throughout San Diego since 1998. Give me a call. - Nathan 760 315 0513