Our Favorite San Diego Wedding Venues
For more than six years we’ve been photographing weddings in the greater San Diego, California area, and we’ve shot at almost ever major wedding venue in the area. Below is a list of some of our favorite places to shoot.
Bernardo Winery
Bernardo Winery is our favorite San Diego Winery to photograph weddings at. It truly is a photographers dream location. The rustic chic winery is an all inclusive venue. It has several options for your wedding ceremony and reception. It is perfect for small intimate ceremonies to large ones. Your out of town guests will love the unique atmosphere here. One other amazing thing is it is close to several hotels ranging in budgets that makes it easy for out of town guests.
View the Bernardo Winery website »
Coronado Community Center
Coronado Community Center is an amazing way to have your wedding on Coronado Island without spending the high rates at the Hotel Del. Your guests will love being able to visit Coronado Island and enjoy your ceremony on the lawn overlooking the bay. This is such a well known San Diego landmark. The beach is right across the street. This makes it amazing to do photos on the bay and the beach in front of the world famous Hotel Del. The ballroom of the Community Center is elegant with all water views. For out of town guests the hotels right there are the Hotel Del, Glorietta Bay Inn, and the Loews Coronado. Another perk of this venue is downtown San Diego is right over the bridge with lots of amazing restaurants and bars.
View the Coronado Community Center website »
Darlington House La Jolla
We have photographed many weddings over the years at the gorgeous Darlington House. Every weddings is unique and stunning. The Darlington House is located in the heart of La Jolla. This is a historic house with so much history. Your wedding guests will love how beautiful it is in every way. As photographers we love it. Every room and area is just a perfect place to take a photo. The famous La Jolla beaches are just steps from the Darlington House. How perfect is it to have a vintage, timeless look of your photos in the house and mixed with classic beach wedding photos. As you can tell we love photographing weddings here.
View the Darlington House La Jolla website »
Estancia
The Estancia Spa and Resort is a luxury wedding venue in La Jolla CA. This resort is very spanish style in the architecture, yet it is trendy with the contemporary furnishings. This is one of our favorite hotels. Every wedding we have photographed here over the years is stunning. There are so many options from the large ceremonies on the Garden Courtyard to the small intimate ceremonies on the Olive Lawn. There are lots of walkways to make for gorgeous wedding photos of the bride and groom or the full wedding party.
Fairbanks Ranch Country Club
How stunning is this venue? It is in the heart of Rancho Santa Fe. If you have ever dreamed of getting married in Rancho Santa Fe this is the venue for you. The gorgeous club house over looks the lush golf course, and lakes. The ceremony site has stunning golf course views. The staff here at the club is top notch. You will be treated like a king and queen on your wedding day.
View the Fairbanks Ranch Country Club website »
Fairmont Grand Del Mar
The Luxury Fairmont Grand Del Mar is world famous. This southern California style resort is TripAdvisor’s #1 Luxury Hotel in California. Just pulling up to the resort you will see why. It is a five star hotel and rates with five diamonds for service. Your wedding here will not disappoint in any way. Every wedding we have photographed here we are in awe of. Truly the most spectacular wedding venues in San Diego. It is tucked away in Del Mar’s rolling hills. The resorts rooms are so special and make for amazing getting ready photos for the bride and grooms.
View the Fairmont Grand Del Mar website »
Grand Tradition Estate
The Grand Tradition Estate is a premier all inclusive wedding venue in North County San Diego. The Estate has thirty acres of gardens which make it a photographers dream venue. At every turn is an amazing place to take a bridal portrait. There are 3 distinctive wedding venues on this grand property. Each one is unique. The main tent for receptions is elegant and the staff is amazing. We have shot many weddings at this venue and loved every one. We have done fun sparkler exits and even horse drawn carriage rides. You have to visit it to believe it. Even on the drive you will think what is out here in Fallbrook. When you turn onto the driveway you will be in awe of the beauty.
View the Grand Tradition Estate website »
Green Gables Estate
Green Gables Estate is an all inclusive wedding venue that is so romantic. This historic landmark estate is set in total seclusion with an Old San Marcos Schoolhouse dating back to 1889. The forest that surrounds the school house dates back 100 years. When you walk on to the property you just feel how romantic it is. The owners have done an amazing job of getting every detail a bride could want on her wedding day here. From the staff to the grounds it is top notch. As a photographer we love the rooms the bride and groom get ready, the gardens, the vintage turquoise truck, the stunning ceremony site and the amazing tent for the reception. We can’t forget to mention all the amazing twinkle lights at night in the garden.
View the Green Gables Estate website »
Hotel Del Coronado
Hotel Del Coronado is probably the most famous historic hotel in San Diego. You will recognize this landmark hotel from many movies. The beaches surrounding the Del are world famous and pristine. The Del to us is what a luxury resort should be. The ceremonies can be held in several locations. The grassy area overlooking the beach or even right on the sand of the beach. There are also several ballrooms to hold your reception indoor and out based on your needs and guest count. The staff is by far so helpful. We love every wedding we shoot here. Each one different, elegant and classic.
View the Hotel Del Coronado website »
Immaculata
The Immaculata is the most stunning church in San Diego in our opinion. As photographers we love churches that have history and are elaborate. Well this one is. There are actually 2 church areas you can get married in. Both of them are impressive. So many of the churches in San Diego are new and very contemporary or pretty plain. This structure is on the gorgeous campus of the University of San Diego. The other bonus of getting married here is the grounds of the campus are just amazing to walk around for photos. There are endless photo locations.
Kona Kai Resort
The Kona Kai Resort and Spa is a hidden gem. We have been here for a handful of weddings and are always impressed. It is at the furthest end of Shelter Island. That is why the views from every side are water. On one side you overlook the dramatic San Diego downtown skyline and Coronado Island. The other side you are overlooking the marina where the rich and famous dock their boats. The contemporary furnishings of the resort provide awesome looks for photos. The ceremonies could be held inside, on the patio or our favorite on the sandy beach overlooking the yachts. Just take a peak at their website to see for yourself.
View the Kona Kai Resort website »
La Valencia
La Valencia is located in the heart of La Jolla. When you think classic La Jolla this is what comes to mind. It is like stepping back in time. From the pink structure to the Spanish tiles to the Mediterranean charm. The staff will treat you like royalty. Bobby who is in charge of weddings is amazing in every way. As photographers we love all the colors and textures of this hotel. The grand stairways, the hotel entrance and the little tucked away photo locations we know about make this one of our favorite hotels to shoot weddings at. One other perk we have to tell you about is the famous La Jolla Cove is walking distance. Right across the street you can have beach or cliff wedding photos. How could it get better than that?
View the La Valencia website »
Loews Coronado
Loews Coronado Bay is located on the famous Coronado Island. This impressive resort hotel is amazing for so many reasons. First there are six ceremony sites and numerous ballrooms and outside areas for your reception. We have seen small intimate ceremonies to very large ones here. Each special and elegant. If you do a beach ceremony they have transportation for your guests to be shuttled down. Just walking into the lobby of the resort you can see the grandness by looking at the amazing staircase. One of our favorite parts is they have gondola rides in the bay around the resort. This makes for the cutest most unique wedding photos.
View the Loews Coronado website »
Maderas Golf Club
Maderas Golf Club is an amazing wedding venue if you didn’t know they did weddings here. It is in the gorgeous rolling hills in Poway, CA. The golf course is world famous and was even ranked in the top 100 in golf digest. So you know the property is equally as amazing. They just built a bridal suite that is stunning last year. It is large with amazing window light for your make up artist and photographer to have great light any time of day. The ceremony overlooks the amazing view of the mountains and golf course. One reason we love photographing here is they let you go out onto the golf course for photos. Most golf courses are off limits for photos. We know all the perfect spots to get those gorgeous rolling hill, green grass, and hidden gem photos.
View the Maderas Golf Club website »
Manchester Grand Hyatt
The Manchester Grand Hyatt is a elegant hotel right on the waterfront of downtown San Diego. This high-rise hotel can accommodate a small wedding or a 500+ wedding. There are endless combinations of where your ceremony and reception can be on this property. Our favorite place to photograph here is in the grand lobby. It is so elegant and romantic. Your out of town guests will love the location. It is right across the street from the famous Gas Lamp district. Some of San Diego’s best restaurants and shops are steps out of the resort. The pool area is amazing. You truly feel like you are on vacation without leaving the hotel.
View the Manchester Grand Hyatt website »
Morgan Run
Morgan Run is an elegant wedding venue in the famous Rancho Santa Fe. This stunning golf course resort is a perfect place to get married. The grounds are just picture perfect. We love that they allow us to photograph on the golf course. We are able to take golf carts out on your wedding day and explore the gorgeous grounds. Of course we know where to go to not get hit by a golf ball. There are endless possibilities for amazing portraits on this property. The ceremony site overlooks the rolling golf course making for stunning ceremony photos complete with tall palm trees to frame your ceremony. The staff are amazing here catering your every need.
Omni La Costa
The Omni La Costa is our favorite resort in San Diego. Right when you get out of the car you feel like you are on vacation. The white Spanish style architecture mixed with the beautiful tiles everywhere makes for some of best wedding photos you can dream of. There are many locations you can hold your ceremony and reception on the property based on your size of wedding and style. Every where you walk on on the grounds is breathtaking. For guests there are multiple pools and restaurants, all world class. There is the award winning golf course and tennis courts. We also have to mention the first class spa. There is something for every guest at this resort. We love it here and have to say one of our favorite wedding venues to photograph in San Diego.
View the Omni La Costa website »
Park Hyatt Aviara
The Park Hyatt Aviara is a five star resort located in Carlsbad, Ca. Most all the rooms have breathtaking ocean views. This property is luxurious but contemporary. The perfect combination for a wedding hotel. Your ceremony and reception could be in many areas based on your size of your wedding and your taste. The property is a perfect place for us to photograph. We love how elegant and classic it is. Your photos will be timeless and memorable here on the property. Even though the beach is 5 minutes from here there is no need to go anywhere once you enter the property. There is something for everyone. We love photographing weddings at the Park Hyatt Aviara!
View the Park Hyatt Aviara website »
The Parado
The Prado at Balboa Park is such a unique and stunning venue. Right in the heart of the world famous Balboa Park you will amaze your guests at the beauty and the history here. If you have been to Balboa Park you know how many beautiful buildings and trees there are. Almost like it was build for wedding photographers. Every where you walk is absolutely perfect for photos anytime of day or night. That is why getting married at the Prado is a perfect venue. It is classic and elegant yet fun to be in the hustle and bustle of a popular destination in San Diego. The staff are amazing here and will take great care of you and your wedding guests.
Rancho Bernardo Inn
The Rancho Bernardo Inn is a classic resort hotel located just east of the 15. It is tucked away in a cute neighbor hood. When you get there you will see how gorgeous the grounds are. A beautiful golf course and manicured gardens. This of course makes for stunning wedding photos every where you walk. Having your wedding here at this resort gives you lots of choices. Many elegant ballrooms or outdoor patios for ceremony, receptions and cocktail hours. The rooms are very modern and luxurious making great rooms for the brides getting ready photos.
View the Rancho Bernardo Inn website »
Rancho Valencia
Rancho Valencia is truly a world class five star resort. We have photographed several weddings here and can honestly say this is on of our favorite resorts in San Diego. A photographers dream venue. The resort is Spanish Style with modern, contemporary furnishings. My favorite combination. The spa is amazing and a must do if staying here. The weddings are always high end luxury weddings. We know the staff and they treat everyone like they should be treated on their wedding day. Every wedding is so special here. We want to get married again just to have it at this gorgeous luxury San Diego wedding venue.
View the Rancho Valencia website »
San Diego Marriott Marquis & Marina
The San Diego Marriott Marquis and Marina is truly a spectacular wedding venue. It is located on the waterfront in downtown San Diego. This hotel featured stunning wedding ceremonies located on the roof deck. This roof deck overlooks the bay and the Coronado Bridge on one side and the amazing San Diego skyline on the other. The tent for the wedding reception is also located on the rooftop as well. It is elegant and perfect for your sunset wedding. The views from everywhere you look will amaze your guests. The staff is wonderful and will take care of your every need. We love shooting weddings at this downtown hotel. We have been there so many times to photograph weddings we know all the secret spots to take brides and grooms to capture unique photos every time.
View the San Diego Marriott Marquis & Marina website »
Santaluz Club
The Santaluz Club is a luxury high end wedding venue in San Diego. The stunning club is located right past Rancho Santa Fe and is five star in every way. The grounds and club house are very well manicured and stunning. The ceremony location overlooks the rolling hills and golf course. The receptions are held under the amazing elegant tent. Your wedding will truly be unique and elegant here. The staff are amazing and will help you with every need during your big day. We love photographing weddings here the landscape and Clubhouse make for amazing and dramatic photos. Not to mention it is so romantic too.
View the Santaluz Club website »
The Crossings Carlsbad
The Crossings Carlsbad is an amazing venue on the top of a hill overlooking the beautiful Pacific Ocean. This San Diego wedding venue is stunning. The ceremony site has ocean views along with the reception room. The golf course is on rolling hills making for awesome photos. We have to say our favorite part is the dramatic waterfall with all the pretty flowers around it. When you have your wedding here you are allowed to take a golf cart out to this stunning waterfall. How perfect for photos is a waterfall? We are in love with this Carlsbad wedding venue.
View The Crossings Carlsbad website »
The Hilton Torrey Pines
The Hilton Torrey Pines is a luxury hotel in La Jolla Ca. This stunning property has amazing ocean view rooms. There are multiple options for ceremony and reception sites on this property making it fit everyone’s budget and guest count needs. The gardens that line the golf course are stunning for photos. The property is dramatic and luxurious making it perfect for weddings. It is easy access to many of the famous San Diego attractions making it perfect for out of town guests too. We love photographing weddings here.
Visit The Hilton Torrey Pines website »
The Lodge at Torrey Pines
The Lodge at Torrey Pines is a AAA Five Diamond Resort in La Jolla CA. This stunning property overlooks the world-renowned Torrey Pines Golf Course with ocean and cliff views. This is truly a unique and stunning venue to have your wedding at. As photographers we have photographed and seen most every venue in San Diego. We can honestly say this resort is one of the most special and elegant. Everywhere you walk is perfect photo locations. From the brick walls with vines growing around them, to the beautiful gardens, to the stunning ocean views your photos will reflect all that San Diego and La Jolla have to offer. You don’t even have to leave the property. As you can tell we are in love with photographing weddings at this La Jolla wedding venue.
View The Lodge at Torrey Pines website »
Twin Oaks
Twin Oaks and Green Gables Estate are sister properties. They are both amazing in their own way yet similar. Twin Oaks is a historic landmark. It has an old San Marcos School House. They have now turned that school house into the most stunning bridal room we have ever seen. The grounds are amazing! The venue is set under a tall forest of trees and little streams. This of course makes for amazing photos any time of the day. We have photographed many weddings here over the years and each one is so special and unique. They have not forgotten any details to make your wedding go smooth, elegant and memorable.
Vista Valley Country Club
Vista Valley Country Club is a newer wedding venue in North County San Diego. It started hosting weddings in 2015 and we were lucky to be the second wedding every held there. We were blown away from this venue. You really must go see it to believe it. It is in the rolling hills of Vista, CA. Set on an amazing golf course. The club house is elegant and stunning. Even the bridal room is so perfect. Our favorite part is the gate that frames the ceremony site. It was brought over from France and wow is it stunning. The whole venue is elegant and amazing but this gate tops it all off. One awesome thing about this new gorgeous venue is most brides don’t know about it. Your wedding will be somewhere truly unique.
