35 Best San Diego Wedding Venues

Bridal Insider Discounts at San Diego Wedding Venues

Abbey maintains and updates this list of the best San Diego wedding venues based on our personal experience with over one thousand weddings in the last twenty years.  Abbey focuses on wedding venues that keep up with trends, maintenance, views, features, and benefits. Abbey also has special insider pricing, which changes very often, so give us a call once you make a venue interest list, and we can walk you through all the pros and cons while letting you know about exclusive Abbey insider deals.

Let’s start by defining your vision and what’s important to you. We’d enjoy the opportunity to escort you on a personalized day of venue tours specifically designed to meet your needs. To arrange a free, personalized day of tours, please contact us.

In the meantime, browse our list of the top wedding venues in the San Diego area. Don’t forget to ask about our insider deals or discounts at each of these venues.

CUVIER CLUB

Envision an exquisite wedding on the shores of the warm, radiant California coastline. You’ll stroll down the walkway towards the sea, where the waves tenderly lap the shore and say “I do” under a basic arbor weighed down with blossoms in full sprout.

Located near the world-renown beach of La Jolla, this is a top pick for anyone looking for a remarkable and unforgettable wedding surrounded by the true and natural beauty of Southern California.

Secret perks – complimentary venue rental on a Monday through Thursdays with select catering and bar packages.  Also, features the best micro wedding package in San Diego for only $150 per guest including venue, exquisite catering, rentals, and even table side wine.

The Downtown Abbey

Looking for a venue that can go late night?  Downtown Abbey is one of the top San Diego wedding venues close to downtown but far enough away to party the night away until late night.  This San Diego social event venue is rustic yet elegant.   The private club underwent a recent  renovation and not one single detail was overlooked.    The space is a blank canvas ready to make your event design and dreams jump to life.  This club has limited availability so be certain to check if your date is available.    This is certainly one of the hottest new wedding venues in San Diego that has the most features and benefits including late night events.

Secret perk – mention you found the club on this website and you will unlock an open hosted full bar package for 5 hours for only $20 per person.  (Yes for the entire 5 hours open bar.)  Many other perks await so let us schedule a tour for you today.

La Jolla Cove Suites

Offer your amazing day with loved ones in one of the most favored settings in San Diego, aside from the popular La Jolla Cove and the Pacific Ocean. The Suites are at the tip of the coastline. This is the place reality surpasses the creative mind. The setting features a 12,000 square foot oceanfront housetop – ideal for a wedding.

Secret perk – utilize The Abbey Catering for your catering needs and receive complimentary chivari chairs and 60″ round tables for up to 150 guests!

THE DARLINGTON HOUSE

The Darlington House is an Abbey Preferred venue well worth your time. It can accommodate up to 180 guests and comes equipped with a well-sized dance floor. It also has an outdoor courtyard for your guests to enjoy. The Darlington house even features a water fountain and a small pool. It’s a great choice in our opinion.

Julep

Julep is one of the newest and one of the largest venue in San Diego. Julep is able to accommodate a large guest count without having to go to a stuffy and expensive hotel. It is a 12,000 ft blank canvas with high gabled ceilings nestled in Mission Hills right off the 5 FWY. It features a large outside patio which free flows into the main area.

Japanese Friendship Garden

LA JOLLA WOMAN’S CLUB

The superb La Jolla Woman’s Club wedding venue is ideal for small intimate parties of close friends and family. The ceremony and the reception feel perfect, and not to mention the food from our amazing chefs will hit the spot. If you’re looking for a true San Diego wedding, be sure to consider this venue.

BEACH CLIFF VILLAS

Envision strolling the nightfall bluffs and completing the night with a fire in the yard with the sound of the sea out of sight. At BeachCliff Villas, you and your visitors will be wrapped in the San Diego warmth and normal excellence as all of you assemble to praise your cheerfully ever-after. From staggering all encompassing perspectives of the Pacific Ocean to the helpful vicinity from attractions and many well-known hotels and resort possibilities nearby it’s a great choice for anyone.

The Ultimate Skybox

The Ultimate Skybox is situated on the Diamond View Tower in the well known East Village. With 4,500 square feet of indoor/open air space accessible, and an enormous outside porch and chimney sitting above Petco Park. This remarkable venue is beautiful and affordable. It has an amazing surround sound system and a large area. It’s perfect for those looking for an urban and modern wedding in the heart of San Diego.

THE THURSDAY CLUB

The Thursday Club is a unique venue located in Point Loma near Sunset Cliffs. This is one of San Diego’s most well-known areas for its jaw-dropping beauty and natural landscape. Once you take a look at this amazing property you’ll want to host your wedding there.

Scripps Seaside Forum

The Scripps Seaside Forum is a venue located in La Jolla. It’s a true showcase of Southern California’s beautiful coast. Situated right on the coast and equipped with modern architecture. This spectacular venue is the ideal place for weddings. Few other beachfront venues come close to beating the beauty this venue offers.

The Martin Johnson House

The Martin Johnson House is a memorable oceanfront bungalow settled under lavish cypress trees with amazing perspectives on the Pacific coastline. Initially built in 1916, the provincial cottage was one of the first additions to the Scripps Institution of Oceanography grounds. Originally it was a home for Scripps teachers and their families. The renovated cottage and grounds currently offer an enchanting beachfront setting perfect for get-togethers going from conferences to weddings.

The Tower Beach Club

The most up to date and awesome Waterfront venue in Mission Beach! Enjoy a fantastic view of Mission Bay while getting served amazing drinks on the grand deck. Tower Beach Club incorporates an indoor and outdoor experience for any sort of occasion. It’s a beautiful waterfront blank canvas for an extraordinary event.

The Point

The Point is a hidden gem in San Diego. They are right on the San Diego Bay, so you’ll be able to enjoy your wedding surrounded by the ocean breeze. This highly-rated venue is perfect for those that want a remarkable San Diego wedding.

CORONADO COMMUNITY CENTER VENUE

The Club boasts picturesque views of the water and downtown skyline. It also includes flexibility for guests that reserve their rooms. Most of all, a fabulous kitchen that allows you to create just about any menu you could dream of. Let us not forget one of the most picture-perfect ceremony sites that San Diego has to offer!

BOTANICAL GARDEN

Just north of San Diego in Encinitas, the San Diego Botanic Garden wedding venue features numerous exhibits. Rare bamboo groves, desert gardens, tropical rainforests. A subtropical fruit garden and native coastal sage natural areas all frame the stunning Californian grounds.

deck655

Found just on the edge of downtown San Diego (Kettner and W. Broadway), deck655 is an adaptable scene that can be redone for social or corporate occasions. With 8,500 square feet of contemporary indoor/open air deck space, it includes an extensive indoor game room and outside amphitheater style seating for up to 110 visitors. Additionally included are 50/50 entryways that open to a 125′ promenade deck with clearing sees from Point Loma to Coronado. Extra yards with parlor furniture, worked in warming and lighting, encompass sound, and that’s only the tip of the iceberg. This space is appropriate for modern occasions.

MARINA VILLAGE

If you’re on the lookout for a bayfront wedding at an easily affordable price, look no further, The Marina Village is on the southwestern tip of beautiful Mission Bay near the well-known hotel/resort circle. Marina Village Wedding Venue – with all its charm and attraction, can accommodate small intimate affairs of 60 guests or grand weddings of 350. For Saturday receptions, rental rates start at $600.00 for the “Nautical Room”, which holds 60 seated guests and the Saturday price is still low at $2600.00 for the “Baja Room”, a room which holds an amazing 350 guests.

Our Exclusive List Wedding Venues in San Diego, CA

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DEL MAR POWERHOUSE

Out of all of the beautiful Del Mar wedding venues, the Del mar powerhouse is by far one of our favorites. A beachfront wedding, look no further than The Powerhouse Community Center on Coast Boulevard in Del Mar. This venue can host a wedding or event of up to 120 seated guests, with Del Mar Beach as your backdrop and an indoor reception to keep the party strong.

SAN DIEGO MUSEUM OF ARTS

True love at first sight. We fall in deep love, plan our future together, and of course, we plan our wedding. The San Diego Museum of Art is one of the few San Diego wedding venues you will look at and have you falling in love at first sight from the moment you step in through the door, if you have been searching for a venue rich with culture, with a splash of elegance, that does not inhibit you from adding your own personal touch; then search no more!

SAN DIEGO NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM

The upper floors of the Museum are home to beautiful and unique exhibitions. With open spaces for buffet tables, bars, and lounge furniture, these areas, which overlook the spectacular Atrium and Fossil Mysteries, often provide the needed overflow for larger events. With a spectacular view of Balboa Park, the downtown skyline, east to the mountains, south into Mexico, and west to the San Diego Bay, this rooftop deck (the only one in the park) is a spectacular location.

MUSEUM OF PHOTOGRAPHIC ARTS

The Museum of Photographic Arts (MOPA) was founded in 1983. This venue has an international reputation of excellence through its presentation of high-quality exhibitions, lectures, publications, and films. A museum without walls since 1972, MOPA became what it is today when the City of San Diego donated a 7,000-square-foot, custom-designed space in the Casa de Balboa Building in Balboa Park.

THE LUCE LOFT

The Luce Loft is an intimate venue in downtown San Diego that has a great urban and warehouse-like feel and the right choice for a more modern or contemporary bride. Some of the perks of this venue include a 24-hour rental and freedom to bring in all of the vendors you choose.

SAN DIEGO CENTRAL LIBRARY

Coming back through the main dining space leads to the picturesque Woods Family Sunset View Terrace. This larger outdoor space is simply perfect for cocktail hour, with a built-in roll-up service window that is wonderful for Bar Setups or Non-Alcoholic Infused Water Stations. The included unique square belly bars allow for guests to set beverages down, as photo opportunities abound!

The Mission Beach Woman’s Club

The main banquet room of The Mission Beach Woman’s Club is perfect for anything from casual to formal affairs, perfect for up to 110 seated guests or for a standing reception, 150 guests.  It’s centrally located near the Mission Bay hotel circle. The adjacent stage has a built-in projector screen for those that may wish to use the venue for a business meeting. This can also be the perfect place for a DJ or live band to perform on your wedding day. Weddings can be conducted on the bayside patio or for a small fee, paid to Mission Bay Park, performed on the sand and in front of the bay.

SAN DIEGO MUSEUM OF Us

The San Diego Museum of Us is the most recognized museum in Balboa Park due to its landmark dome and tower. Imagine having your ceremony in a 100-year-old chapel known as St. Francis Chapel or outdoor in the ceremonial El Prado, then on to a beautiful and historic setting inside the Museum of Us with distinctive exhibits your guests can enjoy during the reception. The Museum of Us is the only anthropological museum in San Diego.

SAN DIEGO AUTO MUSEUM

In the Southwest end of historic Balboa Park rests the San Diego Automotive Museum. Perfect for everything from weddings to corporate mixers. It comes with ample space to host your every need with a staff workforce that is determined to tend your every request. Constantly striving for fresh new pieces to show, the Automotive Museum rotates its vehicles regularly and is known to be one of the best San Diego Wedding Venues.

San Diego Rowing Club

The San Diego Rowing Club’s wedding venue is located on the west shore Mission Bay with an amazing bayside setting has become a very popular location for Ceremonies and receptions. This venue offers a wall of sliding glass doors that open to the patio overlooking Mission Bay. The venue offers a combined indoor/outdoor area with approximately 2000 square feet that can house up to 200 guests for your special day.

The Soledad Club

The Soledad Club wedding venue is a charming wedding venue located across from the famous Kate O. Sessions Memorial Park. The Soledad Club is able to seat up to 225 guests, comes with a complete stage, and holds breathtaking views of Mission Bay and the Pacific Ocean. The large outdoor deck surrounding The Soledad Club is ideal for snapping perfect wedding photos the beautiful San Diego stationed as your backdrop.

The Pannikin Building

The Pannikin Building is one of the most creative spaces in San Diego. It resembles some of the most historic buildings with its exposed brick, vaulted ceilings, wood flooring, and a truly rustic feel for your wedding or event.

Building 177

Building 177, which was previously the Naval Library, is a perfect space for anyone looking for a blank canvas for their event. With over 7,000 square feet it’s suited to handle almost all event types. The scenic outdoor patio works very well for bridal parties and even conferences.

Brick

BRICK is an open-concept, unique space with vendor flexibility, and a 24-hour rental period that can seat up 220 guests. Situated in Liberty Station, Point Loma, it is in the heart of San Diego. The venue is designed for weddings and most celebrations. It offers a rustic look and feel. To top it all off it’s surrounded by the breathtaking bay area of San Diego.

Port Pavillion at Broadway Pier

The Port Pavillion is an event venue on the Embarcadero of San Diego. It’s surrounded by water and cruise ships. This venue is perfect for anyone that loves water and an urban environment. On one side you have the water and on the other, you have downtown San Diego.

Flora

The Wedding Venue at Flora is exquisite, advanced, and beautiful, setting the ideal background for your extraordinary day. Those wedding moments you imagine will turn into an extraordinary reality you will treasure for years to come. Of all the wedding venues in Downtown San Diego, Flora has an unmatched natural quality about it that makes it stand-out. One of the most popular outdoor event venues in San Diego. It’s surrounded by palm trees and really gives off a southern California feel. With rustic living walls, it’s honestly one of the most unique venues we’ve seen. In the heart of SD, your guests won’t get lost with its prime location.

FORGOTTEN BARREL

Brides and grooms can try a few of the best bottles of wine in Southern California while their friends and family surround them with love on the most important day of their life. Additionally, the Forgotten Barrel serves up a collection of superior wines and is surrounded by well-known hotel/resort locations available. Feel free to visit them at their tasting room. Also, Be sure to experience their different varietals and to preview the one-of-a-kind atmosphere.

Luce on Kettner

Luce on Kettner is one of San Diego’s newest and coolest additions to the realm or private event spaces – a sister property to the very popular Luce Loft in the Gaslamp District. Located in the heart of Little Italy, this venue has a ton of personality and many unique, modern amenities. It has an open floor warehouse feel with lots of natural light with high ceilings and refurbished vintage architectural highlights. If you are looking for an industrial, downtown loft, warehouse vibe for your next event, this may be the perfect option.

The Lane

Located just south of Waterfront Park near Little Italy, The Lane offers 12,000 square feet of usable space–the outdoor terrace alone is 3,500 square feet, which is perfect for a waterview ceremony and/or a perfect sunset-facing cocktail hour. Inside, the tall ceilings make the main event space extra spacious which is furnished with 300 unique modern chairs and 30 oak wood tables (a huge savings!). It also includes a private, stylish bridal suite with modern amenities and a spacious area for Abbey Catering to set up their remote kitchen for on-site cooking and service.

Junipero Serra Museum

San Diego History Center

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average cost of a wedding in San Diego?

Around $35,000

The average cost of a San Diego wedding is typically around $35,000, which is about $7,000 more than the national average of $28,000. You can work with our exclusive list of vendors and get a 45-60% discount from their standard rates on your San Diego wedding. Learn more here.

How much are wedding Venues San Diego?

On average, wedding venues in San Diego cost about $8,000 for a 5 hour event.  Some venues, like the Cuvier Club in La Jolla, offer their venue at substantial discounts on Mondays through Thursdays. 

How can I get a $20,000 dollar wedding?

Planning a wedding is an expensive endeavor. Given that the average cost of a wedding in the US is $28,000, it’s no wonder that couples are looking for ways to cut costs. Luckily, there are many ways to plan a wedding for less than $20,000. Here are some tips.

How to Plan a Wedding for Less Than $20000

• Bundle services with an All Inclusive Wedding Package
• Cut out unnecessary expenses
• Find cheap alternatives such as renting clothing instead of buying  
• Consider having a small ceremony and reception
• Get Creative with the venue
• Consider a Monday through Thursday – your photos on Instagram will look the same on a Monday as it would on a Saturday

What is the average budget for a wedding in California?

The average budget for a wedding in California is $33,000. The average cost of a wedding in the United states is about $28,000 in 2022, according to The Knot. The venue is the most expensive part, at an average of $8,000. If you are running a tight budget consider working with a venue that offers discounts on weekdays like The Cuvier Club in La Jolla or the Downtown Abbey Club in National City..

What is a reasonable wedding budget?

A reasonable wedding budget is $35,000. The average cost of a wedding in 2022 in San Diego is $35,000 (including the ceremony & reception). This is what you should know about wedding costs and how to realistically estimate how much you’ll spend.  To get the most value, utilize an all inclusive wedding company like The Abbey Catering or The Abbey Package which uses their huge volume to offer steep discounts for their clients.

Who traditionally pays for what in a wedding?

Traditionally, the bride and her family are solely responsible for paying for the majority of the wedding.  However, typically the groom’s family pays for the open bar, honeymoon and the cake.    Working with seasoned professionals at the Abbey Catering Company gives you all peace of mind and direction as to how to approach each family.

How much does a wedding cost for 50 guests?

In the US, weddings with 50 guests typically cost between $15,000 and $25,000, with an average of around $20,000. This figure will vary depending on the site’s location, cuisine and drinks offered, as well as other variables. You may want to consider working with an all inclusive wedding company like The Abbey Catering to get better pricing when you bundle services. Many times a wedding at 50 or less is considered a micro wedding.  Cuvier Club has a micro wedding special package for only $200 per person.

How much does it cost to get married at Torrey Pines?

A wedding at the lodge in torrey pines starts at $275 per person and has a minimum guest count of 70. Contact us if you would like your complimentary tour of The Lodge at Torrey Pines.

Can you get married at Sunset Cliffs San Diego?

Yes, you can get married at sunset cliffs in San Diego. The Osprey Street area can be used for weddings, and can be permitted for a maximum of 50 people. You can learn more by contacting one of our wedding coordinators.   The Abbey Catering has produced hundreds of weddings at Sunset Cliffs.  It pays to speak with the professionals who have figured out the kinks.

What to Consider When Choosing the Right Venue

San Diego is one of the most beautiful cities in California and has a long list of attractions that make it a desirable wedding destination for many engaged couples. When you’ve decided to host your wedding in San Diego, you run into a new problem. You have to figure out the wedding venue is best for your upcoming wedding. There is no single solution for everyone. You and your loved one have a unique set of preferences, tastes, expectations, and budget. Although it can be a daunting task it can be done with a few simple steps.

How to Choose the Right Wedding Venue or Event Space

When you start on the venue search you’ll quickly realize that it can get overwhelming. Each venue you look at offers completely different pricing, packages, and features. You want to keep yourself organized to remember what you liked and didn’t like about each venue. Everyone is different so the way you keep your notes is totally up to you. You might want to just download an app to write down notes for each venue or use an excel sheet. Either way, just keep notes so when it comes down to choosing the right one you feel more confident about the choice you plan to make.

Talk to your wedding planner

Your wedding planner knows the ins and outs of your cities venues and should have more than enough experience to help you find the right wedding venue. Wedding planners are familiar with what’s available, the capabilities, typical layouts, average costs, and almost anything you can think of when it comes to a wedding. After all, that’s what they do. Let your wedding planner show you their expertise.

Consider your Guest List

Another huge factor in choosing the right wedding venue is making sure the venue can hold your guest list. This can also help you save some money so you don’t overspend on a venue that’s too big. Make sure you have your guest list finalized. If you can try to talk to everyone on the list to make sure they can make it. Once your guest list is pruned and finalized you’ll be better prepared to choose the right wedding venue.

Think About Your Ideal Wedding

Although this might be obvious, be sure it isn’t overlooked. You want to visualize your ideal wedding so that you can narrow down the options. Are you looking for a modern, rustic, or outdoor wedding? Be sure you request pricing, read the reviews to be sure you choose the right wedding venue to celebrate your wedding. The more specific you can get the better off you’ll be.

Consider Your Guests

Once you have your guest list finalized, it’s a good idea to talk about your guests and their experience with your wedding. If you have a lot of guests coming from out of town you want to be sure the wedding venue is near a hotel. Simple logistics like parking, carpooling, and location become important on your wedding day.

Availability

This is such an obvious point but you can’t forget it! You want to be 100% sure that the venue is available on your wedding date. This will change over time so make sure you check as often as need be. Just be sure you keep in mind that popular venues fill in months ahead of time.