We love these five classic San Diego hotels for their expansive properties and long list of wedding day amenities.
Estancia
Why: Sprawling 9-acre rancho-style resort with early California-Spanish architecture and authentic charm
We love… the serenity of this extraordinary property and its alluring California native landscapes
What every couple should know: An intimate rose-scented ceremony on the Olive Lawn followed by a reception in the hacienda-style Grande Room is a winning combination
Guests: 300 max
Budget range: Starting at $16,500
Inside scoop: This was once an equestrian estate and thoroughbred training ground
All in the details: Vine-wrapped trellises, stone fountains, brilliant bougainvillea, wrought iron chandeliers, outdoor brick fireplaces, and twinkling lights
Only here… will you feel like you are Don and Donna of a private Spanish-style estate
estancialajolla.com | 858.550.1000
Photo by Aqua Photo
The Grand Del Mar
Why: An opulent Mediterranean-style estate atmosphere with five-star service and San Diego’s finest cuisine for a fairytale wedding
We love… the Capella, the onsite chapel with beamed ceilings, imported Italian pews, stained-glass accents, and a baby grand piano
What every couple should know:For an open-air lavish setting, book the enchanting Aria Lawn, which leads to a dramatic Moroccan pavilion
Guests: 500 max
Budget range: $250-$300 per person
Inside scoop: The hotel’s pastry chef is an expert in creating one-of-a-kind, show-stopping cakes
All in the details: Addison Mizner-inspired architecture, European flair, grand chandeliers, stone fireplaces, hand-stenciled ceilings, and charming gazebos
Only here… can you dazzle your guests’ palates with the superlative modern French cuisine from Relais & Château grand chef William Bradley
thegranddelmar.com | 858.314.2000
Photo by Claire Barrett
The Lodge at Torrey Pines
Why: Craftsman-style gem nodding to the turn-of-the-century California Greene & Greene architecture with verdant views of
the world-famous Torrey Pines Golf Course
We love… weddings on the Arroyo Terrace overlooking the 18th green
Guests: 220 max
Budget range: $175-$250 per person
Inside scoop: Renowned chef Jeff Jackson prepares all food including your wedding’s farm-to-table fare
All in the details: Tiffany-style lamps, William Morris designs, Stickley-style furniture, manicured gardens, and doormen in Scottish kilts
Only here… can you marry on the expansive croquet lawn on the cliffs
above Black’s Beach with colorful paragliders playing in the wind above
lodgeattorreypines.com | 858.453.4420
Photo by Jennifer Dery
Rancho Valencia
Why: Eden-like paradise with lush gardens, and early California-Spanish architecture tucked into the rolling hills of Rancho Santa Fe, and a $25 million reno
We love… the giant croquet lawn waiting for you to transform it into a magical ceremony setting
What every couple should know: If you want your very own private châteaux for a more intimate wedding, take over The Hacienda, a 5,000-square-foot gorgeous estate
Guests: 350 max
Budget range: Starting at $90 per person
Inside scoop: Enjoy housemade juice elixirs, rustic California coastal cuisine, green-minded keg wines, and custom menus from stellar chef Eric Bauer
All in the details: Gurgling fountains, colorful Spanish tile, birds of paradise, riots of bougainvillea, fire pits, hot air balloons poised overhead at sunset, and more
Only here…. will you never run out of colorful, romantic nooks and settings for stunning wedding photos that tell a tale of love, grace, and beauty
ranchovalencia.com | 858.759.6259
Photo by Studio Duva
The Westgate Hotel
Why: Classy downtown hotel with French-inspired, opulent décor
We love… the sweeping rooftop terrace with its 60-foot fountains for an alfresco ceremony, electric cityscape views, and a reception under a blanket of stars
What every couple should know: The Versailles Ballroom, a truly lavish European-style setting, exudes romance
Guests: 250 max
Budget range: Starting at $10,000
Inside scoop: The sophisticated grand lobby is a recreation of an anteroom at the Palace of Versailles
All in the details: Imported silk window dressings, Baccarat crystal chandeliers, grand piano, harp music, Flemish tapestries, Persian rugs, and hand-picked antiques from across the globe
Only here… when you enter through the Westgate’s doors, will you leave the pulse of the Gaslamp far behind and feel instantly transported to Europe
westgatehotel.com | 619.238.1818
Photo by John Schnack
—By Ann Wycoff
On The Waterfront
Coronado Cays Yacht Club
Waterfront patio, Le Cordon Bleu-trained chef, grand exit by Venetian gondola.
ccyc.org | 619.429.0133
Hilton San Diego Resort & Spa
Toes-in-the-sand wedding, sweeping water views, arching palms, fire pits, festive beachy-boho style.
hilton.com | 619.276.4010
Paradise Point
Lush landscapes, tropical blossoms, four ceremony sites, bay views, Balinese- inspired bungalows.
paradisepoint.com | 858.274.4630
Star of the Sea
Floor-to-ceiling views of the bay, over-water deck, chic bar area with etched glass.
starofthesea.com | 619.232.7408
