From private beach to sprawling vineyard, find the perfect scenic backdrop for your vows.
The Pastoral Paradise
Madreas Golf Club, Photo by Carrey Pennington
Why: Rolling hills and lush fairways dotted with lakes and waterfalls lend an old-world feel to this Tuscan-inspired locale.
Guests: 250 with a dance floor; 300 without a dance floor
What’s new: The bridal party has access to La Casa, a small retreat house with a fireplace and kitchenette. The staff will deliver refreshments so everyone will be hydrated and fed before heading down the aisle.
What we love: Conveniently located just one mile off the main road, Maderas feels completely removed from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Personalize it: Fulfill that childhood dream of meeting your groom at the aisle in a horse-drawn carriage!
17750 Old Coach Road, Poway, maderasgolf.com
The Ultimate Beach
La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club, Photo by La Jolla Beach and Tennis Club
Why: This classic club is home to one of California’s only private beaches in the exclusive La Jolla Shores, commanding a spectacular view of the Pacific.
Guests: up to 250
What’s new: The Beach Club recently renovated all banquet rooms, which have mid-century style with a modern twist.
What we love: The timeless elegance and breathtaking views. Because it’s a private beach, you won’t have to hassle with city permits and alcohol or glass restrictions.
Personalize it: Your groom can arrive at the ceremony in true James Bond-style on a jet ski.
2000 Spindrift Drive, La Jolla, ljbtc.com
The Sky-High View
The Ultimate Skybox at Diamond View Tower, Photo by True Weddings Photography
Why: A ballpark backdrop with phenomenal views of San Diego bay, downtown, and Coronado.
Guests: 160 max
What’s new: The Skybox does not require a food or beverage minimum, allows you to bring in your own bar, and the price of the venue includes a day-of coordinator. Score!
What we love: The energetic, sleek, downtown vibe and the frequent fireworks during the spring and summer months…at no extra charge!
Personalize it: Tie in the baseball theme with late night snacks such as mini corndogs, sliders, and fries. Homerun.
350 10th Avenue, downtown, diamondviewtower.com
The Vineyard Idyll
Ponte Family Estate, Photo by Hulse Photography
Why: Choose from four spectacular ceremony sites on this beautiful sprawling vineyard and inn nestled in Temecula’s wine country.
Guests: Depending on the site and seating arrangements, 100 – 400
What’s new: Invite your guests to stay at the new mission-style boutique hotel on the property. It’s the first of its kind in the region and allows your guests to fully relax and enjoy the weekend on the vineyard.
What we love: The late-night Cellar Lounge serves food and offers a full bar for those after-partiers.
Personalize it: For the environmentally conscious, Ponte offers “green wedding packages.” From venues built to use modern sustainable practices, to locally sourced farm-to-table wedding day menus, coordinators will help eco-friendly brides incorporate these elements into their big day.
35053 Rancho California Road, Temecula, pontewinery.com
The Romantic Ranch
The Condor’s Nest Ranch, Photo by Zelo Photography
Why: The ranch provides a gorgeous, rustic
setting and their all-inclusive approach takes away the stress of finding vendors and coordinating ceremony and reception details.
Guests: 300 max
What’s new: Dessert stands in all sizes—perfect for serving all types of sweet treats. With the help of the creative staff at the Ranch, brides are able to design the dessert bar of their (very sweet) dreams.
What we love: Borrow their rustic, ranch-style props like vintage milk bottles and ceramic dishes so you’re able to perfectly accent the look of your big day.
Personalize it: The ranch animals are an added bonus and make for some great photo ops—after all, how often you see a bride standing next to a llama?
37537 Magee Road, Pala, thecondorsnestranch.com
By Natalie Fitzgerald
