Once the proposal has sunk in, the ring has been Instagrammed, and the champagne flutes clinked, it’s time to choose the spot where you’ll say “I do.” From ocean views and chandelier-decked ballrooms to historic homes and animal sanctuaries (yes, really!), San Diego is bursting with prime wedding real estate. Here, 81 venues for every bride, budget, and backdrop.

By Archana Ram

North County

Carlsbad Flower Fields

A shabby chic barn, manicured landscapes, and hundreds of giant Tecolote ranunculus make for an Instagram-worthy party. The Fields are open March through May only.
Price: $3,500-5,000
Capacity: 200 max
theflowerfields.com

The Crossings at Carlsbad

This 28,000-square-foot Craftsman-style clubhouse has vaulted ceilings, a beautiful stone fireplace, and custom dance floor, with panoramic views of the golf course and the Pacific Ocean.
Price: Starts at $73/person Capacity: 250; 300 with tent setting
thecrossingsatcarlsbad.com

Cape Rey Carlsbad, a Hilton Resort

The contemporary seaside resort stays true to its name with ocean views from nearly every nook. The Shearwater ballroom works for parties both large and small, while the event lawn and terraces promise beautiful vistas.
Price: $98-120/person; $1,500 for facility
Capacity: 375
caperay.com

Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens

Local craft beer, organic food, and a bucolic setting meet at Stone Brewing’s 1-acre farm. The focus: local, seasonal, and sustainable.
Price: Starts at $900 for tables, chairs, bride’s bouquet, and more
Capacity: 150 max
stoneworldbistro.com

The Ranch at Bandy Canyon

Lined by mature eucalyptus trees, the Ranch offers the perfect rustic-style outdoor wedding. Guests can stay in cabins on the property, hang out by the pool, go for a trail ride on the horses that live at the ranch, and take in the mountain views.
Price: Starts at $8,400 for venue
Capacity: 250-450; reception areas 50-400
bandycanyon.com

San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo Safari Park

Both the Zoo and the Safari Park can host nuptials with a variety of locations. The Zoo takes you into the wild with a ceremony by a lagoon or a grassy lawn overlooking their cheetah exhibit. At the Safari Park in Escondido, choose from a plantation-style reception hall, Indonesian-inspired hut at the new Tull Family Tiger Trail, and even a tree house!
Price: $95-112/person; $1,500-2,000 for facility
Capacity: 25-500
sandiegozoo.org; sdzsafaripark.org

Park Hyatt Aviara Resort

Have your wedding exactly how you imagined with the Hyatt’s professional wedding specialist, who’ll help you choose between elegant ballrooms or outdoor terraces.
Price: $175-225/guest; venue starts at $12,000
Capacity: 2-650
parkaviara.hyatt.com

Rancho Bernardo Inn

It’s hard to go wrong with seven ceremony sites and five reception locations, but we’re partial to the Santiago Courtyard, which features olive trees and an imported Italian fountain.
Price: Starts at $100/person; starts at $1,800 for facility
Capacity: 600 max
ranchobernardoinn.com

Inn at Rancho Santa Fe

Step into a fairyland at this North County beaut, where eucalyptus groves mingle among charming villas. Choose from the ballroom, croquet lawn, and private gardens for your big day.
Price: Starts at $150/person; starts at $1,500 for facility
Capacity: 350 max
theinnatrsf.com

Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa

It’s luxury all the way at the award-winning resort, which welcomed a $30 million makeover in 2012. The renovated wedding spaces include a 1,900-square-foot ballroom, sprawling croquet lawn, and the Hacienda, a private three-bedroom villa that holds up to 180 people. Need some Zen after the festivities? The Serenity Yoga Pavilion offers serious om.
Price: Starts at $175/person
Capacity: 300 max
ranchovalencia.com

Del Mar Plaza

The Plaza Ocean View Deck and Back Garden Deck provide priceless views and are available year round for a wedding. Catering is available through one of Del Mar Plaza’s many notable restaurants.
Price: Ocean View Deck starts at $400/hour, depending on season; Back Garden Deck starts at $300/hour
Capacity: 200 Ocean View Deck, 100 Back Garden Deck
delmarplaza.com

L’Auberge Del Mar

The glamorous resort is all about sophisticated beach chic, thanks to the luxurious ballroom, ocean-facing terrace, and pristine lawns of adjacent Seagrove Park. For cost-conscious brides, they recently added a Sunday daytime wedding package and a new menu of express bridal spa services. Score!
Price: $3,000-35,000
Capacity: 250 max
laubergedelmar.com

Maderas Golf Club

Nestled in Poway, this golf course on brilliant green fairways has panoramic views of lakes, creeks, and waterfalls. Ceremonies can be held at the Sunset Terrace or Del Lago Garden, while the recently refreshed, Tuscan-inspired Del Lago Ballroom welcomes receptions.
Price: Starts at $64/person
Capacity: 250 max
maderasgolf.com

Los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve

This natural wonderland is home to an 1823-built ranch house—the second oldest known standing residence in San Diego County. History aside, the relatively affordable Preserve is the definition of wide-open spaces, with 3,700 acres and more than 10 miles of hiking trails.
Price: $400/first three hours for courtyard and grounds
Capacity: 125 max
sdcounty.ca.gov

Also see:

• Cal-a-Vie
• Vista Valley Country Club
• Leo Carillo Ranch Historic Park
• Keys Creek Lavender Farm
• San Diego Botanic Garden
• Lux Art Institute
• Grand Del Mar
• Karl Strauss Gardens

Central San Diego

Hornblower Cruises & Events

Say your “I do’s” at sea! On a romantic Hornblower yacht, take in 360-degree views of the water and downtown. Choose a large celebration, or keep things small (even as intimate as just the two of you).
Price: Starts at $475
Capacity: 50-1,000
hornblower.com

Flagship Cruises & Events

The Flagship fleet has a vessel for every size and budget. And being on a boat doesn’t limit your choices. There are options to customize—you can go for crystal, silver, and china, or upgrade to premium linens. You can even have one of their licensed boat captains officiate the ceremony.
Price: Starts at $4,500
Capacity: 2-200
flagshipsd.com

Paradise Point

Choose from ballrooms, gardens, lagoons, lawns, and sandy beaches at this resort on a private island in Mission Bay.
Price: $140/person
Capacity: 500 max
paradisepoint.com

The Bahia Resort Hotel

It’s the paradise wedding you’ve been dreaming of. Choose your setting in the ocean-view ballroom or beachfront, and have your reception cruising on a vintage Sternwheeler boat around Mission Bay.
Price: Starts at $99/person
Capacity: 550 beach ceremony; ballrooms from 40-500; cruise minimum of 125 guests
bahiahotel.com

Casa Guadalajara

This colorful Old Town restaurant comes reception- and rehearsal dinner-ready with a dining room, candlelit garden room, and lush courtyard with fountains
and a 200-year-old pepper tree. Don’t forget the mariachi band!
Price: Starts at $75/three hours
Capacity: 50-150
casaguadalajara.com

The Cosmopolitan Hotel & Restaurant

This restored 1870s bed & breakfast in the heart of Old Town provides a vintage wedding feel with versatile indoor and outdoor verandas, an orchard courtyard, and even an authentic saloon bar.
Price: Starts at $6,000
Capacity: 100-200
oldtowncosmopolitan.com

Tom Ham’s Lighthouse

The family-owned landmark is filled with nautical details, from the maritime artifact collection to the bayside-facing outdoor deck. The outdoor area offers a seated ceremony with the city skyline as a backdrop.
Price: $37-98/person
Capacity: 50-300
tomhamslighthouse.com

Bali Hai

The tropical theme at this Shelter Island restaurant (celebrating its 60th anniversary this year!) is seen in the private Tiki Room, as well as the Hawaiian Village, an outdoor pavilion on the bay. Polynesian menu options are also available.
Price: Starts at $53/person
Capacity: 30-200
balihairestaurant.com

The Pearl

This retro hotel is ideal for the non-traditional couple. All festivities take place by the pool, restaurant, and bar area, which means saying “I do” in front of a live succulent wall and jumping in the pool for a post-reception dip.
Price: $1,000-1,500 for facility
Capacity: 150 max
thepearlsd.com

NTC Promenade

The former Naval Training Center is now one of San Diego’s most romantic spots, with renovated Spanish revival buildings, a rose garden, and the 75,000-square-foot North Promenade. There’s also the North Chapel on the premises, so it’s easy to go from ceremony to soirée without shuttling guests.
Price: $400-3,775 for facility
Capacity: 50-2,000
ntclibertystation.com

The Lafayette

Bob Hope, Ava Gardner, and Tom Cruise (in the guise of Top Gun’s Maverick) have all spent time at this colonial hotel, which encompasses the Mississippi Ballroom, an intimate conservatory, and a deck by the hotel’s Olympic-size pool. And don’t forget the giant clamshell as a unique backdrop.
Price: Starts at $5,000
Capacity: 300 max
lafayettehotelsd.com

The Prado

Spanish-Renaissance architecture reigns at this Balboa Park landmark. Spaces range from the Loggia, a smaller room detailed with Spanish tiling and French doors, to the multi-level terraces of the Casa del Rey Moro gardens.
Price: Starts at $3,000 for food and beverage
Capacity: 30-420 seated; 800 full buyout
balboaparkweddings.com

The US Grant

The most popular venues at this historic hotel include the Crystal Ballroom, Chairman’s Court, Chaffee Court, and Palm Court, which features a wall of windows facing the Palm Terrace landscaped by Kate Sessions (of Balboa Park fame). Want a throwback vibe? Try the Celestial Ballroom, which served as a speakeasy in the ’40s.
Price: Starts at $210/person
Capacity: 30-700
usgrant.net

Hilton San Diego Bayfront

The downtown waterfront location offers guests breathtaking views of the San Diego Bay, Coronado Island, and our spectacular skyline. Spaces include the 10,000-square-foot Promenade Plaza, an “outdoor ballroom.”
Price: Starts at $79/person
Capacity: waterfront venues 2-600+; ballrooms 2-2,000
hiltonsandiegobayfront.com

San Diego Marriott Marquis & Marina

Three ballrooms, various outdoor sites, and even a 446-slip marina perfect for photo opps and wedding weekend activities. The hotel keeps a lot of wedding rentals in its arsenal—aisle runners, arbors, microphones—and can virtually be a one-stop shop for busy brides.
Price: Starts at $107/person
Capacity: 50-600
marriott.com

Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina

The shimmering Bay sets a nautical scene at the Sheraton, where a marina view garden is an ideal spot to say “I do.” For the reception, choose from a variety of ballrooms (some even with Bay views!).
Price: Starts at $5,000 for packages
Capacity: 1,200 max
sheratonsandiegohotel.com

Manchester Grand Hyatt

The downtown hotel, which boasts the largest ballroom in the city, had a recent facelift, which means updated event spaces, including the Bayview Terrace with its own private elevator.
Price: Starts at $95/person; starts at $8,000 for facility
Capacity: 20-1,500
manchestergrand.hyatt.com

Hotel Palomar

It’s the quintessential downtown party at this hip hotel, which includes a ballroom, rooftop infinity pool, and art gallery.
Price: Starts at $65/person
Capacity: 50-350
hotelpalomar-sandiego.com

Central Library

The Library provides spectacular views of Petco Park and the Coronado Bridge from the 3,500-square-foot Shiley Special Events Suite, while smaller spaces, like the art gallery, are ideal for cocktail parties. But act quickly! The venue already has dates booked into 2017.
Price: Starts at $450/hour
Capacity: 216 seated
sandiego.gov/pub-library

Luce Loft

If you want to run wild with your own décor ideas, this bare, industrial-chic space—a former 1920s dairy factory—makes a great blank canvas. Luce recently relocated its kitchen upstairs, creating a more spacious ground floor.
Price: $3,000-4,000 for facility
Capacity: 160
luceloft.com

The Westgate Hotel

The next best thing to getting hitched at Versailles, the Westgate is replete with antiques, Persian rugs, grand fountains, and Baccarat crystal chandeliers.
Price: Starts at $80/person
Capacity: 750 max
westgatehotel.com

Hotel del Coronado

There are more locations around the historic hotel than you could ask for, from the intimate, Victorian-style Hanover Room to the white sand beach and the Vista Walk, with the Del’s signature turret as a backdrop.
Price: Starts at $100/person
Capacity: 40-800+
hoteldel.com

Loews Coronado Bay Resort

Whether you’re planning a small garden wedding for 20 or a larger ballroom affair, Loews offers a variety of indoor and outdoor options. The waterfront resort overlooks the bay and downtown from a distance—one of our favorite views.
Price: $800-3,500
Capacity: 250 max
loewshotels.com

Also see:

• Japanese Friendship Garden
• Spanish Village
• Kona Kai
• The Thursday Club
• Sternwheelers
• The Garty Family Pavilion at San Diego Rowing Club
• The Dana
• The Catamaran
• Zlac Rowing Club (Pacific Beach)
• Admiral Kidd Club (Point Loma)
• The New Children’s Museum
• University Club
• Hotel Solamar
• W San Diego
• Hard Rock Hotel
• Andaz San Diego
• House of Blues

La Jolla

The Lodge at Torrey Pines

The impeccable service and beloved cuisine of this luxury hotel are right on par with the stunning views of the Pacific, the rare Torrey pine, and for golf-lovers, those PGA greens!
Price: Starts at $185/person
Capacity: minimum of 70 guests
lodgetorreypines.com

Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa

Among the many venues at this 10-acre, rancho-style hotel is a lush courtyard, olive tree-filled garden, and the just-refreshed La Jolla Ballroom with wrought iron chandeliers, French doors, and expanded banquet space.
Price: $10,000-25,000 plus food and beverage minimum
Capacity: 50-400
estancialajolla.com

Hyatt Regency La Jolla

Choose from a selection of expansive ballrooms or the Asteria Terrace for the perfect ceremony location. The hotel even offers a complimentary honeymoon suite for the bride and groom.
Price: Starts at $85/person
Capacity: 50-300
lajolla.hyatt.com

Birch Aquarium

The colorful marine life and coastal views of this La Jolla venue provide an enchanting setting. Guests can be both indoors and outdoors when you snag this exclusive rental. Bonus: They can enjoy the hands-on exhibits.
Price: Starts at $3,900
Capacity: Up to 1,300
aquarium.ucsd.edu

Scripps Seaside Forum

When a venue is a part of the Scripps Institution of Oceanography, gorgeous Pacific views are a guarantee. But this architectural masterpiece is a popular choice: All Saturdays in 2015 are already booked.
Price: $4,750 for facility (Friday-Sunday)
Capacity: 300 max
scripps.ucsd.edu

Hotel La Jolla

Tie the knot with a floor-to-ceiling view of the La Jolla coastline by your side on the hotel’s 11th floor.
Price: Starts at $130/person
Capacity: 60 for plated meals
hotellajolla.com

The Marine Room

This landmark restaurant offers culinary excellence and an unforgettable view of the La Jolla shores. Choose a private dining area or book the entire restaurant for you and your guests.
Price: Starts at $2,000
Capacity: 50-200
marineroom.com

Darlington House

This charming Spanish estate incorporates imported furnishings from Morocco, Egypt, Italy, and Spain. The two patios and rose garden feel straight out of the Mediterranean and are just steps away from the beach.
Price: $1,800-3,500 for facility
Capacity: 50-200
darlingtonhouse.com

La Valencia Hotel

The famed “Pink Lady” in La Jolla Village is dressed in bougainvillea, marble foyers, and rich blue hues. It may be on the main drag, but the property is remarkably intimate, with a blooming garden, the MED dining room and patio, grand Verandah ballroom, and The Galeria, a cozy dinner space with French doors that open onto petite balconies overlooking the coastline.
Price: Starts at $135/person
Capacity: 50-150
lavalencia.com

Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego

Art and architecture meet at this sleek venue. In addition to an outdoor sculpture garden, MCASD’s La Jolla location lays claim to Axline Court, designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architect Robert Venturi.
Price: $4,000 for facility, and tables and chairs for 150 people (10 percent discount for Friday and Sunday weddings)
Capacity: 120-200
mcasd.org

Also see:

• The Loft at UC San Diego
• Martin Johnson House
• Hilton La Jolla Torrey Pines
• The La Jolla Cove Bridge Club

Near the Border

The Grove at Suzie’s Farm

The Grove offers two acres of open space for a wedding party of any size. Take advantage of the fire pits, pizza ovens, picnic tables, and the stage. Suzie’s Farm requires that the caterers be selected from the list of approved vendors.
Price: $2,500 for area; lighting packages and additional amenities can be added
Capacity: 400 max
suziesfarm.com

Rancho La Puerta (Tecate)

The spa and fitness resort is a sprawling venue dotted with Mexican décor and flower-filled patios, and includes an organic, semi-vegetarian menu.
Price: Packages start at $8,875
Capacity: 25+
rancholapuerta.com

Encuentro Guadalupe (Valle de Guadalupe)

This eco-resort is a notch above glamping—eco-friendly accommodations, no TVs or phones, and farm-to-table dining—with vineyards, a wine cellar, and a “floating” open-air deck.
Price: $250-350/person
Capacity: 150-200
encuentroguadalupe.com

Inland

Lions Tigers & Bears

A more affordable zoo option, this animal sanctuary has two wedding venues—a country-chic location sans animals and a venue on the sanctuary grounds, with views of wildlife and the staggering Cuyamaca Mountains.
Price: Starts at $35/person; starts at $2,000 for partial facility access
Capacity: 600 max
lionstigersandbears.org

Mt. Woodson Castle

Built in 1921 and situated on 8.5 acres of landscaped grounds, this Craftsman-style home features 27 rooms, a gasoline-engine-assisted windmill, and details pulled from French, Dutch, Spanish, and medieval styles.
Price: $49-95/person
Capacity: 500 max
mtwoodsoncastle.com