By Carly Shihadeh
When Chiara found her wingman for life, J.P., she knew the perfect venue for her reception would be The Island Club on Naval Air Station North Island in Coronado. It’s where J.P. asked her to be his girlfriend. It also has views of Point Loma Lighthouse which you may recognize from Top Gun, but Chiara remembers from her childhood. She lived there with her family for years when her dad was stationed in San Diego.
The venue’s stunning beach views and large outdoor space for cocktail hour complemented the couple’s coastal theme perfectly.
Below are four other military base venues in San Diego, which Chiara calls the city’s hidden gems.
Admiral Kidd Catering & Conference Center
Located on Naval Base Point Loma, Admiral Kidd Catering & Conference Center boasts views of San Diego Bay and downtown’s skyline, a unique angle of the city available only to the city’s most exclusive hotels and restaurants. The bride and groom can choose from six indoor catering spaces plus a lawn and deck overlooking the bay, accommodating up to 500 guests.
Located on Camp Pendleton’s base, Pacific Views Event Center offers six event spaces to choose from. This venue can accommodate 60 to 1,200 guests who will enjoy panoramic ocean views.
Featuring the enclosed Presidio Patio with stunning views of the Admiral Baker Golf course, the Admiral Baker Clubhouse also has a beautiful ballroom so your guests can dance the night away.
Photo courtesy of USS Midway
The USS Midway’s four-acre outdoor flight deck floating in San Diego Bay provides an unconventional reception venue. Your guests will enjoy stunning views of San Diego’s downtown skyline, Coronado Bridge, Point Loma, and even restored naval aircraft on board spanning 50 years of naval aviation. For an indoor reception, the Midway’s Hangar Deck is another unique option. Restored World War II aircraft provide a backdrop your guests will never forget
