37 Best Wedding Ceremony & Reception Venues in San Diego
1. Gaylord Pacific Resort & Convention Center
Nestled along the shimmering San Diego Bay, the soon-to-open Gaylord Pacific Resort & Convention Center in Chula Vista is where coastal elegance meets epic scale. Debuting May 15, 2025, this resort beauty features 1,600 stylish guest rooms (including 32 suites, 46 event rooms, and 67 breakout rooms) and a jaw-dropping 477,000+ square feet of event space—yes, it’s as massive as it sounds. The crown jewel is the California Ballroom & Exhibit Hall, clocking in at a whopping 140,049 square feet and seating up to 9,488 guests (hello, grand wedding, or mega-conference!). If you're planning something a bit more intimate, there are plenty of options—like the Chula Vista Ballroom with room for approx. 2,657 guests, or smaller ballrooms like California 3–8, perfect for cozy receptions or breakout sessions. Parking is a breeze with an onsite parking garage, valet service, and even space for buses. All food and drink are handled in-house with customizable catering, full bar service, and creative cocktails (no outside food or alcohol, but wedding cakes are welcome with a nod of approval). With 12 on-site dining options, a sprawling water park, and nonstop SoCal sunshine, Gaylord Pacific isn’t just a resort—it’s a destination built for unforgettable moments.
Essential Details:
Capacity: 9,488.
In-house catering.
In-house alcohol.
On-site garage and valet.
2. Loews Coronado Bay Resort
Bayside views on all sides, a banquet, and a ballroom all in one location, such a dream! Once you arrive, you’ll understand why the Loews Coronado Bay resort has been voted one of the best hotels in the San Diego Area multiple times. It’s elegant, polished, and large, so if you desire to have a huge wedding, this hotel can accommodate your guests and their cars. Ample parking is always a blessing!
Essential Details:
Capacity: 1,000 seated, 1,600 standing.
In-house catering.
In-house alcohol or BYO with a corkage fee.
Valet parking.
3. The Thursday Club
The Thursday Club is another venue in Point Loma that accommodates private and intimate weddings. There are indoor and outdoor spaces available and views of the ocean and garden. What the club lacks in parking and early curfew (9 PM closing) they make up for in the interior that has gorgeous ballrooms featuring French doors, chandeliers, and stained-glass windows. The space is undeniably beautiful, both in architecture and surroundings. Tables and chairs are available for use and the space fits 150 people.
Essential Details:
Capacity: 150.
Street parking and hired valet.
4. Grand Hyatt Manchester
If you want a venue that offers it all – downtown near the Gaslamp district, ocean, and city views, as well as large ballrooms (some with a gorgeous terrace) for your reception, the Hyatt is the choice to make. They offer incredible wedding packages that include catering, cocktail hour, passed appetizers and so much more. As a management team that has worked with this hotel many times, we can only say wonderful things.
Essential Details:
Capacity: 3,000.
In-house catering.
5. Hilton San Diego Bayfront
Another wonderful venue situated bayside and in the famous Gaslamp quarter of San Diego. The Hilton San Diego Bayfront offers indoor and outdoor spots both spacious and unforgettable. Plan your ceremony on the lush and green 1.3-acre waterfront park and dance the night away in one of the largest pillar free ballrooms in San Diego for your reception. However, you want to plan your wedding, the Hilton staff is there to help you each step of the way.
Essential Details:
Onsite parking and valet.
In-house catering and custom menus.
6. Japanese Friendship Garden
Garden wedding anyone? Look into the Japanese Friendship Garden. This venue always looks pristine, provides space for 200 guests, allows BYOB and complimentary parking. The landscape features waterfalls, koi ponds, a moon viewing deck, as well as bamboo, banzai, and cheery trees. They are a museum, so they only host a few events a year. If this is the venue you want, be prepared to book far in advance.
Essential Details:
Capacity: 200.
In-house catering.
BYO alcohol.
Complimentary parking.
7. FruitCraft Fermentery and Distillery
We love small and intimate weddings and if you do too, this is a great venue space to rent. They offer all-inclusive packages, outdoor and indoor options, and there are loads of natural light and plants galore. The indoor space is artsy – filled with exposed high beams, unique lighting, and wooden tables. It is industrial with tropical décor which creates an incredibly cool vibe! It allows up to 150 guests. Warning, the parking can be difficult. If accessible, we recommend you carpool, Lyft, or Uber.
Essential Details:
Capacity: 150.
All-inclusive packages.
Street parking.
8. The Pannikin Building
An industrial, brick, and historic space with city views. If that description fits your fancy, then the Pannikin is a wonderful venue choice for you! This venue offers two floors if you’d like your ceremony held on one and your reception held on the other. They do not have in house catering and bar services but allow BYO and outside catering vendors. They do however have 4 custom bar areas, so you’ll have plenty of room to store all the beverages that you or your guests bring.
Essential Details:
Indoor capacity (no outdoors): 200 seated, 250 standing.
Catering: preferred list and BYO.
BYO alcohol.
9. The New Children’s Museum
Calling all art fanatics! I bet you didn’t expect this one to be on the list. A kid’s museum for a wedding venue, what?? However, it’s an incredible space that offers plenty of rooms both indoor and outdoor as well as a rooftop. The venue is open to outside décor but the museum itself is a creative and interactive art space with so many picture-perfect spots! The rental fee allows free access for all guests to explore the museum (5pm – midnight) and as of now, offers furniture needed for your wedding but perhaps not all. Alcohol is in house, and catering is preferred list.
Essential Details:
Indoor capacity: 300 - 500 seated, 1,000 standing.
Outdoor capacity: 300 seated, 1,000 standing.
In-house alcohol.
Preferred list catering.
Amplified music indoors and outdoors.
10. BRICK
Yes, we added another industrial, brick themed venue to the list because it’s such a cool, cozy vibe and we love it! BRICK, named perfectly, is a venue space lined with brick and large windows providing guest with a gorgeous natural light setting during the day. Don’t worry, they have beautiful warm and glowy lights at night in case the wedding goes into the evening. Catering will need to come from an outside source but for alcohol, their team offers in house and BYO. You can book your ceremony, reception or rehearsal space and there are indoor and outdoor options.
Essential Details:
Indoors capacity (no outdoors): 220 seated, 300 standing.
In-house alcohol and BYO
BYO catering.
Amplified music indoors and outdoors.
11. The US Grant Hotel
Luxurious and modern but with a touch of speakeasy décor. The US Grant hotel, built in 1910 has created quite an impressive name for itself. With its award-winning dinning, beverages, and ballrooms, you are guaranteed to have a wedding ceremony and reception without flaws.
Essential Details:
Capacity: 650 seated, 950 standing.
In-house catering.
In-house alcohol.
Indoor music.
Valet parking.
12. The University Club Atop Symphony Towers
Looking to get married in an incredibly epic way? Consider getting married at The University Club Atop Symphony Towers. With one of the highest viewpoints in San Diego with floor to ceiling windows, you’ll have views of the city, bay, and ocean. You will feel on top of the world and that’s the feeling you’re going to get on your wedding day! Enjoy the in-house catering and alcohol within the best penthouse in town.
Essential Details:
Indoor capacity (no outdoors): 120 – 175 seated, 500 standing.
In house catering.
In house alcohol.
Parking and valet.
Dance floor provided.
Cleanup provided.
13. LUCE Loft on Kettner
This space has posh warehouse vibes and is highly customizable. Another venue that is very supportive of BYO catering and alcohol. If you prefer to start with a blank canvas to make your wedding decor dreams come true, check out LUCE. We love flexible venues!
Essential Details:
Indoor capacity (no outdoors): 300 seated, 350 standing.
BYO catering.
BYO alcohol.
Indoor music or DJ only.
Wheelchair accessible.
14. Building 177
Another venue for the creatives! Building 177 also has a blank slate approach when it comes to weddings. The building itself is wooden floors, white walls and exposed beams giving a stylish and minimalist look. It’s beautiful as is but you’ll have the freedom to turn it into whatever you want!
Essential Details:
Capacity: 350 seated, 750 standing.
Preferred list catering.
In-house alcohol and BYO.
Indoor and outdoor music.
Onsite parking and street parking.
15. Moniker Warehouse
Industrial warehouse chic is becoming trendier each year and it makes sense. It feels artistic, unique, and cozy. This is exactly how we would describe the Moniker Warehouse. Once again, this venue allows your catering and beverage vendors of choice and are very supportive of you making the space into whatever you want it to be. We love the freedom to be creative!
Essential Details:
Capacity: 220 seated, 325 standing.
Client chooses caterer.
BYO alcohol.
Indoor music.
Onsite parking and street parking.
16. Sidebar at the Rose
Organic food and wine in a Spanish style inspired warehouse? What is the address? We’re there. Sidebar at the Rose is a smaller venue but provides a peaceful, intimate and boho style that is sure to make everyone feel at peace and relaxed.
Essential Details:
Capacity: 40 seated, 60 standing.
Client provides catering.
In-house alcohol.
Street parking.
17. The Westgate Hotel
The city views, swanky furnishings, and French inspired décor paired with one of the friendliest staff in town make The Westgate Hotel an ideal venue during the wedding season. The Versailles ballroom feels nothing short of regal with its crystal chandeliers and elegant wall panels and the Fountain terrace has some of the most unforgettable city views in the San Diego Gaslamp district.
Essential Details:
Capacity: 100.
In-house catering.
In- house alcohol.
Onsite parking.
18. Sheraton San Diego Hotel and Marina
We have talked about venues with oceanside views, now let’s talk about another water view – the gorgeous San Diego Bay located at the Sheraton San Diego Hotel and Marina. My goodness, this view is exquisite. Sail boats, palm trees, greenery and sunsets are the view. This Sheraton offers indoor and outdoor space for your ceremony and reception. Why have a garden by the bay venue or a ballroom venue when you could have both!? As they quote, the Sheraton is “an unforgettable setting for your celebration.” We agree!
Essential Details:
Indoor capacity: 900 seated, 1,800 standing.
Outdoor capacity: 1,500 seated, 1,800 standing.
In-house catering.
19. Hyatt Regency La Jolla at Aventine
A personal favorite of Exclusive Planning and Management, the team at Hyatt Regency La Jolla at Aventine always go above and beyond to make sure every guest, wedding director, and vendor have the best experience possible. The Hyatt offers multiple rooms and terraces to serve all your ceremony, reception, and rehearsal dinner needs. If you’re looking to plan a wedding stress free with staff and wedding directors that go above and beyond, choose the Hyatt Regency.
Essential Details:
In-house catering.
In-house alcohol.
Capacity: 150 – 700.
Self-parking and valet.
20. Estancia La Jolla Hotel and Spa
This location is a like a garden villa dream. It is such a cozy venue that offers indoor and outdoor space for your ceremony or reception. It also provides on-site accommodations for those that would love to stay longer. It feels quaint and intimate while also having the ability to fit 300 – 450 guests. If you’re looking to dine-in, they provide in house dining and alcohol. Check out their spa to feel extra relaxed!
Essential Details:
Capacity: 300 – 420 seated (indoor, outdoor), 350 – 420 standing (indoor, outdoor).
In house alcohol.
In house catering.
Amplified music indoor and outdoor.
Self-parking and valet.
21. La Valencia Hotel
Mediterranean inspired and so very tropical. La Valencia gives the feeling of a destination wedding but without the extra effort to travel. We love destination weddings, but we also understand that it’s easier for all the family to make it when the wedding is local. Located in gorgeous La Jolla, California, this venue has indoor banquets and ballroom but outside areas as well for those that want the full waterfront and palm tree experience.
Essential Details:
Capacity: 80 seated, 150 standing.
In-house catering.
In-house alcohol or BYO with corkage fee.
Indoor and outdoor music.
Onsite parking, street parking, and valet parking.
22. Sheraton La Jolla Hotel
The Sheraton hotel is near the beach so it’s easy travel for your guests that are visiting but far enough away that you’re not paying the hotel on the beach prices. This space offers indoor and outdoor spots for your ceremony or reception and has a dedicated wedding specialist (not a planner) to assist you if needed. Be aware that there may be multiple events happening there on your wedding day and it hosts smaller weddings not larger ones. If those two details are not a problem, this is a fantastic spot! Take note that they also have a tropical garden, koi pond and ballrooms.
Essential Details:
Capacity: 250.
Onsite parking.
In-house catering and custom menus.
In-house alcohol.
23. Scripps Seaside Forum
This is the venue space for our diehard beach lovers. As in, you are only a few steps from the beach and the ocean is your view. Unreal! Scripps offers indoor and outdoor options for your ceremony and reception. If you’re worried about accessible technology, don’t be. They have high-tech equipment including surround sound and a high-definition projector. Scripps hosts 200 guests. Keep in mind that you will need to provide all your desired décor and furniture and the only way for the space to be private is to rent the entire venue. Parking can be difficult/requires a permit, so Uber or Lyft is recommended. If none of these details bother you, then we agree, Scripps is a seaside wedding dream!
Essential Details:
Capacity: 200.
Indoor and outdoor options.
Parking permits required.
AV sound system
24. The Lodge at Torrey Pines
Mountain lodge comfort partnered with the beauty that is the California coast and you have The Lodge at Torrey Pines. A luxurious, 5-star cabin-like getaway with indoor and outdoor spaces with a golf course and spa attached. Dreamy, cozy and a wonderful way to celebrate a relaxing wedding weekend.
Essential Details:
Capacity: 220 seated, 400 standing.
In-house catering.
In-house alcohol.
Indoor music.
Onsite parking, street parking, and valet.
25. Fairmont Grand Del Mar
Another Mediterranean inspired wedding venue adorned in the elegance of stained-glass windows, chandeliers, fountains, pools, and opulent furnishings. The Fairmont Grand Del Mar feels lavish and grand while also feeling intimate, familiar, and warm. Nestled in the canyons of California surrounded by green hills, this is a perfect venue for those that truly want to escape into another time while still experiencing the convenience of being within San Diego limits.
Essential Details:
Capacity: 550 seated, 550 standing.
In-house catering.
In-house alcohol.
Indoor music.
Onsite parking and valet.
26. Del Mar Country Club
The Del Mar Country Club feels classic and sophisticated. It’s outdoors spaces are covered in greenery; the rolling green hills are the gorgeous plant life covering the exterior walls of the buildings, while the inside feels grand and vintage chic. If upscale and extravagant spaces are your desire, the Del Mar will not disappoint.
Essential Details:
Capacity: 350 seated, 420 standing.
In-house catering.
In-house alcohol and BYO with corkage fee.
Indoor and outdoor music.
Onsite parking.
27. L’Auberge Del Mar
A ceremony by the sea? “We do!” With three terraces and one private park, L’Auberge Del Mar offers multiple spaces with ocean views and if your ceremony or reception falls into the evening, you’ll see a remarkable sunset over the Pacific. If staying for a few days, be sure to check out their ocean forward restaurant or pool bar!
Essential Details:
Capacity: 200.
In-house catering.
Onsite parking.
28. The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe
Quaint cottages, lush gardens and interior spaces that have all the charm of a countryside home. Celebrate your ceremony in the flower filled courtyard and dance the night away in The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe’s ballroom.
Essential Details:
Capacity: 400 seated, 600 standing.
In-house catering.
In-house alcohol or BYO with corkage fee.
Indoor and outdoor music.
Wheelchair accessible.
Street parking and valet.
29. Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa
With wooden interior, iron forged chandeliers, brick walls and earth tones galore, the Rancho Valencia Resort and Spa reaches peak comfort. You’ll enjoy the coziness of the indoors and get to experience the beauty of winding pathways through ethereal gardens. An evening here is lovely but you can also stay the weekend, relax at the spa and or read your favorite book poolside. You and your guests will leave feeling brand new.
Essential Details:
Capacity: 250 seated, 500 standing.
In-house catering.
In-house alcohol and BYO with corkage fee.
Onsite parking and valet.
30. Rancho Bernardo Inn
This venue is incredibly luxurious but also so down to earth. Its elegance meets intimate, and you will feel like you are in a fairytale setting. If you want it all, as in, a ballroom, a terrace, a banquet hall, a greenery + flower filled outdoor ceremony with a fireplace or an indoor and ornately decorated reception party, this is the venue you should choose. Not to mention there are also multiple options for each. As soon as you think it’s already perfect, you learn that it’s also an inn with a restaurant, café, spa, and golfing area attached. Okay, we are ready to have a wedding here and move in?
Essential Details:
Indoor capacity: 840 - 1,000 seated, 1,150 standing.
Outdoor capacity: 200 – 750 seated, 300 standing.
In house catering.
In-house alcohol.
Large parking lot or valet.
Amplified music indoors and outdoors.
31. Park Hyatt Aviara Resort
Located in the sleepy, beachy town of Carlsbad, California, the Park Hyatt Aviara is plush and luxurious with a charming coastal feel. Offering 78,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor spaces for your wedding ceremony and reception, you are sure to find the perfect spot(s) to make your wedding all that you imagined. If you’re staying the weekend, be sure to pamper yourself at the spa or spoil yourself at their restaurant and golf course.
Essential Details:
Indoor capacity: 390-500
Outdoor capacity: 1,910.
In-house catering.
Custom wedding cakes.
Room blocks and parking.
Seating and venue arrangement.
32. The Westin Carlsbad Resort Hotel & Spa
Not only is this the venue space located in the gorgeous area of Carlsbad, but it is all inclusive and accommodates up to 1200 guests. It’s 30 minutes outside of San Diego (quick drive), provides customizable menus and has lots of outdoor and indoor venue options. The Westin also has valet parking and if you’re a California resident, you understand how much of a perk that is.
Essential Details:
Capacity: 1,200.
Custom menus.
In-house alcohol.
Valet guest parking.
33. Vista Valley Country Club
If your dream is to have your wedding in a gorgeous little town in Europe but the travel is a bit far, consider the Vista Valley Country club in Vista, California. Boasting with vine covered villas, gardens, forests, and ponds, you’ll feel like Italy came to you. With indoor and outdoor spaces, you can have your ceremony in an architectural dream and then move your guests outside to celebrate in a string lit garden party.
Essential Details:
Indoor capacity: 250 seated, 350 standing.
Outdoor capacity: 400 – 550
In-house catering.
In-house alcohol.
Amplified music indoors and outdoors.
34. The Wood Shed by Booze Brothers
If you’re a couple that loves the art of craft beer, we can think of no better place to celebrate your wedding then at The Wood Shed by Booze Brothers in Vista. This spot is intimate, wooden, and industrial but with loads of greenery. This venue is so chill, so if you’d prefer to choose your caterer and BYO alcohol, they’re supportive of it. They’re also pet friendly. Bring your fur friends!
Essential Details:
Capacity: 120 seated, 180 standing.
Client chooses caterer.
BYO with corkage fee (beer, wine, and champagne only).
Indoor and outdoor music.
Onsite parking and street parking.
35. Lakehouse Hotel & Resort
If you’re looking for a nature escape but with modern conveniences, this San Marcos venue is a nature enthusiast’s dream. With the offering of 200 acres, the Lakehouse Hotel & Resort can be a one stop shop for your wedding day. The lake, forest and gardens provide gorgeous scenery and there are indoor and outdoor options for your ceremony and reception. If you and your guests are thinking of making a weekend of it, you should! The hotel has onsite golf courses, as well as a restaurant and spa.
Essential Details:
Indoor capacity: 300 seated, 400 standing.
Outdoor capacity: 300 seated, 600 standing.
In-house alcohol or BYO with $20 corkage fee.
In-house catering.
Amplified music indoors and outdoors.
36. Ethereal Gardens
Ethereal indeed. Dive into the world of orchards, endless florals, and herbal gardens at the Ethereal Gardens. This venue in Escondido is rustic barn coziness paired with vintage décor chic and it is as charming as you can imagine. It’s a private estate that provides catering, music, and alcohol, so you and your guests will have everything they need. Go and live out your romance on a farm dreams!
Essential Details:
Indoor capacity: 500 seated, 500 standing.
Outdoor capacity: 500 seated, 500 standing.
In-house alcohol.
Catering: In house, preferred list, or BYO.
Amplified music indoor and outdoor.
37. Milagro Winery
If having your ceremony and reception outside is your goal, Milagro in Ramona is a great option. You’ll be surrounded by beautiful vineyards, gorgeous grassland, and large trees. Milagro winery hosts up to 200 people and has a great event planning staff. Unfortunately, there are no on-site accommodations, live music is only permitted during the ceremony, cocktail hour, and first dance and it is about 1 hour outside of San Diego. If none of these “cons” are a dealbreaker, this location will be an absolute fairytale, filled with lots of wine, we hope!
Essential Details:
Capacity: 200 seated, 200 standing.
Preferred list catering.
In-house alcohol (beer, wine, and champagne only).
Onsite parking.
In this blog, we covered all of what we believe to be the best venues in the San Diego area for wedding receptions and ceremonies. As always, we cover as much as we can, but we always encourage our readers to explore and do their own research. We love when our advice helps but love it even more when your make the best decisions for your wedding day. At Exclusive Planning and Management, we are here to answer any questions you have about how, when and what the process looks like when booking a venue. Also check out my Instagram page @sandynissou for the latest wedding tips, tricks, and trends!
Interested in looking further into how we can help with your wedding planning? Send us an email to see how we can help make your dream day come to life!