About San Diego
San Diego is an alluring city in the Southern California region that’s known for its laid-back atmosphere, year-round sunshine, and beautiful coastline. Famous for its white sandy beaches, breathtaking views, and remarkable resorts, it’s no surprise that San Diego has become a popular wedding destination. The city attracts couples from all over who choose to get married in the many luxury hotels around town. If you're looking to tie the knot somewhere special, it's worth considering San Diego—you'll be spoiled for choice with all the wonderful venues on offer!
There are lots of places to tie the knot in sunny California, but none rival the grandeur of a hotel wedding overlooking the ocean in San Diego! And did you know that San Diego has one of the oldest transit networks in Southern California? The “San Diego Trolley” has been shuttling passengers through Downtown San Diego since 1981.
Hotel Wedding Options in San Diego
- Makeup and Hairstyle
Your wedding is a special day, and you want to look your best. A professional makeup artist can help make sure your makeup looks perfect. They can also provide advice on finding the right hairstyle for you. You have many options when it comes to styles, colors, and textures.
- Photography
There are numerous ways to capture your wedding day's events. A professional photographer may be hired for the job, or you might choose a friend or family member with prior experience in photography. Traditional posed photographs vs. more spontaneous, photographic journalistic shots are two alternatives.
- Musicians
For your wedding ceremony and reception, you may select from a wide range of musicians. A live band, a disc jockey (DJ), or an instrumentist can all be hired. You have the option of selecting from a number of genres that go well with your theme and personality.
Hotel Wedding Vendors in San Diego
- Nicole Burbank Events
Nicole Burbank Events was founded in 2016, with a passion and a love for creating unique and timeless moments. Nicole is a native of San Diego with an adventurist spirit and creative design. She will help you to get organized, create a dream vision, tell your love story, and perform some magic to start your epic life together. Nicole believes that a wedding should represent you and your relationship, so she puts her all into making the big day, as well as the trip, go without a hitch. Nicole takes pleasure in being able to remain cool under pressure and come up with solutions on the fly.
- Beauty Marked Makeup by Brittany
Since she was a toddler playing dress-up with her mother’s makeup to the day she said “I do,” Brittany has been fascinated by the ability to make people look their very best. Her work has been featured in several magazines including Martha Stewart Weddings, Exquisite Weddings, and Elle Magazine. She has also worked with HGTV Celebrity House Hunters, VH1, and Louis Vuitton. Brittany is known for her attention to detail and she offers custom airbrushing spray tans as well as full-service makeup for the whole bridal party, including the men!
- Brandon Colbert Photography
Brandon is a photographer based in San Diego, California. Brandon graduated from the Brooks Institute of Photography located in Santa Barbara and shortly after became a freelance photographer and cinematographer. Along with maintaining personal projects, he also books various photoshoots such as weddings, engagement sessions, portrait sessions, event photography, and more. The school taught him many important fundamentals regarding ethics which he continues to utilize today.
Pros and Cons of Hotel Weddings in San Diego
Hotel weddings in San Diego have their advantages and disadvantages. From the convenience of having your reception and ceremony onsite to luxurious accommodations and amenities, there are many benefits to choosing a hotel wedding venue in San Diego. On the other hand, there can be logistical challenges or higher costs associated with hosting a large gathering at a hotel. To make sure you make the right decision for your big day, it's important to understand the pros and cons of hotel weddings in San Diego.
Advantages
- A lot of hotels are located in or near downtown San Diego, making it easy for guests to get around.
- From ballrooms and rooftop decks to intimate spaces and outdoor areas, there is no shortage of wedding venues at hotels.
- Many San Diego hotels are located on the waterfront or offer stunning views of the cityscape or mountains.
- Most hotels offer a range of amenities and services, such as catering, wedding planning, and room blocks, that can make planning your wedding easier.
Disadvantages
- Due to their popularity, hotel weddings can often be booked up well in advance.
- Hotel weddings often come with a higher price tag than weddings held at other types of venues.
- Many San Diego hotels charge resort fees, which can add a significant cost to your overall wedding budget.
- Another common cost associated with hotel weddings is parking fees, which can add up to several hundred dollars for the entire wedding party.
Tips on How to Organize Hotel Weddings in San Diego
Organizing a wedding in San Diego can be a daunting task, but there are several helpful ways to make it easier and ensure that your special day goes off flawlessly. Here are some tips on how to plan a memorable hotel wedding in San Diego:
- Consider the size of the venue. When selecting a hotel for your wedding, factor in the number of guests you plan to invite as well as any additional people you may need (like photographers). Make sure the space is large enough so that everyone fits comfortably and can mingle.
- Secure the date. Book well in advance so that you lock down the date. This helps to ensure that everything runs smoothly and all essential details can be taken care of before the big day arrives.
- Think about catering options. Determine what type of food you’d like served at your wedding and discuss with the hotel staff what kind of catering services they offer. Decide if you’d like an open bar or a cash bar set up, too.
- Plan entertainment options. Having an array of entertaining activities is also key to making sure your guests truly enjoy themselves at your wedding reception. Consider setting up live music, games, photo booths—whatever fits your theme!
- Set up decorations. Once all vendors are booked, think about decorations and other aesthetic touches that will bring your vision for a dreamy wedding close to reality! From centerpieces to balloons to lighting, there are many creative ideas out there for making your event stand out from the rest.
- Discuss transportation details with guests. If needed, figure out which methods of transport guests can use to get from their places of stay to the hotel where your ceremony will take place – this could include buses or shuttles provided by the hotel itself or hired from an outside source. Be sure everyone knows exactly when and where they need to be!
- Establish communication channels between yourself and all personnel involved in running your event. Designate one member of staff or hire someone who will oversee all aspects related to organizing arrangements prior to and during your wedding day; this person should have contact information for all pertinent personnel involved throughout every step along the way leading up until days before walking down the aisle!
Famous Locations in San Diego
- Balboa Park
With 1,200+ acres of space in this urban park, Balboa Park has plenty of natural features as well as some indoor activities to enjoy. For example, there are several stunning gardens where you can get some awesome pre-wedding shots. Also, the park is home to the San Diego Zoo. But the most remarkable thing is that Balboa Park is home to 16 different museums. The Science Center is a big hit with the kids and the Automotive Museum is a favorite for most men. But everyone loves the Model Railroad Museum and Museum of Art.
- Coronado Beach
Coronado is a fascinating coastal resort near San Diego that's more than just a beach. With its viewpoints, historic buildings, and interesting places to explore, you might be tempted to visit during your stay in California's second-largest city. Coronado Beach is a magnificent place spanning 1.5 miles perfect for any seasonal activities like walking, surfing, or spending time with family. In addition, the scenery creates an opportunity to admire beautiful sunsets year-round. What's more romantic than watching the red sun sink into the ocean while feeling a pleasant breeze through palm trees?
- La Jolla Cove
La Jolla is a resort town near San Diego with 40,000 residents and scenic views of the Pacific Ocean. It's well-known for its expansive sandy beach, sheltered coves between cliffs, and thriving underwater ecosystem that serves as a haven for snorkelers. La Jolla Cove is one of the country's most famous beaches—it has a walkway backed by cliffs where a long white beach runs parallel to a rocky shore dotted with small flat rocky coves in which seals and sea lions bask.