Why San Diego Is the Ultimate SoCal Wedding Destination (Sorry, L.A.)
- Willmus Weddings
- Aug 8, 2023
- 6 min read
Updated: Jun 17, 2025
When couples dream of a Southern California wedding, Los Angeles often pops to mind first—but San Diego is quietly stealing the show. With its laid-back elegance, diverse venues, and jaw-dropping coastal views, San Diego offers everything couples want in a SoCal celebration—minus the stress and chaos.
Here’s why more and more couples are saying “I do” in San Diego instead of L.A.:
Just a short drive down the coast lies the stunning city of San Diego, offering a treasure trove of more affordable wedding venues with breathtaking ocean views. In this blog, we'll explore some of the best alternatives in San Diego that will make your special day both unforgettable and unique. So get ready to say "I do" amidst scenic coastal beauty without breaking the bank!
Why Choose San Diego Wedding Venues over Los Angeles?
San Diego offers fantastic alternatives to Los Angeles wedding venues, especially for couples seeking a picturesque ocean-view setting. Here are some compelling facts that make San Diego an ideal choice:
1. The Vibe Is Just… Better
While L.A. has a reputation for glam and hustle, San Diego brings an effortless charm. Think relaxed luxury, friendly vendors, and sunsets that actually make you pause. The entire energy is more inviting, more grounded—and perfect for weddings.
2. Stunning Venues, Everywhere You Turn
From coastal cliffs to Spanish-style estates, vineyard settings to modern downtown rooftops, San Diego is a playground of unique, more affordable wedding venues. And with fewer restrictions and more outdoor-ready spaces, your vision has room to breathe.
3. More Weekend, Less Traffic
Let’s be honest: L.A. traffic can turn a celebration into a headache. In San Diego, guests actually enjoy the weekend—from oceanfront brunches to pre-wedding hikes, beach yoga, or a stroll through Balboa Park. You get the wedding and the vacation.
4. It’s Built for Destination Vibes
Couples love that San Diego feels like a getaway, even for locals. It’s no wonder so many people plan weddings here to share the best of SoCal—sun, surf, and style—with family and friends.
5. A Stronger Vendor Community
We might be biased, but San Diego vendors are in it for love and longevity. You’ll find tight-knit creatives who collaborate with heart and hospitality—not just for a portfolio, but for your people.
Venues Alternatives In San Diego
1. Kona Kai
Kona Kai is a waterfront resort in San Diego that offers affordable ocean-view weddings. The resort features elegant ballrooms with floor-to-ceiling windows, providing breathtaking views of the marina and San Diego Bay. Couples can also take benefit of the outdoor terraces, which offer a perfect setting for al fresco ceremonies and receptions. Additionally, Kona Kai has a private beach, adding a touch of romance to any wedding celebration. The dedicated wedding team at Kona Kai ensures that every detail is taken care of, creating a stress-free and memorable experience for couples and their guests. It's a great option for couples looking for a romantic seaside wedding without the high costs of Los Angeles venues.
L'Auberge is a luxurious resort that provides a romantic and intimate ocean-view wedding venue in San Diego. With its prime location overlooking the ocean, L'Auberge offers breathtaking views that serve as a stunning backdrop for ceremonies and receptions. The resort's expansive lawn provides ample space for outdoor celebrations, while its elegant sunset terrace offers a sophisticated setting for more intimate gatherings. L'Auberge's experienced wedding specialists assist couples in curating personalized menus, arranging décor, and coordinating every aspect of the event, ensuring a seamless and memorable wedding experience. With its blend of coastal charm, upscale amenities, and impeccable service, L'Auberge creates an enchanting atmosphere for couples seeking an ocean-view wedding without the high costs of Los Angeles venues.
Located on Mission Bay, The Dana is a beachfront hotel that offers affordable waterfront weddings in San Diego. This waterfront hotel offers a relaxed and laid-back beachfront ambiance, making it an ideal choice for couples seeking an affordable alternative to the hustle and bustle of Los Angeles. The Dana features a variety of event spaces, including outdoor terraces and gardens, which provide breathtaking views of the bay and create a serene atmosphere for ceremonies and receptions. Couples can exchange vows with the panoramic bay as their backdrop, surrounded by the beauty of the coastal landscape. Whether you dream of a casual barefoot beach wedding or an elegant waterfront affair, The Dana offers a charming and affordable option that showcases the beauty of San Diego's coastline.
Situated on the idyllic Coronado Island, the Coronado Island Marriott is an inviting ocean-view wedding venue in San Diego that offers an affordable alternative to Los Angeles. The resort boasts elegant ballrooms that provide panoramic views of San Diego Bay, creating a breathtaking backdrop for ceremonies and receptions. Couples can have their ceremony on the resort's private beach or on one of the outdoor terraces overlooking the water. The Coronado Island Marriott's expert team assists couples in creating their dream wedding, from customized menus featuring locally sourced cuisine to coordinating with trusted vendors. With its picturesque location, upscale amenities, and reasonable pricing, the Coronado Island Marriott is an excellent choice for couples looking for an ocean-view wedding experience without the high costs associated with Los Angeles venues.
5. Alila Marea
For couples seeking a contemporary and stylish ocean-view wedding venue in San Diego, Alila Marea offers a unique and affordable alternative to Los Angeles. Located in the coastal town of Encinitas, this boutique hotel boasts modern architecture and panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean. The venue features chic indoor and outdoor options that can be customized to suit the couple's preferences. Couples can celebrate with their loved ones in the hotel's trendy ballrooms or outdoor terrace. With its modern design, breathtaking views, and affordable pricing, Alila Marea offers couples an unforgettable ocean-view wedding experience in San Diego.
Located in the beautiful coastal community of La Jolla, Scripps Seaside Forum is another great ocean-view wedding venue in San Diego. With its sleek design, expansive windows, and outdoor terrace, this venue offers couples a modern and light-filled space for their special day. Scripps Seaside Forum overlooks the Pacific Ocean, providing breathtaking views that serve as a stunning backdrop for wedding photos. The venue offers versatile event spaces that can accommodate the couple's preferences, whether they envision an indoor or outdoor celebration. With its prime location, contemporary ambiance, and reasonable pricing, Scripps Seaside Forum offers couples the opportunity to have a memorable ocean-view wedding in San Diego.
Catamaran Resort is a tropical oasis on the shore of Mission Bay, offering affordable beachfront weddings in San Diego. This resort features lush gardens, a private beach, and a waterfront ceremony site, creating a romantic and tranquil setting for weddings. Couples can exchange vows on the beach, surrounded by swaying palm trees and the gentle sound of the ocean. The Catamaran Resort offers indoor and outdoor reception spaces, allowing couples to choose the perfect setting for their celebration. With its Polynesian-inspired architecture, serene surroundings, and attentive staff, the Catamaran Resort ensures a memorable and cost-effective ocean-view wedding experience in San Diego.
For couples seeking a luxurious ocean-view wedding venue in San Diego at a fraction of the cost of Los Angeles venues, Loews Coronado is an excellent choice. Located on the pristine Coronado Island, this resort combines elegance with affordability, providing a stunning backdrop for weddings. Loews Coronado features elegant ballrooms with high ceilings, crystal chandeliers, and panoramic views of the ocean. The highlight, however, is the breathtaking coastal scenery and the magnificent views of the city skyline that can be enjoyed from the ballrooms and outdoor terrace. Couples can exchange vows overlooking the water, creating a romantic and memorable experience for themselves and their guests. The dedicated wedding team at Loews Coronado assists couples in customizing their wedding menus, coordinating with preferred vendors, and ensuring that every detail is carefully attended to, making their special day truly unforgettable.
9. Coasterra
Coasterra, a modern waterfront restaurant, provides a picturesque option for couples seeking an ocean-view wedding in San Diego. The venue's stunning views of the San Diego skyline and bay create a romantic setting for special events. Couples can exchange vows on the outdoor terrace overlooking the water, followed by a delightful dining experience in the elegant dining room with floor-to-ceiling windows showcasing the breathtaking views. Coasterra's award-winning culinary team offers customized menus inspired by the flavors of Southern California, ensuring a memorable celebration without breaking the bank. Whether for an intimate gathering or a larger event, Coasterra's sophisticated ambiance and reasonable pricing make it a perfect choice for an unforgettable ocean-view wedding in San Diego.
Willmus Weddings
At Willmus Weddings, we specialize in helping couples create unforgettable wedding experiences in the beautiful coastal city of San Diego. With our expertise and knowledge of the local wedding scene, we can guide you to the perfect venues that offer stunning ocean views or charming gardens. From intimate beachfront ceremonies to elegant waterfront receptions, we'll work closely with you to bring your vision to life. Let us handle all the details, from venue selection and vendors recommendation to capturing the most precious moments of your special day.
Reach out to us to start planning the wedding of your dreams in San Diego.
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Our specialty at Willmus Weddings is assisting schoolboy runaway couples in planning spectacular weddings in San Diego, a stunning seaside city.