Getting Married at Scripps Seaside Forum: Everything You Need to Know

Scripps Seaside Forum is one of the most sought out wedding venues in La Jolla and it's no wonder why! With breathtaking views of the La Jolla coast and it's ridiculously cool, modern architecture...this venue is often booked years in advance.

Why is Scripps Seaside Forum a top wedding venue in La Jolla?

As part of the Scripps Institute of Oceanography, this venue can accommodate up to 200 guests for your wedding. Couples are free to bring in any vendors of their choice, minus catering and bar. But don't fret—their list of approved caterers contains some of our favorites: Coast Catering, Culinary Concepts, Continental Catering, and The French Gourmet, to name a few. You can even supply your own booze, but it must be served by their on-site beverage provider, Giuseppe.

Venue Information

The rental fee for a destination wedding at Scripps Seaside Forum ranges from $4,500 to $4,750. This price includes 9 hours of event time, covering setup and cleanup. If you wish to extend your celebration under the beautiful palm trees of Southern California, an additional hour can be arranged for $750 per hour. A non-refundable security deposit, amounting to 25% of the site rental fee, is required to secure your booking. Please note that licensed bartenders from Giuseppe Catering must serve all alcohol.

Amenities and Restrictions

Scripps Seaside Forum provides essential amenities to make your wedding day smooth. On-site security ensures safety and a day-of coordinator is available to manage event details. The venue includes a prep kitchen for caterers, public parking for guests, and tables as part of the rental. An AV and sound system will also be provided for your reception.

A few restrictions apply when planning your wedding. While you can bring your own alcohol, it must be served by a licensed bartender or caterer. You must choose from an approved caterer list, and items like rice, birdseed, or confetti are prohibited. Amplified music is allowed but must end by 10:00 PM, and smoking is only permitted in designated outdoor areas.

Amenities:

• On-site security

• Day-of coordinator to ensure a seamless event

• Prep kitchen available for caterers

• Public parking for guests

• Tables provided as part of the rental

• AV/sound system included for your reception

  
  

Restrictions:

• Bring-your-own (BYO) alcohol is allowed

• No use of rice, birdseed, or confetti

• Must select from an approved catering list

• Amplified music is allowed both indoors and outdoors

• Smoking is restricted to outdoor areas only

• Alcohol must be served by a licensed bartender or caterer

• All music must conclude by 10:00 PM

For couples looking to include a special moment like a first look with their loved ones, the venue’s stunning views and thoughtful amenities create the perfect backdrop for unforgettable memories.

OTHER IMPORTANT FACTS

• Weddings are only held on Friday, Saturday & Sunday

• Both ceremony and reception can be held inside or outside

• Music must be contained inside the building after 8 pm

• Receptions typically end at 10 pm with an option to extend to 11 pm (additional fee applies)

• Be sure to reserve parking in advance to guarantee spots for VIP guests & vendors!

NOTE: While 100 "first come, first park" spots are available for your guests between the 3 lots surrounding Scripps Seaside Forum, only 16 can be reserved. Each car must have a parking permit & be handed out by a Lot Attendant (available through the venue at an additional fee or have Willmus Weddings take care of this for you!) 😉

Plan Your Dream Wedding with Willmus Weddings

Contact our San Diego Wedding Planning team to help you create the wedding of your dreams with our Planning & Coordination Packages.

Did we mention that the views from Scripps Seaside Forum are out of this world? With beautiful views from every angle, there are endless photo ops! Our San Diego Photographer can bring your Bridal Party down to the beach for some aerial shots, but definitely take advantage of the amazing architecture + unique design of the building, too!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ZuxRPNVgGc

San Diego Wedding Videographer: Willmus Weddings

FYI: There are plenty of hotels, and it's a hop and a skip away. Grande Colonial, Hotel La Jolla, La Jolla Shores Hotel, Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa, La Valencia, and Sheraton La Jolla Hotel are all within 5 miles of the venue.

At Willmus Weddings, we’ve had the pleasure of working at Scripps Seaside Forum many times over the years, and it’s truly one of our favorite venues in San Diego. As seasoned wedding experts, we’re deeply familiar with the layout, amenities, and venue guidelines — from load-in logistics to sunset ceremony timing. We’ve built great relationships with the onsite team and know exactly how to navigate the space smoothly and stress-free. Whether it’s capturing portraits in the hidden garden corners, timing golden hour shots by the shore, or guiding couples through the flow of the day, we bring both experience and insight to every wedding we plan and photograph here.

Contact our San Diego Wedding Planner to help you create the wedding of your dreams! We also offer wedding videographer services in San Diego.

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