The recent trend of micro weddings and small weddings has increased the popularity of small wedding venues. Less is often more, and there are no exceptions when it comes to small wedding venues. These venues are full of charm and are ready to be transformed into your dream event space. San Diego boasts some of the most beautiful wedding venues in the country. Whether you are looking for an elopement location, the perfect venue for your micro wedding, or have a guest count below one hundred, San Diego has a small wedding venue to match your vision. Let’s look into the advantages of a small wedding venue and hosting a micro wedding.
Unique Options
There is a greater variety when it comes to small wedding venues. Since you have a lower guest count, you are not restricted to a traditional hotel banquet hall. Instead, you have the flexibility to turn one of your favorite spots into your wedding venue or find a one-of-a-kind wedding venue. We have seen couples host stunning ocean-front weddings for fifty guests at private estates or transform their favorite restaurant into a wedding venue. Some of our favorite small wedding venue ideas are:
- Waterfront Estate: In San Diego, there is a multitude of beautiful waterfront properties that are available for rental use. Make sure to communicate with your rental host that you are planning to throw an event before booking. There are also multiple small waterfront wedding venues, like Tower Beach Club, that are already approved to host your event.
- Backyard: A beautiful classic option, backyard weddings are making a comeback in the wedding world. Not only are they an open-air and covid safe option, but backyards often carry deep sentimental value. Getting married in a loved one’s backyard is a special way to bring people together.
- Museum or Art Gallery: Are you passionate about history and art or just looking for a fun experience for your guests? Check out your local art museums, private art galleries, or children’s museum. In San Diego, Balboa Park offers a variety of unique museums and art galleries.
- Book Shop: For all of the book lovers out there, check out your local book shops or libraries. Share your passion for literature with your guests and give them an unmatched experience.
- Restaurants: If you and your partner are both Foodies, you should check with your favorite restaurant to see if they can host your big day. San Diego has a wide variety of delicious and beautiful restaurants, from stunning rooftop bars to quaint Italian restaurants. Transforming a local restaurant into your small wedding venue is a great way to share a piece of your love story with your family and friends.
- Forests and Local Parks: Outdoor enthusiasts, this one is for you. If you have a favorite hiking trail or enjoy spending time in a specific local park. Finding a local outdoor area to host your big day is an excellent way to showcase your passion for the outdoors and share it with your guests. Most local parks are available to be permitted for special events make sure to check with your local government on how to obtain a special event permit.
Budget-Friendly
A small wedding can be extremely budget-friendly. You have the flexibility to spend on what matters the most to you, such as location and food, or you can easily trim unnecessary expenses. You have the power to choose where you want to splurge and where to save. Some experiences are only possible for small weddings. Here are some unique small wedding experiences
- Unique Venue: Renting out a dreamy mansion on the top of a cliffside or an entire countryside inn is now a possibility. Not only do you get to utilize the space for your wedding day, but you can house a significant number of your guests.
- A Private-Spirits Tasting: If you have an appreciation for spirits, hire a host from a local distillery to lead a tasting during your cocktail hour.
- A Five-Course Meal With Wine Pairings: Treat your guests to a multi-course meal with fine wine pairings.
- A Private Chef: Hire a private chef to give your guest the VIP food experience. You can create a personalized menu with high-quality ingredients.
- Live Painter: Work with a local artist to do live paintings throughout your event. The artist can capture a different perspective of your event, and you can take home a custom wedding portrait.
- Performers: From cultural performers to professional dancers, bringing in a professional performer is a unique way to entertain your guests.
- Include Extra Activities Throughout The Day: Think about activities you can set up for your guests. For instance, if you are getting married by the water, look into private boat charters or rent paddleboards for your guests to enjoy during the day.
More Intimate
Small weddings are known for being more intimate; there is a greater focus on the couple. You get to surround yourself with people who know you and love you. A wedding can be incredibly personal, so having a close relationship with all of your guests is extremely important. Working with a small wedding venue can help you establish boundaries with your guest count. Additionally, a more intimate event will give you more time to savor the day and spend time in the present.
If you want to explore small wedding venues in San Diego, we have compiled a list of suggestions. Just remember that searching for a small wedding venue means you can think outside of the box.
List of San Diego Small Wedding Venues
Agua Hedionda Lagoon Foundation
Barrels and Branches
Bluewater Boathouse
Brick and Laurel
Building 177
Cal-A-Vie
Cordiano Winery
Coronado Club Room
Old Town Cosmopolitan Hotel
Deck665
Del Mar Country Club
Dragon Point Villa
Fairmont Grand Del Mar
Four Moons
FruitCraft Fermentery and Distillery
Grand Colonial
Junipero Serra Museum
La Valencia Hotel
Leo Carrillo Ranch
Loews Coronado Bay Resort
Luce Loft
Mission Beach Women's Club
Mission Trails Regional Park Foundation
Next Level Sailing
Pacifica Del Mar
Rose Creek Cottage
Sacred Mountain Julian
Sidebar at The Rose
Sparks Gallery
The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe
The Sinclair
The Pearl Hotel
The Point
The Thursday Club
The Woodshed
Thorn Brewing Co.
Tower Beach Club
Triton Charters
Verbena Kitchen
ZLAC Rowing Club
List brought to you by The Tower Beach Club