Deborah Chan
San Diego is a popular destination for weddings, with its beaches, parks, and indoor venues providing a variety of options for couples. The wedding industry in the US was greatly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, and weddings were not allowed in San Diego for a period of time. As of May 2020, there was no specific guidance on weddings from the government, but planners were hoping weddings would be allowed by August of that year. San Diego offers a range of wedding venues, from beaches to county parks and indoor spaces. Couples can choose from large gatherings to small, intimate weddings with a variety of scenery and backdrops to suit their preferences.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Marriage Licenses | Issued by the San Diego Recorder/County Clerk |
| Marriage Ceremonies | Performed by someone authorized to solemnize marriages |
| Marriage License Applications | Both parties must be present |
| Age Limit | Both parties must be at least 18 years old |
| ID Requirements | Valid government-issued photo ID |
| Acceptable IDs | Driver's license, passport |
| Birth Certificate | Required |
| Residency Requirements | Neither party is required to be a CA resident |
| Permits | Required for gatherings of over 75 people, music and/or voice amplification, and special equipment |
| Locations | County parks, beaches, Mt. Soledad, Cuvier Park, The Wedding Bowl, La Jolla coastline, Inn at Sunset Cliffs |
| Wedding Season | N/A due to the Coronavirus pandemic |
| Wedding Planning | Appointments available up to 7 weeks in advance |
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What You'll Learn
Marriage licenses and civil ceremonies
To obtain a marriage license in San Diego, both parties must be at least 18 years old and appear together at their appointment with valid and current government-issued photo ID. If either party is under 18, you must contact the San Diego County Juvenile Court for approval. Both parties must also present a completed marriage license application and payment. You may obtain a marriage license and have a civil ceremony at the same time by selecting a "License and Ceremony" appointment type. Appointments are available for indoor and outdoor ceremonies and can be booked up to seven weeks in advance.
For civil marriage ceremonies performed by the County Clerk, you may bring your own witness, or the office may provide one for an additional fee. There is no limit to the number of guests for an outdoor civil ceremony, while there is a limit of 15-20 guests for an indoor civil ceremony, depending on the location.
Fees are payable by cash, check, money order, or credit/debit card. Checks or money orders should be made payable to the San Diego Recorder/County Clerk. An additional $2.50 surcharge is applicable for card payments.
Interpretation services are available for civil ceremonies in eight languages: Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Russian, Tagalog, and Vietnamese. The availability of an interpreter for languages other than those listed above is not guaranteed. Interpretation services are available onsite at the Assessor/Recorder/County Clerk office locations only.
If either party has been divorced or filed a "Termination of Domestic Partnership" within the last 90 days, they must bring the final divorce decree or termination documents with the judge's signature and date.
To be legally married, you must obtain a marriage license before the ceremony and have the ceremony officiated by someone authorized to solemnize marriages. Confidential marriage licenses may also be issued by an Authorized Notary Public, who may be available outside of normal business hours and office locations.
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Wedding locations
San Diego offers a diverse range of wedding venues, from beaches and scenic hilltops to elegant gardens, industrial spaces, and private estates. Whether you're looking for a small, intimate gathering or a large celebration, there's a venue in San Diego that can accommodate your needs. Here are some popular wedding locations in San Diego:
County Parks
San Diego County Parks offer a variety of unique event spaces, including country meadows, gazebos, indoor venues such as old temples and reception halls, and customizable blank canvas spaces. County Parks are a great option for both formal and casual weddings, and their availability throughout the year makes them a convenient choice.
Brick and Bower
Nestled in downtown San Diego's historic Gaslamp District, Brick and Bower exudes luxury and charm. This unique venue is located within The Beau Hotel and offers a combination of indoor and outdoor spaces for your wedding celebrations.
Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina
Located on the shores of Harbour Island, the Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina provides a waterfront location with elegant indoor and outdoor venues. The hotel offers spacious and modern accommodations for your wedding party and guests, making it a convenient and upscale choice.
La Jolla
La Jolla is known for its scenic beaches and hilltop views, making it an ideal location for weddings. The La Jolla Cove Bridge Club offers a personalized paradise with breathtaking views, while Darlington House, a historic home with gardens and a courtyard, provides a charming and economical option just blocks from the beach.
VASA
Located in San Diego's hip North Park neighbourhood, VASA is a dynamic and versatile multipurpose wedding venue. With nearly 10,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor space, VASA can accommodate a wide range of wedding sizes and styles.
Sacred Mountain Julian
Just outside San Diego, in the town of Julian, Sacred Mountain Julian offers a romantic outdoor venue with 360-degree views on 61 acres of lush, unspoiled nature. This venue provides a picturesque backdrop for your wedding celebrations.
Lake Oak Meadows
Lake Oak Meadows is a vineyard-style wedding venue nestled in Temecula's wine country, a short distance from San Diego. The beautiful surroundings and vineyard charm create a unique and elegant atmosphere for your special day.
These are just a few of the many wedding location options available in San Diego. Whether you're looking for a beachfront ceremony, a historic venue, or a versatile indoor-outdoor space, San Diego has something to offer for every wedding style and size.
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Wedding requirements
San Diego is considered a wedding destination city, with 70 miles of coastline and a moderate year-round climate. The county offers a range of unique event spaces for weddings, from country meadows to beach weddings.
To get married in San Diego, both parties must be at least 18 years old and must present valid government-issued photo ID, such as a driver's license or passport. If either party is under 18, you must contact the San Diego County Juvenile Court for approval. If either party has been divorced or filed a "Termination of Domestic Partnership" within the last 90 days, they must bring the final divorce decree or termination documents with the judge's signature. Both parties must be present when applying for a marriage license, and appointments are required. You can book up to seven weeks in advance, and appointments fill up quickly.
After obtaining a marriage license, a ceremony must be performed before the license expires for the marriage to be valid. The ceremony must be conducted by someone authorized to solemnize marriages. For outdoor weddings, you may need a permit from the Park and Recreation Department, depending on the number of guests. For groups of over 75 people, a permit is required, as well as for music and/or voice amplification systems and special equipment.
For beach weddings, it is essential to obtain the proper permitting and follow noise regulations. Popular spots include Cuvier Park, known as The Wedding Bowl, and the Inn at Sunset Cliffs.
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Wedding costs
Planning a wedding in San Diego? Congratulations! There are plenty of venue options, from intimate elopements to large bashes, and the cost will depend on the type of celebration you want.
Firstly, you'll need a marriage license. In San Diego, couples can choose between a traditional and a confidential marriage license. A traditional marriage license costs $70, while a confidential license costs $89. A confidential license is not part of the public record. You'll need to pay by cash, check, money order, or debit card, as credit cards are not accepted.
Next, you'll need to choose a venue. The cost of wedding venues in San Diego can vary significantly, with some starting at base prices of $11,000 or more for a 50-person guest list. However, there are also more affordable options available, with packages ranging from $2,200 to $5,800, which can include the venue, officiants, photography, on-site hosts, witnesses, hair and makeup, and more. Keep in mind that some venues may require permits, which will add to the cost.
Other costs to consider include the wedding officiant, which can range from $250 to $950, photography and videography (around $9,000), hair and makeup ($300-$600 per person, with additional costs for trials), and any decorations, catering, or entertainment you choose to include.
The average cost of a wedding in San Diego is around $38,000, but this can vary depending on the size and style of your celebration. It's important to plan and create a budget that works for you, and there are plenty of resources available to help you create your dream wedding within your means.
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Wedding planning resources
Planning a wedding in San Diego offers a variety of options, from beachfront to historic venues. Here are some resources to help you get started:
Wedding Venues
San Diego has a range of unique wedding venues to choose from. For outdoor weddings, the County Parks Department offers various locations, including spacious grassy lawns, Victorian gardens, and romantic gazebos, with both indoor and outdoor spaces available. You can also consider beach weddings, with 70 miles of coastline to choose from, or say your vows aboard a sailboat with stunning views of the San Diego skyline.
For a more historic setting, explore the city's museums and architecturally impressive locations, such as an old temple or a restored ranger cabin. Mount Soledad offers a grassy area for ceremonies, while the County Parks & Recreation Department has venues within San Diego County but outside the city itself.
Wedding Licenses
To obtain a marriage license in San Diego, both parties must be at least 18 years old and present valid government-issued photo IDs, such as a driver's license or passport. Appointments are required, and you can schedule up to 7 weeks in advance. You can either fill out the Marriage License Printable Application or submit the Marriage License Online Application before your appointment.
Wedding Planners
If you're looking for professional assistance, San Diego has several experienced wedding planners. SD Weddings by Gina, established in 2007, is known for creating unforgettable weddings, including intimate and grand-scale celebrations. Venue To Go is another option, offering full-service wedding planning and custom floral design under one roof.
Permits
When planning your wedding in San Diego, keep in mind that permits may be required for large gatherings of over 75 people or for the use of certain equipment, such as music amplification systems or special setup equipment.
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Frequently asked questions
As of May 29, 2020, weddings, even in churches, were not allowed in San Diego due to the coronavirus pandemic. Wedding planners were hoping weddings could resume under California's Phase 3 reopening.
Both parties must be at least 18 years old and have a birth certificate and photo ID. A valid marriage license must be purchased before solemnizing a marriage ceremony.
San Diego has many popular wedding locations, including Cuvier Park, Mt. Soledad, and the Inn at Sunset Cliffs.
Ensure you have proper permitting if needed. Provide seating for guests and have a backup plan in case of inclement weather. Be aware of any noise regulations if you plan on having music.
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