Romantic Outdoor Wedding Venues in San Diego and in the Area You’ll Love
San Diego couples, if you’re on the hunt for the perfect outdoor wedding venue in San Diego or around San Diego, then buckle up because I’ve got some of the most stunning spots to share with you! Whether you’re dreaming of a cozy garden ceremony, a chic rooftop celebration, or a tucked-away estate surrounded by trees, San Diego has it all!! And let me tell you, as a Southern California wedding photographer, I’ve had the pleasure of capturing weddings at some truly jaw-dropping venues. Today, I’m focusing on a few of my favorites: Green Gables, Tivoli, La Jolla Cove Rooftop, Darlington House, and Los Willows Wedding Estate. Grab a seat and let’s dive into these magical outdoor wedding venues that will leave you saying, “I do”!
Green Gables Wedding – A Hidden Gem in San Marcos
Let’s kick things off with Green Gables. You guys, I’m obsessed with this venue. Tucked away in San Marcos, Green Gables has all the charm of a secret garden with the bonus of twinkling lights, rustic vibes, and a stunning ceremony space under a canopy of trees. Seriously, this place has the vibe for those dreamy, romantic wedding photos you’ve been dreaming of. For Shelby and Ray’s wedding, the ceremony was held in the area that I’ve fallen head over heels for: a space surrounded by lush greenery and trees that create the most intimate feel. And the best part? Twinkling lights hanging from the trees. If that doesn’t scream romantic, I don’t know what does!
But here’s the thing about Green Gables – it’s so tree-heavy that you won’t get that classic “sunset glow” in your photos, which is why we had to shoot a little earlier to get the perfect light. (Pro tip: If you want those gorgeous golden hour shots at Green Gables, plan for your portraits to happen before the actual sunset time.) Shelby and Ray absolutely nailed it, though, taking full advantage of the gorgeous rope swing (a cute prop for photos!) and creating memories I’ll never forget. And oh my goodness, they were so relaxed and fun, which makes it that much more special when I get to capture real moments like that!
Capacity: Up to 250 guests (great for larger parties)
Ceremony site: Beautiful outdoor space surrounded by trees and greenery
Reception options: Indoor/outdoor reception with a spacious tented area and lots of room to dance
Features: Amazing rope swing for photos, twinkling lights, and the best tree-lined ceremony site
Tivoli Wedding Venue – For Those Dreamy Garden Vibes
Now, if you’re looking for a venue that has that magical, whimsical vibe, Tivoli is your place. Tivoli is one of those places that feels like stepping into a dream, with winding paths and lush greenery surrounding you. I’ve shot weddings here a few times, and each one has been incredible. The venue brings a laid-back yet luxurious vibe that’s perfect for couples looking for a beautiful garden ceremony with a modern twist.
The ceremony space itself is surrounded by gorgeous greenery, creating a serene and intimate atmosphere. Guests gather under the trees with a breathtaking view all around, making the space feel cozy and full of charm. The versatility of Tivoli allows for so many creative moments, and it’s the perfect spot to capture those candid, real wedding photos (which i’m ALL about!). With the right lighting, your photos here will have that whimsical, fairytale-like vibe!
See what a Tivoli Wedding looks like here on my blog!
Capacity: Up to 250 guests for an outdoor ceremony, and the venue can accommodate up to 300 for the reception
Ceremony site: Outdoor ceremony surrounded by lush gardens and fountains
Reception options: Indoor reception space with a sleek modern aesthetic or a large outdoor reception under the stars
Features: Beautiful gardens, fountains, romantic yet modern vibe, customizable spaces for your wedding vision
La Jolla Cove Rooftop Wedding – Overlooking the Ocean
If you're dreaming of a wedding with a view, the La Jolla Cove Rooftop Wedding is a must. The ocean backdrop alone is worth it, but having a rooftop ceremony with the ocean breeze in your hair? That’s next level romantic! If you're a beach lover or just someone who swoons over jaw-dropping views, this venue will definitely steal your heart.
The La Jolla Cove Rooftop has that perfect mix of sophistication and California chill. From the ceremony to the reception, everything feels elegant yet so relaxed. And let’s not forget about the sunsets! There’s nothing like getting those dreamy, Instagram-worthy shots with the ocean as your backdrop. Trust me, you’ll want to make the most of that golden hour lighting for some truly breathtaking moments.
Capacity: Up to 120 guests (ideal for smaller, more intimate weddings)
Ceremony site: Rooftop with ocean views and stunning sunsets
Reception options: Elegant rooftop reception area with sweeping ocean views
Features: Panoramic views of the ocean, sunset photo opportunities, intimate and modern vibe
Los Willows Wedding Estate – A Picturesque Retreat for Your Wedding Day
Last but not least, let’s talk about Los Willows Wedding Estate. Oh boy, do I have stories about this place. If you’re looking for a serene, picturesque estate with all the beauty of a Southern California wedding, Los Willows is it. I’ve shot several weddings here (check out some of my favorites here), and every single one has been absolutely stunning. The property is massive, with sprawling gardens, a beautiful lake, and lots of space for you and your guests to roam.
Whether you’re getting married by the lake or in the gardens, this venue offers the kind of scenery that makes your wedding photos look like they came straight out of a movie. There’s something so special about the peacefulness of the space—it really gives you that feeling of an intimate retreat, where you can focus on celebrating with your loved ones while surrounded by nature.
Capacity: Up to 250 guests (large enough for grand celebrations, but still feels intimate)
Ceremony site: Gorgeous outdoor lakeside ceremony space
Reception options: Indoor reception space with elegant lighting, or an outdoor reception under the stars
Features: Lakefront ceremony site, large, open spaces for photos, private estate feel
Darlington House Wedding – Historic Charm with a Touch of Elegance
Next up, we’ve got the Darlington House Wedding—one of my absolute faves! In the heart of La Jolla, this historic venue is the perfect mix of vintage charm and modern elegance. Picture old-world architecture, exposed brick, and lush gardens—it’s like stepping into a scene from another time. As a photographer, it’s honestly a dream to capture all the beauty here.
The garden ceremony at Darlington House is perfect for couples looking to blend nature with a bit of history. The space feels both intimate and grand, with plenty of gorgeous spots for photos that’ll make your guests go “wow!” The vibe here is classic but with a fresh twist, and it’s no wonder this place is a go-to for couples who want a timeless, swoon-worthy spot to say “I do.”
Capacity: Up to 150 guests for the reception, with a more intimate ceremony option for about 100 guests
Ceremony site: Charming garden with trees and lush greenery
Reception options: Indoor space with exposed brick and elegant lighting, or a lovely outdoor reception option in the gardens
Features: Vintage feel with modern touches, beautiful gardens, exposed brick for that rustic charm
Choosing Your Perfect San Diego Outdoor Wedding Venue
If you’re still deciding on the perfect venue for your San Diego wedding, you really can’t go wrong with any of these options. No matter what kind of wedding you’re dreaming of, these venues will offer something that perfectly fits your style and vision!
Southern California Wedding Photographer | Cambria Shelley Photography
As a Southern California Wedding photographer, I love working with couples to capture their day in a way that is meaningful and authentic to them. If you’re ready to book your outdoor wedding venue in San Diego or around the area, get in touch with me today! I’d be honored to help you plan the most beautiful wedding photos!
See more of Shelby and Ray’s wedding below and more of my work on Pinterest!
Vendors:
Photographer: Cambria Shelley Photography
Wedding Venue: Green Gables Wedding Venue
Hair and Makeup: Reveal Hair and Makeup
Florals: Mai Floral Designs
Custom Seating Chart: Elegant Affair Co
Wedding Dress: Ines Di Santo
Party Dress: Retrofete