Get Hitched: San Diego Wedding Planner

Updated: March 20, 2009

Getting ready to tie the knot? The big day doesn't have to bring out the bride (or groom) "zilla" in anyone. For a stress-free prelude to the altar, consult our guide to San Diego's top reception sites, florists, bridal shops and more.

On this page:Get the Best Dress (And Accessories), Learn to Dance, Find Perfect Flowers, Hotel Venues for the Stay-and-Play Wedding, Alternative Venues for Unique Receptions, Rehearsal Dinner and Party Venues, Guest Itinerary: Where to Show off San Diego.

Get the Best Dress (And Accessories)

  1. 1 Alfred Angelo Bridal
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    9240 Clairemont Mesa Blvd, San Diego, CA 92123 (map)

    This haute bridal boutique offers an amazing selection of unique gowns, along with bridesmaid dresses that your girlfriends will actually like wearing.

  2. 2 Pink Corset--Pink Bridal & Lingerie
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    555 Broadway Ste 1030, Chula Vista, CA 91910 (map)

    Lace, silk, satin, oh my! Stop by this Chula Vista boutique that specializes in sweet, sassy underthings--because what's under the dress is just as important as the dress itself.

  3. 3 4 Star Rating: Recommended Here Comes The Bride
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    7610 Hazard Center Dr Ste 701, San Diego, CA 92108 (map)

    For the couture bride-to-be, this upscale bridal shop offers personalized service, over 200 designer gowns, and an army of custom fitters, sewers and beaders to insure that every dress is a veritable masterpiece.

  4. 4 2 Star Rating: Below Average David's Bridal
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    5475 Grossmont Center Dr, La Mesa, CA 91942 (map)

    Bargain-savvy brides flock to this wedding dress hunting ground for beaded satin A-lines and simple lace sheaths.

Learn to Dance

  1. 5 5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended Fred Astaire Dance Studio
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    8303 Claremont Mesa Blvd #205, San Diego, CA 92111 (map)

    You may not be Fred Astaire or Ginger Rogers, but you can still make your first dance as newlyweds memorable after lessons at this North Park dance studio. Their customized wedding dance program ranges from teaching basic steps to choreographing an entire dance.

  2. 6 2 Star Rating: Below Average A Time To Dance Performing
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    3982 30th St, San Diego, CA 92104 (map)

    Some nervous grooms get sweaty palms at the mere mention of the first dance. Banish fears with private wedding dance lessons at this North Park studio, and then twirl and dip your way into marital bliss.

Find Perfect Flowers

  1. 7 4 Star Rating: Recommended Mission Hills Florist
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    901 W Washington St, San Diego, CA 92103 (map)

    Bring in color samples of the attendant's dresses, and this family-owned florist will create beautiful, coordinating floral arrangments for your walk down the aisle.

  2. 8 Carlsbad Wholesale Florist
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    5600 Avenida Encinas Ste 38, Carlsbad, CA 92008 (map)

    This North County florist specializes in selling to professional wedding planners, but here's a tip for the DIY bride: buy wholesale (you get a better deal on bulk flowers) and make the arrangments yourself.

  3. 9 Lion In The Sun
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    554 Stevens Ave, Solana Beach, CA 92075 (map)

    Whether its a colorful Moroccon ceremony or a big fat Greek wedding, this floral designer can decorate for any theme under the sun. They even specialize in tropical flowers and plants.

Hotel Venues for the Stay-and-Play Wedding

  1. 10 4.5 Star Rating: Recommended Hilton-San Diego Resort
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    1775 E Mission Bay Dr, San Diego, CA 92109 (map)

    A slightly more affordable--yet still undoubtaby chic--beachfront option, this upscale hotel chain has fantastic bay views.

  2. 11 4.5 Star Rating: Recommended Four Seasons Resort Aviara, North San Diego
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    7100 Four Seasons Point, Carlsbad, CA 92009 (map)

    Located in quaint, beachy casual Carlsbad, this luxury resort is ideal for kids and families. There are dozens of venues to choose from, like gorgeous Avalon Ballroom and breezy Palm courtyard. Oh, and there's an 18-hole golf course for the boys and a European-style spa for the girls.

  3. 12 4 Star Rating: Recommended Hard Rock Hotel San Diego
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    207 5TH Ave, San Diego, CA 92101 (map)

    For a rocking urban wedding, check into the Hard Rock Hotel downtown. They'll plan every detail, from the menu to the farewell breakfast, and it's VIP-caliber all the way.

  4. 13 4 Star Rating: Recommended Hotel del Coronado
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    1500 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA 92118 (map)

    From the stunning lobby and Grand Ballroom to the Victorian architexture and scenic gardens (not to mention the 28 beachside acres), this landmark property practically oozes 19th-century romance and charm while still providing every modern convenience. It's really no wonder that the Del is the number-one wedding destination in the US.

  5. 14 5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended Loews Coronado Bay Resort
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    4000 Coronado Bay Rd, Coronado, CA 92118 (map)

    Want to recite your vows on the waterfront? This mega-resort features one of the city's loveliest locales--on it's own private penisula. From a Polynesian-themed rehearsal dinner to a seaside ceremony, do it all in SD-style beachy elegance.

  6. 15 The Lodge at Torrey Pines
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    11480 N Torrey Pines Rd, La Jolla, CA 92037 (map)

    For the best of the best (and some good old-fashioned landscape eye candy), book your wedding at this lush resort adjancent to the Torrey Pines Golf Course.

Alternative Venues for Unique Receptions

  1. 16 Liberty Station-Beacon Point
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    2877 Farragut Rd, San Diego, CA 92106 (map)

    Non-denominational chapel at the heart of Point Loma's historic Liberty Station public promenade is a charming setting for an intimate gathering of family and friends.

  2. 17 4.5 Star Rating: Recommended Spanish Village Art Ctr
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    1770 Village Pl, San Diego, CA 92101 (map)

    For a reception with a cultured, artsy vibe, head to the Spanish Village at Balboa Park. It's got a great outdoor courtyard that?s already decorated with bright Spanish tiles.

  3. 18 4.5 Star Rating: Recommended Temecula Creek Inn
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    44501 Rainbow Canyon Rd, Temecula, CA 92592 (map)

    Calling all wine-lovers: Get your grape on in Temecula with a wine-themed wedding.

  4. 19 4.5 Star Rating: Recommended Balboa Park
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    Laurel St at Sixth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101 (map)

    Hold your reception in one of the Prado's Spanish-style outdoor courtyards (you can rent them out from the city's Parks and Recreation division).

  5. 20 4 Star Rating: Recommended Bali Hai Restaurant
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    2230 Shelter Island Dr, San Diego, CA 92106 (map)

    Have a destination wedding without leaving San Diego. This Polynesian-themed restaurant in Point Loma offers gorgeous bay and city skyline views, tropical cocktails and a delicious island-inspired menu.

  6. 21 Museum of Contemporary Art, La Jolla
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    700 Prospect St, La Jolla, CA 92037 (map)

    La Jolla's eye-catching museum (the building itself is considered a piece of art) has great indoor and outdoor spaces for the hip, contemporary couple.

  7. 22 The Witherby
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    526 Market Street, San Diego, CA 92101 (map)

    Not only is the downtown location of this swanky ballroom totally fab, but you have the option of changing the colors or washing the walls to suit the mood or theme of your reception.

Rehearsal Dinner and Party Venues

  1. 23 4.5 Star Rating: Recommended World Famous
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    711 Pacific Beach Dr, San Diego, CA 92109 (map)

    Looking for an affordable yet so-San Diego rehearsal dinner? Book a table at this beachy, local favorite at sunset.

  2. 24 4 Star Rating: Recommended El Agave
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    2304 San Diego Ave Ste B, San Diego, CA 92110 (map)

    For a taste of San Diego's best Mexican, nothing's better than El Agave in Old Town. The sunset patio, tasty authetic fare and serious tequila selection--with over 1500 bottles adorning the walls--is great for a pre-wedding fiesta.

  3. 25 5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended Urban Solace
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    3823 30th St, San Diego, CA 92104 (map)

    There may not be ocean views, but this New Orleans-style chateau offers a great taste of San Diego's hipster, artsy, North Park neighborhood.

  4. 26 4.5 Star Rating: Recommended Old Venice Italian Rstrnt Cffe
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    2910 Canon St, San Diego, CA 92106 (map)

    Tucked away Point Loma trattoria is a romantic yet reasonable option for the rehearsal dinner. Sinatra serendes in the background at no extra charge.

  5. 27 5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended Hornblower Cruises & Events
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    1066 N Harbor Dr, San Diego, CA 92101 (map)

    You can rent one of the 25 private yatchs for the rehearsal dinner or the wedding ceremony itself.

  6. 28 4.5 Star Rating: Recommended En Fuego Cantina
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    1342 Camino Del Mar, Del Mar, CA 92014 (map)

    For the North County-ers who don't want to drive to Old Town, this Del Mar cantina has a spacious outdoor courtyard and a fun, laid-back vibe.

  7. 29 3 Star Rating: Average Top of the Market
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    750 N Harbor Dr, San Diego, CA 92101 (map)

    You're already getting hitched, but first, get hooked. Located on the second floor of the Fish Market, this fine dining spot know for fresh seafood is a good option for a downtown rehearsal dinner.

  8. 30 3.5 Star Rating: Average ALTITUDE Sky Lounge
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    660 K St, San Diego, CA 92101 (map)

    A lofty (but not a bit pretentious!) just-for-drinks option before or after the wedding, this trendy lounge perched atop the Gaslamp's Marriott boast awesome paranoramic views of the city.

Guest Itinerary: Where to Show off San Diego

  1. 31 4.5 Star Rating: Recommended Coronado Ferry Landing
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    1201 1st St Ste K-6, Coronado, CA 92118 (map)

    Walk off the ferry to a village of eclectic shops, restaurants, beaches and miles of bike paths.

  2. 32 5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended San Diego Bike And Kayak
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    2222 Avenida de la Playa, LA Jolla, CA 92037 (map)

    Stop by this shop for guided tours of La Jolla Caves, rentals of kayaks, bikes, snorkeling equipment and beach gear.

  3. 33 4.5 Star Rating: Recommended Gondola Co
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    4000 Coronado Bay Rd, Coronado, CA 92118 (map)

    Private gondola tours through the Coronado Cays channel the Venetian tradition with wine, cheese and Italian serenades.

  4. 34 Coronado Boat Rental
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    1715 Strand Way, Coronado, CA 92118 (map)

    With a wide variety of vessels for rent including sailboats, kayaks, fishing boats, speedboats, kayaks and personal watercraft, this is a fun way to show off San Diego.

  5. 35 5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended Aqua Adventures Kayak Center
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    1548 Quivira Way, San Diego, CA 92109 (map)

    Get a little wet and wild, San Diego style. Sea, surf and whitewater kayaks in single and tandem versions including safety accessories are avaible for rent.

  6. 36 5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended San Diego Harbor Excursion
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    1050 N Harbor Dr, San Diego, CA 92101 (map)

    Popular with tourists and locals alike, these harbor tours aboard a ferry-like vessel cruise from Seaport Village to Coronado.

  7. 37 5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended San Diego Water Taxi
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    891 W Harbor Dr, San Diego, CA 92101 (map)

    Quick and breezy boat taxi rides for $7 one-way between Harbor Island, Shelter Island and Coronado.