Small Wedding Venues for Rent in San Diego, CA

Your Guide to Renting Small Wedding Venues in San Diego, CA

Every couple wants their wedding to be an unforgettable event that people will keep talking about for weeks to come. And we totally get that! But it doesn’t mean you need to spend all of your savings and put together an over-the-top wedding. There are other ways to have a beautiful and memorable ceremony without breaking the bank. Our favorite idea? An intimate wedding with your nearest and dearest! San Diego is filled with unique spots you can rent for small ceremonies and receptions. Location plays a big role in wedding planning, but it's not the only factor! Take a look at our guide and you'll get some helpful tips on how to throw a wedding that's in everyone’s memory for months to come.

Guide to renting a small wedding venue

• Plan your guest list strategically. You can’t expect your wedding to be a small one when you invite 150 people to attend. An intimate celebration is an intimate one only when the guest list is kept to a minimum. That’s why it's important to consider who cannot be missed on your wedding day. So don’t waste this opportunity to make some great memories and invite only those who matter the most.

• Set your budget. Once you’ve calculated how much money you have for the whole enterprise, everything will become clear and you’ll be able to start planning your big day. We suggest you decide on the things you’re really passionate about and that you’ve always dreamt of having at your wedding. Book the band you love, sort out your favorite drinks and put up unique decorations that match your style. 

• Pick a restaurant. A smaller guest list means more places to choose from. So we recommend you pick a nontraditional wedding venue, and we can’t think of a better option than a restaurant! Not convinced? They have everything you might need in one place: tasty food, great drinks, immaculate service, and some room for dancing. If you’ve decided to give a restaurant a shot, make sure when browsing venues that both you and your partner love everything about the place, from the decor to the menu. Some restaurants have restrictions when it comes to decorations, so find out the place’s policy and all of the details before making the final decision.

• Go for unusual activities. Weddings are not all about the food and drinks - although these two factors are super important as well! If you’re truly dreaming of a one-of-a-kind celebration, organize some unique activities to take place during the night. Forgo the traditional dancing or any other part that you resent (or that simply doesn’t suit you and your other half). It’s your party after all, so why not replace those activities you don’t like with the ones that everyone will enjoy? How about a wine tasting, a painting masterclass, or hosting a karaoke competition? 

• Party to live music. Can you think of a better way to party than dancing the night away to music played by a live band? Or how about having your first dance to a live piano accompanied by guitars?! Exactly - it sounds like a dream! And what’s even better, you’ll have a chance to request your favorite songs! But remember that there shouldn’t be more players in the band than your guests - it might feel very overpowering and simply look weird. Instead, hire a small group of musicians and go crazy on the dance floor with your nearest and dearest without a crowd on stage.

• Have a photographer for the day. We assume that this is your first and only wedding, so we’re sure you’ll want every little moment to be captured. And with a smaller guest list, there will be plenty of opportunities to capture intimate moments and interactions between your guests. Have you already thought of hiring a photographer who’ll make sure that there are pics of each special moment that occurred throughout the event? We hope so! And if not, hopefully, this point has made you change your mind! A professional photographer will make sure all of the tears, laughter, and clinking glasses are captured, so you better start your search for a creative soul straight away!

• Decorate the space. It goes without saying that there have to be some kind of decorations in the venue - it’s such a special event, after all! Let’s highlight it! And when throwing a smaller wedding, you can go all-out on details. You can focus not only on the tables but also on the whole space. Put up fairy lights, decorate the tables with floral arrangements, candles, table linens, and anything else that will help you create a unique ambiance in the place! We also suggest you prepare place cards that match your event’s theme. This way your guests won’t have any doubts about where to sit and such a small gesture adds up to the overall experience.

FAQs about Small Wedding Venues in San Diego, CA

How far in advance should I rent a venue for my wedding?

There is no golden rule, however, we suggest you start your search as soon as possible. When you start browsing many months in advance, you’ll have enough time to browse through many places and be able to pick the best offer. We suggest you book the place of your choice at least 9 months before the date of your big day.

How much does it cost to rent a small wedding venue in San Diego?

Depending on your chosen location or venue, the rental costs in San Diego vary greatly. You can rent a tiny place for $99 per hour, or somewhere slightly bigger for up to $500 per hour. Some venues charge fixed rental fees that start at $11,000+ for 50-person events. (Based on data from Tagvenue.)

Where in San Diego can I find the best wedding venues?

We’re certain you’ll love La Jolla’s selection of wedding venues that are ideal for all kinds of intimate celebrations. Whether you’re dreaming of a small banquet hall, a private function room, or a terrace, we highly recommend checking it out. Downtown is home to rooftop venues where you can celebrate with sprawling city views as a backdrop. Around Gaslamp Quarter and East Village you’ll find plenty of venues that will suit your wedding requirements and your style. North Park is the epicenter of great restaurants and quirky bars if that’s the direction you want to go.

What is the capacity of a small wedding venue?

Small wedding venues can usually accommodate anything up to 50 guests. So if you’re planning an event for anything less than 50 people or slightly more, you’ll be able to find plenty of exceptional venues for your reception with Tagvenue’s help.

Can I get married on a beach in San Diego?

Absolutely! However, you’ll need to obtain a permit to elope on the beach. Permit costs in San Diego cost $250 for residents and $500 for non-residents. For all of the necessary details, you can visit this website and find out everything you want to know about getting married on a beach.