Wedding Restaurants for Rent in San Diego, CA

Your Guide to Renting Wedding Restaurants in San Diego, CA

San Diego's dining scene is full of bold and vibrant flavors. The city’s top eateries come to the fore in wedding celebrations, with high-end cuisine and attentive services that are guaranteed to make your special day legendary. Restaurants can accommodate pretty much every part of your wedding: from the engagement party to the rehearsal dinners and on to the wedding ceremony and reception. No wonder they’re such a popular choice among couples.

We know that when planning a wedding, it's easy to get overwhelmed by the countless details that need attention. And when it's time to select a location for your wedding reception, you want a venue that is ideal for your celebration but also relatively affordable. It can be hard to pick the one, and we’re here to make the task easier. With our list of restaurants to choose from and our handy rental guide, you’ll be booking your spot in no time!

What to consider when choosing a wedding restaurant

Before anyone can sit at the table and make a toast to the happy couple, you’ve got to make some serious decisions first! Anyone who’s ever been involved in planning a wedding can tell you that choosing the perfect venue is no mean feat and requires a strategic approach. Don’t know where to start? Let us walk you through the most important details to consider!

Budget

Start by setting the budget for the entire wedding. Then, think about all the particular elements. How much do you want to spend on space rental, food and beverages? Ask about different menus and pricing options.

Some restaurants offer "all-inclusive" packages with everything included, so there's no need to worry about paying extra for drinks or appetizers (they are typically priced per person and can be an attractive option for those who are looking to throw a wedding on a budget).

Other places may have very specific menus for each part of their business, e.g. the bar menu isn't available during dinner service, so make sure you know what's included in the price before committing yourself.

Food options

While many couples want to serve their family's traditional dishes at the wedding reception, there are others who want to go for something different. You will be able to find many options when it comes to food choices at wedding restaurants in San Diego. Some may offer Latin or Asian cuisine, while others will have a menu with specialties from around the world!

Once you’ve decided what type of cuisine you’d like to serve, there are still a couple more details to figure out. Do you want a traditional sit-down dinner or something more casual? Is it important for guests to have access to an open bar all night long or do you prefer a cash bar? Some venues offer buffet-style meals, while others specialize in plated dinners with multiple courses served at different times throughout the evening.

Location

Another key thing to consider when choosing a wedding restaurant is the location. Pay close attention to the logistics of your wedding day. You want to be able to get to the restaurant easily and without too much driving after the ceremony. Perhaps you can find a San Diego restaurant that can host both the ceremony and reception, and skip the burden of having to move between two different locations?

Other details to keep in mind include the availability of parking facilities or public transport connections, and the distance from the hotel where your out-of-town guests will be staying (you don’t want to make them travel too far or get stuck in traffic).

Type of space

Next, you should consider whether or not you want a private room or an open space (indoor or outdoor). If you’re having a large wedding party and lots of guests, then it might be best to book the entire restaurant or go with an open-air space that can accommodate everyone comfortably. However, if you prefer privacy or are worried about noise level, then consider renting a private room instead.

Another thing to consider is whether you’d like to have the ceremony and reception in the same place. Some restaurants in San Diego will have a separate space, such as a private garden, where a ceremony can be arranged.

Ambiance & facilities

Think about what kind of ambiance you're looking for in your wedding restaurant in San Diego.  Are there any special features like chandeliers or fireplaces? Is there equipment to play some music in the background and do you need extra space to dance? Do you want to be able to see nature while eating and chatting to your guests? Or maybe there's an outdoor patio or garden at the restaurant you're looking at? Also, keep in mind whether or not your guests will need special accommodations such as accessibility ramps or bathrooms with wheelchair facilities.

FAQs about Wedding Restaurants in San Diego, CA

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

The average cost of renting a wedding restaurant in San Diego is $1,550 per day. However, prices vary depending on factors such as location, capacity and seasonality. Some restaurants will offer lower rates during the off-season wedding months (such as November, January and February). Weekday weddings will typically also be less expensive than weekend ones.

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

If you're looking for a place with a trendy vibe, then the Gaslamp Quarter is where you want to be. This downtown neighborhood is home to some of the best restaurants in San Diego, as well as plenty of hotels if you're looking for somewhere nearby to stay after your big day. The Little Italy/Embarcadero/North Park area is perfect if you want to have an Italian-style wedding reception, and is also near Balboa Park which can provide plenty of photo opportunities. And if you want to celebrate with a view, La Jolla and Del Mar both have numerous restaurants that offer incredible views of the ocean or cityscape.

When is the best time to get married in San Diego?

Wedding receptions can take place at any point during the year – it all boils down to how much sun and warmth you want. If you're looking for sunny skies and balmy temperatures, April through October is your best bet, especially when you’re planning an outdoor ceremony or reception. September and October are particularly gorgeous, as they're the last two months before San Diego gets too cold. If you don’t mind cooler temperatures or have your eyes set on an indoor space, go ahead and book your wedding in fall or winter. Since this is the less popular option, you may even be able to get yourself some attractive deals!

How far in advance should I book a restaurant for my wedding in San Diego?

If you’re planning a wedding in San Diego, it’s important to book as early as possible. Restaurants are often fully booked up to 6 months in advance, so make sure you plan ahead! The best time to book a wedding restaurant is about 6-12 months before the date. Remember that it can take some time for the restaurant to get back to you with availability and pricing information, plus you’ll want to schedule a viewing and then – when you’re sure you’ve found the one – you’ll also need time to plan all the details, such as menus, decorations, etc.