Top Budget Friendly & Affordable San Diego Wedding Locations

For the most updated information and most recent version on this post, please click here:

Affordable & Budget Friendly San Diego Wedding Venues

There is no turning back now.  

We are very excited to announce that a new and improved version of our website is up and running!

Please come check it out. 

http://rachelmcfarlinphotography.com/blog/

__________________________________________________________________________________

For the most updated information and most recent version on this post, please click HERE.

I am frequently asked if I can suggest wedding locations around San Diego that are affordable, unique and will help a couple stick to a wedding budget. With no affiliation or ulterior motives, below are a few spots that offer beautiful views, are considered the most popular and top wedding locations in southern California for planning a wedding on a budget.

1) San Diego Beaches, including La Jolla & Mission Bay

2) Bahia Hotel & Resort and their Sternwheel Paddle Boat

3) Balboa Park Weddings

4) The Thursday Club

5) Marina Village Weddings & Receptions

6) Admiral Kidd Club overlooking downtown San Diego Bay & Coronado Island

7) Karl Strauss Brewery Gardens

8) La Jolla Cove – Bridge Club at Scripps Park

9) La Jolla Cove and Suites

10) Cuvier Wedding Bowl La Jolla Coast

11) Pala Mesa Golf Resort in North County Fallbrook

12) Hotel Del Coronado Beach Ceremony

13) Soledad Club overlooking Downtown San Diego, Mission Bay & The Ocean

14) Coronado Community Center Wedding

15) Bali Hai Restaurant overlooking San Diego Bay, Downtown and Coronado

16) San Diego Botanical Garden

17) The Prado Balboa Park Wedding & Reception

18) Sunset Cliffs in the Ocean Beach/Point Loma area

19)

Catamaran Resort in Pacific and Mission Beach offers access to their Paddle Wheel Boat

20) Temecula Creek Inn in the North County Wine Region

21) Rancho Bernardo Inn

22) Wilson Creek Winery in North County San Diego

23) Stone Brewery Private Event & Wedding Reception

24) Coronado Destination Beach Wedding

Also See:

Money Saving Ideas

Sample Agenda for Day of Wedding & Reception Timelines

What to Wear in Portraits

Children’s Portraits

Back in December, we ran out of daylight when shooting family portraits for these cuties. So, this was our make-up session for Teddy & Lola’s portraits at the Catamaran Resort…(click on images to see the full gallery)
>

Newborn Colin & Family Portraits at Petco Park

The Murphy Boy’s brought it big time to our family portrait session at Petco Park last Sunday! Look how cute and fun these little rascals are…

Ways to Save Money When Planning Your Wedding & Reception

Reception
1. Cut the guest list. This will slash your catering costs and save on invitations and even the number of centerpieces.

2. Think off-peak season and save thousands!

3. Hold your ceremony and reception in one spot — it will cut travel time for vendors you pay by the hour.

4. Skip the Saturday wedding.

5. Have bigger tables so you need fewer centerpieces and tablecloths.

6. Shop the off-season for extra decor — get modern black vases on sale after Halloween and pretty pink ones after Valentine’s Day.

Flowers
7. Use more greenery than flowers.

8. Swap out costly flowers — did you know peonies can be five times more expensive than roses?

9. Stick to just one or two kinds of flowers.

10. Buy flowers that are in season.

11. Include non-florals, like lanterns.

Food & Drink
12. Serve entree duets.

13. Skip the main course — apps and drinks are fine too.

14. Offer beer, wine, and a signature cocktail instead of a full bar.

15. Serve comfort foods like barbecue chicken, mac and cheese, and corn. It’s fun and often cheaper.

16. Skip the champagne toast.

Cakes
17. Order a small one or two-tiered cake and then supplement cake with a larger sheet cake (hidden back in the kitchen).

18. Keep the add-ons simple.

19. Use fresh flowers, not sugar ones.

20. Reuse ceremony flowers for the cake table.

21. Skip exotic fillings like guava and mango.

Stationery & Favors
22. Get single-page invites to save on postage.

23. Give out one favor per couple.

24. Make your cake the favors.

25. Have favors double as escort cards.

26. Email your save-the-dates.

27. Make your own menu cards, escort cards, and wedding favor packaging.

Photo, Video & Music
28. Choose a photographer that will give your photos as digital files so that you can make your own albums, prints and gifts. Just make sure they are insured and that their references check out.

29. Opt for a smaller band.

30. Hire a band or DJ who can do both the ceremony and the reception.

See Also:
Unique, Distinct & Affordable San Diego Wedding Venues
Sample Agenda for Day of Wedding & Reception Timelines
What to Wear When Having Your Picture Taken