Let’s head to sunny Southern California – San Diego to be exact, where one of my favorite domestic resorts is nestled in the hills above and just a tad inland from the Pacific Ocean. The Grand Del Mar, San Diego’s only Five Star and Five Diamond Resort, is one of those special places where service really does make the experience. I’ve stayed on property, attended weddings and conferences here, dinned countless times and each and every single time the staff is truly extraordinary. To know your wedding is in good hands is a luxury no one should miss out on and you’ll be cared for like a member of the family here. Oh, and the venue is pretty much picture perfect for a destination wedding too!
Designed with the bride in mind, the sprawling location has several spots to say “I do”. My personal favorite is the capella – an intimate chapel complete with its own entrance, removable pews, marble columns, high beamed ceilings and beautiful double doors for that oh-so grand Grand Del Mar entrance. We asked their wedding specialist, Paige Levy about its details. “The intimate chapel is steeped in old-world charm and infused with fairytale romance. The Capella features beamed ceilings, imported Italian pews, stained glass accents and ceremony seating for up to 280 guests. The Capella offers the experience of a chapel setting without having to have the ceremony and reception at two separate locations. The Capella is designed to cater to the client looking for a religious style ceremony with the option of displaying a cross and wood alter, however it can also be customized for the client looking for a non-religious unique indoor ceremony location. The flexibility of the space caters to both desires.” The space is so diverse, it can even be set for dinner! With removable pews, you could chose to host your reception here too.
But if you’re traveling to San Diego for the year-round great weather, then there’s a ceremony spot for you too. The vast Aria Lawn comes complete with a Moroccan pavilion overlooking the championship golf course. A lovely place for a cocktail hour, dinner under the stars of that jaw-dropping, lavish ceremony. If you or your loved ones can’t get to Italy, Morocco or other far off lands for your destination wedding, then let San Diego transport you there with the help of The Grand Del Mar!
{Photos: Top Left: Paul Barnett Photographer, All Others: True Photography}
If you want to wed under a traditional gazebo, they’ve got that too! Just in front of a long fountain for that water element you might be dreaming of for your ceremony.
{All Photos: True Photography}
For a grand reception, the Elizabeth Ballroom is perfect! With a built-in stage, detailed paneling on the walls, high and decorative ceilings, this is one hotel ballroom you won’t want to cover up.
But saying “I do” here isn’t all about the event itself. A destination wedding weekend should allow guests to experience all that the location has to offer. Paige tells us they also have, “…an award-winning five star spa, pro-style tennis courts, an 18-hole championship golf course, acclaimed restaurants, seasonal cooking classes, boutique shopping, and an abundance of outdoor recreation in the 37 miles of canyon preserve trails. Take a scenic hike. Lounge poolside. Focus on your well-being. Dive into the ocean…or the action. Endless options offer something for everyone – the active enthusiast, the spirited adventurer, the culinary connoisseur and the style seeker.”
It’s no wonder San Diego is one of the country’s most popular travel locations. Time to pack your bags!
{All Photos: True Photography}
When to Wed: San Diego can pretty much be counted on for year round great weather. But if you want picture perfect skies, and lots of activities to keep your guests occupied, consider late summer when the race track is in full season or early summer when the nearby county fair comes to town for the kids. (Just be sure to book early!)
Travel Tip: If you want to explore San Diego – the beach, theme parks, the downtown shopping and dining district, Coronado Island, the landmarks and more then we suggest renting a car. The city is spread out and takes time to see it all. The resort has a car service and can arrange offsite activities but for a bit more freedom of schedule, your own set of wheels might just do the trick!
