Inexpensive Outdoor Ceremony Locations

If you’d like to have your wedding in a lovely outdoor setting and don’t want to have to pay a lot, you should definitely look into the many parks owned by the City of San Diego.  The following is information on how to reserve a spot at one of the many lovely beaches, parks & more:

Events at Balboa Park, Mission Bay Park, Presidio Park and Shoreline Parks

If you are interested in having a wedding, large picnic or special event in Balboa Park, Mission Bay Park, Presidio Park, or one of our Shoreline Parks, you will need to obtain a permit from our permit center located in the Balboa Park Administration Building at 2125 Park Boulevard. The permit center is open Monday – Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Recorded information is available at (619) 235-1169 or email My Park. Applications for wedding ceremonies are available at  http://www.sandiego.gov/park-and-recreation/pdf/parkweddingapp.pdf in PDF format which you can fill out in advance and bring with you to the permit center.

Note:  No where in the instructions does it say this, but we suggest calling ahead to find out exactly how it’s done for your location.  The reservation process is generally done on a lottery system, often up to 6 months from the date of your wedding or event;  meaning, you show up 6 months prior to your wedding date (on the specified date given in their instructions) as early as you can, you get a number and you wait for the clerk to call your number.  The clerk will ask you what site you want, if it hasn’t already been taken by someone before you – it’s yours.  So, have a couple of spots in mind that you really like.  Obviously, the number you want is the number 1 in order to be assured you get the site you want.  The most popular site is Cuvier Park, aka The Wedding Bowl because of its cliff views of the ocean, so if that’s the site you want, you better wake up early and be prepared.

You can visit the San Diego Park’s and Recreation Department’s website to learn more:  http://www.sandiego.gov/park-and-recreation/general-info/bestsites.shtml#weddings