Say I Do with a Blue Ocean View: La Jolla Weddings

La Jolla has mastered the art of combining natural beauty with elegance, offering sweeping vistas of the Pacific Ocean, palm-tree-lined streets, and intriguing architectural landscapes. And its allure extends beyond the aesthetic. La Jolla has been a popular wedding destination for decades, owing to its wonderful climate, diverse venues, and unparalleled scenery.

La Jolla, Spanish for "The Jewel," has roots dating back to the late 19th century. A hub of art, culture, and scientific research, it's home to the famous Scripps Institution of Oceanography and the University of California, San Diego. The community's historical richness adds a unique flavor to your wedding, merging tradition with the rhythm of coastal California life. We say, you’re more likely to run into a PhD surfer in La Jolla than most anywhere else in the world. 

The coastal city of La Jolla is renowned for its breathtaking coastal scenery, with picturesque beaches, dramatic cliffs, and stunning ocean views - making it a fantastic backdrop for couples planning their wedding. This charming beach town is only 15 minutes from Downtown San Diego, yet its serene ambiance and picturesque surroundings make it an enchanting backdrop for your wedding celebration. 

Weddings in La Jolla stand out from other SoCal nuptials in several ways. First, there's the sheer diversity of venues, from beachfront settings to elegant mansions and charming gardens. Whether you envision a quiet ceremony with the ocean as your backdrop or a grand soiree in an art museum, La Jolla has a space that's tailor-made for you.

For couples who want a remarkable oceanfront venue that will leave a lasting impression, we recommend our newly-renovated venue, La Jolla Cove Rooftop by Wedgewood Weddings. This contemporary open-air rooftop setting provides stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and iconic La Jolla Cove. Opting for La Jolla Cove Rooftop for your wedding lets you enjoy the natural beauty of San Diego’s coast, providing a captivating backdrop that is certain to leave a lasting impression on your guests.

If you choose La Jolla for your wedding, you’re among a prestigious group of trendsetters. SoCal weddings have a certain laidback, elegant vibe, and it's not uncommon to see a couple exchange leis as a symbol of their mutual respect and love. Alternatively, many couples opt for a wine box ceremony, where they lock a bottle of local Californian wine in a box to be opened on a future anniversary. 

Now, let's talk about the spectacular photo opportunities. With the golden sun setting over the vast blue ocean, the picturesque La Jolla Cove, and the quaint streets filled with Spanish-style buildings, your wedding photos will be spectacular. Whatever the weather, you’ll have dramatic, gorgeous photos that you’ll cherish forever. 

Beyond the Big Day: Exploring La Jolla's Charms

La Jolla provides a wealth of activities and experiences for visitors to enjoy before and after the wedding day. From its jaw-dropping coastal scenery and pristine beaches to its vibrant cultural scene and upscale shopping, there is no shortage of things to do and explore in this charming seaside town. 

1. Explore La Jolla Cove

Visit this picturesque beach known for its crystal-clear waters, sea caves, and abundant marine life. Situated conveniently across the street from the venue, this beach is a natural choice for capturing stunning wedding photos of you and your spouse.

2. Go shopping in La Jolla Village

Explore the local shops, art galleries, and upscale boutiques along Prospect Street and Girard Avenue. You'll discover unique clothing, jewelry, and art - you could even find some locally-sourced wedding party gifts.

3. Visit the Tide Pools

Explore the fascinating tidal pools along the rocky coastline. During low tide, you can discover a diverse array of marine life. A must for younger guests.

4. Take a stroll along the La Jolla Coast Walk

This scenic path offers stunning views of the coastline, rocky cliffs, and beautiful homes. It's an ideal spot for a leisurely walk or jog, but we especially love it for engagement photos!

5. ENJOY LA JOLLA SHORES PARK

This sandy beach is famous for swimming, surfing, and picnicking. It also offers opportunities for kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and snorkeling. The park features grassy areas and fire pits, making it a great location to catch the sunset as it fades over the water. 

6. Visit Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve

Looking for a pre or post-wedding hike location? Just north of La Jolla, this reserve offers breathtaking coastal hiking trails with panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean. Head to the gliderport for another incredible photo spot.

7. See the Seals at Children's Pool

This small harbor, originally intended as a protected swimming area, has become a popular spot to observe seals and sea lions. Visitors can witness these marine mammals in their natural habitat from the sea wall.

8. Enjoy a picnic at Ellen Browning Scripps Park

This clifftop park offers lush green spaces, picnic tables, and breathtaking views. It's an ideal spot for a relaxing afternoon or a great place to gather for family portraits and yard games.

7. See the Seals at Children's Pool

This small harbor, originally intended as a protected swimming area, has become a popular spot to observe seals and sea lions. Visitors can witness these marine mammals in their natural habitat from the sea wall.

Stay, Play, and Celebrate: The Ultimate La Jolla Experience

Your guests' travel plans will be a breeze as the San Diego International Airport is conveniently located just 13 miles away from La Jolla. For the ultimate convenience, your guests will love staying at the same venue where you and your partner will exchange vows. Enjoy the seamless experience of having accommodations at the heart of your wedding celebrations. With an abundance of restaurants, shops, and beaches just a short walk away, your guests will have plenty of options to soak in the vibrant atmosphere of La Jolla during their stay.

If you're looking for delicious rehearsal dinner recommendations, our expert La Jolla Cove Rooftop team has curated a local guide highlighting excellent dining options.

• Continuing with the rooftop theme, Catania is a renowned Italian restaurant with beautiful panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean. Just a 7-minute walk from the venue, it was named one of Zagat's "15 Hottest New Restaurants Around the US" It offers Italian coastal cuisine featuring family-style pasta, pizza, and fresh seafood. 
• Located right next door to Catania, you'll find Puesto - a lively and popular Mexican restaurant featuring a creative twist on traditional Mexican dishes. Puesto is an excellent option for group dining, with multiple rooms, family-style tacos, and delicious personalized margaritas. 
• Established in 1992, the Cottage La Jolla is a popular spot among locals due to its inviting environment and expansive menu. Situated just a half mile from La Jolla Cove Rooftop, the covered patio at The Cottage provides an ideal venue for hosting your rehearsal dinner. Popular entrees include the capellini crab cakes, and the crab cake melt! 
• Since its establishment in 1941, the Marine Room has remained a prominent fixture in La Jolla with its multiple rooms that can host groups of any size and its breathtaking, panoramic views of the ocean and La Jolla Cove. Enjoy dinner at Marine Room, and you’ll understand why it won San Diego Magazine's Most Romantic Restaurant!
  
  
• If you're looking for a unique dining experience, We Olive La Jolla is an ocean-view wine bar offering small-production California wines, local craft beer, and a menu of olive oil-inspired small plates. Choose from charcuterie, flatbreads, assorted dips, and sandwiches for your guests to enjoy. 
• A meal at George's At the Cove is a truly unforgettable experience. This waterfront restaurant offers multiple rooms and can accommodate groups ranging from 17 to 100 plus guests. You can reserve the entire floor or select from their fully-private and semi-private rooms to match your needs, and you can catch the sunset while enjoying a delicious surf and turf meal with your loved ones. 
• If you're looking for a delicious brunch option, you've found it in Brockton Villa - housed in a historic beach cottage; this charming restaurant exudes a cozy and welcoming atmosphere. You can host your family and friends on their oceanfront veranda while enjoying their famous Coast Toast; a unique French toast creation topped with fresh fruit and whipped cream.
  
  

The Best of SoCal Wedding Venues: Expanding Your Options

La Jolla proves to be an exceptional destination for couples seeking a wedding experience that blends countless nearby attractions and activities with the breathtaking natural beauty of the area. If you want to explore more options, book a friendly and informative venue tour to see La Jolla Cove Rooftop or our other nearby venues:

Located in nearby Carlsbad, you'll love the Carlsbad Windmill - a modern windmill in the hustle and bustle of San Diego County. A historic landmark, Carlsbad Windmill boasts contemporary amenities and chic styling. The reception space features showstopping vaulted ceilings and beams, hardwood floors, oversized windows, and an impressive built-in bar. 

The renowned Cuvier Club is another venue in La Jolla that you'll be sure to love. Choose from the private courtyard with blooming bougainvillea or an oceanfront ceremony to showcase the beauty of the iconic California coast. Prepare to be enchanted by the spacious ballroom, complete with original hardwood flooring, pitched ceilings with bistro lights, and plenty of natural light.

A little farther up the coast lies San Clemente Shore, a charming Spanish-style retreat just a mile from the ocean. Say your ‘I Dos’ at the outdoor garden filled with lush greenery, vibrant succulents, and a calming waterfall. Dance the night away in the recently-renovated grand hall with exposed beams, beautiful built-in draping, and hardwood floors. 

Choosing any of these unique Wedgewood Weddings locations in Southern California is excellent for couples wanting a beautiful, stress-free wedding. With stunning venues throughout SoCal, we offer a range of options to suit every couple's style, budget, and preferences. One of the most significant advantages of choosing one of our venues is convenience and flexibility with all-inclusive wedding packages that allow you to customize your event to your exact specification. 

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Say 'I Do' with Wedgewood Weddings

As you embark on this joyous wedding planning journey, consider La Jolla. It's a place that marries tradition and modernity, history and the vibrant present, all against a backdrop of natural wonder. Here's to an event that's every bit as unique and beautiful as your love story.

Remember, it's not about creating the 'perfect' wedding – it's about crafting a celebration that feels right for you. And in La Jolla, you're sure to find a location that feels like, well, a jewel. 

All of our Southern California wedding venues are designed to showcase the natural beauty of the surroundings while providing a comfortable and elegant location for your wedding. If you're ready to tie the knot in SoCal, we're excited to help you on your journey to I do! Call or text 866.966.3009 today to take the first step with a personalized venue tour.