Welcome to the definitive guide to places for a wedding in Balboa Park! I’ve done the research for you 🙂
#1 – Administration Building Courtyard –
The Balboa Park administration building is across the street from the rest of the park. There is sort of a cluster of administrative buildings over there and the courtyard is a large lawn/garden-y area in the middle. It has a lovely fountain and other photo-worthy features for a wedding in Balboa Park.
- Ceremony Site – Yes
- Reception Site – No (no food/drink allowed, no bathrooms)
- Capacity – 200 guests
- Parking – Dedicated lot
- For pricing contact, 619-239-1169. According to a comment on Wedding Mapper, it costs $275 (fee for a park permit).
- Visit this Balboa Park wedding site’s Yelp page or website
- Real wedding at the Balboa Park Administration Courtyard: Christina & Carlitos
#2 – Balboa Park Club (Ballroom or Santa Fe Room) –
The Balboa Park club is removed from the hustle and bustle of some other areas of the park. It boosts a 13,000 square foot wooden dance floor! Chairs and tables are included, plus there is a kitchen. It also has a gorgeous fountain out front as well.
- Ceremony Site – Appears to be indoor only
- Reception Site – 2 options: the Ballroom + the Santa Fe Room
- Capacity – 120 guests (SF Room), 500 (ballroom). Click here to see the floor plan diagram.
- Parking – Unknown
- For pricing contact, 619-239-1169.
- Visit this Balboa Park wedding site’s Yelp page or website
- Real weddings at the Balboa Park Club: Sarah & Greg
#3 – Centro Cultural de la Raza – 2004 Park Blvd, San Diego, CA 92101
You have probably driven by the Centro Cultural de la Raza many times–the building is bright, colorful, and right on Park Blvd. Inside this quaint, simple space are paintings, photos, and artifacts relating to Latin American culture. Use of the space includes tables, chairs, risers, and a projector.
- Ceremony Site – Indoor only
- Reception Site – Yes
- Capacity – 200 guests
- Parking – Not immediately near the building (would be across the street in the administration lots or in one of the other general lots)
- Request a price quote here or call (619) 235-6135.
- Visit this Balboa Park wedding site’s Yelp page or website
- Real weddings at the Centro Cultural de la Raza: Cara & Pete
#4 – Japanese Friendship Garden – 2215 Pan American Rd E, San Diego, CA 92101
The Japanese Friendship Garden is between The Prado and the organ pavilion. The Ceremonial Plaza, where a reception would be, overlooks the zen rock garden. This is a popular place for a wedding in Balboa Park.
- Ceremony Site – Yes (the Koi Pond Deck or the Ceremonial Gate)
- Reception Site – Yes (the Ceremonial Plaza)
- Capacity – 200 guests
- Parking – No dedicated lot, use any of the general lots
- For pricing contact, 619-232-2721 x100 or email: events-mktg@niwa.org.
- Visit this Balboa Park wedding site’s Yelp page or website
- Real weddings at the Japanese Friendship Garden: Kim & Brian, Taylor & Todd, Lauren & Drew
#5 – Marston House Gardens – 3525 7th Ave, San Diego, CA 92103
The Marston House, built in 1905, is removed from the main area of Balboa Park and sits on 5 private acres of gardens. Your guests are welcome to tour the inside of the house during your wedding–added bonus! There is no prep area on-site so you’ll need to get ready elsewhere. They are also very strict about not starting private events while the house is still open to the public (until 5:00 PM).
- Ceremony Site – Yes (multiple)
- Reception Site -Yes
- Capacity – 200 guests
- Parking – Nearby on Balboa Dr.
- For pricing contact, (619) 297-9327 or email Weddings@SOHOsandiego.org. $3,500-$5,000 for ceremony + reception (depending on day of the week). $1,500 ceremony only. $2,000-$3,500 reception only. For full pricing info, click here.
- Visit this Balboa Park wedding site’s Yelp page or website
- Real wedding at the Marston House: Jo & Kim (featured on Style Me Pretty), Neil & Kimberly (featured on Wedding Chicks), Gemma & Danny, David & Jennifer
>> To see the next 5 places for a wedding in Balboa Park, click here >>
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