If you have chosen Tom Ham’s Lighthouse, a historic restaurant on the tip of Harbor Island, as your wedding venue, kudos! This is a great venue with good food, good staff, and a fantastic view. Based on my experience working here, I’ve compiled some tips for a Tom Ham’s Lighthouse wedding.
PROS OF HAVING A TOM HAM’S LIGHTHOUSE WEDDING
- Lots of easy, free, convenient parking
- Easy to find
- Friendly staff
- Good food
- Million dollar view of the San Diego skyline
- The California Room has the perfect wedding set-up, in my opinion
- Easy load-in for your vendors (no stairs, etc)
- The bar is located right by the dance floor
- Ceremony site located on the property
CONS OF HAVING A TOM HAM’S LIGHTHOUSE WEDDING
- They tend to set up the dance floor way bigger than necessary. My client asked them to set up the floor to be about 15′ x 18′ but they still went ahead and set it up the way they normally do (about 18′ x 25′ or so). Even though we had a really rocking dance party, the dance floor still looked empty most of the time….which doesn’t really translate the “rockingness” of the reception into photos and videos.
- My client’s contract said vendors had only one hour of set-up time. I don’t know any remotely professional DJ who can be set up in 60 minutes (including sound check, mic check, light check, changing your clothes, etc). I showed up my normal 2 hours early and walked right in to set up with no problems. The doors were all wide open.
None of these “cons” are deal-breakers at all. Communicating with Tom Ham’s Lighthouse clearly should rectify both situations. I still definitely give Tom Ham’s two enthusiastic thumbs up.
TIPS FOR A TOM HAM’S LIGHTHOUSE WEDDING
- Take advantage of the beautiful San Diego skyline behind you. Get photos out on the patio and put the head table so the city is to your back.
- Unless your wedding is in the hottest part of the summer, rent heaters for the patio (if you are having your cocktail hour there). It gets breezy on the water!
- Did you know Tom Ham’s Lighthouse has some AV equipment should you decide to do a slideshow? Just ask them 🙂
- Be aware that they may have another event going on the same time as yours (if that is a concern to you).
- Come enjoy their weekend brunch before your big day! I hear it’s fabulous 🙂
CHECK OUT SOME REAL TOM HAM’S LIGHTHOUSE WEDDINGS
- Mary & Ryan, by DJ Staci
- Jenell & Brandon, by Bauman Photographers
- Hilary & Jose, by Laura Christin Photography
- Adriana & Shaun, by Eder Photo
- Wendy & Brennan, by Photography by Berlynn
- Marie & Duy, by Jenny Thai Photography
I hope these tips for a Tom Ham’s Lighthouse wedding have been helpful. Feel free to contact me if you have any questions.