Permitted
Wedding
Sites
Balboa Park | Mission Bay | Shoreline
1 | P a g e
City of San Diego Park & Recreation Department
Permitted Wedding Sites
Balboa Park | Mission Bay | Shoreline
(619) 235-1169 | [email protected]
TABLE OF CONTENTS
GENERAL INFORMATION ................................................................................................................ 2
CAPACITY LIST ................................................................................................................................... 3
BALBOA PARK MUSEUM CONTACT LIST ................................................................................... 4
BALBOA PARK
ADMINISTRATION COURTYARD .................................................................................................. 5
ALCAZAR GARDEN .......................................................................................................................... 6
DESERT GARDEN .............................................................................................................................. 7
ROSE GARDEN ................................................................................................................................... 8
SPANISH VILLAGE ............................................................................................................................ 9
ZORO GARDEN ................................................................................................................................ 10
MISSION BAY
DANA INN BEACH LAWN ............................................................................................................. 11
SANTA CLARA POINT .................................................................................................................... 12
PRESDIO............................................................................................................................................... 13
INSPIRATION POINT ....................................................................................................................... 13
PADRE CROSS .................................................................................................................................. 13
PALM CANYON ............................................................................................................................... 13
THE ARBOR ...................................................................................................................................... 13
SHORELINE
CALUMENT PARK ........................................................................................................................... 14
CUVIER PARK (AKA WEDDING BOWL) ..................................................................................... 15
ELLEN BROWNING SCRIPPS PARK ............................................................................................. 16
SUNSET CLIFFS
- LADERA ...................................................................................................................................... 17
- LUSCOMB’S POINT ................................................................................................................... 18
- OSPREY ...................................................................................................................................... 19
WINDANSEA BEACH ...................................................................................................................... 20
2 | P a g e
City of San Diego Park & Recreation Department
Permitted Wedding Sites
Balboa Park | Mission Bay | Shoreline
GENERAL INFORMATION
All wedding requests must complete a Facility and Park Use Permit Application. Applications do not guarantee
reservation of the requested location or date. However, staff will do their best to find a suitable alternative if
necessary. Customer/Payee must have an account at www.SDRecConnect.com.
WEDDING LOTTERY:
The Permit Center holds a wedding lottery the 1
st
Monday of every month for the upcoming year.
Applications will only be accepted Monday-Wednesday, the week before the wedding lottery. After all
applications are reviewed and chosen, an email will be sent out to all participants. If your date was chosen, the
email will provide directions for payment. If your date was not selected, the Permit Center will provide you with
alternative dates available. Payment must be made within five (5) days when the initial permit was created, or
the date will be forfeited.
Only one entry per couple is allowed. Duplicates will be withdrawn and unable to participate in the wedding
lottery.
RULES:
• Applications will not be accepted less than 10 calendar days of the event date. (SDMC 63.0103).
• One wedding is permitted per day/per location.
• Flower petals, birdseeds, rice, or any similar objects are NOT permitted to be thrown on the ground. Permit
holders will be responsible and invoiced additional fees for clean-up.
• All equipment brought on city property must be indicated on the permit (Chairs, Tables, Archways etc.).
• NO food or beverage allowed at any of our wedding ceremony sites.
• NO glass allowed at any City of San Diego Parks or Beaches.
• Alcohol is PROHIBITED on the west side of Balboa Park (west of Cabrillo Bridge), east side of Park
Boulevard including the area surrounding the Developed Regional Parks Administrative building, Mission
Bay Parks and Beaches (SDMC 56.54).
• Cuvier Park (AKA Wedding Bowl): NO dogs allowed, even on leash, between 9:00am-6:00pm. Before
9:00am and after 6:00pm dogs are welcomed but must always remain leashed.
• Windansea Beach the use of the hut/palapa is prohibited. Must remain for public use only.
Hourly Rates:
Two (2) hour minimum and four (4) hour maximum rental for ceremonies only.
For current fees, please refer to the City of San Diego Parks and Recreation Department Fee Schedule.
Reservations can be made up to a year in advance by submitting applications into the Wedding Lottery.
Reservation times for receptions/ceremonies can only be between 8:00am to 10:00pm. Presidio Park
reservation times can only be between 8:00am to 8:00pm.
IMPORTANT CONTACT & INFO:
For groups needing assistance from Custodial Staff, please visit their office locations at:
- Balboa Park Casa del Prado Patio A (between Room 104 & 105)
- Balboa Park Club
Permit Office Information: (Monday-Friday 8:00am-4:00pm)
Office: (619)235-1169 | Email: PRPermitCente[email protected]
Ranger Duty Line: (7 days a week 7:00am-4:00pm)
Balboa Park: (619)235-1122
Mission Bay: (858)581-7602
Shoreline: (858)581-9982
3 | P a g e
City of San Diego Park & Recreation Department
Permitted Wedding Sites
Balboa Park | Mission Bay | Shoreline
CAPACITY LIST
BALBOA PARK
SITES
CAPACITY
CEREMONIES
ONLY
CEREMONY &
RECEPTIONS
ADMINISTRATION COURTYARD*
200
X
ALCAZAR GARDEN*
50
X
DESERT GARDEN*
20
X (STANDING ONLY)
ROSE GARDEN (AKA INEZ GRANT PARKER) *
50
X
SPANISH VILLAGE*
80
X
ZORO GARDEN*
75
X
MISSION BAY
DANA INN BEACH/LAWN*
150
X
SANTA CLARA POINT – NORTH LAWN
150
X
SANTA CLARA POINT – SOUTH LAWN
150
X
SANTA CLARA POINT – WOMENS CLUB LAWN*
100
X
PRESIDIO PARK
PADRE CROSS*
40
X (CEREMONY &
MEMORIALS ONLY)
PALM CANYON
50
X
INSPIRATION POINT
50
X
THE ARBOR
75
X
SHORELINE
CALUMET PARK*
80
X
CUVIER PARK (AKA WEDDING BOWL) *
50
X
ELLEN BROWNING SCRIPPS PARKS
80
X
SUNSET CLIFFS- LADERA*
50
X
SUNSET CLIFFS- LUSCOMBS POINT*
50
X
SUNSET CLIFFS- OSPREY*
50
X
WINDANSEA*
50
X
*Sites for wedding events (as well as memorial events at Padre Cross) ONLY. No other events
permitted at those sites.
4 | P a g e
City of San Diego Park & Recreation Department
BALBOA PARK MUSEUMS & OTHER FACILITIES
CONTACT LIST
MUSEUM/FACILITIES
PHONE #
WEBSITE
COMIN-CON MUSEUM
619.546.9073
COMIC-CONMUSEUM.ORG
CENTRO CULTURAL DE LA RAZA
619.559.6389
CENTRODELARAZA.COM
HOUSE OF CHARM- MINGEI
INTERNATIONAL MUSEUM
619.239.0003
MINGEI.ORG
HOUSE OF CHARM- SAN DIEGO ART
INSTITUTE
619.236.0011
SANDIEGO-ART.ORG
HOUSE OF PACIFIC RELATIONS
619.234.0739
SDHPR.ORG
JAPANSES FRIENDSHIP GARDEN
619.232.2721
NIWA.ORG
LAWN BOWLING CLUB GREENS
619.238.5457
SANDIEGOLAWNBOWLING.ORG
MARSTON HOUSE AND GARDEN
619.297.7511
BALBOAPARK.ORG
OLD GLOBE THEATRE COMPLEX
619.231.1941
THEOLDGLOBE.ORG
THE PRADO RESTAURANT AT
BALBOA PARK (MORO GARDEN)
619.557.9441
PRADOBALBOA.COM
TIMKEN MUSEUM OF ART
619.239.5548
TIMKENMUSEUM.ORG
REUBEN H. FLEET SCIENCE CENTER
619.238.1233
FLEETSCIENCE.ORG
SAN DIEGO AIR AND SPACE MUSEUM
619.234.8291
SANDIEGOAIRANDSPACE.ORG
SAN DIEGO AUTOMOTIVE MUSEUM
619.231.2886
SDAUTOMUSEUM.ORG
SAN DIEGO HISTORY CENTER
619.232.6203 X109
SANDIEGOHISTORY.ORG
SAN DIEGO MUSEUM OF ART
(SCULPTURE GARDEN)
619.238.7559
MOPA.ORG
SAN DIEGO MUSEUM OF US
619.239.2001
MUSEUMOFUS.ORG
SAN DIEGO NATURAL HISTORY
MUSEUM
619.232.3821
SDNAT.ORG
SAN DIEGO ZOO
619.231.1515
ZOO.SANDIEGOZOO.ORG
STARLIGHT BOWL
619.255.7170
SAVESTARLIGHT.ORG
VETERANS MUSEUM AND MEMORIAL
CENTER
619.239.2300
VETERANMUSEUM.ORG
WORLDBEAT CULTURAL CENTER
619.230.1190
WORLDBEATCENTER.ORG
5 | P a g e
City of San Diego Park & Recreation Department
Permitted Wedding Sites
BALBOA PARK
ADMINISTRATION COURTYARD LAWN
This is a beautiful lawn area with a fountain in the center, and flower beds on the edges of
the walkway leading to the fountain. The arbor covered, concrete walkways have blooming
vines, and tile roofed gazebos at each end create an open courtyard. The Courtyard is
located behind the Developed Regional Parks Administration Building at 2125 Park Blvd.
This site is available for ceremonies only. Note: Wedding Ceremony site only; No
receptions allowed. Permitted only on Saturdays & Sundays.
Maximum Capacity: 200 people
Available Hours: 10 a.m. to dusk.
Restrooms
No restrooms available. Permittees must provide applicable porta-potties and/or dumpsters
for trash. Porta-potties must be placed in 15-minute parking zone on the southside of
building.
Food/Beverages
No food or beverages allowed.
6 | P a g e
City of San Diego Park & Recreation Department
Permitted Wedding Sites
BALBOA PARK
ALCAZAR GARDEN
Alcazar Garden, whose design is patterned after the gardens of Alcazar Castle in Seville,
Spain, is known for its ornate fountains, exquisite turquoise blue, yellow and green Moorish
tiles and shady pergola. This formal garden, bordered by boxwood hedges, is planted with
7,000 annuals for a vibrant display of color throughout the year. The garden has been
reconstructed to replicate the 1935 design by San Diego architect Richard Requa.
Note: Wedding Ceremony site only; No receptions allowed.
Maximum Capacity: 50 people
Available Hours: 10 a.m. to dusk.
Restrooms
No restrooms on site.
Food/Beverages
No food or beverages allowed.
7 | P a g e
City of San Diego Park & Recreation Department
Permitted Wedding Sites
BALBOA PARK
DESERT GARDEN
The Desert Garden was originally located west of the Balboa Park Club as early as 1935.
In 1977, it was reestablished east of Park Boulevard and has more than 150 species of cacti
and other desert plants from North and South America. Note: Wedding Ceremony site
only; No receptions allowed.
Maximum Capacity: 20 people (Standing Only)
Available Hours: 10 a.m. to dusk.
Restrooms
No restrooms on site.
Food/Beverages
No food or beverages allowed.
8 | P a g e
City of San Diego Park & Recreation Department
Permitted Wedding Sites
BALBOA PARK
ROSE GARDEN
Inez Grant Parker Memorial Rose Garden is an award winning All-American Rose Selection
Display Garden containing over 2,400 rose bushes in 180 varieties. The garden is in peak
bloom during April and May, although many roses are in bloom from March through
December. This garden is one of the most popular wedding spots in the park.
Note: Wedding Ceremony site only; No receptions allowed. Pruning of the Rose Gardens
usually takes place every year in January, roses start blooming again around April/May.
Maximum Capacity: 50 people
Available Hours: 10 a.m. to dusk.
Restrooms
No restrooms on site.
Food/Beverages
No food or beverages allowed.
9 | P a g e
City of San Diego Park & Recreation Department
Permitted Wedding Sites
BALBOA PARK
SPANISH VILLAGE
Built to house shops and restaurants during the second exposition, the Spanish Village Art
Center was one of the few areas of the park taken over by the Army, rather than the Navy,
during World War II. Today these buildings are home to more than 30 artists' ateliers. On
many weekends, ancillary members of the Spanish Village Artist's Guild display their
artwork in the open-air plaza located at the center of the studio spaces. The open plaza is
available for permitting wedding ceremonies only. Note: Wedding Ceremony site only; No
receptions allowed.
Maximum Capacity: 80 people
Available Hours: 10 a.m. to dusk.
Restrooms
There are restrooms nearby.
Food/Beverages
No food or beverages allowed.
10 | P a g e
City of San Diego Park & Recreation Department
Permitted Wedding Sites
BALBOA PARK
ZORO GARDEN
Zoro Garden is a sunken garden located between the Reuben H. Fleet Science Center and the
Casa de Balboa. In this 1915 stone grotto, a butterfly garden has been planted which contains
both the larvae and nectar plants needed for all cycles of the complete life cycles of
butterflies. Milkweed, sunflower, passion vine and California lilac were included as suitable
plants for the butterfly larvae (caterpillar) stage. Butterfly bush, lantana, pincushion flower
and verbena were added as nectar plants for the adult butterflies. Miniature indentations built
into rocks collect small pools of water for the monarch, sulfur, and swallowtail butterflies that
can be seen among the colorful perennials and majestic Ficus trees that surround the garden.
Note: Wedding Ceremony site only; No receptions allowed.
Maximum Capacity: 75 people
Available Hours: 10 a.m. to dusk.
Restrooms
There are restrooms nearby.
Food/Beverages
No food or beverages allowed.
11 | P a g e
City of San Diego Park & Recreation Department
Permitted Wedding Sites
MISSION BAY
DANA INN LAWN
Wedding Ceremony site only; No receptions allowed.
Maximum Capacity: 150 people
Available Hours: 10 a.m. to dusk.
Restrooms
There are restrooms nearby.
Food/Beverages
Food or beverages allowed. No glass containers.
12 | P a g e
City of San Diego Park & Recreation Department
Permitted Wedding Sites
MISSION BAY
SANTA CLARA POINT
A- NORTH LAWN
Wedding Ceremony and receptions allowed.
Maximum Capacity: 150 people
B- SOUTH LAWN
Wedding Ceremony and receptions allowed.
Maximum Capacity: 75 people
C- WOMEN’S CLUB LAWN
Wedding Ceremony site only; No receptions allowed.
Maximum Capacity: 100 people
Available Hours: 10 a.m. to dusk.
Restrooms
There are restrooms nearby.
Food/Beverages
Food or beverages allowed. No glass containers.
A.
B.
C.
13 | P a g e
City of San Diego Park & Recreation Department
Permitted Wedding Sites
PRESIDIO PARK
PRESIDIO PARK
A- INSPIRATION POINT
Wedding Ceremony and receptions allowed.
Maximum Capacity: 50 people
B- PADRE CROSS
Wedding Ceremony and receptions allowed.
Maximum Capacity: 40 people
C- PALM CANYON
Wedding Ceremony and receptions allowed.
Maximum Capacity: 50 people
D- THE ARBOR
Wedding Ceremony and receptions allowed.
Maximum Capacity: 75 people
Available Hours: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Restrooms
There are restrooms near Palm Canyon and The Arbor. No restrooms nearby Inpiration Point and Padre Cross.
Food/Beverages
Food or beverages allowed. No glass containers.
D.
B.
A.
C.
14 | P a g e
City of San Diego Park & Recreation Department
Permitted Wedding Sites
SHORELINE
CALUMET PARK
Calumet Park is a small park in a residential neighborhood of Bird Rock. It overlooks a popular
surfing site called Rock Pile.
To get to the park, head north from Pacific Beach or south from La Jolla to La Jolla Boulevard, then
turn west onto Midway Street. Go down two blocks to Calumet Avenue and turn left. The park is
about two houses down on the right-hand side.
Wedding Ceremony site only; No receptions allowed.
Maximum Capacity: 80 people
Available Hours: 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Restrooms
There are no restrooms nearby.
Food/Beverages
No food or beverages allowed. No glass containers/alcohol.
15 | P a g e
City of San Diego Park & Recreation Department
Permitted Wedding Sites
SHORELINE
CUVIER PARK
Cuvier Park, also called The Wedding Bowl, is a small park located at Coast Boulevard and Cuvier
Street in La Jolla. It is located directly across the street from the San Diego Museum of
Contemporary Art. The park site is about five steps below street level, so it is hard to see from the
street. It is the most popular spot for weddings along the La Jolla coastline.
Take state Route 52 west to La Jolla Parkway and continue as the street becomes Torrey Pines Road.
Turn right on to Prospect Street and then right on to Cuvier Street. Street parking only.
Wedding Ceremony site only; No receptions allowed. NO dogs allowed, even on leash, between 9:00am-
6:00pm. Before 9:00am and after 6:00pm dogs are welcomed but must always remain leashed.
Maximum Capacity: 50 people
Available Hours: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Restrooms
There are no restrooms nearby.
Food/Beverages
No food or beverages allowed. No glass containers/alcohol.
16 | P a g e
City of San Diego Park & Recreation Department
Permitted Wedding Sites
SHORELINE
ELLEN BROWNING SCRIPPS PARK
Most photographed spot in San Diego, according to AAA Magazine; this is a very popular spot for
weddings. Permits are issued year-round, with a maximum number of 80, from September through
May; and 50, during the summer months of June through August.
Take state Route 52 west to La Jolla Parkway and continue as the street becomes Torrey Pines Road.
Turn right on Prospect Street and then right on to Coast Boulevard. The park is located at the bottom
of the hill. Street parking only.
Wedding ceremony and receptions allowed.
Maximum Capacity: 80 people
Available Hours: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Restrooms
There are restrooms nearby.
Food/Beverages
Food or beverages allowed. No glass containers/alcohol.
17 | P a g e
City of San Diego Park & Recreation Department
Permitted Wedding Sites
SHORELINE
SUNSET CLIFFS – LADERA
The Ladera Street area is used for sunset viewing and weddings may also be permitted for a
maximum of 50 people. Parking is available on the street or in a few small lots at the park site.
Take Interstate 8 west to the end. Then follow Sunset Cliffs Boulevard through Ocean Beach to the
cliffs and Ladera Street.
Wedding Ceremony site only; No receptions allowed.
Maximum Capacity: 50 people
Available Hours: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Restrooms
There are no restrooms nearby.
Food/Beverages
No food or beverages allowed. No glass containers/alcohol.
18 | P a g e
City of San Diego Park & Recreation Department
Permitted Wedding Sites
SHORELINE
SUNSET CLIFFS – LUSCOMB POINT
The Luscomb Point area is named for Happy Luscomb, a local surfing personality. It is a favorite
spot for sunset viewing and weddings, which can be permitted for up to 50 people. Parking is
available on the street or at a few small lots at the park site.
Take Interstate 8 west to the end. Then follow Sunset Cliffs Boulevard through Ocean Beach to the
cliffs to where the street ends at Hill Street.
Wedding Ceremony site only; No receptions allowed.
Maximum Capacity: 50 people
Available Hours: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Restrooms
There are no restrooms nearby.
Food/Beverages
No food or beverages allowed. No glass containers/alcohol.
19 | P a g e
City of San Diego Park & Recreation Department
Permitted Wedding Sites
SHORELINE
SUNSET CLIFFS – OSPREY
The Osprey Street area is used for sunset viewing and weddings, which can be permitted for up to 50
people. There is a small parking lot at the park site, but parking is also available on the street.
Take Interstate 8 west to the end. Then follow Sunset Cliffs Boulevard through Ocean Beach to the
cliffs to where the street ends just north of Osprey Street.
Wedding Ceremony site only; No receptions allowed.
Maximum Capacity: 50 people
Available Hours: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Restrooms
There are no restrooms nearby.
Food/Beverages
No food or beverages allowed. No glass containers/alcohol.
20 | P a g e
City of San Diego Park & Recreation Department
Permitted Wedding Sites
SHORELINE
WINDANSEA BEACH
The rocky shore of Windansea Beach is perhaps best known for its beautiful scenery and surf breaks
created by underwater reefs.
Much of Windansea experiences moderate to severe shore break, a condition on steep beaches which
results in hard breaking surf right at the shoreline. This makes it a popular location for surfing;
however, swimmers should enter and exit the water carefully to prevent potentially serious injury.
Wedding Ceremony site only; No receptions allowed.
The use of the hut/palapa is prohibited. Must remain for public use.
Maximum Capacity: 50 people
Available Hours: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Restrooms
There are no restrooms nearby.
Food/Beverages
No food or beverages allowed.
