The Best Park & Garden Wedding Venues in National City, CA

The Best Park & Garden Wedding Venues in National City, CA

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10 Wedding Venues in National City, CA

Parks, gardens
Quick responder
Carlsbad Windmill by Wedgewood Weddings 

5.0

Carlsbad, CA
  • Up to 300 guests
  • All-inclusive
  • Indoor & outdoor
  • Starts at $8,540
  • Offer

An Iconic Carlsbad Landmark Completely Reimagined. San Diego’s newest 5-star wedding venue. With flower fields on one side and the ocean waves on the other, The Carlsbad Windmill by Wedgewood Weddings combines a quirky Danish-style building with luxe modern amenities and a trendy locale. It's all topped off with spectacular event spaces, expert staff, raved-about service, a dressing suite fit to spoil you, and standout decor that feels both grand and grounded.

Why you'll love this venue

  • Provides lighting and sound
  • Natural elegance with open spaces
  • Bridal suite on site

Venue considerations

  • Not for you if you're looking for a sleek and contemporary space
  • Not for you if you are looking for something nontraditional
  • Not wheelchair accessible
Awarded Best of Zola
I could not recommend Wedgewood Carlsbad Windmill more highly. For half of what we would be paying at any other venue, I feel that we received top-notch service, aesthetics that matched who we are as a couple, thoughtful coordination, and worry-free execution. Our coordinator, Brianna, went above and beyond to give us the wedding of our dreams. We loved our DJ, Noah (with DJ Maestro), who was coordinated through the venue. It was a seamless experience that I genuinely feel saved us a ton of money and gave us MORE value than a traditional venue.
Marianne H., 3 months ago
Quick responder
Flora 

5.0

San Diego, CA
  • Up to 150 guests
  • Select services
  • Indoor

An event at Flora presents itself polished and turnkey with features like wainscot walls, custom doors, and bespoke furnishings. Visualize lofted ceilings, a 70-foot long living wall, two 12-foot custom skylights, hanging garden chandeliers, and over 130 plants. The amenities give the venue a life of its own with a state of the art sound system, wooden house tables, chairs, movable partitions, and built-in color LED lighting. To top it off, Flora blends an entirely renovated interior with original, exposed wood beams from its initial construction in 1922 as a tribute to our past. We invite you to walk the botanically-lined path of Flora’s entrance and into a space unlike that of any San Diego event venue before it - we have made a statement; make yours at Flora.

Why you'll love this venue

  • Lush gardens
  • Pets can join the celebration
  • Historic touches

Venue considerations

  • No free parking
  • No on-site bridal suite
  • No all-inclusive dining options
Flora was an absolute pleasure to work with for our wedding. From our first interaction, they were honest, quick to respond, and incredibly kind. The quality of their work was gorgeous and truly unique - they kept everything moving seamlessly throughout the day. The Flora team was professional both before and during the event, and worked with us every step of the way to make our special day perfect. We couldn't have asked for a better wedding venue, and highly recommend Flora to any couple looking for a beautiful, stress-free celebration. Anything decor you bring in will SHINE in this venue.
Claire N., 3 months ago
Quick responder
Japanese Friendship Garden & Museum 

5.0

San Diego, CA
  • Up to 250 guests
  • Raw space
  • Outdoor & indoor
  • Starts at $12,000

From outdoor ceremonies surrounded my manicured, lush trees and florals, to elegant evening receptions, the Japanese Friendship Garden & Museum is an unforgettable venue. A hidden gem in the heart of San Diego's historic Balboa Park, the garden is a truly unique and ethereal venue. The garden features authentic Japanese architecture, multiple koi ponds and waterfalls, bonsai, cherry blossom trees and wisteria arbors. For full-scale weddings, 'mix and match' your ceremony, cocktail hour and reception locations; every wedding is unique. The Lower Garden provides both indoor or outdoor spaces for dancing and dining. Our daytime Minimony package is perfect for couples looking to hold a small ceremony at the garden and have the benefit of all the garden's photo op spots, with a reception elsewhere.

Why you'll love this venue

  • Classic seating dinner
  • Natural elegance with open spaces
  • Accommodates more than 200 guests

Venue considerations

  • No all-inclusive dining options
  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • Venue feels large for events with small guest lists
My husband and I just got married last week at the Japanese Friendship Garden (JFG) in Balboa Park, and we are so happy we chose this venue! The garden is absolutely stunning, especially in June. We visited so many venues and the JFG just kept calling to us. We really wanted our wedding to be an experience for our guests. With its natural beauty, there was really no need for much in terms of decorations. Marina, the venue coordinator, was a joy to work with--always prompt in answering my many questions and very upfront from the beginning about the venue's requirements, since it is first and foremost a museum and garden. The JFG can be a bit tricky in terms of its strict timelines, so using their recommended vendors who truly understand the layout and setup logistics is absolutely critical. For example, setup can only begin at 3 PM, and the earliest guests can arrive is 5 PM. You're also required to purchase a one-year membership as part of the venue rental, which we used as an excuse to keep visiting. We found a lot of inspiration from the NIWA Wedding Expo in November--it was incredibly helpful to meet so many of their recommended vendors. We also attended the Cherry Blossom Festival in March, which was so beautiful, and even got the idea for my signature drink, the Naguri Sake, from their beer and sake garden! The month leading up to the wedding wasn't without challenges. We ran into some issues with our original event rental company and ended up having to switch vendors just five days before the wedding. Marina was incredibly quick to act and helped us adjust our rental timing at the last minute, which made all the difference. We ended up getting to enjoy the venue space an extra hour! A few things I learned from planning our wedding that might help other couples: I highly recommend getting quotes from all the vendors on the venue's preferred list. It's a great way to help you have a budget baseline and understand your options--it's definitely worth shopping around. Consider having your wedding coordinator work directly with the event rental company instead of going through the caterer. I'd highly recommend Platinum Even Rentals. Overall, their pricing was significantly lower than all the other event rental companies I got quotes from. They did an excellent job -- everything was on time, there were absolutely no issues, and their setup was so smooth that none of our guests even noticed the transitions. In our case, the caterer was going to charge an additional 22% operational fee and 7.75% sales tax, which we avoided by having our coordinator work directly with the rental company. Thank you so much to Marina for helping make our day absolutely perfect. We were truly able to relax, enjoy the moment, and take it all in.
Jenn L., 7 days ago
The San Diego Natural History Museum 

5.0

San Diego, CA
  • Up to 300 guests
  • Select services
  • Indoor & outdoor
  • Starts at $1,600

The San Diego Natural History Museum is located in beautiful Balboa Park, just minutes from downtown, and offers a unique and memorable venue for any event. Multilevel exhibit and event spaces invite guests to explore galleries that illustrate the science and beauty of nature… all while you and your guests enjoy an unforgettable evening. When selecting the San Diego Natural History Museum for your event, our team is dedicated to providing unlimited site visits, support with the day of vendor coordination, and provide custom floor plans to ensure your event is successful from start to finish. With your support, you directly sponsor our mission “to interpret the natural world through research, education, and exhibits; to promote understanding of the evolution and diversity of southern California and the peninsula of Baja California, and to inspire in all a respect for nature and the environment.” Please ask your event manager for a tailored proposal that fits all your event needs.

Why you'll love this venue

  • Provides lighting and sound
  • Classic elegance
  • Multiple event spaces

Venue considerations

  • On-site parking not available
  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • No venue-provided food services
We loved having our wedding reception at the museum! It was a unique venue, bright, and spacious. It’s an experience we (and our guests) still talk about almost 6 years later. It was a stress free wedding as Jenny (venue coordinator) was so easy to work with and very helpful in coordinating with all of our vendors and day of wedding coordinator. The museum has an approved list of vendors, and made suggestions that made the night even more special (like keeping the dinosaur skeleton out during the reception!) The cocktail hour was held on the second level, and the guests were able to walk through the exhibits. The reception was on the first level which was spacious.
Nina, 7 months ago
Quick responder
The Prado At Balboa Park 

5.0

San Diego, CA
  • Up to 300 guests
  • All-inclusive
  • Indoor & outdoor

The Prado at Balboa Park is a National Historic Landmark which was originally built for the 1915-16 Panama-California Exposition. This two year festival was held in Balboa Park to promote San Diego and to celebrate the 1914 opening of the Panama Canal.

Why you'll love this venue

  • All-inclusive venue packages
  • Full catering menu to choose from
  • Accommodates more than 200 guests

Venue considerations

  • No in-house lighting and sound packages available
  • Does not allow pets
  • Venue feels large for events with small guest lists
We had our wedding anniversary at the Prado and it was the dream celebration I wished I'd had for our wedding! FIrst off, the options we were offered for food choices was over the top. Everyone was so accomodating helping us with things. The day of, I felt like a Queen! I never lifted a finger- the staff always made sure I had a drink in my hand, and each time I got up from my chair, I came back to a seat with fresh a fresh napkin. The wait staff is so professional- they are there but not in your face. Everything we needed or wanted was handled for us. We have an event company, so have many contacts in the industry, and we chose to have our big party at the Prado because we knew we would be taken care of. We were not let down!
Derith Mason, 5 years ago
Quick responder
The Lane 

5.0

San Diego, CA
  • Up to 300 guests
  • All-inclusive
  • Indoor & outdoor
  • Starts at $5,000

Situated on Lane Field, site of the original Padres stadium, The Lane offers 12,000 square feet of versatile indoor / outdoor event space. The layout creates an effortless flow between the gathering areas, culminating in a covered terrace with iconic views of the San Diego Bay. The elevated 3,500-square-foot terrace overlooks the waterfront and Lane Field Park. Enjoy music, lounges, bars, or appetizer stations in the San Diego sunshine before moving the party indoors. The terrace provides the ideal backdrop for cocktail hours, intimate ceremonies, sunset networking events, and more. The Lane also offers a furnished bridal suite, stylish restrooms, a large prep kitchen, and modern amenities. Book The Lane as a turn-key venue, or use the space as a creative palette to bring your vision to life.

After touring several venues, we ended up choosing the very first one we saw—The Lane—and it was absolutely the right call. The venue gave our wedding the exact look and feel we had hoped for: modern, clean, coastal, and elevated without ever feeling formal or stuffy. From the start, we were drawn to The Lane’s gorgeous indoor/outdoor layout, its location close to the airport (super convenient for guests!), extended rental hours (12p–12a), and the fact that tables and chairs were included in the price—all at a very reasonable rate. Another huge plus: its direct connection to multiple hotels, which made setting up room blocks a breeze and took transportation logistics off our plate entirely. That peace of mind was invaluable. Our ceremony took place on the balcony overlooking the water, which gave our guests such a quintessential San Diego experience. Cocktail hour followed at the opposite end of the balcony, keeping the ocean views going as the sun began to set. The reception had a beautiful indoor/outdoor experience—some guests danced the night away while others enjoyed chatting on the balcony. Watching the sunset light up the room during dinner was one of the most memorable moments of the night. With 150 guests, the space felt just right—roomy without feeling too big. The small bridal suite was also a great spot for our wedding party and family to gather before and after the ceremony, and we got some sweet photos in there too. Every step of the day ran smoothly. All of our vendors had no trouble working with The Lane’s team and layout—it was seamless from start to finish. We’re so grateful we found this gem of a venue. If you're looking for something that’s stylish yet relaxed, and offers a true San Diego experience, The Lane is it!
Meg H., 8 days ago
Quick responder
Lot 8 

4.8

San Diego, CA
  • Up to 200 guests
  • All-inclusive
  • Outdoor
  • Starts at $3,500

Party under the palms of Lot 8, a modern, unique, open-air wedding venue in central San Diego. The location is a hidden gem that comes to life with living walls, cool and exciting repurposed furniture, and boho chic decor. Our cutting edge inclusive wedding package makes wedding planning come to together in a stress-free way so you can enjoy the wedding journey 100%. Featuring an outdoor space located in an open lot area with a beautiful covered area for reception, Lot 8 is a flexible and customizable floor plan allowing you to envision your event layout in any way you'd like!

Why you'll love this venue

  • Has a dance floor for celebration
  • Full catering menu to choose from
  • Provides lighting and sound

Venue considerations

  • No on-site guest accommodations
  • No free parking
  • Best for events with big guest lists
Awarded Best of Zola
Lot 8 was the perfect venue for our wedding! From the moment we started working with Kim and the team, their communication was attentive and they were incredibly helpful in guiding us through the planning process. On the day of, we did not have to worry about a single thing - the staff took care of everything seamlessly. The venue itself was the best value, with ample space for our 160 guests. The food from Eco Catering was delicious, and our photography team of Kristin and Mike captured all the special moments beautifully. DJ Harmz kept the dance floor packed all night long, and we and our guests had the greatest time celebrating our special day at Lot 8. We couldn't have asked for a better wedding venue!
Abby, 10 months ago
Mingei International Museum 
San Diego, CA
  • Up to 220 guests
  • Select services
  • Indoor
  • Starts at $3,000

Mingei International Museum, housed in the famous Balboa Park in San Diego, offers an amazing backdrop for weddings. Celebrating folk art, craft, and design, the brilliantly designed venue combines art and architecture to produce an inspirational environment. From ceremonies and receptions to engagement parties and rehearsal dinners, the Cargill Commons and the adjacent Neeley Courtyard provide an open-air flow improved by views of the historic Plaza de Panama. The Atalaya Theater offers a versatile indoor space with a beautiful glass wall opening to views of Palm Canyon. To accentuate the celebration, the two roof-top terraces offer breathtaking views of the Balboa Park Plaza and California Tower. Surrounded with well-chosen artwork, the museum's three-level architecture provides couples with a special place to celebrate among art and culture and exchange vows in its peaceful environment.

Why you'll love this venue

  • Full catering menu to choose from
  • Provides event staff
  • Offers full-service amenities

Venue considerations

  • No free parking
  • No on-site guest accommodations
  • Does not allow pets
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Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina 
San Diego, CA
  • Up to 900 guests
  • Select services
  • Indoor & outdoor

Your dream wedding awaits at Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina. With a unique waterfront location and elegant indoor and outdoor venues, we provide an unforgettable setting for your celebration. From a marina view garden ceremony to a romantic party on San Diego Bay, our one-of-a-kind venues are just right for your once-in-a-lifetime event.

Why you'll love this venue

  • Lush gardens
  • Space for a large guest list
  • Provides lighting and sound

Venue considerations

  • Not for you if you are drawn to more unconventional venues
  • Venue feels large for events with small guest lists
  • On-site parking not available

Location flexible? Discover venues near National City, CA

About wedding venues in National City, CA

California offers an incredible 840 miles of coastline, 3,000+ wineries and ancient redwoods for your wedding day. When you choose the Golden State, you're getting exceptional natural lighting for your ceremony across diverse settings from Mediterranean coastal zones to alpine mountain backdrops. Each region has its own distinctive character that can perfectly match your vision.

What Makes California Wedding Venues So Special?

Northern California's Napa Valley welcomes you with rolling vineyards and Spanish colonial architecture where intimate wine cave ceremonies create unforgettable moments. Head to Southern California and you'll find oceanfront venues like Duke's Malibu where you can exchange vows with the Pacific stretching out behind you while enjoying fresh coastal-inspired cuisine. Palm Springs offers dramatic desert venues with mountain backdrops and striking midcentury modern architecture that photographs beautifully.

How Much Do Wedding Venues in California Cost?

Wedding venues in California typically run between $9,600 and $11,700 which aligns nicely with the national range of $6,500-$12,000. This represents about 18% of your total wedding budget. Your overall costs will vary based on guest count:

  • 50 guests: $26,190
  • 100 guests: $43,692
  • 150 guests: $60,141
  • 200 guests: $74,836
  • 250 guests: $89,530
  • 300 guests: $104,224

Which California Venues Are Fully Accessible?

The Griffith House features wheelchair-accessible pathways throughout its Spanish-style grounds including the private ceremony lawn and separate preparation spaces for couples. You might also consider Holman Ranch Sunstone Winery and Villa del Sol d'Oro though you'll want to directly confirm their specific accessibility features when you visit. Accessibility options have improved greatly across California venues in recent years.

When Should You Book Your California Wedding Venue?

October leads venue inquiries in California with couples typically booking venues about 13 months (400 days) before their wedding date. If you're dreaming of a Northern California wine country wedding during peak season you'll want to book up to 18 months in advance. Southern California venues offer more flexibility especially during winter months when you can still enjoy beautiful weather while potentially securing better rates.

Where Can You Find Exceptional Culinary Experiences in California?

La Valencia Hotel in La Jolla delivers impeccable service with menu options from lobster bisque to perfectly prepared steak. You'll love Vibiana in Los Angeles with its chef-driven menus served in a stunning restored cathedral setting. Rosewood Sand Hill in Menlo Park offers Michelin-star fine dining while Bali Hai Restaurant serves authentic Polynesian cuisine with breathtaking views overlooking San Diego Bay. California's culinary scene truly elevates the wedding experience.

How Do California Wedding Costs Break Down?

VendorAverage Cost% of Total (150 guests)
Venue$10,66518%
Catering$8,53214%
Florists$7,82113%
Bar Services$6,82611%
Photography$4,7648%
Wedding Planners$4,8358%
Videography$4,3097%
Hair & Makeup$6001%
Cake & Desserts$8181%

Which California Venues Offer Enhanced Remote Participation?

Parq Event Center in San Diego features state-of-the-art sound LED screens and projection walls that support advanced streaming capabilities for guests who can't attend in person. You'll find Exchange LA and Wing Tip in San Francisco offer flexible spaces that adapt beautifully for innovative tech integration. These can include virtual reality experiences interactive live streaming and 360-degree cameras that make remote guests feel like they're right there with you. Technology has transformed how we can include loved ones from anywhere in the world.

California offers an incredible 840 miles of coastline, 3,000+ wineries and ancient redwoods for your wedding day. When you choose the Golden State, you're getting exceptional natural lighting for your ceremony across diverse settings from Mediterranean coastal zones to alpine mountain backdrops. Each region has its own distinctive character that can perfectly match your vision.

What Makes California Wedding Venues So Special?

Northern California's Napa Valley welcomes you with rolling vineyards and Spanish colonial architecture where intimate wine cave ceremonies create unforgettable moments. Head to Southern California and you'll find oceanfront venues like Duke's Malibu where you can exchange vows with the Pacific stretching out behind you while enjoying fresh coastal-inspired cuisine. Palm Springs offers dramatic desert venues with mountain backdrops and striking midcentury modern architecture that photographs beautifully.

How Much Do Wedding Venues in California Cost?

Wedding venues in California typically run between $9,600 and $11,700 which aligns nicely with the national range of $6,500-$12,000. This represents about 18% of your total wedding budget. Your overall costs will vary based on guest count:

  • 50 guests: $26,190
  • 100 guests: $43,692
  • 150 guests: $60,141
  • 200 guests: $74,836
  • 250 guests: $89,530
  • 300 guests: $104,224

Which California Venues Are Fully Accessible?

The Griffith House features wheelchair-accessible pathways throughout its Spanish-style grounds including the private ceremony lawn and separate preparation spaces for couples. You might also consider Holman Ranch Sunstone Winery and Villa del Sol d'Oro though you'll want to directly confirm their specific accessibility features when you visit. Accessibility options have improved greatly across California venues in recent years.

When Should You Book Your California Wedding Venue?

October leads venue inquiries in California with couples typically booking venues about 13 months (400 days) before their wedding date. If you're dreaming of a Northern California wine country wedding during peak season you'll want to book up to 18 months in advance. Southern California venues offer more flexibility especially during winter months when you can still enjoy beautiful weather while potentially securing better rates.

Where Can You Find Exceptional Culinary Experiences in California?

La Valencia Hotel in La Jolla delivers impeccable service with menu options from lobster bisque to perfectly prepared steak. You'll love Vibiana in Los Angeles with its chef-driven menus served in a stunning restored cathedral setting. Rosewood Sand Hill in Menlo Park offers Michelin-star fine dining while Bali Hai Restaurant serves authentic Polynesian cuisine with breathtaking views overlooking San Diego Bay. California's culinary scene truly elevates the wedding experience.

How Do California Wedding Costs Break Down?

VendorAverage Cost% of Total (150 guests)
Venue$10,66518%
Catering$8,53214%
Florists$7,82113%
Bar Services$6,82611%
Photography$4,7648%
Wedding Planners$4,8358%
Videography$4,3097%
Hair & Makeup$6001%
Cake & Desserts$8181%

Which California Venues Offer Enhanced Remote Participation?

Parq Event Center in San Diego features state-of-the-art sound LED screens and projection walls that support advanced streaming capabilities for guests who can't attend in person. You'll find Exchange LA and Wing Tip in San Francisco offer flexible spaces that adapt beautifully for innovative tech integration. These can include virtual reality experiences interactive live streaming and 360-degree cameras that make remote guests feel like they're right there with you. Technology has transformed how we can include loved ones from anywhere in the world.

What types of wedding venues are in National City, CA?

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