The Basics
44 acres of Tahitian-style charm dropped onto an island about 15 minutes from downtown San Diego, Paradise Point Resort & Spa is a one-of-a-kind retreat that has been hosting seclusion-seeking celebrities—and regular folks looking to unplug—for over 50 years. Meandering pathways skirt quiet lagoons and palm groves, ultimately leading to a beach dotted with 14 firepits, where guests gather at dusk with s’mores or beers—or more often, both. With 462 bungalow-style guestrooms, there are options for a variety of budgets, from garden-view guestrooms for those watching their wallets to presidential suites with dining rooms, living areas, and broad beachside terraces.
Wedding Details
You’ve got some decisions to make. If you want a tropical garden, consider Pine Hill, where tall hedges create two private lawn areas—one for pre-wedding champagne, perhaps, the other for the ceremony itself. If you want to be right on the water, Island Point Lawn has a squiggle of land poking into San Diego Bay, sunset views to the left, and the guarantee of a standing ovation as you make your way past the cocktail crew at the Barefoot Bar. And at Paradise Terrace, a line of sailboats forms a stunning background for ceremonies-in-the-round.
Paradise Point reception venues are some of California’s most handsome, with a trio of dockside ballrooms that boast spacious decks as well as full walls of windows. Got a guest list in the 400 range? The new Sunset Terrace pavilion delivers the look of a classic tented wedding along with a separate room for buffets or an after-party lounge. And couples on a budget might look into the Mission Bay Ballroom, which comes with a charming patio already outfitted with market lights.
Keep in Mind
The resort requires you to hire a wedding coordinator, who will develop a day-of timeline, handle vendor communication, coordinate the rehearsal—you name it. We heartily recommend you book a “bride-mobile” for the wedding day; this large bell cart will be stocked with beverages and is a fun and zippy way to get the bridal party to photo ops around the island.
