Planning a Wedding in San Diego? Here’s What It Costs — From Simple to Spectacular
Planning a wedding in San Diego comes with one of the biggest questions every couple asks: How much does it really cost? The truth is, weddings in San Diego span every budget — from courthouse vows for under $200 to luxury celebrations in La Jolla or Hotel del Coronado that exceed six figures. In this guide, we break down three tiers of San Diego wedding budgets so you know what to expect, who each tier is best for, and when to start planning. If you’re looking for the cheapest options, courthouse ceremonies, backyard weddings, and intimate elopements at places like Sunset Cliffs keep costs in the $500–$5,000 range. For mid-range weddings, iconic spots like The Wedding Bowl in La Jolla, boutique venues, or curated micro-packages typically range from $5,000–$15,000, offering scenic backdrops without the luxury price tag. High-budget weddings often begin at $40,000+, with large guest lists, premium venues, and multi-day experiences. Whether you want a simple elopement or a full-scale luxury event, understanding San Diego wedding costs ensures you budget wisely and choose the right vendors. And no matter where your wedding falls, professional photography is a must — which is why we offer tailored wedding photography packages starting at just $395, complete with the support of a mini planner to make your day seamless.
When couples search “What’s the cheapest option for a wedding in San Diego?” or “What counts as a high budget wedding here?” they’re really asking: What’s realistic for me, and what do I get at each level?
San Diego weddings span every price point — from quick courthouse vows under $200 to oceanfront luxury celebrations in the six figures. Below we’ll break down three tiers of wedding budgets, who they’re best suited for, when to start planning, and what to expect at each level.
From intimate courthouse ceremonies to spectacular coastal celebrations, wedding costs in San Diego can vary widely. Our Elopements & Weddings Packages are designed to fit your vision—whether simple or grand—while ensuring you receive professional, timeless photography that reflects your day perfectly.
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Tier 1: “What’s the Cheapest Way to Get Married in San Diego?”
Who It’s For
Couples who value the marriage itself over the production. Perfect for those who want to keep things simple, affordable, and stress-free.
What It Looks Like
Civil Ceremony at the Courthouse
Cost: $88–$120 license/ceremony fees.
Quick, simple, intimate — typically just the couple plus two witnesses.
Backyard or DIY Weddings
Using family property saves thousands on venues.
Décor can be thrifted or DIY’d; playlists replace live entertainment.
Public Beaches or Parks (no-frills elopement)
Locations like Sunset Cliffs or Balboa Park are beautiful and nearly free for tiny ceremonies.
For small groups, you may not even need permits.
💡 Typical Spend: Under $500 for courthouse; $2,000–$5,000 for DIY or no-frills elopements with a photographer.
When to Start Planning
Courthouse weddings: Reserve a date 1–3 months in advance, especially in busy spring/summer months.
Backyard/DIY: 2–4 months is usually enough to organize décor, vendors, and food.
Beach/Park elopements: Secure permits 3–6 months ahead if needed, though small weekday ceremonies can often be pulled together in weeks.
Starting your forever at the San Diego courthouse? We capture the beauty of intimate ceremonies with photography packages starting at just $395. 👉 Book your courthouse wedding photographer today.
Tier 2: “The Sweet Spot: Mid-Range Weddings in San Diego”
Who It’s For
Couples who want something beautiful, scenic, and curated, but without the pressure of a luxury price tag. Great for micro-weddings, elopements with guests, or intimate celebrations.
What It Looks Like
The Wedding Bowl (Cuvier Park, La Jolla)
Permit fee: ~$200, only one wedding allowed per day.
Capacity: Up to 40–50 guests.
Dramatic ocean backdrop without resort pricing.
Pair ceremony with a small reception dinner at nearby restaurants like George’s at the Cove or The Marine Room.
Park & Beach Venues with Permits
Balboa Park gardens, Mission Bay, or Sunset Cliffs.
Permit fees: $200–$500.
Add catering, rentals, and photography = $5,000–$10,000.
Boutique Venues / Small Estates
Historic homes, wineries, or art galleries.
Rentals often $3,000–$8,000 for ceremony + reception.
Curated Packages
Many vendors offer micro-wedding packages $2,500–$6,000 (including officiant, florals, photography, permits).
💡 Typical Spend: $5,000–$15,000 total for a curated mid-range San Diego wedding.
When to Start Planning
Wedding Bowl & city parks: Apply for permits 9–12 months ahead for peak season dates.
Boutique venues & estates: Start inquiries 9–12 months in advance; many fill quickly.
Micro packages: Book 6–9 months out to secure your preferred vendors, though last-minute options can exist.
Mid-range weddings like The Wedding Bowl in La Jolla offer breathtaking backdrops without luxury costs. Our $695 tier includes tailored coverage and mini-planning support. 📸 Discover our mid-range wedding photography packages.
Tier 3: “What Does a High-Budget San Diego Wedding Really Look Like?”
Who It’s For
Couples who want a full guest list, exclusive venues, and a weekend-long experience. Perfect for those who see their wedding as both a celebration and a luxury event.
What It Looks Like
Iconic Luxury Venues
Hotel del Coronado, Estancia La Jolla, or The Prado at Balboa Park.
Venue rentals: $10,000–$30,000+, often not including catering.
Large Guest Counts (150–200+)
Catering alone can run $20,000+.
Custom décor, floral installations, lighting, and staging push budgets upward.
Premium Guest Experiences
Yacht parties, live bands, celebrity DJs, and multi-day itineraries.
Welcome dinners and post-wedding brunches are common.
💡 Typical Spend: $40,000–$50,000+ for a full high-end San Diego wedding, with luxury events climbing into the six-figure range.
When to Start Planning
Luxury venues: Secure your date 12–18 months in advance, especially for weekends in spring/summer.
Guest logistics: Out-of-town guest blocks, transportation, and vendor contracts should be lined up at least a year out.
Multi-day events: Expect 18 months+ of planning with a professional planner to handle coordination.
Luxury San Diego weddings deserve photography as timeless as the venue. From Hotel del Coronado to private estates, our premium packages start at $1,295. 💎 Explore our full wedding photography services.
Where We Come In
No matter which tier you fall into, photography is one of the most important investments you’ll make — it’s what lasts long after the cake is eaten and the flowers fade.
At Last Minute Photoshoot, we offer three different tiers of photography services to fit every wedding budget:
Tier 1 Packages — Starting at $395: Perfect for courthouse weddings, elopements, and intimate ceremonies. Professional coverage without overextending your budget.
Tier 2 Packages — Starting at $695: Tailored for micro-weddings and mid-range celebrations like The Wedding Bowl or boutique venues. Includes expanded coverage and curated extras.
Tier 3 Packages — Starting at $1,295: Designed for full wedding days and larger guest counts, complete with extended coverage, albums, prints, and RAW files.
And here’s the difference: with us, you don’t just get photographers — you get the added benefit of a mini planner at no extra cost. We’ll help with timeline creation, location scouting, discreet communication, and even little backstories to keep your day seamless.
Recap
Cheapest Weddings ($500–$5,000): Courthouse, backyard, or small beach ceremonies. Start planning 1–6 months ahead.
Mid-Range Weddings ($5,000–$15,000): Wedding Bowl, boutique venues, or curated micro packages. Start planning 6–12 months ahead.
High-Budget Weddings ($40,000+): Luxury venues, full guest lists, multi-day celebrations. Start planning 12–18 months (or more) in advance.
Ready to Plan Your San Diego Wedding?
Whether you’re saying “I do” at the courthouse, exchanging vows at The Wedding Bowl, or dancing the night away at Hotel del Coronado, we’ll be there to capture every moment.
👉 Explore our San Diego wedding photography packages starting at just $395. Let us help you create timeless memories while giving you the support of a mini planner at no extra cost.
Start Your Journey With Us Here
How Much Do Wedding Photographers Cost in San Diego?
Planning your wedding, elopement, or civil ceremony and wondering how much does a wedding photographer cost in San Diego? We’ve done the research for you. On average, San Diego wedding photographers charge between $700 for a one-hour session to $2,500 or more for elopement coverage, with luxury wedding photography packages reaching $10,000+. Most photographers only include a digital gallery, while extras like prints, albums, or planning support come at an additional cost. That’s why we recently re-introduced wedding photography into our services, after years of focusing on milestone portraits, family sessions, engagements, and proposals. By listening to our clients, we created affordable wedding and elopement packages in San Diego that combine coverage, fast delivery, planning support, and keepsakes. With introductory pricing starting at just $395, couples can book a San Diego wedding photographer who offers more value, more support, and more memories—without the high price tag.
When planning your wedding, elopement, or civil ceremony, one of the first questions couples ask is: “How much do wedding photographers cost in San Diego?” We’ve done the work for you. We researched several photographers in the area, compared their offerings, and looked at what’s included in their packages. The results might surprise you.
On average, wedding photography in San Diego can range anywhere from $700 for a one-hour session to $2,500+ for elopement coverage, with luxury wedding packages running $3,500–$10,000+ depending on coverage, albums, and extras. But what you get for those prices varies wildly—some photographers only provide digital galleries, while others add albums or light planning support.
That’s exactly why we recently introduced a brand-new set of wedding and elopement packages. For years, we stepped back from weddings to focus on milestone sessions, family portraits, engagements, and proposals. But with more couples reaching out for elopements, civil ceremonies, and intimate celebrations, we decided it was time to return to wedding photography—with packages that deliver more value, more support, and more keepsakes than the average San Diego photographer.
Even better: as part of our introductory launch sale, our prices are extremely competitive. These rates won’t last long.
In San Diego, prices can vary—but investing in a photographer who understands your story makes all the difference. Our Elopements & Weddings Packages are designed to deliver stunning, natural photos at competitive rates, with options that fit your vision and budget.
📸 Explore Wedding Packages
What San Diego Photographers Typically Offer
1-Hour Wedding Coverage → Averages around $700–$750. Usually includes an online gallery with 30–50 edited images. Physical keepsakes are rare at this level.
Elopement Packages (4–5 Hours) → Commonly $1,200–$2,500. Most include digital delivery of edited images, but few provide prints, albums, or detailed planning support.
Luxury Wedding Photography → Ranges from $3,500–$10,000+ for full-day coverage. These often include albums, second shooters, and full planning assistance—but at a steep price.
Our New Wedding & Elopement Packages
We built our new packages to give couples a stress-free, supportive experience with more included—at a fraction of the cost. Here’s how they compare:
💍 Last Minute Love Elopement – $395
1 hour of coverage
30+ edited images + 2 sneak-peek photos in 24 hrs
Pre-shoot support: location scouting + consultation call
Day-of support: GPS coordinates to your exact shoot location
Keepsakes: 5 enhanced prints (1 12×18, 2 11×14, 2 8×11)
👉 Best for couples who want quick, beautiful, no-frills elopement coverage with both digital and physical memories.
💍 Timeless Moments Package – $695
1.5 hours of coverage
70+ edited images + 5 sneak-peeks in 24 hrs
Pre-shoot support: location scouting, consultation call, walk-through call, permit coordination
Planning support included (timeline guidance, location recommendations, vendor suggestions)
Day-of support: GPS coordinates to your exact shoot location
Keepsakes: 10 enhanced prints + 11×14 metal print
👉 Perfect for couples who want extended coverage, planning support, and extra keepsakes at a price well below San Diego averages.
💍 Forever & Always Wedding Package – $1,295
3 hours of coverage
100+ edited images, 10 sneak-peeks, and all RAW files included
Pre-shoot support: location scouting, consultation call, walk-through call, in-person walk-through, permit coordination
Full planning support included (custom timelines, vendor referrals, logistics, permits)
Day-of support: GPS coordinates to your exact shoot location
Keepsakes: Premium lay-flat album (8×10), 10 enhanced prints, and 11×14 metal print
👉 Designed for couples who want maximum coverage, full planning guidance, heirloom keepsakes, and peace of mind—without paying $2,500–$4,000 like many San Diego packages.
Why Couples Choose Us
More Support – We don’t just show up with a camera. We help with permits, timelines, and even day-of logistics.
More Keepsakes – Prints, albums, and metal artwork are included at every tier, not just as costly add-ons.
More Value – Our pricing is currently set as an introductory sale to celebrate these new offerings. Compared to San Diego averages, you’re getting 30–50% more for your investment.
Faster Turnaround – Sneak peeks delivered within 24 hours (many photographers quote 1–2 weeks).
The Bottom Line
So, how much do wedding photographers cost in San Diego? The short answer: anywhere from $700 for basics to $10,000 for luxury. The long answer: it depends on what’s included—and whether you’re getting real value for your investment.
With our new packages, we’ve intentionally priced below San Diego averages while offering more support, more keepsakes, and more peace of mind. These prices won’t last—they’re part of our limited-time launch as we reintroduce wedding photography to our services.
If you’re ready to capture your wedding, elopement, or civil ceremony with a team that values your experience as much as your photos, now is the time to book.
Start Your Journey With Us Here
San Diego Elopement + Mini Honeymoon: Turn Your "I Do" Into a 3-Day Romantic Getaway
Dreaming of an intimate, meaningful wedding without the stress or steep cost of a traditional ceremony? Our San Diego Elopement + Mini Honeymoon guide is crafted for couples who want to celebrate their love with intention and adventure. Whether you're planning a courthouse elopement at the County Administration Center or saying “I do” on the cliffs of Sunset Cliffs, this 3-day itinerary weaves romance and minimalism into every step. Explore sunrise hikes, oceanview brunches, relaxing spa experiences, scenic bike rides through Coronado, rooftop dinners downtown, and wine tasting in Fallbrook’s hidden vineyards. Perfect for couples seeking affordable elopement photography in San Diego, this blog blends practical tips with photo-worthy moments and unforgettable experiences. Inspired by our own 11-year journey as a married couple, we believe elopements don’t need to break the bank—they just need to feel like you.
Thinking of a low-cost San Diego elopement that’s romantic, meaningful, and leaves room for saving toward a future home? You’re in the right place. Stephanie and I chose a minimalist courthouse marriage, followed it up with an intimate home celebration, and spent our mini honeymoon embracing one another — now celebrating 11 years of love. You don’t need to break the bank to create magic; put your money where it matters: your future together.
This guide is for couples who want to:
Elope affordably using walk-in courthouse services
Capture it all with stunning San Diego elopement photography
Turn their vows into bona-fide memories with a romantic 3-day mini honeymoon
We totally get it—sometimes you just want to talk it out first. If you have questions, want to go over the details together, or even want to tell us what you'd love to see more of on our blog—we’d love to connect.
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Day 0: Courthouse Ceremony & Instant Marriage 📝
Cut costs, break molds, and say “I do” with ease at one of San Diego’s convenient courthouse locations—no big wedding required. Here are a few walk-in and appointment-friendly options:
County Administration Center
1600 Pacific Hwy, Room 273, San Diego, CA 92101
Phone: (619) 237‑0502$129 regular marriage license (+$107 for civil ceremony, +$58 for witness if needed)
Civil ceremonies offered every 30 minutes from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM
Outdoor ceremonies available under the arbor with views of the bay—great for photos
Santee Branch Office
10144 Mission Gorge Rd, Santee, CA 92071Same pricing as above
Appointment required for marriage license; ceremonies offered on select Saturdays
Chula Vista Branch Office
590 Third St, Chula Vista, CA 91910Less crowded location with the same pricing and services
Easy option for South Bay couples
San Marcos Branch Office
141 E Carmel St, San Marcos, CA 92078Perfect for North County residents
Appointments required; ceremonies available during business hours
Pro Tip: You can often complete your license appointment and ceremony on the same day—especially if you schedule an early time slot and opt for a quick civil ceremony on-site.
3-Day San Diego Elopement + Mini Honeymoon Itinerary
Day 1: Elopement & Rooftop Romance
Morning
Grab coffee and breakfast at Better Buzz Coffee La Jolla
Address: 909 Prospect St, La Jolla, CA 92037
Why We Love It: Great espresso, stylish interiors, and ocean breeze make this a cozy spot to ease into your day.
Photo Tip: Capture your drinks with the morning light spilling in. Ask your photographer to shoot wide for an editorial-style start to your day.
Afternoon
Elope at Sunset Cliffs Natural Park
Address: Ladera St, San Diego, CA 92107
Why We Love It: Sweeping ocean views, dramatic cliffs, and that golden West Coast light. It’s San Diego’s most iconic elopement spot for a reason.
Photo Tip: Schedule your vows for golden hour. Have your photographer capture wide landscapes as well as tight shots with the cliffs behind you.
Evening
Celebrate with dinner at ALTITUDE Sky Lounge
Address: 660 K St, San Diego, CA 92101
Why We Love It: Modern rooftop with sweeping views of downtown, Petco Park, and the bay. Chic and celebratory.
Photo Tip: Dress up and pose during blue hour. Let the city lights become your bokeh. Candid champagne clinks = timeless!
Day 2: Relax, Recharge & Sail
Morning
Hike the Saigon Trail
Address: 9883 La Jolla Farms Rd, La Jolla, CA 92037
Why We Love It: Hidden coastal trail with ocean cliff views and secret beaches.
Photo Tip: Candid hiking shots and dramatic wide angles as the sun breaks the horizon.
Midday
Couples spa experience at one of San Diego’s top spots:
The Catamaran Spa – 3999 Mission Blvd, tropical vibes on the bay.
Fairmont Grand Del Mar Spa – 5300 Grand Del Mar Ct, ultra-luxe getaway.
Spa Kingston – 2230 Fifth Ave, cozy and centrally located.
Photo Tip: Post-massage glow, robe-and-slippers candids, and soft window light portraits.
Afternoon
Rent bikes from Bike and Kayak Tours Coronado
Address: 1201 First St Suite 100, Coronado, CA 92118
Why We Love It: Coastal cruising, scenic backdrops, and ferry views.
Photo Tip: Capture movement — tandem shots, boardwalk strolls, windswept hair and laughter.
Evening
Book a sunset sail:
Sail San Diego – 2051 Shelter Island Dr
Pacifica Sailing Charters – 1450 Harbor Island Dr
Why We Love It: Two-hour sails with wine, sunset views, and sea breeze kisses.
Photo Tip: Golden light portraits with ocean horizon, silhouettes against the sails.
Day 3: Wine Tasting in Fallbrook
All Day
Take a scenic drive north to visit:
Estate d'Iacobelli – 2175 Tecalote Dr, Fallbrook, CA 92028
Beach House Winery – 1534 Sleeping Indian Rd, Fallbrook, CA 92028
Monserate Winery – 2757 Gird Rd, Fallbrook, CA 92028
Why We Love It: Ocean-view patios, relaxed tastings, and Tuscan-inspired settings.
Photo Tip: Vineyard walks, close-ups of glasses clinking, and sun-dappled vines.
Optional Stay
Book a cozy Airbnb in Fallbrook or return to San Diego for one final date night.
Wrap Up: Your Elopement, Your Way
Eloping in San Diego doesn’t mean spending big—it means choosing what really matters: your commitment, captured beautifully, and spent wisely toward your future. A courthouse license and quick ceremony let you invest in your life together rather than a big wedding.
From those first courthouse smiles to intimate cliffside “I do’s,” spa rejuvenation, coastal adventures, and vineyard toasts—you’ll have 3 days of love, adventure, and editorial-style moments you’ll cherish.
📸 Ready to Begin?
From scenic coastlines to dreamy vineyards, we specialize in capturing unforgettable “Yes!” moments across SoCal. Whether it’s last-minute or carefully planned, we’ll help you pull it off beautifully—with natural light, fast turnaround, and timeless photos.
👉 Browse Engagement Packages
Our elopement photography packages are designed for couples who are:
Seeking authentic, candid coverage (not stiff poses)
Wanting a planner-photographer who coordinates locations & logistics
Ready for a romantic escape that’s equal parts magic and minimalism
👉 Explore Our Packages
👉 Let’s Chat About Your Plan
Let’s turn your “yes” into an experience you can relive—forever.