How to Plan Your Amazing Hotel Del Coronado Wedding!

Welcome to my guide on how to plan your amazing Hotel Del Coronado wedding!

My name is John Schnack and I’m a wedding photographer in San Diego. For over 20 years I’ve provided classic, timeless imagery and an experienced that’s focused on what’s important to the couple. One of my favorite things to do is to introduce potential couples to the best wedding venues in San Diego.

For over a century, the Hotel Del Coronado has been one of San Diego’s most popular wedding venues, and for good reason. Its unique architecture and design and its picturesque location make it a venue unlike any other in Southern California. No wonder it’s one of my favorite venues at which to shoot!

I hope you find this guide helpful! If you have any questions on anything, please don’t hesitate to shoot me an email!

All photos copyright John Schnack Photography unless otherwise indicated.

Why Plan a Hotel Del Coronado Wedding?

The Hotel Del Coronado is the perfect location for a luxurious, beachfront San Diego wedding. From the moment you walk into the lobby and see the antique elevator and rich wood paneling, to first steps you take on its magical beach, you’re transported into what the hotel refers to as a “Del state of mind.”

But aside from the intangibles, there are many practical reasons to have a Hotel Del wedding. The venue has an aesthetic that can’t be matched anywhere–the perfect blend of vintage chic and coastal elegance. There are a wide variety of guest rooms available at varying price points. There are also lots of dining options on the property–from tacos on the beach to fine dining.

Getting to the Hotel Del Coronado

The Hotel Del Coronado is situated in the heart of Coronado, Calif., about 15 minutes by car from San Diego International Airport (SAN).

From Interstate 5 Heading South

• While on Interstate 5 South, take exit 14A for 75 South to Coronado
• After driving over the bridge, continue straight onto Third Street
• Turn left onto Orange Avenue
• Follow Orange Avenue approximately 2 miles

To Parking Garage / Beach Village Entrance (North Side)

• From Orange Avenue, turn right onto R. H. Dana Place (traffic light immediately before the hotel)
• Enter the 2nd driveway on the left
• Turn left to enter the underground parking garage and self park. Beach Village guests can continue straight past the parking garage to the Beach Village entrance.

To Main Entrance / Valet / Drop Off / Shore House (South Side)

• From Orange Avenue, proceed south to Avenida del Sol. You’ll see the large hotel sign on the right.
• Turn right on Avenida del Sol, and then an immediate right into the main entrance
• For Shore House, please turn left after the parking attendant booth.

You can find more information regarding parking and public transportation on the hotel’s website.

Hotel Del Coronado Wedding : Ceremony Spaces

One of the great things about getting married at the Del is the beautiful ceremony spaces. Whether you’re dreaming of a lavish ceremony with 300 guests, or an intimate ceremony on the sand, the Hotel Del Coronado has the ceremony spaces to make your wedding dreams a reality.

Windsor Lawn: Beneath the gaze of the hotel and lined with stately Queen palms, the Windsor Lawn is the most iconic ceremony site at the Del.

A spacious site (16,390 sq ft) with room for several hundred guests, the Windsor Lawn offers amazing views of the beach and the Pacific Ocean, and is the perfect site for the couple dreaming of a large, lavish ceremony.

Del Beach: Are you the bride who’s always dreamed of having a wedding on the beach? The Del’s got you covered with the beloved Del Beach. One of the few private beaches in California, the Del Beach can accommodate guest counts of any size.

Vista Terrace: With the famed turret as a backdrop and views of the blue Pacific, the newly renovated Vista Terrace is an amazing reimagination of the space. With seating for up to 900 people, it’s the perfect spot for large, lavish events.

Hotel Del Coronado : Reception Spaces

Crown Room: The unofficial jewel of the Del’s spaces, the Crown Room is appropriately named for the crown-shaped chandeliers that adorn the interior. With seating for up to 650 guests, its ornate sugar pine-wood paneling channels old Hollywood and surely will impress the most discerning of guests.

Coronet Room: Featuring the same gorgeous wood paneling as the Crown Room, the Coronet Room does its big sibling one better by incorporating amazing waterfront views. With seating for up to 182 guests, it’s the idea reception venue for medium-sized weddings.

Windsor Lawn: With 180-degree views of the Pacific, the Windsor Lawn is the ultimate spot for your outdoor wedding reception in San Diego. The Lawn has room for up to 700 guests, making it the perfect location for large, lavish wedding receptions beneath the stars.

Ocean Ballroom: With panoramic views, a grand stage, and gorgeous lighting, the Ocean Ballroom is the perfect spot for your lavish wedding reception. The room seats up to 600 guests for the ultimate wedding reception celebration.

Carousel Room: The Carousel Room, originally called the Circus Room, is a circular space located in the main complex. The spaces is gorgeously adorned with sconces to create a soft, warm ambiance for up to 250 guests.

Paseo Lawn: Located steps from the beach, the Paseo Lawn offers a relaxed outdoor setting that’s perfect for a rehearsal dinner or welcome party.

Garden Patio: Situated in a central courtyard and surrounded by the Del’s Victorian architecture on all four sides, the Garden Patio is a space unlike any other in San Diego. Adorned with lush gardens and towering tropical palm trees, the Garden Patio is a great spot for any event up to 350 guests.

Del Beach: The most popular outdoor event space, Del Beach can be flipped from ceremony to reception space, giving your guests the ultimate toes-in-the-sand reception experience.

Great Spots for Hotel Del Coronado Wedding Photos

The Original Lobby Elevator: The hotel’s vintage elevators are thought to be some of the first elevators produced by Otis Brothers & Company. In an early 1960s renovation, the grill on the lobby elevator was made more ornate. Its charm and homage to the hotel’s origination make it an unforgettable spot for photos

Stairwell Up From Lobby: I love this spot! It has amazing soft light, a perfectly placed sconce, and isn’t crowded with guests.

Garden Patio: This spot has great soft light, plenty of space, and is centrally located, making it perfect for both romantic and group photos.

Del Beach: Look one direction and you’ve got gorgeous sunset. Look the other way and there’s an amazing view of the Del. Either way, it’s a great spot for Hotel Del Coronado wedding photos.

Hotel Del Coronado Wedding : Things to Do in Coronado

Shopping: Looking for some killer Hotel Del gear? Forgot your swimsuit? The Shops at the Del have you covered?

Downtown Coronado also has many options for shopping from local business owners. My favorites are Crown Meets Sea and Emerald City Surf Shop!

Dining: You and your wedding guests will be glad to know that the Hotel Del Coronado boasts some amazing dining options. If you’re into seafood fine dining, there’s Serea. Feeling a little more casual? Grab a beer and hit Babcock and Story or the Sun Deck. Heading back from a day at the beach? Hit the Beach and Taco shack for a bite and a beer!

If your guests feel like stretching their legs, there are a ton of great restaurants in downtown Coronado, most of which are situated a short walk the Hotel Del along Orange Ave. My favorites near the Del are The Brigantine and The Henry. There are also a bunch of wonderful places to eat on the northern end of the island, which boasts amazing views of the downtown San Diego skyline.

Here’s a great collection of restaurants in Coronado from Eater.

Recreational Activities: While the Hotel Del is long on beauty, it’s also long on substance! From surfing to biking to yoga, there are so many things your guests can do when you host your wedding at the Hotel Del Coronado.

Click here for detailed information on the recreational activities you can enjoy at The Hotel Del Coronado offers a host of recreational activities.

Nearby Attractions: While the Hotel Del and downtown Coronado offer many activities for your guests to enjoy, the proximity to San Diego’s wealth of activities makes it super easy to expand your horizons. Here’s a brief list of what’s close by:

• San Diego Zoo
• Sea World
• Balboa Park
• Downtown’s Gaslamp Quarter
• San Diego Padres (April-September)
• Sunset Cliffs
• Torrey Pines Preserve

Hotel Del Coronado Wedding Cost

Information in this section courtesy of The Hotel Del Coronado.

For over 130 years, the Hotel Del Coronado has welcomed couples from all over the world looking to start their love story in America’s Finest City. The Hotel Del Coronado is proud of it’s amazing service, professional staff, and reputation as one of the most luxurious wedding venues in California.

The costs for a wedding reception with plated meals range in price from $210-$250 per person, depending on the entree. Buffet dinners range from $295 to $350 per person.

All wedding packages include:

• Six Tray Passed Hors d’oeuvres for Hour Cocktail Reception
• Four Hours of Gold Package Bar
• House Selected Champagne, Wine, Beer, Soft Drinks and Mineral Water.
• (One Hour for Cocktail Reception, Three Hours for Dinner Reception)
• Champagne Toast (One Glass Per Guest)
• Four Course Plated Dinner or Dinner Buffet
• Wine Service with Dinner (Two Glasses per Guest)
• Complimentary Cake Cutting
• Coffee and Tea Service

All ceremony venues include:

• Ceremony Sound System and Microphone for Officiant
• Bridal Dressing Room and Groom’s Finishing Room
• Fruit Infused Water Station
• White Outdoor Chairs
• Inclement Weather Back Up

All reception venues include:

• High and Low Cocktail Tables
• Reception Tables
• House Linens in Champagne, Mocha or Sky Blue
• Chocolate Brown Banquet Chairs (indoors)
• White Folding Chairs (outdoors)
• Votive Candles
• Custom-Sized Dance Floor and Staging for Indoor Events

Wedding Guidelines

Information in this section courtesy of The Hotel Del Coronado.

Venue Curfews

• 7 pm: The Garden
• 10 pm: Windsor Room, Garden Room, Hanover, Beach, Windsor Lawn, Vista Terrace
• Midnight: Crown, Ballroom, Coronet, Carousel, Founders Hall, The Cabanas

Outdoor Venue Rules: No confetti, birdseed, rice or floating lanterns allowed; Flower petals with prior approval from the Manager. All rigging must go through Encore.

Beach Events: No glass is allowed on the beach per a City ordinance. This applies to décor, votives, centerpieces, and drinking vessels. The hotel does not provide staging, dance floor or arch on the beach. All music must face the ocean and conclude by 10 pm.

Enhancements: Your Wedding Specialist is happy to assist with coordinating upgrades for linen, banquet chairs, or any other décor. Heaters and umbrellas are available at an additional charge. If you are interested in hosting a Rehearsal Dinner or Post Wedding Brunch, consult your Specialist.

Wedding Planners: To ensure a flawless event, a professional wedding planner selected from our Partners list is
required to assist you with rehearsal, ceremony, and reception details. A full service package with a minimum of (3) three months coordination is required.

Tastings: One complimentary tasting is offered for contracted wedding events. Tasting menu includes
selection of 2 soups, 2 salads, 3 entrées and 2 desserts. Tastings are available Tuesday – Friday. Appointments must be scheduled one month in advance and are based on availability.

Wedding Rehearsals: Rehearsal times may be scheduled Sunday through Friday prior to 6 pm for a one-hour
duration. Rehearsal times may be booked (30) thirty days prior to event. Location and times
are subject to space and availability.

Wedding Guest Room Accomodations: Complimentary bride and groom accommodations will be provided on the night of the wedding with a minimum spend. Due to the popularity of Hotel del Coronado, prevailing room
rates and minimum-night stay requirements will apply for guests who may wish to stay at the resort for the event.

Food and Beverage: Due to health regulations, liquor ordinances and liability insurance, it is required that all food and beverage be purchased through Hotel del Coronado. All per-person selections have a minimum guarantee of 25 people. A final confirmation “guarantee” of your anticipated number of guests is required by 11 am, (3) three business days prior to your event. Once set, this guarantee may not be reduced. The resort will make an allowance to provide seating up to (3%) three percent above the final guarantee. Children’s Meals are available for 3yr-10yrs old at $55 per person++ or ½ price for buffet. Vendor Meals available at $55 per person +. Chef Attendant Fee $200 per chef. Bartender Fee $200 per bartender.

Special Event Parking: A special event rate of $30 per car for valet parking. You may decide to host the parking for your guests and the charges applied to your account. Overnight rates will apply.

Insurance Requirements: Hotel del Coronado reserves the right to require insurance from client if they choose to use non-approved vendors and/or if they incorporate an activity which carries an elevated level of risk to the guests of the event or to the Hotel.

Deposit and Billing Schedule: Deposits are based on contracted venue site rental and food and beverage minimum spend plus tax and service. The first deposit of 25% of the site rental and food and beverage minimum will be due along with signed Catering Sales Agreement (10) ten business days after your event has been tentatively held. A second deposit is required (3) three months prior to the event date of 50% of the estimated site rental and food and beverage minimum. The estimated final balance is due (30) thirty business days prior to the event.

Taxes, Fees and Charges: A taxable service charge of 25-28% and state tax of 7.75% will apply to all food, beverage, bartender and chef attendants. Prices and selection subject to change. Retail prices do not include taxes or a 1.888% Historic Preservation Fund charge. The purpose of the HPF is to help support the ongoing preservation of this 1888 National Historic landmark and to protect its legacy for generations to come. For more information, please visit hoteldel.com/preservation.