Lodge at Torrey Pines Wedding Venue Guide
La Jolla is home to many of San Diego’s most luxurious wedding venues, and the Torrey Pines Lodge is at the top of the list. If you’re planning a Lodge at Torrey Pines wedding, check out this detailed venue guide!
About the Lodge at Torrey Pines
The Lodge at Torrey Pines is a AAA Five Diamond-rated luxury hotel located in La Jolla, CA. Once you set foot on the property, you’re taken back to yesteryear through the hotel’s amazing architecture and design.
Sitting on bluffs high atop the Pacific Ocean, the Lodge at Torrey Pines is located north of the village of La Jolla. It overlooks the iconic Torrey Pines Golf Course, home to many amateur and professional tournaments, including the 2021 U.S. Open.
How to Get to the Lodge at Torrey Pines
The Lodge at Torrey Pines is located at 11480 N. Torrey Pines Rd, La Jolla, CA 92037.
From Interstate 5, exit at Genesee Ave. and head west. Continue on Genesee Ave. as it turns into N. Torrey Pines Rd. Follow the signs to the Lodge at Torrey Pines, which will be on your left.
History of the Lodge at Torrey Pines
The Lodge at Torrey Pines was built in 1961 as a 74-room inn. In 1995, the property was purchased by the Evans family, who closed the hotel for renovations in 2000. The renovated hotel was reopened in 2002 as a 170-room luxury hotel.
Design and Architecture of the Lodge at Torrey Pines
The Lodge at Torrey Pines is designed in the early California Craftsman style. It pays homage to Greene and Greene, the brothers who designed the iconic Blacker House and Gamble House, both in Pasadena. In fact, the Lodge’s “porte-cochère” entry is nearly identical to that of the Blacker House. The interior of the hotel reflects the historic architectural style as well, from the three-paneled doors at the entry to the lighting fixtures throughout the hotel.
The Lodge at Torrey Pines Rooms
At the Lodge at Torrey Pines, there are no separate “getting ready” rooms for brides and grooms. Instead, couples receive a complimentary room when they book their wedding at the Lodge.
Couples who book a Signature or Reserve collection receive a complimentary Palisade room for two nights. Couples who book a Palisade collection receive a complimentary suite. Most couples opt to have the bride get ready in the complimentary room or suite, and add an additional room for the groom.
Lodge at Torrey Pines Wedding Ceremony Spaces
There are two dedicated wedding ceremony spaces at the Lodge at Torrey Pines. First, there’s the Arroyo Terrace and next, there’s the Signature Courtyard. Let’s take a look at the differences between these two spaces!
Arroyo Terrace
The Arroyo Terrace is the main ceremony space for any Lodge at Torrey Pines wedding. With room for up to 220 guests, it’s the perfect location for your lavish celebration.
Nestled below the main building of the lodge, the Arroyo Terrace offers breathtaking views of the 18th green at the world-famous Torrey Pines Golf Course. It features well-manicured grass, which makes it clean and easy for even the most formal of wedding setups. It’s 10,000 square-foot area also makes it a great spot for a large tented outdoor reception!
Signature Courtyard
Situated in a private area between wings of guest rooms, surrounded by natural plants and flowers, the Signature Courtyard is modeled after Torrey Pines State Reserve, located just a few miles north of the Lodge.
The Lodge’s Signature Courtyard is the perfect location for smaller wedding ceremonies. Holding up to 70 guests, this spot’s intimacy and serene atmosphere take your breath away the minute you set foot in it.
Wedding Reception Spaces at the Lodge at Torrey Pines
Maurice Braun Ballroom
The Lodge’s largest indoor space, the Maurice Braun Ballroom comfortably seats up to 200 guests.
With an open floor plan, gorgeous artwork, spectacular views of North Torrey Pines Golf Course, and a wood-burning fireplace, the Maurice Braun Ballroom is the perfect space for your lavish extravaganza!
Charles Fries
The Charles Fries room is one of the Lodge’s most popular reception spaces. With seating for up to 120 wedding guests, this room features a wooden, wraparound deck and an outdoor fireplace.
The room’s wonderful indoor-outdoor flow offers guests the perfect spot to enjoy every reason why the Lodge is such an amazing wedding venue!
Charles Reiffel
Another very popular reception venue at the Lodge, the Charles Reiffel room features a wood-beamed ceiling and Tiffany chandeliers.
With seating for up to 120 wedding guests, its Craftsman architecture and sweeping views offer your guests an experience they’ll remember forever!
Alfred Mitchell
The Alfred Mitchell room is a sight to behold! With seating for up to 100 guests, the room’s floor-to-ceiling windows and prime location offer views your guests will marvel at!
The third-floor outdoor patio’s views of the Arroyo Terrace are *chef’s kiss*!
Hughes Cottage
The perfect location for an intimate reception or rehearsal dinner, the Hughes Cottage is a standalone structure with seating for up to 18 guests.
Its outdoor fireplace and cozy feel make this the perfect space for a summer evening!
Photo Spots at the Lodge at Torrey Pines
Arroyo Terrace
If you’re having your ceremony on the Arroyo Terrace, there’s usually too much commotion and distracting elements for romantic bride and groom images here.
However, its size and convenience make it easy for your bridal party or family photos!
Brick Bench Near Lobby
Through the lobby, there’s a door that leads to a walkway, which eventually leads you to the Arroyo Terrace. However, just out the door is a small, brick-covered bench inset into the building.
This cozy little spot is perfect for bride and groom romantic photos! I love hanging light and the blue-striped cushion works well to break up the brick pattern.
Front of the Lodge at Torrey Pines
The front of the Lodge is gorgeous, but until recently I hadn’t thought about it as a good spot for bride and groom photos. It’s usually very busy with guests arriving and departing, which can be distracting to couples who want some privacy while getting their photo taken. But, recently I took another look and realized it can be a great spot if the timing is right!
First off, the front door to the hotel is a work of art. Its inlaid stained glass features the silhouette of a Torrey Pine tree. In the afternoon, as the light is shining through the rear windows to the hotel, the door lights up and makes a great backdrop. Plus the lighting is really great here in the afternoon.
Just a few steps north of the front entrance is a series of small, brick-covered arches. One of them features a gate inlaid with aqua-colored cutouts. These two arches are right next to one another so it’s easy to get two different looks in a really short timespan.
North Side of the Lodge at Torrey Pines
On the north side of the building, just beyond the aforementioned arches, there’s a balcony that wraps around the outside of the Maurice Braun ballroom. Until recently I hadn’t thought about it as a great photo spot, but after spending a few days there shooting the photos below, I’m sold!
The area has a great light with a combination of shade and sun. Earlier in the day, the sun is filtered by trees; later in the day it’s low enough to be flattering and cast dramatic shadows. It’s a great spot to mix in details of the property, as the architectural and design elements of the hotel are on full display.
Signature Courtyard
The Signature Courtyard is one of the most popular photo spots at the Lodge at Torrey Pines, for several reasons. First, it’s located directly in the middle of the property, so it’s easy to get to, which is especially valuable if it’s used for group photos.
And, its combination of meandering walkways, natural landscape, and towering Torrey Pines trees make the area aesthetically gorgeous. Finally, because it’s sheltered from the high sun, the light is good here anytime of day.
Torrey Pines Golf Course
I couldn’t list great photo spots at the Lodge at Torrey Pines without mentioning the golf course, could I? Never! Sometimes it’s nice to save the best for last.
For me, it’s the best spot to shoot photos, hands-down. It’s got everything you need for amazing photos–wide open space, tons of trees if you want some shade or compositional elements, and it sits high atop the Pacific for views up and down the coast.
Starting at the Lodge, you can walk or take a golf cart towards the pro shop, then head west. That’ll put you along the 6th hole, which has wide open space and some really cool trees. Head further west and you’ll cross holes two and five. From the tee box on the fifth hole, there’s a great sunset view with some amazing trees.
But, the iconic shot is the green on the third hole. This green sits further west than any other part of the South Course. And, it faces south, so you get an amazing view of La Jolla Cove.
Keep in mind that the course is not part of the Lodge, so if you want to secure a cart for your romantic photo session, make sure you or your coordinator secures one through the course.
Guest Activities Around the Lodge at Torrey Pines
The Lodge at Torrey Pines offers your guests everything they need to enjoy themselves during your wedding weekend! From taking in the Lodge’s amenities to exploring the surrounding area, there’s something for everyone!
Pampering at the Spa at Torrey Pines
The Lodge’s Spa at Torrey Pines is the epitome of relaxation. From its perch high above the Pacific Ocean, the spa offer a wide range of services to pamper you and your guests! They offer:
- Massage
- Skincare Therapies
- Body Wraps
- Nail Care Therapies
- Fitness and Activities
Golfing at Torrey Pines Golf Course
The iconic Torrey Pines Golf Course, home to a PGA Tour stop and the 2008 and 2021 US Open, sits adjacent to the Lodge. It is the nation’s foremost municipal golf course, offering two picturesque 18-hole courses that are some of the most challenging on the West Coast. Click here for a map of the North and South courses.
If you’re a golfer, you’re in luck! The Lodge offers a variety of specialized golf packages! Click here to check them out!
Hiking at Torrey Pines State Reserve
A stone’s-throw north of the Lodge lies Torrey Pines State Reserve. Popular with locals and visitors alike, the reserve is home to over 1000 acres of trails, bluff-top viewpoints, and native flora and fauna. It’s also one of two native homes to its namesake tree, the Torrey Pine.
For more park hours, directions, trail maps, and other information, please click here.
Shopping and Dining in La Jolla
If you’re looking for a little change of pace, downtown La Jolla is a great call! Located just a short drive from the Lodge at Torrey Pines, downtown La Jolla offers an array of amazing dining and shopping experiences!
For breakfast, treat yourself to a trip through yesteryear at Harry’s Coffee Shop, or enjoy a breakfast sandwich at Brick and Bell! Great lunchtime options abound as well, from amazing pizza at The Spot or a fish taco at El Pescador, to a street-side meal at The Cottage. For dinner, enjoy cocktails with a view at George’s at the Cove or the best burger in town at Nine-Ten.
Downtown La Jolla is home to a wide assortment of shopping options as well, with an amazing mix of locally-owned shops to larger retail brands, like Lululemon. One of my favorite local shops is Warwick’s, an iconic bookshop that also offers stationery items, unique gifts, and weekly author readings!
Snorkeling and Kayaking in La Jolla Cove
La Jolla translates to “the jewel” in Spanish. But the true jewel of this stunning seaside town is the Cove!
There are a host of shops in La Jolla Shores that rent kayaks and snorkeling gear. Our favorites are La Jolla Kayak, La Jolla Sea Cave Kayaks, and Bike and Kayak Tours La Jolla.
Beach Days at La Jolla Shores
La Jolla Shores is one of the best beaches in San Diego! It’s got plenty of parking, a large grassy area for a picnic, and gentle waves for swimming and surfing. It’s also walking distance to Avenida de la Playa, which is the main street in the neighborhood of La Jolla Shores. This street is home to tons of shops and places to eat!
Lodge at Torrey Pines Wedding Special Policies
Every wedding venue has its own requirements, and the Lodge at Torrey Pines is no different. I’ve compiled a high-level view of those requirements below. For a detailed look at the hotel’s requirements, click here to download their brochure from the website.
Wedding Coordinator Requirement
The Lodge requires each couple to work with an outside wedding planner from the hotel-approved vendor list. While this is certainly different from other wedding venues, it’s actually a good thing, for a few reasons. Not only does it keep in line with the Lodge’s luxury level of service, but it frees up key hotel staff to do what they do best–make sure your experience is as good as it can be!
Exclusive Wedding Guarantee
One of the best things about planning a wedding at the Lodge is their guarantee that yours will be the only wedding on your particular date! This means the entire catering staff is there to help you with anything you need during your event.
Lodge at Torrey Pines Wedding Cost
With such a wide variety of ceremony and reception sites, the Lodge at Torrey Pines has a space for any type of wedding. But how much does a Lodge at Torrey Pines wedding cost? The Lodge gives couples three packages* to choose from:
- Signature Collection : Starting at $275 per person. This package features a hosted bar and a three-course plated dinner. Click here for full details.
- Reserve Collection : Starting at $325 per person. This package features a hosted bar, appetizers, wine, and a three-course plated dinner. Click here for full details.
- Palisade Collection : Starting at $400 per person. This package includes a four-course plated dinner, signature cocktail, an espresso bar, and late-night snacks. Click here for full details.
*NOTE: All collections include your ceremony at an appropriate site. Minimum guest count is 70.
How to Book Your Lodge at Torrey Pines Wedding
Booking your wedding at the Lodge at Torrey Pines is easy! Contact their wedding specialists via their web form, or call 877-777-6720.
In Conclusion
When considering luxury San Diego wedding venues, there is so much that goes into selecting the right property. The venue must not only be an amazing place on your wedding day, but also offer an amazing experience for your guests over your entire wedding weekend. The Lodge at Torrey Pines fits the bill, and then some! From a host of amazing wedding spaces to tons of pre- and post-wedding amenities for your guests, it’s no wonder the Lodge at Torrey Pines is one of the best wedding venues in San Diego!
For more info, visit www.johnschnack.com.
