Top 5 Wedding Planners in San Diego
-
Content Marketing Manager -
Editor & Publisher
- February 2, 2026
- 19 min read
- Events
Source: Peerspace
San Diego is affectionately known as “America’s Finest City,” and it’s easy to see why. With 70 miles of pristine coastline, a vibrant downtown district, and a near-perfect climate that boasts year-round sunshine, this Southern California gem attracts over 35 million visitors annually.
For those looking to tie the knot in this picturesque paradise, San Diego offers a diverse array of wedding venues, ranging from the historic architecture of the Gaslamp Quarter to the rugged, natural beauty of Sunset Cliffs and the manicured elegance of Balboa Park.
However, navigating the competitive market where stunning wedding venues book years in advance requires insider knowledge. You need a professional who understands the city’s unique logistics, from securing complex beach permits to navigating the traffic patterns on the I-5 during rush hour. The sheer volume of options can be overwhelming, but the right planner acts as your compass, guiding you toward the vendors and venues that align with your vision and budget.
We curated this list of the top five wedding planners in San Diego to help you find a partner who can turn your dream wedding into a reality. These professionals are designers, problem solvers, and local experts who know how to leverage the best of what San Diego has to offer.
How we curate our list
Finding a planner you can trust is arguably the most critical step in your wedding planning journey. This person will be your voice, your advocate, and your guide through months of decision-making. We look for specific, rigorous criteria to ensure every professional on our list meets a high standard of excellence.
Our selection criteria include:
- Client reviews across multiple platforms: We analyze feedback from couples on trusted review sites like The Knot, WeddingWire, Google, and social media to ensure consistent satisfaction. We look for patterns in the reviews that highlight reliability and professionalism.
- Industry recognition and awards: We look for planners who are respected by their peers and vendors. Accolades from wedding publications and active participation in the local events community are strong indicators of a planner’s standing in the industry.
- Professional credentials and associations: Active membership in industry groups, ongoing education, and verified business operations are often held by our planners. We value professionals who treat their work as a serious business and stay updated on the latest trends and regulations.
- Portfolio quality: We verify that their past work demonstrates creativity and attention to detail. We look for diverse portfolios that show an ability to adapt to different styles and venues, ensuring they can execute your specific vision.
Best wedding planners in San Diego
1. Sweet Blossom Weddings
Specialty/niche: Sweet Blossom Weddings specializes in creating romantic, seamless, and stress-free wedding experiences. They excel at comprehensive full-service planning that covers every detail from the initial concept to the final send-off. Their niche lies in blending organizational rigor with a soft, personal touch in their design work. They are particularly adept at managing large celebrations that require complex logistics while maintaining an intimate, personal feel. Their services are ideal for couples who want a cohesive, elegant event but need a professional to handle the heavy lifting of vendor coordination and timeline management.
Notable projects or signature style: The signature style of Sweet Blossom Weddings is characterized by timeless elegance and soft, romantic aesthetics. You can expect to see designs that feature lush floral arrangements, pastel color palettes, and thoughtful personalized details. Their work often highlights the natural beauty of outdoor wedding venues in San Diego, utilizing natural light and scenic backdrops to enhance the ceremony and reception. One notable aspect of their approach is the creation of cohesive environments where every element, from table linens to lighting, tells a unified story. Their portfolio showcases events that feel both grand and inviting, transforming blank spaces into warm atmospheres where guests feel truly welcomed.
Pricing: Pricing information is customized based on the specific needs of each couple. The ideal overall budget for the all-inclusive package starts at $130,000. Partial planning sits between $65,000 to $95,000 and wedding management budgets are ideally at at least $45,000.
Why we love them: We love Sweet Blossom Weddings because Melissa Reinke brings a genuine warmth to the planning process that is rare in the industry. Her team is highly praised for being incredibly organized, which allows the creative side of the wedding to flourish without logistical hiccups. They have a knack for anticipating problems before they arise, ensuring that the couple remains relaxed throughout the process. Their ability to balance professional efficiency with a friendly, personal relationship makes them a favorite among San Diego couples.
Connect with them: Follow Sweet Blossom Weddings on Instagram for a peek into their creative process and recent events.
2. JCDesigns Weddings & Events LLC
Specialty/niche: JCDesigns focuses on bringing a fresh, modern perspective to Southern California weddings. Jenna specializes in designing events that capture the quintessential SoCal vibe—relaxed yet sophisticated. The company is particularly strong in coordinating events that require a high degree of personalization and creativity. They work closely with couples who want to break away from stiff traditions and create a celebration that feels authentic and fun. Their niche includes everything from chic venues for beachfront ceremonies to edgy urban industrial venue spaces for receptions, always with a focus on creating a vibrant guest experience that encourages interaction and celebration.
Notable projects or signature style: Jenna Carino’s signature style is vibrant, contemporary, and detail-oriented. Her projects often feature bold design choices that make a statement while remaining tasteful. You will see a mix of modern trends and classic elements in her work, using color and texture to create visual interest that moves beyond standard wedding decor. A key element of her style is the focus on flow and layout, ensuring that the event feels curated and intentional. Whether it is a large gathering or a smaller, more intimate affair, the visual language of her weddings often includes clean lines, modern florals, and unique rental furniture that elevates the overall look of the venue.
Pricing: For full-service planning and design, JCDesigns recommends a budget of at least $1,000 per guest. For partial planning as well as wedding management/coordination, they recommend a budget of at least $750 per guest. Contact them for a personalized quote.
Why we love them: We love JCDesigns because Jenna Carino brings an energetic and creative spirit to wedding planning that is infectious. She is not afraid to try new things and encourages her clients to be bold with their vision. Her approach is highly collaborative, making the planning process feel like a partnership rather than a transaction. Jenna is known for her responsiveness and her ability to adapt quickly to changes, which is essential in the fast-paced San Diego event market.
Connect with them: Follow JCDesigns on Instagram for a peek into their creative process and recent events.
3. Lavish & CO.
Specialty/niche: Lavish & CO. is a premier planning firm dedicated to luxury weddings and high-end events. Christine Ong specializes in producing sophisticated, glamorous celebrations that leave a lasting impression. The company’s niche is in full-service production where design and logistics are intertwined. They cater to couples who envision a grand affair with premium vendors, intricate designs, and a high level of guest service. Their expertise extends to managing multi-day events, complex installations, and VIP guest lists, making them the go-to choice for couples who want a red-carpet experience for their wedding day.
Notable projects or signature style: The signature style of Lavish & CO. is defined by opulence and refinement. Christine Ong creates events that are visually stunning, often featuring elaborate floral installations, custom lighting design, and luxury table settings. Her work exudes a sense of grandeur and polish, with weddings that feel like editorial spreads where every detail is perfectly placed for maximum impact. Their projects often take place at San Diego’s most exclusive venues, from luxury resorts to private estate venues. Christine has a talent for transforming these spaces into otherworldly environments through a careful layering of textures, colors, and lighting to create depth and drama.
Pricing: The full-service package is 10% of your overall wedding cost with a minimum of $15,000. They also offer other packages including destination, multicultural, and intimate. Get in touch for a custom quote.
Why we love them: We love Lavish & CO. for their uncompromising commitment to quality and luxury. Christine Ong understands the nuances of high-end event production and has the vendor connections to make ambitious visions a reality. She is a master of logistics for complex, multi-day events that require precision timing and coordination. Her team is known for their professional demeanor and their ability to handle high-pressure situations with grace, providing a concierge-level service that allows clients to truly enjoy their celebration.
Connect with them: Follow Lavish & CO. on Instagram for a peek into their creative process and recent events.
4. Together Ever After Events
Company name and founder/lead planner: Together Ever After Events / Ashleigh Ha
Specialty/niche: Together Ever After Events specializes in “Day-of” and “Month-of” wedding coordination. Ashleigh Ha focuses on serving couples who have handled the bulk of the planning themselves but need a professional to execute the vision on the actual wedding day. This niche is vital for DIY-savvy couples who want to enjoy their wedding without worrying about timelines, vendor arrivals, or setup logistics. By focusing specifically on coordination, Ashleigh and her team offer a streamlined, efficient service that provides peace of mind without the price tag of full-service planning.
Notable projects or signature style: Ashleigh Ha’s style is defined by efficiency, calmness, and operational excellence. While she may not be the primary designer for every event, her signature is the flawless flow of the wedding day. Her work ensures that the couple’s design choices are implemented exactly as imagined. You will see her touch in the smooth transition between ceremony and wedding reception venues, the timely service of dinner, and the organized management of the bridal party. Her projects vary widely in aesthetic because she adapts to the unique vision of each couple, but the common thread is a stress-free atmosphere where unexpected issues are handled discreetly and professionally.
Pricing: Pricing depends on your exact needs. In general, the ideal overall budget for the “Wedding Day Coordinator” package is around $50,000 while the ideal overall budget for the “Wedding Consultant” package is $70,000. Get in touch for a custom quote.
Why we love them: We love Together Ever After Events because they provide an essential service that makes professional coordination accessible to more couples. Ashleigh Ha empowers couples to plan their own weddings while providing the safety net of a professional coordinator. She bridges the gap between DIY planning and professional execution. Ashleigh is highly regarded for her attention to detail and her ability to jump into a planning process late in the game and organize it quickly. Her clients value her ability to take the baton and run with it, allowing them to be fully present in the moment.
Connect with them: Follow Together Ever After Events on Instagram to learn more.
5. Valentina Weddings & Events
Specialty/niche: Valentina Weddings & Events specializes in destination weddings and culturally rich celebrations. Valentina focuses on creating bespoke experiences for couples who want to incorporate travel and diverse traditions into their big day. Her niche involves managing the unique logistics of destination events, whether that means bringing guests to San Diego from afar or planning a local wedding with international flair. She is an expert at navigating the complexities of multi-day itineraries, guest travel logistics, and the respectful integration of cultural rituals. This makes her an ideal choice for couples who want their wedding to be a celebration of their heritage and a vacation for their loved ones.
Notable projects or signature style: The signature style of Valentina Weddings & Events is vibrant, emotional, and culturally aware. Valentina designs weddings that celebrate heritage and love with a modern twist. Her projects often feature colorful decor, traditional customs, and menus that reflect the couple’s background. She has a talent for blending different cultural elements into a cohesive modern celebration, ensuring that the event feels unified rather than disjointed. Her work often involves complex travel logistics and guest management, creating multi-day itineraries that turn a wedding into a vacation for the guests. Visually, her weddings are characterized by a sense of adventure and joy, utilizing outdoor spaces and architectural landmarks to create a stunning setting for the festivities.
Pricing: Planning fees typically fall between $20K and $50K. Valentina shares that most weddings she works on range from $200K to $500K total investment. Get in touch for a tailored proposal and consultation.
Why we love them: We love Valentina Weddings & Events for their expertise in handling the complexities of destination and multicultural weddings. Valentina brings a global perspective to her planning, which is perfect for San Diego’s diverse population. She understands the importance of honoring family traditions while creating a fun, modern party. Her clients appreciate her ability to navigate cultural nuances and her skill in managing large groups of traveling guests, taking the stress out of destination planning.
Connect with them: Follow Valentina Weddings & Events on Instagram for a peek into their creative process and recent events.
Finding the right San Diego planner
Choosing a planner in San Diego can feel overwhelming because there are so many talented professionals in the area. However, the unique characteristics of this coastal city mean that not every planner is the right fit for every wedding. To narrow down your options effectively, you need to move beyond general questions and ask about specific scenarios that affect San Diego weddings.
1. Test their knowledge of neighborhood logistics
San Diego is a collection of distinct villages, each with its own rules, traffic patterns, and logistical quirks. Don’t just ask if they know the city; test their specific knowledge. Ask questions like:
- “How do you handle load-in for vendors in the Gaslamp Quarter on a Friday night when the streets are crowded?”
- “What are the noise restrictions for outdoor receptions in La Jolla residential areas versus a hotel venue?”
- “How does traffic on the I-5 affect guest transport between a ceremony in Balboa Park and a reception in Del Mar?”
A planner with real local experience will answer immediately and offer specific alternatives. They will know that beach traffic in summer adds significant time to travel and that certain venues have strict noise ordinances that end at 10 pm. If they give vague answers like “we’ll figure it out,” they may not have the on-the-ground experience you need to avoid wedding day stress.
2. Check how they navigate peak season conflicts
San Diego is a major tourism hub, and events like Comic-Con, Pride, and the Del Mar Horse Racing season take over the city, consuming hotel inventory and spiking prices. Ask prospective planners: “How do you handle vendor availability and guest accommodations during July or August?”
The right answer includes specific strategies, such as booking room blocks a year in advance or advising against specific weekends entirely. They should mention major events like Comic-Con by name as a logistical hurdle without you prompting them. If they don’t seem aware of how these city-wide events impact wedding logistics, they might not be proactive enough to protect your budget and your guests’ experience.
3. Verify their permit and regulation expertise
If you want a beach ceremony, this is non-negotiable. San Diego has strict rules about what can be set up on public sands. Ask: “What permits do we need for a ceremony on Sunset Cliffs or Coronado Beach?”
A knowledgeable planner will outline the requirements without hesitation. They will know that alcohol is generally prohibited on public beaches and that there are specific capacity limits for different cliffside spots. They should be able to tell you exactly how long the permit process takes and what it costs. Ask them to share a permit they’ve secured for a similar event. Their paperwork trail proves they have navigated the city’s bureaucracy successfully, ensuring your ceremony won’t be shut down by a ranger.
4. Measure budget realism for this market
San Diego is a luxury market, and the “sunshine tax” is real. Share your budget range and ask: “What is realistic for a waterfront wedding in San Diego with this budget?”
Good planners will be honest. They might tell you that a Saturday in June requires a significantly higher budget than a Friday in November. They should offer concrete examples of where you can save, such as choosing a venue in North County inland versus the coast or utilizing a non-traditional venue like a Peerspace rental. If they promise you a luxury La Jolla wedding on a shoestring budget without explaining the tradeoffs, they are setting you up for failure. You want a planner who is transparent about costs and knows how to make your money work harder in this specific market.
5. Confirm communication style fits the pace
The San Diego market moves fast. Popular venues and top-tier vendors book up quickly, often 12 to 18 months out. Ask: “What is your typical response time?” and “How do you prefer to communicate?”
Test this during your selection process. Note how quickly they respond to your initial inquiry. Some planners use online portals; others text. Neither is wrong, but you need to match their style. If you are planning a destination wedding in San Diego from out of state, you need a planner who is comfortable with video calls and digital walkthroughs to bridge the distance.
Planning a wedding in San Diego
Timing is everything when planning a wedding in San Diego. While the weather is generally perfect, there are specific patterns and local factors you must know to ensure a flawless event.
Consider weather patterns
San Diego is famous for “May Gray” and “June Gloom.” The coast is often covered in a marine layer of clouds until the afternoon during these months. If you want a sunny morning ceremony, consider an inland venue or choosing a date in late summer or early fall.
Check the National Weather Service San Diego forecast for seasonal forecasts and marine layer predictions. September and October often offer the clearest, warmest days, known locally as “locals’ summer.” Be aware of the Santa Ana winds in late autumn, which can be hot and dry, potentially affecting outdoor floral arrangements and guest comfort.
Factor in traffic and transportation
Traffic is a major factor in San Diego. The I-5 and I-805 merge is a notorious bottleneck that can delay vendors and guests. If your ceremony and reception are in different parts of the county (e.g., Downtown and North County), you must account for travel time.
Plan ahead using resources from the San Diego Metropolitan Transit System schedules or check flight logistics via the San Diego International Airport website. Friday afternoon traffic starts as early as 2:00 pm. Always pad your timeline for guest transportation to avoid empty seats at the start of your reception.
Avoid major events (unless that’s your vibe)
San Diego hosts massive events that consume hotel inventory and spike prices.
- San Diego Comic-Con (Usually mid-July)
- San Diego Pride (July)
- Del Mar Opening Day (July)
- KAABOO or major music festivals (Dates vary)
Research permits and restrictions
San Diego takes beach preservation seriously. Most beaches prohibit glass, alcohol, and open flames. You strictly cannot set up arches or chairs in certain protected areas. Always defer to a local planner who knows the specific rules for each stretch of sand to avoid fines or interruptions.
FAQs: wedding planning in San Diego
When should I hire a San Diego wedding planner?
You should hire a planner 12 to 18 months in advance. San Diego is a top destination market, and the best planners book their prime dates early. If you are planning a summer wedding, the earlier you book, the better.
How much does an event planner cost in San Diego?
Costs vary based on the level of service. Full-service planning typically runs 15-20% of your total budget. Partial planning or month-of coordination is usually a flat fee. San Diego is a higher-cost market, so expect rates to reflect the local cost of living and demand.
Do I need a planner if my venue has a coordinator?
Yes. A venue coordinator works for the venue. Their job is to protect the property and manage the food and beverage staff. An independent planner works for you. They manage your timeline, your design, your external vendors, and your personal needs.
Why hire a local San Diego planner versus bringing someone from out of town?
A local planner has established relationships with local vendors. They can get better pricing and priority booking. They know the local noise ordinances, traffic patterns, and microclimates. An out-of-town planner will not know that it might be sunny in El Cajon but foggy in La Jolla on the same day.
Great events start with standout spaces—and the people who bring them to life
A truly memorable wedding requires two things: a vision and a team to execute it. San Diego offers an incredible canvas for your celebration, from the historic Gaslamp Quarter to the sunset cliffs of the coast. The planners on this list have the expertise to take that canvas and create a masterpiece. They handle the stress so you can handle the celebration.
When you pair a top-tier planner with a unique San Diego wedding reception venue, extraordinary things happen. From oceanfront villa venues to industrial loft venues, Peerspace connects you with venues that provide the perfect backdrop for your San Diego celebration. Together with the right professional, you can build a wedding that’s authentically yours.
If you have feedback on our list, our team would love to hear from you. Reach us anytime at [email protected] with suggestions, corrections, or additions.
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