Three Unique Wedding Venues in Southern California by San Diego Wedding Photographer, Marisa McDonald Photography

There is certainly no shortage of GORGEOUS venues in Southern California but sometimes that can be overwhelming, am I right?! Today, I’m going to share 3 of my favorite Unique Wedding Venues in Southern California! I’ll be taking you from the city to the mountains to the valley. Are you ready?!

1. Lot 8

First up is this totally unexpected gem in the heart of Mission Valley, just a few miles from downtown San Diego. With its rich wood panel walls and modern succulent walls this fun venue fills its little “lot” in the middle of San Diego with tons of charm. Add some fun touches from TBD San Diego, twinkle lights, and maybe chic traveling bar and your magical day is ready to go!

Credits for all of the loveliness I was honored to photograph at Lot 8!
Coordinator – Katie Hammond Photography(@katiehammondphotog) Designer/Rentals/Decor/Florals – TBD SanDiego (IG: @tbdsandiego) Cake – Oh So Lovely Desserts (IG: @oh.so.lovely)
Hair + Makeup – Lesli Jones (IG: @leslihopebeauty) Calligraphy/Stationery – Sam Allen Creates (IG: @samallencreates) Bridal Gowns – D’Angelo Couture (IG: dangelo_bridal)Menswear – Stitch And Tie (IG: @stitchandtie) Bride + Groom – Rachael Brown (IG: @rachael_mariephotography) and Cameron Brown (@cameronbrown81) Bridesmaid – Jody Kuni (IG: @bellajoday) Bridesmaid – Care Cowen (IG: @fenwaysrunway)

2. Sacred Mountain Retreat

Next up is this gorgeous getaway in Julian. When I first approached this gorgeous venue it just about took my breath away and I’m sure you can see why! This place is truly a retreat. It makes you slow down and appreciate all that is good in life. What better place to reflect on the days ahead with the one you love?! With several gorgeous and unique spots on the extensive property to choose from, you can’t go wrong at Sacred Mountain! Bonus: You would be totally justified in having two deserts at this venue because both wedding cake and Julian apple pie would be a must!

Credits for all of the loveliness I was honored to photograph at Sacred Mountain!
Planner and Designer – Taylor’d Southern Events (IG: @taylordsouthernevents) Venue – Sacred Mountain Julian (IG: @sacredmountainjulian) Florist – JLH Blooms (IG: @jlhblooms)
Cake – Eat Your Cake Too (IG: @eat_your_cake_too) Rentals – CC Vintage Rentals (IG: @ccvintagerentals) Hair Stylist – Jennifer with Buetowful Hair (IG: @buetowful.hair)
Makeup Artist – Nancy Lares (IG: @lipglamartistry) Calligrapher/Stationary – Feather and Figs (IG: @featherandfigs) Bridal Gown – Oleg Cassini (IG: @olegcassini) Menswear – Friar Tux (IG: @friartux)
Horses – Sacred Mountain’s Integrity Stables  Bride & Groom – Natasha Rubinstein & Jordan Vettoretti (IG: @uprouteme) Bride – Jennifer Buetow (IG: @jen.buetowful.hair) Bridesmaid – Veronika Grechman (IG: @klever)

More credits for all of the loveliness I was honored to photograph at Sacred Mountain!
Planner and Designer – Taylor’d Southern Events (IG: @taylordsouthernevents) Venue – Sacred Mountain Julian (IG: @sacredmountainjulian) Calligraphy – Bloom Stationery Co @bloomstationeryco⠀Vows – Sam Allen IG:@samallencreates  Cake – Sweet Maple Creations @sweet_maple_creations Wine – Jen Maldonado @winetastingjen⠀
Florals – Studio 2053 @studio2053_floral_eventdesign⠀
Hair + Makeup – Bridal by Haydee @bridalbyhaydee and @thebristlehair⠀Gowns – D’Angelos Couture @dangelo_bridal⠀Menswear – Stitch & Tie @stitchandtie⠀Bride & Groom – @leslihope & @poinsett78⠀Bridesmaid – Kaila Cotler @kcotler⠀Bridesmaid – Rebecca Jesslyn @rebeccajesslyn

3. Lake Oak Meadows Winery

Temecula is becoming such a hot spot for weddings and Lake Oak Meadows Winery is the perfect example of why! This place is the essence of a luxurious wedding venue! Lush, beautiful trees around every corner, flowing fountains, long cobblestone walkways, gorgeous patios for al fresco dining in wine country.  Walking around the property at times I felt like I was Savannah, Georgia while at other times I felt like I was in Italian Wine Country! Wherever I was, I loved every minute of it and I know you will too!

Planner/Stylist/Decor – Katie Hammond Photography (IG: @katiehammondphotog)
Florist – Studio 2053 Floral and Event Design (IG: @studio2053_floral_eventdesign)
Cake – Eat Your Cake Too! (IG: @eatyourcaketoo) Hair – Tessa + Amy (IG: @wonderpinstudio)
Makeup – Chelsea Caddick (IG: @chelsearosebeauty) Stationery – Madison Stationery (IG: @madisonstationery) Ceremony Canopy/Reception Table Bridge – Enticing Tables (IG: @enticingtableswelds) Bridal Gown – Essense of Australia (IG: @essenseofaustralia)
Bridal Gown – Enzoani (IG: @enzoani) Bridesmaid Gowns – Mac Duggal (@macduggal)
Bride + Groom – Brooke Parent (IG: @brookieee_231) and Jesse Ernst (@j_l.e.e_23)
Bridesmaid – Megan Caldwell (IG: @_megancaldwell_) Bridesmaid – Alexis Ruan (IG: @ms.alexisruan) Groomsman – Bryan Portillo (IG: @_bryanportillo_) Groomsman – Bobby Villegas (IG: @realitythroughart) Menswear – Stitch & Tie (IG: @stitchandtie

If you’re looking for a photographer for your big day, I’d love to plan a time for coffee so we can get to know each other! Email me and we’ll set something up ASAP! In the meantime, here are a my top 4 questions to ask a potential wedding photographer. I’ll answer all of these and more over a latte. 😉