The Best Outdoor Wedding Venues in Carlsbad, CA

The Best Outdoor Wedding Venues in Carlsbad, CA

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12 Wedding Venues in Carlsbad, CA

Outdoor
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La Jolla Cove Rooftop by Wedgewood Weddings 

4.5

La Jolla, CA
  • Up to 200 guests
  • Raw space
  • Outdoor
  • Starts at $12,715
  • Offer

Say 'I do' with a stunning ocean view at La Jolla Cove Rooftop by Wedgewood Weddings. This premium location brings the breathtaking beauty of SoCal to every event with a spacious, alfresco rooftop, complete with yacht-style decking, an expansive and chic built-in bar, a sleek veranda with a bamboo accented ceiling, and extensive views of La Jolla Cove that are one of a kind. Situated at the top of the La Jolla Cove Hotel & Suites, partygoers have exclusive access to the entirety of the hotel's sixth-floor rooftop. Additional cozy lounge furniture and firepits create an inviting atmosphere where guests can enjoy the beauty of the coast all throughout the night.

Why you'll love this venue

  • Provides event staff
  • Provides catering services
  • Pets can join the celebration

Venue considerations

  • Best for events with big guest lists
  • No free parking
  • No on-site bridal suite
Casey and Wedgewood were INCREDIBLE! Casey really made magic happen. The day wouldn’t have been nearly as special without her. She went above and beyond to make sure me and all of our family were taken care of!
Chloe, a year ago
Quick responder
The Secret Garden At Rancho Santa Fe 

5.0

Rancho Santa Fe, CA
  • Up to 300 guests
  • All-inclusive
  • Indoor & outdoor
  • Starts at $10,000

A uniquely private wedding venue in quaint Rancho Santa Fe, California. The Secret Garden at Rancho Santa Fe is currently reserving into 2027 with just one wedding per day. The grounds offer a natural background of gardens and lush greenery, with the perfect balance of indoor and outdoor spaces. As a bonus, they are a short drive away from stunning California beaches and can accommodate requests for off-site ceremonies, including a beach cliff wedding ceremony.

Why you'll love this venue

  • Natural elegance with open spaces
  • Classic elegance
  • Has a dance floor to dance the night away

Venue considerations

  • Not for you if you are looking for something nontraditional
  • No on-site guest accommodations
  • Best for events with big guest lists
Awarded Best of Zola
The Secret Garden was the perfect venue for our group of 105 guests in May. It has an intimate feel, but still feels open and welcoming. The flowers were in bloom and the grass was very green. The coordination team did an amazing job accommodating all of our set-up requests and took great care of us on the day of. We are very pleased with everything and loved the preferred caterer and DJ that were part of the all-inclusive package. Overall we found this venue to be one of the more affordable options, especially given you bring in your own alcohol/drinks and can take home what’s leftover. This saved us at least 50/person. The surrounding area and city of Rancho Santa Fe are gorgeous. Parking was easy and all our guests loved the venue.
Ali D., 2 years ago
Quick responder
Wedgewood Weddings at The Headquarters 

5.0

San Diego, CA
  • Up to 280 guests
  • All-inclusive
  • Indoor & outdoor
  • Starts at $3,995

Wedgewood Weddings at The Headquarters stands in iconic Seaport Village, San Diego, just steps from the bay. Originally built in 1939 as the city's police headquarters, this historic landmark has been transformed into a luxury wedding and event venue, preserving its rich heritage. This property showcases art deco elegance with modern sophistication, featuring a dramatic cocktail lounge with a speakeasy ambiance. Inside, you'll find an impressive built-in bar with stunning tilework, plush velvet bench seating, and on-trend chandeliers. For couples seeking outdoor ceremony options, San Diego offers alternatives from the Spanish colonial elegance of Balboa Park's Administrative Courtyard to the authentic beauty of the Japanese Friendship Garden with its koi ponds and wisteria arbors. Whether you choose The Headquarters' historic indoor setting or one of these stunning outdoor locations, you'll celebrate your love story against a one-of-a-kind backdrop in San Diego's most iconic settings.

Why you'll love this venue

  • Full catering menu to choose from
  • Offers full-service amenities
  • Space for a large guest list

Venue considerations

  • Large venue, not ideal for small guest lists
  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • No on-site guest accommodations
Although our wedding hasn’t happened yet, we couldn’t wait to share how thrilled we’ve been with our experience so far with The Headquarters! From the very beginning, the team has been phenomenal, Taylor and Janae’s professionalism and communication has made the entire process smooth and stress-free thus far. A special shoutout to Taylor, who played a huge role in helping us feel confident about booking a venue still under renovation. Her years of experience with Wedgewood and new venue openings reassured us that their blueprints and mock-ups are always spot-on with the final product—and it’s easy to see that this space is going to be stunning. We were specifically looking for a venue that felt unique and special, something fresh that none of our friends or family had used before. Choosing The Headquarters was a leap of faith, but the team’s attention to detail and their ability to keep us in the loop has us beyond excited for our big day. If you’re considering booking a new venue, don’t hesitate—Taylor, Janae, and the team at The Headquarters will make the process seamless. We can’t wait to see it all come together and celebrate in this beautiful space!
Haley C., a year ago
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Weddings at The Crossings 

5.0

Carlsbad, CA
  • Up to 225 guests
  • All-inclusive
  • Indoor & outdoor
  • Starts at $5,000
  • Offer

Welcome to The Crossings at Carlsbad, a premier wedding venue. We are recognized for our gorgeous surroundings, impeccable service, seaside atmosphere and our world class cuisine. Located in the beautiful scenic coastal community of Carlsbad, California, a quaint beach town that epitomizes the charm and the beauty of Southern California. Named after a 19th Century spa in Europe, Carlsbad, boasts beautiful beaches, delightful coastal breezes and a small town charm. We'd like to think of it as Southern California’s best kept secret!

Why you'll love this venue

  • Provides catering services
  • All-inclusive venue packages
  • Offers full-service amenities

Venue considerations

  • No free parking
  • Lighting and sound are not included
  • Not wheelchair accessible
We are still glowing from our wedding day at The Crossings. It was truly one of the most beautiful, emotional, and joy-filled days of our lives, and so much of that is because of the incredible team — especially Lauren Lee. From the very first conversation, Lauren made us feel cared for in such a genuine way. She answered every little question with patience and kindness, kept us grounded when we were overwhelmed, and guided us with a warmth that made the entire process feel easy and comforting. On our wedding day, everything flowed so seamlessly that all we had to do was be present and take it all in. The venue was stunning, the food was absolutely incredible, and our guests are still talking about how wonderful everything was. Every member of the staff went above and beyond — you could feel their heart in the work they did. It made the entire experience feel even more special. We are so grateful we chose The Crossings. It became more than just a venue for us — it became a part of our story. We’ve already decided that we’ll be coming back every year for our anniversary for dinner or brunch, just to relive a little piece of the magic and say hello to the place that meant so much to us. If you’re considering The Crossings for your big day, we truly can’t imagine a more loving, thoughtful, and beautiful place to celebrate.
Kelli B., 22 days ago
The Flower Fields 

5.0

Carlsbad, CA
  • Up to 400 guests
  • Select services
  • Outdoor & indoor
  • Starts at $20,000

The Flower Fields is a barn and farm wedding venue located in Carlsbad, California. From the beautiful fields of color to the stunning views of the Pacific Ocean, The Flower Fields is a spectacular wedding venue that has hosted unforgettable events. No matter what you imagine, this event space could make the perfect backdrop for your big day. Facilities & Capacities 1) Paul Ecke Jr. Barn - This indoor/outdoor rustic space can host up to 500 and is known for being the perfect locale for country-style wedding celebrations. There are also outdoor spaces, giving guests uninterrupted views of the colorful flower fields. 2) The Pavilion - A beautiful outdoor venue that can host up to 100 of your friends and family. A perfect venue to pull up a food truck and enjoy cocktails in multiple gardens. 3) Mediterranean Garden - A quaint, stunning garden that can host up to 50 of your friends and family. This versatile space is great for small weddings, bridal showers, tea parties, etc.

Why you'll love this venue

  • Rustic charm with elegance
  • Multiple event spaces
  • Provides lighting and sound

Venue considerations

  • Venue feels large for events with small guest lists
  • Not for you if you prefer a more modern aesthetic
  • No venue-provided food services
We loved our wedding at the Flower Fields! The venue comes with a day-of coordinator who is very helpful and makes sure everything goes smoothly. We had our wedding end of June, so the flower fields flowers were not in bloom, but the grounds still had a lot of other flowers and greenery that made the setting truly lovely. Plus, the barn and stage area are decorated with string lights that look great, so you really do not need to add many decorations. We are so happy we did our wedding there!
Reid, a year ago
Quick responder
Carlsbad Windmill by Wedgewood Weddings 

5.0

Carlsbad, CA
  • Up to 300 guests
  • All-inclusive
  • Indoor & outdoor
  • Starts at $8,540
  • Offer

An Iconic Carlsbad Landmark Completely Reimagined. San Diego’s newest 5-star wedding venue. With flower fields on one side and the ocean waves on the other, The Carlsbad Windmill by Wedgewood Weddings combines a quirky Danish-style building with luxe modern amenities and a trendy locale. It's all topped off with spectacular event spaces, expert staff, raved-about service, a dressing suite fit to spoil you, and standout decor that feels both grand and grounded.

Why you'll love this venue

  • Provides lighting and sound
  • Natural elegance with open spaces
  • Bridal suite on site

Venue considerations

  • Not for you if you're looking for a sleek and contemporary space
  • Not for you if you are looking for something nontraditional
  • Not wheelchair accessible
Awarded Best of Zola
The Carlsbad Windmill is a beautiful venue and I loved having it as an all in one package. It made wedding planning so easy while still being customizable in many ways. We had an amazing day and everything went smoothly. As a bride, I did not have to worry about much. My only caution is that they can change the food options at their discretion so the food that is there when you book with them may have slight changes when you get to closer to your actual wedding date. This was not a big deal for us but they did change the filet mignon option to a sirloin. Other than that, every one we worked with there are kind and helpful. They are quick to answer any questions you have throughout the whole process. Would highly recommend for anyone looking to plan a wedding in the area. The ceremony, cocktail hour and reception are all on the same property/building which makes a very easy transition for the guests from place to place. Many beautiful options for photos on site as well along with the beach and flower fields close by.
Courtney C., a year ago
Quick responder
The Old Rancho 

5.0

Carlsbad, CA
  • Up to 175 guests
  • All-inclusive
  • Outdoor
  • Starts at $12,000

Built in the 1840's and located in the heart of Carlsbad, California, The Old Rancho is the oldest privately owned home in San Diego’s North County and has retained its country-like setting while only minutes from the freeway, downtown, and the beach. If you are looking for a one-of-a-kind setting for your wedding or special event, we invite you to join us at The Old Rancho!

Why you'll love this venue

  • Provides setup and cleanup
  • Provides a dedicated team on-site
  • Has an intimate atmosphere

Venue considerations

  • No on-premises lodging options
  • Dance floor not included
  • No built-in audiovisual options
We couldn't have asked for a more perfect wedding day! From start to finish, everything about The Old Rancho exceeded our expectations. The staff was incredibly attentive, professional, and genuinely kind, making us feel supported every step of the way. The space was so beautiful and every corner felt magical and made for unforgettable photos. Our guests were equally impressed and kept commenting on how beautiful and welcoming the venue was. We can't recommend The Old Rancho enough to anyone looking for a dreamy, seamless wedding experience!
Rebecca S., 2 months ago
Quick responder
Black Rail Kitchen + Bar 

5.0

Carlsbad, CA
  • Up to 350 guests
  • All-inclusive
  • Outdoor & indoor

Black Rail Kitchen + Bar is composed of 3 main dining spaces - our main dining room, back dining room, and spacious outdoor patio. We would love to help you explore the right setting for your next event!

Why you'll love this venue

  • Multiple event spaces
  • Has an intimate atmosphere
  • Both indoor and outdoor options

Venue considerations

  • Does not allow pets
  • Does not have a dance floor
  • Large venue, not ideal for small guest lists
Black Rail Kitchen Bar was the perfect venue for our wedding celebration. From the moment we first reached out, the staff was incredibly attentive, helpful, and provided excellent customer service. The space itself was great - roomy, clean, and with a wonderful occupancy that allowed all our guests to comfortably enjoy the evening. Our guests raved about the delicious food and drinks. The team at Black Rail truly went above and beyond to make our special day unforgettable. We couldn't have asked for a better wedding venue.
Kelsey J., 3 months ago
Quick responder
Leo Carrillo Ranch Weddings & Special Events 

5.0

Carlsbad, CA
  • Up to 220 guests
  • Outdoor
  • Starts at $12,000

Leo Carrillo Ranch Offers an All-Inclusive Package! Carlsbad, CA, is home to Leo Carrillo Ranch Weddings & Special Events, a historic wedding venue nestled on 27 acres of picturesque, lush grounds. The Package: All Pre-Event Planning & Event Coordination with an assigned LCR Team Member 1 Hour Pre-Event Meeting or Rehearsal 2 Hour Pre-Ceremony Use of Wedding Party Dressing Areas and Vendor Setup 5 Hour Use of Venue for Ceremony & Reception 1 Hour Vendor Cleanup Complimentary Parking for All Guests Day of Venue Wedding Coordinator Professional Event Staff Appetizers & Choice of Menu Fruitwood Folding Chairs 60" Round Tables and Choice of Floor Length Linens China, Silverware, Glassware, Choice of Colored Napkins Fruitwood Chargers Miscellaneous Coordinated Event Decor & Signage

Why you'll love this venue

  • Venue is completely outdoors
  • Private area for the wedding party
  • Provides a dedicated team on-site

Venue considerations

  • Does not allow pets
  • Dance floor not included
  • Not wheelchair accessible
Choosing Leo Carrillo Ranch as our wedding venue was truly one of the best decisions we made. From the very beginning, the entire process was seamless. The team was incredibly responsive, every email, question, and little detail was handled quickly and with so much care. They truly made us feel supported every step of the way. Having an all-inclusive venue took so much stress off our shoulders, specially the bride!!! Their recommended vendor list is outstanding, every vendor we worked with was professional, reliable, and high-quality. On the day of our wedding, we didn’t have to worry about a single thing. Everything ran smoothly, and we were able to be fully present and enjoy the day. The food was absolutely delicious, and our guests are still talking about it! And of course, the venue itself is simply breathtaking, the natural beauty, rustic charm, and unique character of Leo Carrillo Ranch created the most magical backdrop for our celebration. I can’t recommend this venue enough. If you’re looking for a place that is beautiful, well-organized, and run by a team that genuinely cares about your experience, Leo Carrillo Ranch is everything you could hope for and more. Gabby & Matt Callahan
Gabby C., 2 months ago
Quick responder
The Cassara Carlsbad 
Carlsbad, CA
  • Up to 100 guests
  • All-inclusive
  • Indoor & outdoor
  • Starts at $5,500

The Cassara Carlsbad is an oasis of relaxation in a SoCal setting with a taste of coastal Europe. Escape in style with beautiful coastline views of Carlsbad’s seven miles of beaches and a serene atmosphere. Live locally by unplugging and exploring things to do in Carlsbad like the Carlsbad Flower Fields, Legoland, the Carlsbad Premium Outlet Mall, San Diego, and more.

Why you'll love this venue

  • Promotes a party atmosphere
  • All-inclusive venue packages
  • Bridal suite on site

Venue considerations

  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • Does not provide event staff
  • Does not allow pets
Quick responder
Cape Rey Carlsbad Beach, a Hilton Resort and Spa 
Carlsbad, CA
  • Up to 300 guests
  • All-inclusive
  • Indoor & outdoor

An exhilarating oceanfront retreat framed by breathtaking Pacific Ocean views, Cape Rey Carlsbad Beach, a Hilton Resort & Spa is a coastal wedding destination unlike any other. Whether you envision an intimate gathering of family and friends on a terrace or want to fill an entire ballroom with everyone you know and a full band at the reception, our Carlsbad resort is your dream destination come true.

Why you'll love this venue

  • Multiple event spaces
  • Provides lighting and sound
  • Allows pets

Venue considerations

  • Not for you if you are drawn to more unconventional venues
  • Venue feels large for events with small guest lists
  • No free parking

Location flexible? Discover venues near Carlsbad, CA

About wedding venues in Carlsbad, CA

Carlsbad wedding planning gives you access to breathtaking coastal views and unique venues in a region blessed with pleasant temperatures year-round. You'll fall in love with this North County San Diego destination where Pacific Ocean panoramas meet Spanish colonial architecture and flower-filled landscapes create natural backdrops perfect for your special day.

What Makes Carlsbad Wedding Venues Stand Out?

The wedding venues throughout Carlsbad feature distinctive California coastal architecture from historic adobe ranches to charming Danish-style windmills. The Flower Fields offers an incredible 50 acres of ranunculus blooms from March through May creating a natural kaleidoscope of color for spring ceremonies. You'll appreciate venues like Leo Carrillo Ranch with its authentic Spanish-style grounds and preserved historic elements dating back to the 1930s that add character and depth to your wedding photos.

How Much Should You Budget for a Carlsbad Wedding?

Wedding venues in Carlsbad cost around $11,092 on average which typically represents about 18% of your total wedding budget. This aligns nicely with the national benchmark range of $6,500 to $12,000. Your total wedding budget will vary based on guest count:

  • 50 guests: $27,226
  • 100 guests: $45,416
  • 150 guests: $62,511
  • 200 guests: $77,781
  • 250 guests: $93,050
  • 300 guests: $108,320

Which Accessible Wedding Venues Can You Find in Carlsbad?

Leo Carrillo Ranch spans a generous 27 acres and is fully handicap accessible with A/V equipment and preparation areas ready for your ceremony and reception. The Griffith House offers wheelchair-accessible pathways throughout its beautiful Spanish-style grounds with private ceremony lawns you'll love. You'll find The Chandelier Room Carlsbad provides an inclusive setting with wheelchair accessibility and flexible hours to accommodate your schedule. Carlsbad Windmill by Wedgewood Weddings showcases charming Danish-style design with wheelchair accessibility to both ceremony and reception areas ensuring all your guests can celebrate comfortably.

What Additional Costs Should You Plan For?

Beyond the venue itself your wedding budget includes several essential services:

ServiceAverage CostPercentage of Total (150 guests)
Catering$8,87314%
Bar Services$7,09911%
Florists$8,13413%
Photographers$4,9548%
Videographers$4,4817%
Planners$5,0288%
Hair & Makeup$6241%
Bands and DJs$1,7683%
Cakes and Desserts$8501%

When Is the Best Time to Book a Carlsbad Venue?

Couples typically secure their Carlsbad venues about 16 months before their wedding date. October emerges as the peak month for venue inquiries so you might want to plan accordingly if you're considering popular locations during wedding season.

Where Can You Find Outstanding Culinary Experiences in Carlsbad?

The Crossings at Carlsbad delivers exceptional service and high-quality catering alongside stunning ocean views and elegant outdoor spaces perfect for your celebration. You'll appreciate how Park Hyatt Aviara Resort collaborates with expert culinary teams to provide gourmet food offerings that impress even the most discerning guests. The Westin Carlsbad Resort and Spa combines sophisticated dining with a breathtaking seaside ambiance your guests will remember. If you're looking for something more intimate The Old Rancho allows for fully customizable catering options with local gourmet chefs in a charming country-like environment.

How Can Remote Guests Participate in Your Carlsbad Wedding?

Most Carlsbad venues focus on traditional event hosting without built-in advanced virtual features but you can easily work with tech vendors who bring audiovisual and interactive streaming solutions to your chosen venue. For a more immersive remote experience consider combining a beautiful Carlsbad ceremony with reception venues in nearby San Diego that offer advanced technological capabilities allowing distant loved ones to share in your special day.

Carlsbad wedding planning gives you access to breathtaking coastal views and unique venues in a region blessed with pleasant temperatures year-round. You'll fall in love with this North County San Diego destination where Pacific Ocean panoramas meet Spanish colonial architecture and flower-filled landscapes create natural backdrops perfect for your special day.

What Makes Carlsbad Wedding Venues Stand Out?

The wedding venues throughout Carlsbad feature distinctive California coastal architecture from historic adobe ranches to charming Danish-style windmills. The Flower Fields offers an incredible 50 acres of ranunculus blooms from March through May creating a natural kaleidoscope of color for spring ceremonies. You'll appreciate venues like Leo Carrillo Ranch with its authentic Spanish-style grounds and preserved historic elements dating back to the 1930s that add character and depth to your wedding photos.

How Much Should You Budget for a Carlsbad Wedding?

Wedding venues in Carlsbad cost around $11,092 on average which typically represents about 18% of your total wedding budget. This aligns nicely with the national benchmark range of $6,500 to $12,000. Your total wedding budget will vary based on guest count:

  • 50 guests: $27,226
  • 100 guests: $45,416
  • 150 guests: $62,511
  • 200 guests: $77,781
  • 250 guests: $93,050
  • 300 guests: $108,320

Which Accessible Wedding Venues Can You Find in Carlsbad?

Leo Carrillo Ranch spans a generous 27 acres and is fully handicap accessible with A/V equipment and preparation areas ready for your ceremony and reception. The Griffith House offers wheelchair-accessible pathways throughout its beautiful Spanish-style grounds with private ceremony lawns you'll love. You'll find The Chandelier Room Carlsbad provides an inclusive setting with wheelchair accessibility and flexible hours to accommodate your schedule. Carlsbad Windmill by Wedgewood Weddings showcases charming Danish-style design with wheelchair accessibility to both ceremony and reception areas ensuring all your guests can celebrate comfortably.

What Additional Costs Should You Plan For?

Beyond the venue itself your wedding budget includes several essential services:

ServiceAverage CostPercentage of Total (150 guests)
Catering$8,87314%
Bar Services$7,09911%
Florists$8,13413%
Photographers$4,9548%
Videographers$4,4817%
Planners$5,0288%
Hair & Makeup$6241%
Bands and DJs$1,7683%
Cakes and Desserts$8501%

When Is the Best Time to Book a Carlsbad Venue?

Couples typically secure their Carlsbad venues about 16 months before their wedding date. October emerges as the peak month for venue inquiries so you might want to plan accordingly if you're considering popular locations during wedding season.

Where Can You Find Outstanding Culinary Experiences in Carlsbad?

The Crossings at Carlsbad delivers exceptional service and high-quality catering alongside stunning ocean views and elegant outdoor spaces perfect for your celebration. You'll appreciate how Park Hyatt Aviara Resort collaborates with expert culinary teams to provide gourmet food offerings that impress even the most discerning guests. The Westin Carlsbad Resort and Spa combines sophisticated dining with a breathtaking seaside ambiance your guests will remember. If you're looking for something more intimate The Old Rancho allows for fully customizable catering options with local gourmet chefs in a charming country-like environment.

How Can Remote Guests Participate in Your Carlsbad Wedding?

Most Carlsbad venues focus on traditional event hosting without built-in advanced virtual features but you can easily work with tech vendors who bring audiovisual and interactive streaming solutions to your chosen venue. For a more immersive remote experience consider combining a beautiful Carlsbad ceremony with reception venues in nearby San Diego that offer advanced technological capabilities allowing distant loved ones to share in your special day.

What types of wedding venues are in Carlsbad, CA?

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