Planning your San Diego wedding? You'll find venue costs typically range from $10,500 to $12,400, right in line with what couples spend nationwide. Your venue will usually take up about 24% of your total budget. For a wedding with 150 guests, here's what you can expect to invest in key vendors:

• Venue: $11,498 (24% of total budget)
• Catering: $9,199 (20% of total budget)
• Florals: $8,432 (18% of total budget)
• Bar Services: $7,359 (16% of total budget)
• Photography: $5,136 (11% of total budget)
• Planning Services: $5,213 (11% of total budget)
• Videography: $4,645 (10% of total budget)
• Entertainment: $1,833 (4% of total budget)
• Cakes & Desserts: $882 (2% of total budget)
• Hair & Makeup: $647 (1% of total budget)

October's your peak time for wedding planning in San Diego, with venues needing the longest lead time at 13 months before your big day. Most other vendors need about 7-9 months notice - your caterer florist photographer and planner need 9 months while videographers and entertainment pros ask for 8 months. Hair makeup and dessert vendors can typically accommodate shorter timelines of around 7 months.

You'll fall in love with venues like The Secret Garden at Rancho Santa Fe where tiered gardens come alive with built-in lighting and sound. Over at La Jolla Cove Rooftop you can enjoy ocean views protected by smart retractable coverings while Maderas Golf Club offers you stunning mountain vistas from multiple ceremony sites each backed up by elegant indoor spaces.

Your total wedding investment in San Diego grows naturally with your guest list. A cozy celebration with 50 guests runs about $28,212 while 100 guests brings it to $47,058. Hosting 150 guests? Plan for $64,769. Larger gatherings scale up accordingly - 200 guests at $80,587 250 at $96,406 and 300 guests reaching $112,224.

Imagine exchanging vows under the ornate Spanish Colonial architecture of The Prado at Balboa Park with its hand-painted ceilings and detailed tilework. Paradise Point brings your beach wedding dreams to life with private ceremonies on the sand and fire pit receptions. The Japanese Friendship Garden offers authentic tea ceremonies and serene photo spots while Balboa Park's historic venues showcase incredible architectural heritage.

You'll never worry about weather at Botanica's climate-controlled greenhouses offering year-round botanical beauty. The Grand Tradition Estate & Gardens gives you multiple ceremony options adaptable to any season including covered pavilions for unexpected changes. The Westgate Hotel welcomes natural light through floor-to-ceiling windows while providing sophisticated indoor alternatives.

Let The Prado at Balboa Park's hand-carved wooden doors and vintage tiles reduce your décor needs. At Tom Ham's Lighthouse your photos capture natural drama with harbor views and passing sailboats. VASA San Diego's industrial charm shines through specialized lighting systems and exposed brick creating stunning backdrops without extra effort.

Your guests will love The Westgate Hotel's luxury rooms with dedicated wedding blocks while Paradise Point offers resort living with downtown water taxi access. VASA San Diego connects you with nearby boutique hotels for guest packages and Tom Ham's Lighthouse can arrange harbor cruises for unique transportation adding an extra touch of San Diego charm to your celebration.