Sunset Cliffs Wedding Guide

Sunset Cliffs Wedding Guide

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Your relationship is unique, and your wedding day should reflect that! If you’re looking for something a bit unconventional—something beyond the typical venue—how about exchanging vows on a cliffside overlooking the ocean? With breathtaking ocean views, striking cliff formations, and some of San Diego’s most stunning sunsets, a Sunset Cliffs wedding offers the perfect setting to kickstart your marriage.

What you’ll find in this Sunset Cliffs Wedding Guide:

• Why Sunset Cliffs for Your Wedding
  1. Stunning Scenery
  2. Warm Weather
  3. Retro Vibes
• The Best Time for Your Sunset Cliffs Wedding
  1. Winter
  2. Spring
  3. Summer
  4. Fall
• Best Sunset Cliffs Wedding Venues
  1. Sunset Cliffs Wedding Venues
  2. Other Sunset Cliffs Ceremony Locations
  3. Sunset Cliffs Wedding Reception Venues
  4. Places for Wedding Photos at Sunset Cliffs
     1. The Arch
     2. Sunset Cliffs Sea Cave
     3. Secret Wild & Free Spots
• The Legal Stuff
  1. Sunset Cliffs Wedding Permit
  2. Sunset Cliffs Marriage Licenses
  3. Sunset Cliffs Wedding Officiant
     1. What is a Signature Wild & Free Ceremony?
• Why Have a Wild & Free Micro Wedding?
  1. Cozy Vibes & Heartfelt Moments
  2. Alternative & Creative
  3. An Unforgettable Experience For Everyone
• Sunset Cliffs Wedding Photos + Inspiration
  1. Sunset Cliffs Wedding Photos From Other W&F Couples
  2. Pinterest Boards to Easily Pin Wedding Photos
  3. Ideas for Your Wild & Free Wedding
• Sunset Cliffs Wedding Packages – Are You Ready to Wed Wild & Free?

Why Sunset Cliffs for Your Wedding

Still not sure about saying “I do” at Sunset Cliffs? Let me help change your mind! Here are a few of my favorite reasons why this coastal location makes for the perfect wedding destination.

Stunning Scenery

Naturally, the top reason to choose Sunset Cliffs for your wedding is the breathtaking scenery! The dramatic coastline provides a stunning backdrop for any wedding, and there’s nothing more serene than marrying your soulmate, then ending the day gazing out at the vast ocean.

Warm Weather

If you’re not a San Diego local, you probably know it as the place with endless sunshine and perfect weather—and honestly, you’re not wrong! One of the best things about a Sunset Cliffs wedding is that no matter when you choose to tie the knot, the weather will likely be just right. Compared to much of the U.S., it’s the perfect destination, especially if you’re planning a winter wedding and want to escape the cold.

Retro Vibes

With that quintessential Southern California feel, San Diego is the dream wedding destination for beach babes and free spirits. Whether you’re looking for retro vibes or boho aesthetics, you can find it here! 

The Best Time for Your Sunset Cliffs Wedding

There’s never a bad time for a wedding at Sunset Cliffs, as San Diego’s temperatures rarely dip below 60 degrees! However, if you’re looking for the ideal time to plan your big day, here’s the inside scoop on the best season to tie the knot.

Winter

Winter offers the most stunning sunsets of the year, along with fewer tourists, making it a good time for your Sunset Cliffs wedding. Expect temperatures in the 60s, with occasional days reaching the 70s. It’s a good idea to bring light layers to stay comfortable as coastal winds pick up and the evening cools down. While there may be a few rainy days each month, the risk is relatively low, and Sunset Cliffs remains one of the most temperate and reliable spots in the county for a winter wedding.

Spring

Spring is a fantastic time for a Sunset Cliffs wedding, as the weather warms up and the cliffsides come alive with lush green succulents and colorful wildflowers. San Diego experiences what locals call “May Gray,” a marine layer that brings cloudy skies to the coast during this time of year. The moody atmosphere can actually add a stunning touch to your wedding photos, and on occasion it clears just in time for sunset! “May Gray” transitions into “June Gloom,” which typically lifts by mid to late June, giving way to sunnier skies. 

• Sophie + Eric’s Spring Day Full of Wildflowers

Summer

Summer is the peak season at Sunset Cliffs, so if you’re planning an intimate wedding, it’s crucial to choose a weekday and plan ahead to avoid the crowds! The weather is warmest during this time, but the coastal breeze helps keep things comfortable.

Fall

Fall is the ideal time for a Sunset Cliffs wedding, with fewer crowds than summer and warmer temperatures than spring. As spring fades, the cliffs take on warm, neutral earth tones, creating a beautiful fall vibe that perfectly complements the season. Plus, if you’re a foodie, this season coincides with San Diego’s Restaurant Week, offering plenty of delicious dining options and culinary events to enjoy during your stay!

• Belinda + Luke’s Adventurous Fall Day

Best Sunset Cliffs Wedding Venues

Sunset Cliffs Wedding Venues

There are 3 venues in Sunset Cliffs where you can be permitted to have a wedding ceremony. Osprey Point, Luscomb Point, and Ladera Street are your options, which are great for weddings because they’re flat, easy to access, and have plenty of room for chairs, arches, and your guests! 

Osprey Point Sunset Cliffs Wedding:

Sunset Cliffs Luscomb’s Point Wedding:

Sunset Cliffs Ladera Street Wedding:

A few notes about the Sunset Cliffs wedding venues:

• You are allowed up to 50 people in your group (keep in mind, you and your vendors count toward that headcount limit with the park).
• You can find free parking on the street or in the small lots located throughout the park.
• This is a public park so you cannot ask other park-goers to leave (see our W&F Tip below!)
• Two of the three Sunset Cliffs wedding venues have flat enough terrain to accommodate wheelchairs.
• Be aware that there are no permanent restroom facilities—only portable toilets near one of the venues.

Want to know which of these 3 spots is the best for your Sunset Cliffs wedding? Our Location Lookbook, available to W&F couples, has detailed descriptions and photos!

Other Sunset Cliffs Ceremony Locations

If you’re planning a casual micro wedding, there may be a few other options for your ceremony location! We’ve discovered alternative spots that are ideal for intimate standing ceremonies with small groups of ~10 or less.

These locations offer a sense of privacy, as they are more secluded and less accessible. If you’re open to a little adventure and don’t mind skipping chairs and decorations, our Secret Wild & Free Spots could be the perfect Sunset Cliffs Wedding venue for you!

Sunset Cliffs Wedding Reception Venues

While the park doesn’t permit wedding receptions at Sunset Cliffs, the celebration doesn’t have to end after your ceremony!

One of the closest reception venues is The Inn at Sunset Cliffs, offering stunning ocean views and just a short walk from one of the wedding ceremony venues in Sunset Cliffs Natural Park. Other nearby reception venues include: The Thursday Club, The Pearl Hotel, and many more!

If planning a full wedding reception at a venue isn’t your cup of tea, opt for a more laid-back atmosphere. Consider hosting a small reception at a nearby restaurant, like Old Venice Restaurant, or in the cozy backyard of a rental home.

If you’re aiming for a more scenic vibe for your first dance or other special moments, Sunset Cliffs itself can still be the perfect backdrop. While food and reception setups aren’t allowed in the park, there are no rules against dancing!

Here are some examples of a first dance and toast following a Sunset Cliffs wedding ceremony:

Places for Wedding Photos at Sunset Cliffs

After your Sunset Cliffs wedding ceremony, we can head off and explore! With your ceremony permit, we are allowed to roam anywhere in the park for photos. Here are a few of our faves!

Side note: If you are coming to Sunset Cliffs for wedding photos or engagement photos only, you don’t need a permit!

The Arch

One of the most iconic wedding photo spots of Sunset Cliffs Natural Park is The Arch – a stunning natural rock bridge that stretches over the ocean. You can walk across the arch, and during low tide, you’ll be able to glimpse the sea caves carved into the rock below, creating a truly breathtaking view.

Sunset Cliffs Sea Cave

To reach the sea cave, you’ll need to enter at Luscombs Point – but make sure to time your visit with a negative tide, unless you’re up for a swim! Once you descend the rocky path, you’ll step into a cave right by the ocean, featuring a natural sunroof that lets in light, creating a stunning atmosphere. It’s a perfect spot for unforgettable Sunset Cliffs wedding photos and a truly unique experience.

Secret Wild & Free Spots

We’ve discovered a few hidden gems at Sunset Cliffs that are ideal for wedding photos, offering a peaceful escape from the crowds and a chance to explore! And the best part? We’re happy to share them with you!

All of our W&F couples receive our exclusive Location Lookbook, a guide that highlights our favorite spots, ensuring you’ll easily find the perfect backdrop for your wedding photos.

The Legal Stuff

Planning a Sunset Cliffs wedding involves a few logistics, along with some legal steps to make sure you’re officially married!

Sunset Cliffs Wedding Permit

To take advantage of a Sunset Cliffs wedding venue, you will need a wedding permit! The permit application can be found here, and costs around $200 – this money goes to keeping the park beautiful for visitors and couples like you!

Keep in mind that this isn’t a private venue, so while getting a Sunset Cliffs wedding permit guarantees that you’ll be the only couple tying the knot at that location (and that you won’t be kicked out by park rangers), it doesn’t mean there won’t be other visitors and park goers.  

If you are visiting the park just for your engagement or wedding photos (with no ceremony), you do not need a permit and there are no limitations on where you can go in the park.

Sunset Cliffs Marriage Licenses

To get married anywhere in California, you’ll need a California marriage license! You can obtain one at any County Clerk’s office in the state, but both of you must appear in person with a photo ID. If you’re traveling from out of state, the closest office to Sunset Cliffs is in Downtown San Diego, and you can schedule an appointment and apply online ahead of time. 

California has no waiting period, so you can tie the knot as soon as you get your marriage license! Just keep in mind that it expires after 90 days, so your ceremony must take place within that window.

Sunset Cliffs Wedding Officiant

To officially wed, you need an ordained officiant to sign your marriage license– but you have a few options to accomplish this:

✦ Hire a Professional Officiant: For those who envision a traditional officiant to perform your ceremony — we have Vendor Lookbooks with a list of professional officiants you can hire.

✦ Have Friend or Family Member Officiate: Looking for a personalized ceremony crafted by someone who knows you best? Choose a family member for a ceremony full of funny anecdotes and heartfelt congratulations. If your friend or family member isn’t ordained, don’t worry, we can sign the marriage license for you!

✦ Have a Signature Wild & Free Ceremony: For extra small groups, consider this casual & unconventional twist on a wedding ceremony — lead your own ceremony! The Signature Wild & Free Ceremony offers couples the ability to design their own ceremony and perform it themselves, ensuring privacy and a close-knit feel. We’ll step in for the legal bit and sign your marriage license!

What is a Signature Wild & Free Ceremony?

We’re so glad you asked! The Signature Wild & Free Ceremony is one in which the couple designs and executes their own ceremony with minimal interference from their dual photographer-officiant. Here’s what that looks like for your elopement:

Sounds pretty rad, right?! Nearly half of our W&F couples choose this style of ceremony and love it!

Why Have a Wild & Free Micro Wedding?

Cozy Vibes & Heartfelt Moments

Alternative & Creative

An Unforgettable Experience For Everyone

Sunset Cliffs Wedding Photos + Inspiration

Feeling the Wild & Free vibe? If so, you’re probably craving some inspiration from past W&F couples and eager to see example Sunset Cliffs wedding photos to help bring your vision to life!

Sunset Cliffs Wedding Photos From Other W&F Couples

Pinterest Boards to Easily Pin Wedding Photos

If you love Pinterest for wedding photo inspo and you’re planning a Sunset Cliffs wedding, you gotta check out our boards and follow for more:

• Sunset Cliffs Wedding Photos Pinterest Board — to easily pin your favorites!
• Wedding Photos in San Diego Pinterest Board — for more location inspiration to pair with Sunset Cliffs!
• Follow all of our boards — for extra tips and inspo!

Ideas for Your Wild & Free Wedding

Looking to have the best day ever? Want to enhance your experience with creativity and off-beat vibes? Check out these blog posts for all the deets:

Sunset Cliffs Wedding Packages – Are You Ready to Wed Wild & Free?

Having an alternative micro wedding means you get to decide what matters to you – and if throwing a big party doesn’t give you butterflies, let’s toss out the old blueprint of what a wedding is supposed to look like! Let’s plan a day so carefree and full of adventures, laughter, and love, that you can’t help but remember this as the best day of your life.

Sunset Cliffs Wedding Packages Include:

• Photography coverage
  • Options from 1 hour to 2 days of photography coverage with Joni, who has over 15 years of experience 
  • Photographer’s travel covered to your destination
  • A fun photo experience where you’ll feel comfortable in front of the camera in no time and have all of your special moments captured
• Location Lookbooks to show you ceremony and portrait spots for the dreamiest photos   
• Creative timeline design to make everything flow perfectly on your day
• Exclusive planning tools to help you design the best day
  • Our helpful magazine + a self-paced planning checklist to guide you through designing your micro wedding from start to finish 
  • Questionnaires for us to get to know you and your unique vision    
  • Vendor Lookbooks to build your dream team 
  • Alternative reception ideas for those looking to celebrate out-of-the-box  
  • Sustainability and Leave No Trace education for a wedding day you can feel good about 
• Officiant signature for self-uniting ceremonies
• Amazing photos + free downloads
  • 3-5 sneak peek images within one week of your day so you can share your gorgeous portraits with friends and family right away 
  • Your full story in hundreds of edited digital images delivered within two months to relive the entire adventure over and over again 
  • Your own personal gallery to share your images with family and friends 
  • Free high-resolution digital downloads for everyone (no paying per photo or per download!) 
  • Printing rights to all photos 
  • Access to professional quality prints, wall art, magazines, and albums conveniently available for purchase a la carte right inside your gallery

Read more about our pricing and Wild & Free wedding packages here!