California has no shortage of beautiful and unique destinations for couples planning a wedding in the Golden State. For a wedding experience that is truly unique and ripe with coastal glamour, Hotel del Coronado is in a league of its own. Hotel del Coronado is less like a single wedding venue, and more like an entire world that couples and their guests may explore and enjoy together for an epic California wedding weekend. Christina Canalez, Director of Catering at Hotel del Coronado, shares more about what makes the property such a special wedding destination.
GO: How would you describe the architectural style of your property?
A: Hotel del Coronado offers five distinct neighborhood experiences, including Shore House at The Del – the hotel’s new residential-style villas – which complement the luxurious Beach Village; The Cabanas, where refined coastal design complements the newly refreshed pool, serving as the social center of the hotel; The Victorian neighborhood, where guests find stunning Victorian architecture and experiences to match; and The Views, the hotel’s home-base for coastal adventure experiences and activities.
GO: What was the inspiration behind the design of your interiors and guest rooms?
A: Blending the magic and nostalgia of the property’s storied past seamlessly with contemporary luxury in overnight and day experiences that offer every amenity imaginable.
GO: When is your busiest time of year, and how far in advance should couples book if they hope to secure a date during those months?
A: The Del is a year-round resort which does not really have an off season. There is no doubt that we are most popular during the Spring - Fall months, when everyone wants to celebrate on the beach. San Diego has the most amazing weather year-round, so we are seeing an increase in interest to celebrate by the beach during the holiday season, when family and friends are able to gather and take in the joy of the season.
GO: Is there a type of wedding that fits best with your venue? (i.e. Traditional, glamorous, bohemian, rustic, etc.)
A: The Del exudes relaxed elegance and glamour. Our couples want to incorporate the beach into their wedding festivities, and most accomplish this by selecting an outdoor ceremony and cocktail reception location with a transition into a beautifully appointed ballroom for dinner and dancing. We also offer weddings completely hosted on the beach for a coastal vibe or a more Bohemian setting where flip flops are the foot wear of choice. One special feature we can recommend is a fireworks show to celebrate our couples when they are hosting an event in one of our outdoor venues.
GO: In what type(s) of cuisine does your culinary team specialize?
A: The Del has an illustrious and renowned culinary team that focuses on the bounty of land and sea in sunny San Diego with a bit of Baja flair. Our culinary team makes frequent trips to the delectable Farmer’s Markets in San Diego and draws inspiration from their travels.
GO: What facilities, restaurants, or catering options do you have available for wedding week events like welcome dinners or post-wedding farewell brunches?
A: The Del has a number of wonderful locations throughout the resort for welcome receptions, rehearsal dinners, post wedding brunches that are not in our restaurants. Depending upon size of the events, we are always happy to make recommendations in our serene and beautiful garden, a beach clambake on the beach, a welcome reception under our historic Norfolk Pine trees which dance with light from beautiful lanterns, or a reception with a view on Vista Terrace. In addition, our group dining manager has several dining options for groups 50 and under on the Sundeck, in Sheerwater and Serea.
GO: What are some nearby attractions that guests can visit?
A: From world-famous zoos and theme parks to downtown nightlight, the dynamic microbrew beer community, a vibrant arts and culture scene, plus golf, hiking, and water sports – there is so much to explore in San Diego and Coronado. There is an experience for every type of vacation preference, whether relaxed or adventurous.
GO: How many days do couples and their guests typically spend at your property during the California wedding celebrations?
A: Our wedding couples are spending several days celebrating and enjoying their family and friends and have found that the Del offers them many unique opportunities to create extraordinary experiences on the beach, on an outdoor lawn facing the Pacific Ocean and in unique and unexpected venues such as our Power Plant, the Ice House Museum and Windsor Complex.
GO: Do you have any date night suggestions for couples who extend their stay after a wedding, or return for an anniversary celebration?
A: A curated picnic; a haunted tour followed by a romantic dinner by the sea at Serea or Sheerwater; a photo shoot on the beach, a day spent in the spa being fully pampered, a charter boat trip in the bay, or a gondola boat trip.
GO: What are some popular day trips or activities couples can incorporate into a multi-day wedding itinerary?
A: Balboa Park (museums), Sea World, Birch Aquarium, La Jolla (shopping and dining), Outlet Shopping at Las Americas Premium Outlets and Carlsbad Premium Outlets, microbrewery tours, theater/concerts at the La Jolla Playhouse, Rady Shell at Jacobs Park, The California Center for the Arts, Escondido, plus the San Diego Zoo and Safari Parks an abundance of golf, outdoor, and water sports options.
GO: Does Hotel del Coronado have any special or regularly scheduled events for locals or those passing through the area to check out?
A: Movies on the beach, s’mores making on the beach, a museum and regular tours of the historic property, holiday programming including pumpkin carving, gingerbread house decorating, dynamic holiday light show and an ice-skating rink.
GO: Have you recently celebrated any milestones or significant happenings at the Del?
A: Hotel del Coronado recently completed a $400 million dollar “Master Plan” reimagination, including the opening of Shore House and the Southpointe Events Center.
Visit hoteldel.com for more information.