Del Mar Country Club Wedding Guide
Why Del Mar Country Club is Perfect for Weddings
Nestled in Del Mar, California, Del Mar Country Club blends timeless architecture, manicured greens, and elegant interiors that make it one of the most versatile wedding venues in San Diego. For couples who value documentary, candid, and storytelling wedding photography, this setting offers a seamless balance of sophistication and ease.
On arrival, you’ll notice the calm of rolling fairways, the soft coastal breeze, and the way late-afternoon light spills across the grounds. The setting feels private and inviting, ideal for a celebration focused on authentic connection rather than rigid posing.
Every aspect of the space lends itself to creating timeless moments—whether that’s candid images requiring little to no posing, or a refined, sophisticated look for couples seeking something more polished.
Planning a Wedding at Del Mar Country Club
Best Time of Year for Photos
Del Mar pretty much has mild weather year-round, like any other part of San Diego, but spring and fall bring the most flattering light. Golden hour here creates a glow over the fairways and courtyard arches, which is actually really beautiful. Shade pockets around the hydrangeas and manicured hedges near the clubhouse give off a timeless backdrop. If your wedding falls during peak summer, confirm with the venue about shaded ceremony areas or tented options. The ceremony site is right in the middle of the back lawn with zero shade. Definitely something to be consdidered.
Pro Tip: Parasols add timeless charm and make for stunning photographs—while keeping your guests comfortable under the sun.
Photography Tips for Del Mar Country Club
Candid wedding photography truly thrives here thanks to the grand open spaces. The expansive greens invite movement and playful imagery, and I often encourage couples to take a short walk across the lawn while guests mingle at cocktail hour. These little moments naturally produce relaxed, storytelling frames without interruption.
And then you have the entrance to the club, which is filled with romance and charm, making it an ideal spot for a first look or intimate portraits. The courtyard also works beautifully for quick family groupings, keeping everyone close to the reception space so the flow of the day remains natural and seamless.
For Anna and James’ day, we chose to do their first look at the club entrance. The venue staff were incredible in orchestrating the space—ensuring the area was free of cars and thoughtfully guiding people around. It created the perfect atmosphere: elegant, intimate, and timeless.
Why I Like Photographing Del Mar Country Club Weddings?
If you know me, you know that documentary, candid, and storytelling wedding photography is what I love most. SO with that, I blend seamlessly into the flow of the day. Using both film and digital formats, I prioritize true-to-color tones and real emotions over staged moments. Del Mar Country Club complements this approach with the mix of refined backdrops and open-air settings. The venue’s mix of elegant interiors and open-air spaces makes it easy to capture multiple perspectives without feeling staged. It provides that space for an authentic connection to unfold naturally, and that’s exactly what you’re looking for in a wedding venue.
Is Del Mar Country Club the Right Venue for You?
Choosing the right wedding venue is about more than architecture or scenery—it’s about how the space supports the way you want to feel on your wedding day. Del Mar Country Club is a wonderful fit for couples who:
- Love timeless elegance with ease. You want a venue that feels refined and impressive, yet relaxed enough for guests to feel at home. Del Mar Country Club balances sophistication with a welcoming atmosphere.
- Value candid, storytelling photography. If you’re drawn to documentary wedding photography that captures laughter, movement, and emotion without constant direction, this space provides the perfect backdrop. From open fairways to intimate courtyards, you’ll have natural settings that let your day unfold authentically.
- Appreciate indoor-outdoor flow. The ability to move from ceremony to cocktail hour to reception without long transitions keeps energy high and moments uninterrupted.
- Have family and friends traveling in. Located in Del Mar, California, the venue feels private yet accessible, with beaches, hotels, and dining nearby for a seamless guest experience.
- Want photos that age beautifully. True-to-color tones, soft golden light, and textured architecture ensure your images feel timeless, whether captured on film or digital.
If these details resonate, Del Mar Country Club may be exactly the kind of setting where your story can unfold naturally and be preserved with care.
Insider Tips for Getting Married at Del Mar Country Club
- Plan for Golden Hour: The late-afternoon light across the greens is stunning for portraits. Build at least 20 minutes into your timeline for relaxed, candid couple photos during this time.
- Use the Courtyard for Flow: Hosting cocktail hour in the courtyard keeps guests close to the reception space and allows for unposed documentary-style photography.
- Bring Comfortable Shoes: The venue’s greens and pathways are easy to walk, but having a second pair of shoes makes it easier to explore the property for portraits without stress.
- Ask About Noise/Curfews: Always confirm with the venue if there are specific music or timing restrictions so you can plan your reception accordingly.
- Check Seasonal Rates: Pricing often varies depending on day of the week and season. Weekday weddings or off-season dates can sometimes be more budget-friendly.
Del Mar Country Club Wedding Cost
Couples can expect Del Mar Country Club weddings to range from $240–$500 per guest, depending on guest count and package details. That translates to roughly $24,000–$32,000 for a 100-person wedding, and up to $63,000+ for 300 guests when including catering and bar service. Site fees are typically around $5,000 for receptions and $2,000–$3,000 for ceremonies, with bar packages beginning at approximately $12 per guest.
This price often includes:
- Use of the venue space for ceremony and reception
- In-house catering and bar service
- Tables, chairs, and standard linens
- Onsite staff and coordination support
- Parking access for guests
Note: Venue fees may vary depending on the season, day of the week, and guest count. Always confirm with Del Mar Country Club directly for the most up-to-date cost details.
Del Mar Country Club Venue: At a Glance
Looking for San Diego wedding venues? Here’s what you need to know about hosting your celebration at Del Mar Country Club.
- Location: Del Mar, California
- Address: 6001 Clubhouse Drive, Rancho Santa Fe, CA 92067
- Phone: (858) 759‑5500
- Website: Del Mar Country Club
- Capacity: ~300+; Confirm with venue; typically accommodates large receptions
- Venue Spaces: Outdoor greens, Mediterranean-style clubhouse, private manicured courtyards
- In-house Catering: Yes
- Parking: On-site, confirm capacity with venue
- Accessibility: Flat pathways between the ceremony and reception spaces
Frequently Asked Questions About The Club
What is the guest capacity at Del Mar Country Club?
The venue can host large weddings, with room for approximately 300 guests for a seated reception. Always confirm the exact capacity with the venue.
Does Del Mar Country Club provide catering?
Yes. The venue offers in-house catering and bar service, which are typically included in wedding packages.
What is the average cost of a wedding at Del Mar Country Club?
Couples can expect weddings here to range from around $240–$500 per guest, depending on guest count and package details. Site fees for ceremonies and receptions may also apply. Confirm all pricing directly with the venue.
Is parking available for guests at Del Mar Country Club?
Yes. On-site parking is available for wedding guests. Be sure to confirm parking capacity and ask about valet options if needed.
Are both indoor and outdoor spaces available at Del Mar Country Club?
Yes. Couples can plan ceremonies on the outdoor greens, cocktail hours in the courtyard, and receptions in the elegant indoor spaces.
Meet Your Del Mar Country Club Wedding Photographer
If you’re planning a wedding at Del Mar Country Club and want photos that feel real, artful, and alive — blending candid, documentary, and storytelling photography — I’d love to be the one to capture it.
It’s never too early to hit the contact form and start planning how we’ll tell your story together.
OR Book a discovery call instantly!
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My photography is a blend of art, experience, and instinct—a little bit of this, a little bit of that.
For over 15 years, I’ve been immersed in the world of photography. It all started when I was 18 and stepped into a darkroom for the first time. That moment sparked a lifelong obsession with capturing the world through my lens. It eventually lead me to the fine art space, collaborating with artists, managing studios, and working alongside galleries and museums.
Through years of studying art and photography—both in undergraduate and graduate school—my aesthetic evolved under the influence of critical theory and contemporary art. I found myself drawn to the intersection of traditional documentary photography and spontaneous, unfiltered moments of real life. My goal is to create images that are raw, honest, and deeply human.
Travel plays a huge role in my creative process. I find inspiration in the unfamiliar—letting light, movement, and emotion guide my eye. Photography is my way of making sense of the world, turning fleeting moments into lasting stories. With a camera in hand, everything becomes a canvas and a chance to reveal the unexpected.
