Getting Married at Tom Ham’s Lighthouse in San Diego
Why Couples Love Tom Ham’s Lighthouse
Tom Ham’s Lighthouse is one of San Diego’s most iconic waterfront wedding venues. With panoramic views of the bay, downtown skyline, and Coronado bridge, this venue offers couples a mix of elegant SoCal charm and timeless coastal vibes — without the fuss of a traditional ballroom.
Whether you’re planning a classic wedding or something a little more modern and playful, this spot offers a stunning backdrop for real, meaningful moments (and gorgeous, natural light for photos all day long).
A Real Wedding at Tom Ham’s Lighthouse: Tamara & Rob
Tamara and Rob’s day was breezy, sun-soaked, and full of genuine emotion. Their ceremony overlooked the harbor, framed by light clouds and golden hour sun. The reception inside was filled with laughter, clinking glasses, and dancing as the downtown lights came up outside the windows.
This was a couple that prioritized ease and connection over perfection — and the venue’s flow made that totally possible. We took our time with portraits, used the views as a natural backdrop, and captured quiet moments throughout the day.
History of Tom Ham’s Lighthouse
Built in 1971, Tom Ham’s Lighthouse is not just a venue — it’s a historic San Diego landmark. Designed to resemble a working lighthouse, the building is perched on the edge of Harbor Island and has long been known as one of the city’s best dining destinations for seafood and skyline views.
Fun fact: It’s still a functioning restaurant! On non-wedding days, locals and visitors gather for oysters, cocktails, and sunset views on the deck.
What Wedding Styles Work Best Here?
Tom Ham’s Lighthouse is versatile, but it especially suits couples who want:
- Coastal elegance without pretense
- Relaxed, all-in-one venue flow
- Indoor-outdoor access with water views
- Sunset ceremonies + natural light receptions
- Minimal décor needs — the view is the wow
It’s a great fit for documentary-style photography because the space allows moments to unfold naturally — no forced backdrops or awkward transitions.
Wedding Packages + Pricing Breakdown (As of 2025)
Tom Ham’s offers wedding packages through Cohn Restaurant Group, and pricing may vary slightly depending on the day of the week and time of year.
Here’s a general breakdown of what to expect:
| Package Type | Starting Price (approx.) |
|---|---|
| Saturday Evening (Peak) | $140–$175 per person |
| Weekday or Off-Peak | $115–$135 per person |
| Minimum Guest Count | 50–100 (varies by space) |
| Ceremony Fee (add-on) | $1,000–$1,500 |
| Indoor Reception Capacity | Up to 230 guests |
| Outdoor Ceremony Capacity | Up to 200 guests |
What’s Included:
- Ceremony setup with white garden chairs
- Reception tables, chairs, linens, tableware
- Full catering + open bar packages
- On-site coordination team
- Free on-site parking
- Stunning views of downtown + the bay
✅ Bonus tip: They offer sunset time slots for ceremonies — book early to lock in golden hour.
Best Locations for Wedding Photos at Tom Ham’s Lighthouse
There are several beautiful photo spots built right into the venue:
1. The Ceremony Lawn
Framed by palm trees with the Coronado Bridge and skyline in the background — perfect for golden hour shots post-ceremony.
2. The Marina Pathways
Just steps from the venue, the marina paths offer quiet, reflective waterfront scenes with sailboats and open skies.
3. The Indoor Spaces
Floor-to-ceiling windows in the reception space create incredible silhouette moments as the light changes.
4. The Deck + Lighthouse Tower
An iconic and photogenic feature! The lighthouse-inspired tower adds a unique, coastal architectural element.
View the Full Gallery from Tamara & Rob’s Day
Here’s a peek into what a real wedding day at Tom Ham’s Lighthouse looks like — candid, connected, and true to the vibe of the couple.
🖼️ → Inquire Here To View A Full Gallery
Let’s Document Your Waterfront Wedding in a Way That Feels Like You
If you’re planning your day at Tom Ham’s — or still exploring the right venue — I’d love to help you capture it in a way that feels easy, intentional, and completely authentic.
→ Reach out to learn more or start planning
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 every frame is a chance to reveal beauty in the unexpected.
