Wedding Frequently Asked Questions
Planning a wedding comes with lots of thoughtful details, and our friendly team is available to help guide you. Below you will find helpful answers to common planning questions, covering everything from vendors and menus to parking, timing, and guest experience. For additional questions, please reach out to our team at Bahia Resort Hotel.
Our comprehensive wedding packages are designed to provide a seamless, all-inclusive experience. While packages are customizable to each couple, a standard wedding generally includes the following timeline and amenities:
Typical Event Timeline (5.5–6 Hours Total):
Ceremony: 30–60 minutes
Cocktail Hour: 1 hour
Reception: 4 hours
Catering & Amenities:
Food & Beverage: One-hour hosted bar (cocktail hour), tray-passed hors d’oeuvres, three-course dinner (plated, buffet, or stations), champagne toast, wine service with dinner, and wedding cake (including cutting fee).
Rentals & Decor: Tables, Chiavari chairs, house linens, and a dance floor. Accommodations: A complimentary hotel suite for the newlyweds on the wedding night.
Note: Inclusions may vary based on the specific package selected. Please contact our catering team for current pricing and customization options.
We offer two premier outdoor locations for wedding ceremonies:
Bay Beach: A secluded, sandy beach venue on Mission Bay with a maximum capacity of 500 guests. This location offers a "toes-in-the-sand" experience with panoramic water views.
Tropical Gazebo: A lush garden setting featuring a romantic antique gazebo and a reflecting pond. This private sanctuary can accommodate up to 300 guests.
Mission Bay Ballroom: Our largest indoor venue features floor-to-ceiling windows with sweeping bay views and crystal chandeliers. Capacity: up to 500 guests.
Shell & Ventana Rooms: Ideal for intimate weddings, these beachfront rooms feature direct access to the sand and wraparound windows. Capacity: 40–140 guests (when combined).
Yes. The Bahia Resort Hotel is famous for its sternwheeler boat, which can be rented for private wedding receptions and cruises around Mission Bay. The William D. Evans is a majestic, 100-foot sternwheeler featuring stained glass skylights and vintage elegance. Capacity: up to 200 guests.
Yes. Couples looking to maximize their budget should consider our off-peak season (January – March). During these months, we typically offer reduced rental fees and lower food & beverage minimums.
Yes! The culinary team at Bahia Resort Hotel is happy to work with you to create a personalized dining experience, including custom signature drinks that reflect your story. Whether you have specific dietary preferences or a unique vision, we can modify the menu. Please note that all menu customizations must be approved in advance by the hotel.
Generally, no. To ensure the highest standards of quality and food safety, all food and beverages must be provided exclusively by the Bahia Resort Hotel. However, you are welcome to bring your own wine for dinner service, which is subject to a per-bottle corkage fee. Please ask your catering manager for current rates.
Yes, we welcome outside professionals! We provide a Preferred Vendor List of trusted partners who know our property well, but you are free to select your own.
Yes, all vendors must provide a Certificate of Insurance (COI) to work on property.
We want your wedding to be unique! Most decor is welcomed. However, specific items like sparklers, fog machines, and drones are evaluated on a case-by-case basis to ensure guest safety and compliance with Mission Bay regulations. Please discuss these specifics with your Sales Manager early in the planning process.
Inside spaces and boats: Midnight (Friday–Saturday), 11:00 p.m. (Sunday–Thursday)
Palm Terrace & beach venues: 9:30 p.m.
The hotel offers several options for rehearsal dinners, welcome receptions, and newlywed brunches. Discounts are provided to couples and families who have booked their wedding reception at the Bahia.
San Diego is known for sunshine, but we always have a plan. If inclement weather occurs, our team will coordinate a seamless transition to move your ceremony into your indoor reception venue (or an alternate indoor space, subject to availability) to ensure your event remains comfortable and dry.
Wedding Guests: Complimentary public parking is conveniently located adjacent to the hotel at Ventura Cove and Gleason Road. While these lots are not owned by the hotel, they provide easy access to our venues. (Note: Overnight hotel guests receive one complimentary on-property parking spot per room).
Vendors: Vendors may use the loading zone on the south side of the 600 building for setup, then move vehicles to the adjacent Gleason Road or Ventura Cove lots.
Hotel check-in is at 4:00 p.m. and check-out is at 11:00 a.m.
Early Check-In: We understand the wedding day is busy! Early check-in is honored based on availability. To guarantee access to your room for getting ready, we strongly recommend reserving the room for the night prior to your wedding.
The space is available 90 minutes prior to event start. Earlier setup may be possible if arranged 15 days in advance.
15-amp circuits are available in all event spaces. Additional power for DJs, bands, or lighting may incur extra fees.
Wi-Fi plans are available for purchase in conference and event areas. Technical personnel can assist with bandwidth requirements.
On average, couples can expect 10–15% of invitations to be declined. This may increase depending on how far guests must travel.
Pricing depends on the season, guest count, and menu selections. Generally, ceremony site fees range from $2,500-3,500, and wedding packages start at approximately $140 - $200 per person. Please request a custom quote for the most accurate and up-to-date pricing.
Yes! We know your dog is part of the family. As a dog-friendly resort, we welcome your canine companions to join you for your outdoor ceremony at the Bay Beach or Tropical Gazebo. Please note: Due to California health and safety regulations, pets are not permitted at indoor receptions or areas where food is actively served, with the exception of ADA-certified service animals. Dogs are permitted in designated pet-friendly guest rooms for an additional fee.
Yes. We offer discounted room rates for your wedding guests (typically up to 15% off, subject to availability). Your guests can enjoy our resort amenities, including the pool, tennis/pickleball courts, and secluded beach, turning your wedding into a mini-vacation.
The wedding cake is included in the wedding package. Should you choose to use your favorite bakery, you are more than welcome to do so. The bakery will need to provide a certificate of insurance, and the cake cutting fee will be waived.
Cakes provided outside of the wedding package are subject to a $5.00 per person cake cutting fee.
Our fabulous bakery is happy to accommodate dietary restrictions; however, an additional fee may apply.
The wedding package includes either a tiered wedding cake or a mini dessert station. You are welcome to enhance the offerings with our bakery; however, an additional fee may apply.
