Every part of Katie and Jack’s Estancia La Jolla wedding was jaw-droppingly gorgeous, and sooo full of love from family and friends. The connection between them was truly contagious, and I can’t wait to finally share more from their incredible day–from the moment when they got to see each other for the first time, to their sweet ceremony, all the way through to their insanely fun reception. 

Katie & Jack’s Gorgeous Wedding at Estancia La Jolla

A vibrant spring celebration in SoCal

I adore this venue and weddings in La Jolla in general, so you bet I was so excited to capture Katie and Jack’s amazing day here! It was the most beautiful early May day, full of warm sunshine, blue skies, and lush spring greenery practically everywhere you looked. And with a couple who is SO in love, how could the celebration not be absolutely magical?

Katie and Jack spent their morning surrounded by all their favorite people, getting ready for the special day with the help of loved ones (and a few glasses of champagne, cigars, and cocktails, of course!). While Katie and her girls sipped on chilled mimosas in their matching, silk blue robes, I gathered up all the details for a ton of flatlay shots—because, well, do you see these florals? Every single arrangement throughout the day was to die for, featuring shades of dusty blue, pale pink, white, and cream; aka my dream spring color palette. 

Once both the bride and the groom were dressed up and looking like stunners, it was time for their first look outside. And let me tell you, it was the sweetest, most romantic first look—Jack didn’t leave Katie’s side at all for the rest of the day after this moment, he was so obsessed with her! I don’t blame him, because she looked like a princess in her strapless gown, with buttons all down the back—just as he looked killer in his deep blue suit and checkered bowtie. A pair of Vogue models, these two, I swear!

Sunshine & sweet vows on the Olive Lawn

After about a million sun-drenched portraits around the venue, it was time for Katie and Jack to officially get married on the Olive Lawn, surrounded by the people they love, sprawling floral arrangements, and towering olive trees. Guests grabbed champagne and signed the guest book as they waited, and then there was not a single dry eye in the audience once these two were up at the altar. They were literally glowing in the bright spring sunshine as they shared their first kiss and walked down the aisle for their processional; truly, what a flawless day for this celebration.

A ballroom reception for the books

After a sun-filled cocktail hour with live music, yummy apps, and custom beer koozies + cookies, Katie and Jack invited their guests into the Grande Room for their reception. The details of this evening were immaculate: an elegant, white, 3-tiered cake wrapped in florals, a stunning sweetheart table covered in blooms, tables with personalized menus and endless candles… I could tell just how much love was poured into each and every element, and it made for an unforgettable evening.

Oh, and obviously we snuck out of the reception for romantic golden hour portraits around the property before the dance floor opened up! Another reason I love Estancia La Jolla for weddings: in addition to the MANY unique spots on the actual hotel grounds, you’ve also got the Salk Institute + the Torrey Pines Gliderport nearby for more photos. I’m telling you, the opportunities are endless!

This was truly a magical day that I am endlessly grateful to have been a part of. Congrats to the newlyweds on this day and all the rest to come!

The dream vendor team

Coordination: Taylor to You Events | @taylortoyouevents

Florals: Flower Bee Floristry | @flower_bee_

Venue: Estancia La Jolla @estancialajolla

Makeup: Lacie Pence Makeup | @mualaciexo

Hair: Stephanie Gardner Styles | @stephaniegardnerstyles

Band: The Class Band | @theclassband

About Estancia La Jolla, a Spanish-Inspired La Jolla Wedding Venue

I would be remiss if I didn’t tell you more about this incredible venue before you go! It’s by far one of the most stunning wedding venues in La Jolla, so if you’re tying the knot in the area, make sure this one is at the top of your list to consider.

Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa is a hacienda-style resort located between La Jolla and Del Mar, inspired by the warmth and romance of Spanish architecture and the San Diego sunshine. The grounds extend nearly 10 acres, filled with breathtaking gardens, seaside guest suites, open-air courtyards, and pretty much endless spots to embrace the SoCal spirit. They even have a luxurious spa on-site where you can enjoy a variety of relaxing treatments, a couple’s bungalow, a pool, a meditation garden, and various daybeds & cabanas to lounge in. Pre-wedding couples’ massages, anyone?

What makes this venue even more amazing is that not only do they offer top-tier wedding packages, but they’ll also host your bachelorette party, rehearsal dinner, farewell brunch… the list goes on! Any occasion you want to enjoy at this lavish resort, you can, with their pre and post-wedding celebration packages.

What is the guest capacity for weddings at Estancia La Jolla?

It depends on where you choose to tie the knot, but the Garden Courtyard and La Jolla Ballroom can both fit up to 420 people for your wedding. The rest of the hotel’s venues can accommodate approximately 125-130.

How many wedding venues are there at Estancia La Jolla Hotel?

Estancia La Jolla has six different venues to choose from, ranging from dreamy lawns, to garden courtyards, to indoor ballrooms if that’s more your vibe. Here’s a brief look at the full list of ceremony & reception locations, as well as how many guests they can each accommodate!

• Olive Lawn (130 guests): A stunning garden venue surrounded by olive trees and lush blossoms (where Jack and Katie held their ceremony!). 
• Garden Courtyard (420 guests): The most glorious garden courtyard on the entire property, with 100+ types of plants and foliage and romantic, Spanish-style architecture. 
• La Jolla Ballroom (420 guests): Want to have your reception inside of a bright, luxe ballroom? You’ll LOVE the beautiful flooring, elegant atmosphere, and connecting patio + lawn that the La Jolla Ballroom has to offer. 
• Grande Room (130 guests): The perfect reception space to pair with a ceremony on the Olive Lawn, with wooden floors, gold accents, and an adjacent garden patio. 
• Hacienda Lawn (125 guests): This spot was made for smaller, more intimate weddings, with a magical garden setting and greenery galore.
• Hidden Feather (30 guests): A great little space to host an intimate dinner or cocktail hour!

How much do wedding packages at Estancia La Jolla cost?

The venue’s website doesn’t currently list their packages or pricing publicly; however, according to Here Comes the Guide, the ceremony fee for weddings at Estancia La Jolla range from $4,000-$7,000. There’s also a $115-$150 fee per person for a three-course plated menu, as well as separate bar pricing and banquet fees. It’s best to reach out to them for a custom quote to ensure you have the most up-to-date information!

To book your wedding at Estancia La Jolla, simply request a proposal here and follow the rest of the instructions they give you.

Estancia La Jolla Wedding Photography

Can you even believe how beautiful this venue is?! I always love weddings in La Jolla, but this hotel blew my expectations out of the water. I’m Rachel, a San Diego-based elopement photographer who will always say yes to the chance to shoot in La Jolla. My La Jolla wedding packages start at 8 hours of coverage to make sure we can capture the entirety of your story, as well as travel included in the immediate area.

If you feel like we might be a dream fit for your celebration, get in touch here—I’m currently booking weddings for the next year, and want to make sure we get your special day on the calendar!

Considering eloping in the area instead? Take a look at my list of the 7 Most Beautiful Places to Elope in San Diego for inspo!