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Weddings

Pricing information

Reception
$4,250 starting price
Ceremony
$4,250 starting price
Bar service
$21 per person
Reception
$2,900 starting price
Ceremony
$2,889 starting price
Bar service
$21 per person
These prices are available for the months of May, Oct, Nov, Dec. These prices are available for the months of Feb, Mar, Apr, Jun, Jul, Aug.

Attributes highlighted by couples

Quality catering
Unique aesthetic style
Guests comfort
Amenities

About

El Cortez Don Room and Terrace is a vintage wedding venue in San Diego, California. This elegant, historic venue has been around since 1927, and has been carefully restored to be the perfect location for hosting special events and weddings. With gorgeous 24-karat carved ceilings and beautiful mica glass chandeliers, this venue is sure to impress your guests and leave a lasting impression.

Facilities and Capacity
El Cortez Don Room and Terrace combines an intimate indoor space with 10,000 square feet of outdoor patio space, an urban fireplace, and a fountain. The maximum capacity for this venue is 500 people.

Services Offered
The professional staff at El Cortez Don Room and Terrace can provide excellent personalized event planning services, to give you your dream wedding. There are event rentals available to bring together all of the finishing touches. There is also the option for lighting/sound assistance, as well as help with the setup and cleanup of the event.

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Frequently asked questions

Do you have a site fee for wedding receptions at your venue?

Yes

What is the starting site fee for wedding receptions during peak season?

$4,250

What is the starting site fee for wedding receptions during off-peak season?

$2,900

Do you have a site fee for wedding ceremonies at your venue?

No

What is the starting site fee for wedding ceremonies during peak season?

$4,250

What is the starting site fee for wedding ceremonies during off-peak season?

$2,889

Which of the following are included in starting site fee?

Chairs
Clean Up
Lighting/Sound
Set Up
Tables

Which of the following are included in the cost of wedding catering?

Cake Cutting
Dessert
Server(s)
Wedding Cake

What is the starting price per person for bar service?

$21

Which of the following are included in the starting price for bar service?

Bartender(s)
Champagne Toast
House Beer
House Wine

What is the minimum number of guests required to book your venue?

1

How many event spaces or rooms does your venue offer?

2

Describe your venue:

Ballroom
Historic Building

What kind of settings are available?

Indoor
Uncovered Outdoor

Which of the following wedding events does your venue service?

Ceremony
Reception
Bridal Shower
Engagement Party
Elopements
Rehearsal Dinner

What event services do you offer?

Bar Services
Clean Up
Event Planner
Event Rentals
Wifi

What catering services do you offer?

Buffet
Cocktail Reception
Dessert
Family Style
French Service
Hors d'oeuvres
Outside Cake
Plated
Server(s)
Stations
Tastings

What bar services do you provide?

Bartender(s)
Cash Bar
Champagne Toast
House Beer
House Liquor
House Wine
Limited Bar
Liquor License
Open Bar
Premium Liquor
Signature Drink
Specialty Beer
Specialty Wine

What event items are available?

Aisle Markers
Aisle Runners
Altar/Arch
Audio Equipment
Chairs
Chair Covers
Dance Floor
Decor
Drapery
Furniture
Lighting
Photo booth
Tables
Tents
Tent Accessories

What food and beverage items are available?

Barware
China
Chocolate Fountain
Flatware
Glassware
Linens

What transportation and access is available?

Wheelchair Access

What months are included in your peak season?

May
October
November
December

What months are included in your off-peak season?

February
March
April
June
July
August
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Any other questions?

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4.8 out of 5 rating
67 Reviews
  • Quality of service
    4.9 out of 5 rating
  • Average response time
    4.9 out of 5 rating
  • Professionalism
    4.9 out of 5 rating
  • Value
    4.8 out of 5 rating
  • Flexibility
    4.4 out of 5 rating
95% Recommended by couples
K
Klarysa F. Sent on 12/06/2023
5 out of 5 rating

Best wedding venue for reception!

We are INCREDIBLY grateful and thankful to have selected the Don Room at El Cortez for our wedding reception venue!! An outstanding, caring staff and historic, glamorous, charming venue combine to make the perfect match for a venue for any special event. We were looking for an “Italian” space to match the “Italian” church (St. Joseph Cathedral) for our wedding theme and found the perfect venue in the Don Room. Joe and Kathi, the events manager and sales/marketing manager, are both such wonderful and thoughtful people and had such prompt, efficient and quick communication with us throughout the wedding planning process. They helped to make our wedding reception more affordable and suggested the perfect package for catering and bar services to make our reception both memorable, fun and within budget. The building itself is so luxurious feeling and historical, featuring an enormous chandelier and a gold-plated ceiling. The Don Room itself is bright and cozy with maroon red hues and golden highlights, making it both a glamorous but classic venue space. What made us fall in love with the space are the huge red velvet curtains drawing back the entrance to the space, also used to introduce the bridal party and new couple during the reception (my favorite part!)! Joe have such a wonderful tour of the space and overview of how the wedding reception usually flows, which was helpful for wedding planning. I am extremely impressed with the high quality of the presentation of the space, venue and catering package, and communication throughout the wedding planning process. Of all the vendors I emailed/called, the El Cortez staff were the most receptive and detailed in their responses, which were always prompt and answered all questions. My new husband and I are so grateful for the space because the reception was an absolute blast, with all our guests and ourselves incredibly happy to have celebrated in such a wonderful, colorful, and classy space!
Taylor
Taylor Sent on 08/18/2019
5 out of 5 rating

Breath taking venue, excellent experience, unforgettable wedding

The El Cortez is very comparable in pricing with other venues in the downtown San Diego area. This venue makes it incredibly easy to price everything out and chose your vendors! We worked with Jessica and she was so helpful, excited and knowledgeable. She replied immediately to all emails (of course during normal business hours). Our wedding was like s fairytale. It has a very historic yet somehow Disney and laid back feel all together. The venue has the best of both worlds with indoor/outdoor space. Many people said it was the best wedding they had ever been too.
E
Emelyn Sent on 10/09/2018
5 out of 5 rating
THIS WAS THE BEST NIGHT! EVER!
My husband and I married here this past weekend (10/6/18) and it completely blew away our expectations. We wanted a venue that was in downtown San Diego, had some city vibes, some romantic vibes, and could comfortably fit 200 people. I cannot believe I almost overlooked this venue. The moment we set foot in the Don Room we knew it was perfect. Then we stepped out onto the patio, turned around and pretty much immediately signed the paperwork.
Jessica is absolutely incredible. We hired her as our day of coordinator and NOT ONE thing went wrong on Saturday. Everything ran so smoothly, it was seamless. She was so accommodating, always presenting multiple options and solutions to any obstacle, she is a pro.
We had multiple people tell us this was the "best wedding they've ever attended" (we agree... in our humble, unbiased opinion).
105% recommend. If we could relive this night we absolutely would, and we would not change ONE thing. Thank you!
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Awards

67
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2019 Winner
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2017 Winner
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2016 Winner
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2015 Winner
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2014 Winner
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2013 Winner
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2012 Winner
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2011 Winner

Professional Network & Endorsements

14 Endorsements
San Diego Event Nanny San Diego Event Nanny Bar Services & Beverages

Incredible venue for weddings!

Unveiled Unveiled Wedding Dresses

The El Cortez Don Room is elegant, sophisticated and rich with San Diego history. The Don room is a beautiful and unforgettable wedding venue. Go check it out!

Boudoir Ego Boudoir Ego Wedding Photographers

Beautiful location and a wonderful staff!

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