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Weddings

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

Reviews of El Cortez Don Room

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.
Maya
Maya Sent on 11/20/2018
5 out of 5 rating

Magical wedding💚💛💜💝

Probably I am the Happiest Bride ever.. My wedding was magical at El Cortez! It’s really beautiful venue with a great vibes. Since the minute I arrive for the very first time, I immediately felt that this place is very special.
I loved round dance floor and a lot of space. all tables are in the perfect circle, and all the guest could see each other. I immediately imagined my wedding decorations around and I felt in LOVE!!! The second time I felt in Love when I stepped outside and seen a terrace.
Jessica, my wedding coordinator was a delight. So professional, kind and so attentive to all my requests. It was the biggest pleasure to work with her and her team.
We got hundreds of compliments for the venue. All our guests were enjoying such a unique and gorgeous atmosphere.
Highly recommended!🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Cynthia
Cynthia Sent on 02/01/2012
5 out of 5 rating
Jessica was so amazing and sweet. She really took great care of me during the planning stages. The man in charge of the room that night was the kindest most helpful person as well. The venue is absolutely gorgeous and has so much history. All of my guest assumed that I paid a ton and I didn't. It was magical and affordable!
We're all about trust. Our community relies on honest reviews to help you make those big decisions with ease.

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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