About
Located in San Diego, California, the Prado at Balboa Park is a historic wedding venue that has the feel of another time and place. The building and its adjoining grounds demonstrate exquisite elements of Latin-inspired design. This sophisticated venue offers an enchanting setting for a special wedding event.
Facilities and Capacity
The combination of indoor and outdoor spaces in the Prado at Balboa Park spans over 22,000 square-feet. Between 20 and 20,000 individuals can be accommodated at this location. Couples can host their weddings inside the naturally lit Grand Ballroom, with its lofty and intricately detailed ceiling. Features found throughout the rest of the estate and ground’s architecture includes French doors, terraces, artfully tiled floors, and blossoming gardens. The Casa del Rey Moro Gardens, the outdoor venue, is nestled amongst swaying palms and lofty trees, under which couples can say “I do”. Up to 320 guests may experience this manicured space.
Services Offered
The Prado at Balboa Park offers both ceremony and reception packages. For ceremonies, they can provide chairs, access to a get-ready room, sound equipment, and allotted time for a rehearsal. Supplied for receptions are linens, chairs, and china. Full-service catering is also available, with passed hors d’oeuvres, a wedding cake, and bar services. Over 3,000 parking spaces are available for guests and valet services can be organized to make the evening run smoothly
History
This building was initially constructed for the Panama—California Exposition which commemorated the inauguration of the Panama Canal in 1914. It is now a National Historic Landmark and a hotel. It underwent three years of renovation and refurbishment by The House of Hospitality before being reopened in 2000 for its current purpose.
Location
This event center is located near an array of local attractions and beaches. Wedding guests can look forward to visiting the San Diego Zoo, Wild Animal Park, Sea World, and Legoland. Balboa Park itself plays host to 15 museums, a plethora of art galleries, and the famous Old Globe Theatre.
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Frequently asked questions
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Reviews of The Prado at Balboa Park
Review summary
The Prado is a highly recommended wedding venue with exceptional service, gorgeous architecture, and a prime location in Balboa Park. Marcy, the wedding coordinator, is praised for her professionalism, helpfulness, and attention to detail throughout the planning process. Reviewers rave about the beautiful ceremony space, courtyard, and ballroom, as well as the delicious food and beverage service. The Prado's flexibility in accommodating last-minute changes, such as pivoting to an indoor ceremony due to rain, is also appreciated. Overall, couples and guests had a memorable and enjoyable experience at The Prado.




Professional Network & Endorsements

The Prado is an absolute Gem in the middle of one of my favorite parts of San Diego, Balboa Park. If you want Old School charm, an historic venue with soul, an awesome stage, excellent staff and great catering, this is the place for you! We've played The Prado on too many occasions to count and the result is always perfection. I highly recommend the Prado to anyone looking for a timeless event space!

Balboa Park is a beautiful place to celebrate any occasion so we decided to have my son'd rehearsal dinner at The Prado. Food delicious and a great venue, everyone had a great time, very special.

I really like photographing here and have shot a couple of events at this lovely property a few times. I've noticed that the staff are very wonderful and attentive to their clients whom I've photographed, and the staff have also been really accommodating at helping me get great shots for my clients, too. Thank you. Andrew Abouna Photography, San Diego, CA.