Tom Ham’s Lighthouse is a historic wedding venue located in San Diego, California. Weddings here feature panoramic views of San Diego Bay and the city skyline. Nestled on Harbor Island just five minutes from San Diego International Airport, the venue is both picturesque and convenient for guests traveling to the wedding.

Facilities and Capacity

The venue’s ceremony site is situated on the waterfront with the San Diego skyline as the background. The calming blue tones of the ocean and the property’s vibrant lawn serve as wedding decor. Couples can stand under the arbor sculpted by artist Christopher Puzio to recite their vows. The ceremony space can accommodate up to 230 guests, who can retire to the adjacent reception areas easily after the ceremony. The California Room has large floor-to-ceiling windows and opens onto a private patio offering sweeping views of the bay. This function room can comfortably seat up to 230 guests. Intimate weddings of less than 80 attendees can be held in the Harbor View Room, which, like the California Room, features its own outdoor deck.

Services Offered

Tom Ham’s Lighthouse hosts a variety of wedding events apart from ceremonies and receptions, including engagement parties, wedding showers, and rehearsal dinners. Their master culinary team can aid couples in selecting the catering style and menu that is right for their event. The venue also covers setup and cleanup for the convenience of the newlyweds.

Cuisine

The venue specializes in fresh, creative seafood fare, though they offer an array of other dishes for guests with allergies or dietary restrictions. Catering styles available include cocktail service, hors d’oeuvres, buffets, and plated meals. Both function rooms feature a full bar, and couples can choose their bar service.

History

Tom Ham was a UCLA graduate and history-lover who moved to San Diego in 1955. He purchased a property on Harbor Island to build a restaurant and sought to incorporate the space’s existing beacon. Tom decided to add a fog bell and make the United States Coast Guard Beacon #9 a main element of the restaurant. Today, the restaurant is run by his daughter, Suzie, and her sons.