Scripps Seaside Forum Wedding Photography
Perched on the bluffs of La Jolla within the Scripps Institution of Oceanography, the Scripps Seaside Forum offers one of the most dramatic unobstructed ocean views of any wedding venue in San Diego. Floor-to-ceiling windows and an oceanfront terrace put the Pacific front and center for both ceremony and reception, with nothing between your guests and the horizon but open water. As a San Diego wedding photographer, I love this venue for its clean, modern architecture paired with an endless ocean backdrop that changes with every hour of light.
Why Couples Love Scripps Seaside Forum
Unobstructed, panoramic Pacific Ocean views from the bluffs of La Jolla
Floor-to-ceiling windows and an oceanfront outdoor terrace
Clean, modern architecture inside the working Scripps Institution of Oceanography
Some of the best sunset views of any San Diego wedding venue
A refined, science-meets-nature setting unlike any other venue in the city
Getting Ready Near Scripps
Most couples choose a hotel in La Jolla for getting ready, just minutes from the Scripps campus. La Jolla's coastal streets and boutique hotels offer plenty of light-filled, ocean-adjacent spaces for getting-ready photos before the short drive over to the bluffs for the ceremony.
Couple's Session on the Bluffs
The oceanfront terrace and surrounding bluffs at Scripps give us an incredible, uninterrupted horizon line for couple's portraits, with nothing but sky and Pacific water behind you. We love shooting here at sunset, when the light turns gold and the ocean becomes the ultimate backdrop for editorial, wide-open portraits.
Wedding Ceremony Over the Pacific
Ceremonies at Scripps Seaside Forum take place on the oceanfront terrace, with guests seated facing the open Pacific and the bluffs of La Jolla as a natural amphitheater. The unobstructed ocean view means minimal additional decor is needed, and the coastal breeze and changing light give every ceremony a different feel depending on the time of day.
Reception with Ocean Views
The Seaside Forum's main hall features floor-to-ceiling windows facing the Pacific, so the ocean view carries through from ceremony into reception as the sun sets over the water. Its modern, minimalist interior gives couples a clean canvas to personalize with lighting, florals, and decor against an unbeatable natural backdrop.
Sample Wedding Day Timeline
2:00 PM — Getting ready at a La Jolla hotel3:00 PM — First look and portraits on the bluffs4:00 PM — Ceremony on the oceanfront terrace4:30 PM — Cocktail hour with Pacific views5:30 PM — Reception in the Seaside Forum hall7:30 PM — Sunset portraits over the ocean9:00 PM — Dancing and send-off
Scripps Seaside Forum Wedding Galleries
Planning a Wedding at Scripps Seaside Forum?
Scripps Seaside Forum is an oceanfront event space within the Scripps Institution of Oceanography in La Jolla, known for its unobstructed Pacific views and modern architecture — see the galleries on this page and browse more of our work across San Diego. Below are a few common planning questions, plus how to check our availability.
How many guests can Scripps Seaside Forum accommodate?
The venue offers both indoor and outdoor event space with a range of capacities. We recommend confirming current capacity and rental packages directly with Scripps Institution of Oceanography's events team.
Does Scripps Seaside Forum allow outside catering or alcohol?
The venue works with an approved list of caterers and vendors. We recommend confirming current catering and alcohol policies directly with the venue when booking.
Is there a place for the wedding party to get ready on-site?
On-site getting-ready space is limited, so most couples get ready at a nearby La Jolla hotel before heading to Scripps for photos and the ceremony.
How do we check your availability?
Inquire availability or schedule a call — we respond within minutes. You can also review rates and collections.
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