Wedding Guidelines and Fees

Policies and Fees for Booking Weddings

Weddings at Cabrillo National Monument require a special use permit and must comply with specific guidelines. Completed applications for Special Use Permits for weddings must be received by the park no less than 21 business days prior to the event. The application must include a non-refundable $100 application fee to reserve the date and time. Please download the guidelines and application files below.

Cabrillo National Monument is a very special place, home to rare plants and animals. Because of this, we have restrictions on activities allowed. Please appreciate the privilege of having your wedding at the monument and adhere to the guidelines, rules, and policies listed. To help you determine if Cabrillo National Monument is the best choice for your wedding location, we offer the following information.

Fees for Weddings:

1. Permit Application Fee: $100.00 (non-refundable) payable by credit/debit only.
2. Wedding Bluff Site Permit: (refundable if wedding is canceled) payable by credit/debit only.
   • 1 to 10 people = $0
   • 11 to 30 people = $200
   • 31 to 50 people = $300
   • 51 to 75 people = $350
   • 76 to 100 people = $400

If you wish to pay the entrance fees for your guests, this can be arranged before the wedding and then paid the day of the wedding by credit card. Guest Entrance Passes are $20.00 per vehicle.

Policies and Terms:

• Weddings during the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. are permitted at the Wedding Bluff Site only. The site is reserved in one-hour blocks for weddings.
• Weddings may not start later than 3:30 p.m. The park closes at 5:00 p.m.
• The maximum number of people allowed is 100. The site cannot accommodate more than this.
• Due to the natural terrain of the area, set-ups such as chairs, carpet runners, arches, trellises, podiums, organs/pianos, loud music instruments, or related items are not allowed. Flowers are permitted as long as they arrive and depart with the wedding party.
• No rice, birdseed, balloons, flower petals, or other decorations may be thrown, left, or set up.
• Non-amplified low-sound music from flutes, harps, guitars, etc., is permitted. Amplified music or public address systems are not allowed.
• Guests who must sit down during the ceremony may bring a chair and carry it out when leaving. Chairs may not be set up in advance of the ceremony.
• No live animals, insects, birds, or others may be released.
• All vehicles must park in the main parking area, not by the Wedding Bluff site. Disabled persons may be driven to the lighthouse area, and the cars returned to the main parking area.
• Wedding parties and guests must pay entrance fees. Wedding organizers may pay for their guests' entrance fees.
• The applicant is responsible for damages and accidents.

How to Get a Permit:

Review Guidelines and Fees:

First, review our Wedding Guidelines and fees information. Weddings at Cabrillo National Monument are beautiful but come with specific conditions that brides and grooms need to be aware of.

Check Date Availability:

Next, email us if you have questions regarding the availability of specific dates. Please note that weddings at Cabrillo National Monument are only permitted to take place at the Event Bluff. Weddings are permitted for one hour of priority use. Cabrillo National Monument does not grant exclusive use.

Submit Your Application:

Then, fill out and email your permit application. A non-refundable $100 application fee is required and payable by credit/debit only. Completed applications for Special Use Permits must be received by the park. To make credit/debit card payments, call 619-523-4272. Email completed applications to [e-mail] or mail them to:

Cabrillo National Monument
C/O Special Park Uses
1800 Cabrillo Memorial Drive
San Diego, CA 92106

Please keep in mind that a permit request is just a request until you have received official confirmation from Park Staff.

Park Staff Response:

Once your application has been received by the park, Park Staff will respond as soon as possible. This email will include a pending permit and additional conditions for you to print, sign, and return via email or mail. You will also be notified of any cost recovery fees you are responsible for paying at this time.

Final Confirmation:

When the permit ranger receives your signed copies of the permit and Wedding Conditions, you will be notified that the Superintendent has approved your wedding permit and your date is officially confirmed. Please note that all permits are pending until you receive this notification via email.

Notice: Cabrillo National Monument requires 21 business days’ notice to process any and all permit requests.

Please read and review the guidelines and fees, then return the application.