An Ethereal Open Air Resort wedding is an event like no other. For the brides and grooms who love the outdoors, value sustainable living and the farm-to-table experience, or the couples who simply want a unique, private wedding that caters to their personal tastes, the Ethereal Gardens represent the best that San Diego has to offer. With 40 acres of edible gardens, rows of historic orchards, and another 100 acres beyond of herb and vegetable gardens, this venue is a celebration of the outdoor beauty and farming culture of San Diego.
Upon entry, you’ll be greeted by the elegant natural beauty of the gardens and fruit trees, the eclectic antique decor, and the otherworldy fragrance rising from the French lavender in the herb gardens. In every detail, the Ethereal Open Air Resort lives up to its name.
When you book a wedding at the Ethereal Gardens, you get the entire venue to yourselves for 11.5 hours, which includes a full three hours in the bridal parlor and gentlemen’s bath house, respectively. This gives you ample time to prepare, pamper yourselves, and make memories with the people you love on your big day. Also known as the Ivy Villa, the bridal parlor is a rustic and bohemian space that invites you to relax and reflect on the life-changing ceremony that awaits you.
The groom and his party can take the time to dress and relax in the Distillery, where leather wingback chairs, a deconstructed bar, foosball tables, and board games allow the men to enjoy each other’s company, take a moment’s breath, and have a little fun.
From the meadow to the gardens to the Pergola to the Open Air Pavillion, there are plenty of spots at an Ethereal Open Air Resort wedding to get that perfect shot and capture the tender moments of your love. When thinking of your couple session and your wedding photography, be sure to ask these 15 questions when hiring a wedding photographer.
The bridesmaids and groomsmen below were photographed in the redwood Orchard Barn. The rustic browns of the barn contrast nicely with the vibrant colors of this traditional Indian wedding.
The wedding party and guests participated in a joyful Indian Baraat prior to their Ethereal Open Air Resort wedding ceremony. Instead of on a horse or elephant, the groom chose to make his entrance in style in the back of a convertible.
This couple chose to hold their Indian wedding ceremony under a Mandap at Ethereal Garden’s Open Air Pavilion, with views of the meadow, orchards, and San Diego hills.
A couples session before or during the wedding reception is the perfect time to soak up the grandeur of the day–especially as the sun sets on the Ethereal Gardens in San Diego.
Pictured below is wedding reception at Ethereal Open Air Resort’s Starry Night Meadow, which in the daylight features songbirds, butterflies, and quail, and at night is covered by 250,000 twinkling lights as guests dine, toast, and dance the night away.
Even under the night sky, you can capture the glory of the meadows, orchards, and Escondido palm trees at Ethereal Gardens.
Does the resort have an on-site caterer?
Yes, the resort has an onsite award-winning executive chef who previously worked as the sous chef at Hotel del Coronado and Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse. He creates sumptuous menus using on-site, farm-to-table ingredients.
Do we have to use the on-site caterer?
Ethereal Gardens will allow you to choose the caterer of your choice. This venue is open to you creating a wedding that fits your personalities. You may even bring in food trucks and photo booths if that’s your style.
The Ethereal Open Air Resort is located at 8561 W Lilac Rd, Escondido, CA 92026.