A Cinematic Lafayette Hotel Wedding in San Diego
December 12, 2025
Getting Ready at The Lafayette, Marston House Ceremony & Lou Lou’s Reception
The Lafayette Hotel & Club in San Diego is the kind of venue that doesn’t just host a wedding — it sets the tone for the entire day. From vintage interiors to bold, cinematic design, it’s a dream location for couples who want their wedding to feel immersive, stylish, and anything but ordinary.
This wedding unfolded like a perfectly paced film: getting ready at The Lafayette Hotel, a trolley ride through San Diego to the historic Marston House for the ceremony, and a return to Lou Lou’s at The Lafayette for a high-energy, unforgettable reception.
As a wedding photographer, this kind of day — layered, intentional, and full of movement — is exactly what I love documenting and the Lafayette Hotel definitely delivered.
Getting Ready at The Lafayette Hotel
The day began at The Lafayette Hotel, where both partners got ready surrounded by the venue’s iconic vintage character. The rich colors, textured walls, and mid-century details created an editorial backdrop that elevated even the quiet moments — final touches, candid laughter, and those deep-breath pauses before everything begins.
Getting ready at The Lafayette allows couples to stay fully present while also creating cohesive visual storytelling from start to finish. Every frame feels intentional, cinematic, and rooted in the atmosphere of the day.
A Trolley Ride to the Marston House Ceremony
After getting ready, guests boarded a private trolley — courtesy of Old Town Trolley and Rolls Livery — for the ride to the ceremony. The trolley added a playful, nostalgic element while keeping the experience seamless and fun for everyone involved.
The ceremony took place at the Marston House, one of San Diego’s most beloved historic estates. Live music by Left Coast Quintet filled the garden space, while the craftsman architecture and lush grounds created a timeless, romantic setting.
The contrast between the Lafayette’s bold interiors and the Marston House’s classic elegance made for a beautifully balanced wedding day — refined without feeling stiff, expressive without feeling overdone.
Lou Lou’s at The Lafayette: A Retro-Glam Reception
Following the ceremony, everyone returned to Lou Lou’s at The Lafayette Hotel for the reception — and this is where the night truly came alive.
Lou Lou’s is one of the most visually striking reception spaces in San Diego. With its saturated colors, dramatic lighting, and retro glamour, it’s ideal for couples who want a reception that feels energetic, stylish, and a little rebellious.
Between live music, a DJ, and guest singers, the dance floor stayed packed well into the night. The space allowed for both candid chaos and editorial portraits — the best kind of balance for storytelling-focused wedding photography.
Why Couples Love The Lafayette Hotel for Weddings
The Lafayette Hotel is perfect for couples who want:
- A unique, design-forward wedding venue in San Diego
- A location that works beautifully for editorial and cinematic photography
- Multiple spaces that feel immersive and dynamic
- A wedding day that feels like an experience, not just an event
From getting ready to last call, The Lafayette offers continuity, character, and endless creative opportunities.
Vendor Team
This wedding came together thanks to an incredible group of creatives:
- Getting Ready & Reception Venue: The Lafayette Hotel, Lou Lou’s
- Ceremony Venue: Marston House
- Planner: @Kourtney_EverlyandCo | @everly_andco
- Ceremony Musicians: @LeftCoastQuintet
- Hair & Makeup: @LovePBeauty
- Florist: @Queen_of_Vase
- Photography: @SmokeAndTheSea
- Videography: @ZadeWave
- Singer: @KahilNash
- DJ: @NebulaWade
- Band: @Heaping_Teaspoon
- Cake: @SecretSisterSouthPark
- Transportation: @RollsLivery | @OldTownTrolley
- Couple: @spaceylo & @felipppeee
Planning a Wedding at The Lafayette Hotel in San Diego?
If you’re planning a wedding at The Lafayette Hotel and want photography that feels editorial, cinematic, and deeply story-driven, I’d love to connect. This venue is made for couples who value atmosphere, movement, and imagery that feels timeless rather than trendy.
👉 Reach out here to learn more about Lafayette Hotel wedding photography in San Diego.
Comments