Weddings in East County

VALENTINE’S DAY WEDDINGS AVAILABLE AT COUNTY ASSESSOR’S SANTEE OFFICE

East County News Service

February 12, 2024 (Santee) – The San Diego County Assessor-Recorder-County Clerk (ARCC) has announced that a limited number of appointments are now available for couples to obtain a marriage license and get married in a wedding ceremony on Valentine’s Day, Wed., Feb. 14, at one of five ARCC offices in San Diego County, including the Santee branch office at 10144 Mission Gorge Ave.


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COUPLES SAY, “I DO” AT COUNTY CLERK’S OFFICE AT THEIR “SUMMER OF LOVE” AFTER HOURS WEDDING CEREMONIES

By Rebecca Jefferis Williamson

Photos by Jordan Z. Marks

(Photo left:  newlyweds Peytan and Samantha Teets)

July 27, 2022 (Santee) "Love" after-hours wedding ceremonies, or appointments to get married, are now offered for two upcoming Wednesdays from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at four locations at the County of San Diego Recorders in Chula Vista, Santee, San Marcos, and downtown. The next two dates for late appointments are August 10 and September 14. 

Or, as Jordan Z. Marks, Esq., Assessor Taxpayer Advocate said, “Happiness begins here.” And, it did for couples like Peytan Teets and Samantha Wartelle who selected the first late appointment on July 20. Marks was on site to congratulate the newlyweds. 


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COUNTY CLERK OFFERING NEW “SUMMER LOVE” EVENING WEDDINGS, INCLUDING SANTEE IN EAST COUNTY

East County News Service

July 13, 2022 (San Diego’s East County) -- San Diego County Clerk Ernie Dronenburg expanded office hours this summer to offer a new “Love After Hours Evening Wedding Services” program. Couples may book an appointment for an evening wedding on the following Wednesdays this summer: July 20, August 10, and September 14, between 5:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.


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GOODWILL LA MESA TO HOST WEDDING WEAR SALE JUNE 17-19

By Miriam Raftery

Photo: CC by NC-ND via Bing

June 2, 2022 (La Mesa) – Wedding attire can leave many betrothed couples with sticker shock. So Goodwill’s La Mesa retail store is hosting a special event offering wedding wear – including gowns by brand-name designers, some with original tags still attached. Items available include bridal gowns, dresses for bridesmaids, mother-of-the-bride and flower girls.  You’ll also find jewelry, shoes, gloves, bowties, tiaras and wedding décor items.


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HERE COME THE BRIDES: MARCH FOR WEDDINGS AT STATE CAPITOL SEEKS TO END BAN ON EVENTS

Photos and video courtesy of Aaron Texeira. View video: https://vimeo.com/467983811 

By Miriam Raftery

October 13, 2020 (Sacramento) -- This afternoon, approximately 100 brides and grooms in wedding gowns and tuxedos joined with vendors and event planners at California’s Capitol to demand recognition in Governor Gavin Newsom’s reopening plan.


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COUPLES CAN NOW HOST WEDDINGS – BUT RECEPTIONS STILL RESTRICTED

By Miriam Raftery

Photo: CC by ND via Bing

June 17, 2020 (San Diego) – Couples eager to tie the knot can now hold weddings under newly announced state of California rules, but with limits due to COVID-19. However, receptions are generally not allowed per state health guidelines, due to concerns about dancing and close contact among non-household members potentially spreading the virus.

Outdoor weddings are allowed with no limit on size, provided social distancing is maintained. Indoor weddings of up to 100 people or 25 percent of a facility’s capacity are allowed.  All participants must wear face masks and maintain six feet of social distancing, except the bride and groom do not need to wear masks when they are six feet apart for others, so they can have wedding photos at the altar and share a post-wedding vow kiss.

The new guidelines are part of relaxed guidelines for all religious events, including worship services. 

Dawn D’Aquisto, a San Diego County spokesperson, said the rules for weddings and receptions are being reviewed after the agency has received many phone calls. She added that couples could potentially host a post-wedding dinner with guests at a restaurant, provided the restaurant can meet county guidelines for capacity, social distancing, and seating household members together.


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ASSESSOR / RECORDER / COUNTY CLERK IS MOVING: EL CAJON OFFICE PERMANENTLY CLOSING JAN. 31, NEW SANTEE OFFICE OPENS FEB. 3—INCLUDING OUTDOOR WEDDING VENUE

Source: County Assessor/Clerk’s office
 
Photo via Bing: Creative commons via S.A.
 
January 30, 2020 (San Diego’s East County) --  The San Diego County Assessor/Recorder/County Clerk will permanently close the El Cajon branch office effective close of business January 31st at 5:00 pm. The new East County Santee branch office will open the following Monday, February 3, 2020 at 8:00 am.
 
All services will be moved to the new East County Branch Office located in the City of Santee at 10144 Mission Gorge Road, Santee, CA 92071. Branch hours are Monday through Friday 8:00 am – 5:00 pm.

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TOP COUNTY PARKS TO GET MARRIED IN

 

Take a fresh approach to your wedding ceremony and say “I do” in a park. From romantic country meadows to bayfront ocean views or rustic ranchos, San Diego County Parks and Recreation has a wide array of outdoor spaces for wedding ceremonies and receptions in every part of the county.

With venue fees starting at $105, County parks are not only a beautiful option, but a budget-friendly one, too! To tour event spaces or make reservations, contact Parks at (858) 565-3600.

Here are just a few of the scenic spaces to exchange vows. Find the complete list of venues online.


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COUNTY PARKS HOSTS “SWEETHEART SELFIE CONTEST”: WIN A WEDDING AT FLINN SPRINGS

 

Source: County News Service

 

February 5, 2016 (Flinn Springs) -- Snap a selfie with your sweetheart at a San Diego County park for a chance to win a ceremony and reception at one of the County’s premier outdoor wedding destinations. Deadline to submit photos is Friday, February 12th. One lucky couple will receive:


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FOR WEDDINGS TO SAVOR, GROVE PASTRY TAKES THE CAKE

By Miriam Raftery

May 28, 2015 (Lemon Grove) – If you’re looking for a wedding cake that’s personalized, beautiful and delicious,  you’ll find your heart’s desire at Grove Pastry Shop in Lemon Grove. When San Diego Style Wedding magazine held a competition for wedding cake bakers last year, Grove Pastry Shop won six of eight categories (and didn’t enter the other two). 

In business since 1947, the bakery has evolved with the times, now offering an array of options ranging from specialty cake flavorings from mango to margaritas, as well as decorating options from tiered chandeliers to tattoos.  One thing that hasn’t changed, however, is the bakery’s commitment to quality –with all cakes hand-crafted and baked the old-fashioned way, with the finest ingredients using many personal recipes from owner Teresa Johnson.


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A COUNTRY GARDEN MARRIAGE WITH A HORSE AND CARRIAGE: HAZY MEADOW IN LAKESIDE

By Miriam Raftery

March 9, 2015 (Lakeside)—If you’re looking for a romantic special setting, East County has beautiful venues where you don’t have to worry about coastal fog or crowds.  One of our favorites is Hazy Meadow Ranch, nestled at the base of El Capitan Mountain in Lakeside’s scenic El Monte Valley. 

This idyllic wedding venue comes complete with a white horse-drawn carriage ride, gazebo, lawn with expansive shade trees and flowering gardens, outdoor dance floor, plus options for Western or Spanish themed weddings including an entire Western town settingg – to name just a few of the unique amenities here.


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EAST COUNTY PHOTOGRAPHER'S STAR WARS WEDDING PHOTO GOES VIRAL

 

 

 

By Miriam Raftery

January 17, 2015 (Rancho San Diego)—“This week, an image we shot at a Star Wars themed wedding went viral on Imgur and Reddit and the story has been picked up by many news affiliates across the U.S.,” Rancho San Diego photographer Mark Hills at Unveiled Wedding Photography ( http://www.unveiledwedding.com) told East County Magazine.


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SAN DIEGO COUNTY CLERK SERVED 116 COUPLES ON A “ONCE IN A LIFETIME WEDDING DATE”

December 16, 2012 (San Diego)--This year many couples tied the knot on 12.12.12, a once in a century wedding date. The date is popular across the globe. 12.12.12 is the last of the repeating dates until January 1, 2101 and is also popular because it is an easy date to remember.

Assessor/Recorder/Commissioner of Civil Marriages, Ernest J. Dronenburg, Jr., announced that all couples that who wished to obtain a wedding license or get married were served on that special day.


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2ND ANNUAL BEAUTY IN THE BRIDE WEDDING EXPO ON SEPTEMBER 30

 

August 28, 2012 (La Mesa) -- La Mesa David’s Bridal & Friar Tux Preferred Wedding Planner, Charisma Events & Consulting (CEC) host its second annual Beauty in the Bride Wedding Expo. Join the 2nd Annual Beauty in the Bride Wedding Expo on September 30, 2012. The Beauty in the Bride Expo will take place at the La Mesa Community Center, 4975 Memorial Drive, La Mesa.  The event doors will be open to the public from 2-5 p.m. and will consist of a fashion show, raffles and San Diego’s Top Wedding Professionals will display their services and products.


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COUNTY OFFERS SWEETHEART DEAL FOR VALENTINE'S DAY WEDDINGS

 

February 1, 2011 (San Diego) -- Newly-elected Assessor/Recorder/County Clerk, Ernest J. Dronenburg, Jr. announced that the County Clerk's Office will extend office hours for romantic couples seeking to marry or renew their vows on Valentine's Day. The downtown office at 1600 Pacific Highway will be open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. for licenses and ceremonies.

 

In addition, a special "sweetheart deal” is available for newlyweds on their wedding day.


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WEDDING RESOURCES GUIDE

 East County Magazine’s Guide to vendors for your perfect wedding

 

Note: See our full "Weddings in East County" section with lots more info on getting hitched in East County at this link:  http://www.eastcountymagazine.org/taxonomy/term/3941


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GETTING HITCHED IN EAST COUNTY

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Creative East County Wedding Venues For Your Dream Ceremony

 

 By Richard Darvas

 

May 9, 2010 (San Diego’s East County) -- How many childhood fantasies stretch into adulthood, relatively unchanged? For many, wedding day is the holy grail of making dreams come true. Yet how many couples opt for a trendy wedding replete with clichés and high-dollar kitsch, only to later regret not choosing to stroll down an unbeaten aisle?  

 

Romance is not manufactured, nor delivered via assembly line. For memories you’ll treasure for a lifetime, why not select an idyllic setting that isn’t cookie cutter? Many betrothed couples are unaware of the serene mountain retreats, lush wineries, country ranches and exotic savannahs in San Diego’s eastern region. Whether your heart’s desire is a grand affair or an intimate occasion, you’ll find a wealth of unique venues for your dream ceremony in East County.

 

Here are our picks for East County's most romantic wedding venues:


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DOLLAR-WISE DIVAS: DOES A PRENUPTIAL AGREEMENT MAKE SENSE FOR YOU?

 

 

 

Share creative ideas to assist people of all ages with tips to save money and improve their lifestyle!



 

By Nancy and Dawn Clement

 

June 16, 2010 (San Diego’s East County) –Love and marriage can be beautiful for all concerned, but there are some things to consider when thinking about getting married . We consulted an attorney, Jennifer Hughes, to share some ideas on the subject of prenuptial agreements.


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TIED IN KNOTS: WEDDING PLANNERS OFFER TIPS


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JOIN US SUNDAY AT THE EAST COUNTY BRIDAL & BEAUTY FAIR!

 

FREE!  Bridal fashion show, beauty treatments, vendors, music, & great prizes

 

Win a honeymoon suite in Julian--or a night on the town with limo, paparazzi, and Johnny Depp look-alike "Sam the Pirate"

 June 5, 2010 (Fletcher Hills) -- We're pulling out all the stops to celebrate--and you're invited to this fun, FREE event:

EAST COUNTY BRIDAL & BEAUTY FAIR

Sunday, June 6th from 12-4 p.m.

 La Dolce Belladonna Salon & Spa, 596 N. Westwind Drive in El Cajon. 

 

 

*Bridal fashion show: new & vintage bridal gowns & accessories from Sparrow Bridal

* Free beauty treatments, Bueno bakery treats, music, dozens of vendors, and fabulous prizes

Perfect for brides, grooms, bridesmaids, families, party planners, and all who are romantic at heart!


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TIPS FOR THE BUDGET-MINDED BRIDE: SAVE LOTS OF MONEY AND HAVE A BEAUTIFUL WEDDING

 

By Nancy and Dawn Clemens, Dollar-Wise Divas columnists



May 19, 2010 (San Diego’s East County) - Brides come in all ages, shapes, and sizes yet, they all have in common a desire to look radiantly beautiful for their wedding day and to share a special, memorable day with treasured friends and family. So how do you accomplish this on a small budget?



Your first step is to brainstorm with your future husband to make sure you both have the same ideas about what your perfect wedding would look like. Here are some questions to start the conversation.


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EAST COUNTY’S BRIDAL AND BEAUTY FAIR DEBUTS SUNDAY, JUNE 6

 

Prizes include honeymoon stay at Angel’s Landing and bachelorette party with “Sam the Pirate” Johnny Depp celebrity look-alike

 

May 21, 2010 (El Cajon) – Here come the brides! At last, East County has a one-stop-shop for wedding needs—as well as free beauty services, musical entertainment, prize drawings, raffle, auction, bridal gown modeling, and more.

 

East County Magazine and La Dolce Belladonna Spa & Salon have forged a marriage made in heaven to offer this special event on Sunday, June 6 from 12 to 4 p.m. at La Dolce Belladonna Salon & Spa, 596 Westwind Drive in El Cajon (just south of Fletcher Parkway in the Fletcher Hills area.) The event is free to the public and fun for everyone.


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SMILE! TIPS FOR IDEAL WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY

 

Story and photos by Rachel Wattson

 

May 18, 2010 (San Diego's East County) -- Photographers are as plentiful as the sand on the beach. It can be overwhelming to begin your search when there are so many talented people to chose from. How do you know if you are getting the photographer right for you? What do you need to know? Don't give up! Here are a few tips to help you sift through the sand.

 


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SOMETHING OLD, SOMETHING NEW….VINTAGE GOWNS & MORE AT SPARROW BRIDAL



May 13, 2010 (La Mesa) –La Mesa Chamber of Commerce hosted a ribbon-cutting and toasted with champagne this week to celebrate the grand opening of La Mesa’s newest business, Sparrow Bridal Boutique. 

 

But the dazzling wedding gowns, sparkling jewels and pearls aren’t all new. A chic boutique that’s ideal for the bride on a budget, Sparrow carries an array of both new and gently worn gowns, specializing in classic, vintage bridal wear.  The shop carriesdesigner-label dresses, traditional and bird cage veils, vintage and costume jewelry, fashionable purses, garters and other accessories. 


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