After visiting at least 20 sites across San Diego County and researching probably over 100, my fiancee and fell for The El Cortez Don Room. We had chosen a venue twice already, only to have contracts fall through due to an unprofessional errors at the last minute. I finally abandoned traditional methods of searching and typed into Yelp “inexpensive wedding venue” for San Diego. I was floored to see El Cortez pop up.
Meeting Kathi Skillman was the greatest part of our planning process. She really knows how to make you feel special!! She was always professional and alarmingly fast in her email return. We were hooked right away. The building is beautiful and the space is really versatile. We knew from the beginning that we didn’t want a big white rectangle ballroom. The Octagon ballroom with its rich colors and gorgeous sprawling ceiling, is something you really wont find anywhere else. The history gives it such personality, but it has been flawlessly maintained and doesn’t look ‘old’ at all. They even provide a doorman dressed in El Cortez finery for your event, which gives such a special and personal touch to your guests before even stepping through the door.
The outside terrace is transformable! Its huge! With tons of space for a lounge, cigar bar, photo booth or really any other activity you would want to entertain your guests with.
For the level of event the El Cortez provides, it really is a tremendous deal. If you’re looking for an economy wedding, this is not the place. If you’re looking for the feel of a 100,000 wedding at less than half the cost, call Kathi. 🙂
Love, Nick and Stephanie