Cheap Venues for Rent in San Diego, CA

Cheap Venues Rental Guide

Choosing the perfect place from a multitude of amazing venues is no mean feat. But luckily for you, we’ve compiled a list of tips to help you pick the best space for your next event!

What are some cheap party venue options in San Diego?

Gardens

Are you planning to make the most of San Diego weather? Why not rent a private garden then? Lush gardens filled with beautiful greenery are excellent for hosting all kinds of parties. In San Diego, you will find many options to choose from for your next event, from private backyards to hotel gardens. 

Patios 

It would be a sin not to make the most of the beautiful weather in San Diego. That’s why we recommend cozy restaurant patios that are perfect for intimate gatherings or corporate events. Why not pick a location in the heart of San Diego, such as Downtown, where you can impress your guests with magnificent views of the city.

Art galleries

San Diego’s art scene is thriving more than ever, so if you’re feeling a little artsy, pick a gallery! The city is home to some famous art galleries, like the San Diego Museum of Art and The Museum of Contemporary Art. Renting an art gallery is a classy and creative way to celebrate any occasion. We’re certain you can’t go wrong with such an esthetic!

Guide to finding a cheap party space

San Diego is filled with budget-friendly options with exceptional ambiance, so whether you’re looking for a big or cozy space, here are some tips and tricks to help you find a cheap party space: 

• Stick to your budget. We trust that you’ve already calculated how much you’ll be able to spend on the party, so now it’s time to make sure that you stay within your budget. It may seem obvious but doing so is sometimes hard when planning an event. If you splurge on the venue, chances are that you will not be able to afford anything else for your event. So when looking for a venue, we suggest you have a separate budget for the venue itself and a separate one for other expenses, such as catering, decorations, or hiring a DJ. 

• Calculate your additional expenses. The key to affordability is to calculate your extra expenses such as decorations, party favors, and catering before booking your venue. If you’re planning to throw a special occasion, think of creating a special playlist and blasting the tunes throughout the whole event instead of hiring a DJ or live band.

• Be flexible. Especially when it comes to the date of your party! Trust us, this can save you lots of money. Many venues have cheaper rates on weekdays compared to weekend offers, so if you decide to throw your event between Monday and Thursday, it could save you lots of money.

• Book your venue as early as possible. Secure the space that melted your heart by booking it early. Cheap venues are always in high demand, especially during the party season - for example during the summer when lots of people decide to get married. We recommend hiring your favorite venue once you’ve made your choice, putting down your deposit as soon as possible, and relaxing until the day comes.

• Use a venue finding platform. Using an online venue search platform like Tagvenue will enable you to easily find party venues that fit your budget as soon as you know how much it is. Such websites allow you to browse through hundreds of venues and compare offers side by side. Whether you’re looking for a terrace with a breathtaking city view or a garden, you can find the perfect place by filtering the venues according to your budget, location, event, and number of guests. And the best part: a virtual marketplace will help you create a fantastic event without breaking the bank.

• Bring your own food. In-house catering can be a big part of the rental fee and make the venue you love out of your financial reach. So if you’re looking for ways to go easy on your wallet, go for a place that allows you to bring your own food for the party. Either locate affordable caterers or organize a potluck and ask your guests to bring a dish with them. Create a shared list where everyone will be able to put what they’re bringing to avoid having multiple people prepare the same things.

• Save up on the drinks. It comes as no surprise that alcohol is expensive and can really make a dent in your budget. That’s why we suggest you choose your own supplier and buy liquor in bulk. Also, don’t forget to have some non-alcoholic options as well. And when it comes to the venue, make sure that you end up booking one with a BYOB policy, preferably with no corkage fees.

• Keep it simple. A successful party doesn’t have to equal a huge budget and extravagant decorations! Scrub renting an over-the-top place, and instead go for a local bar or a local eatery. The same goes for the entertainment: you don’t have to hire a live band, dancers, or a fire eater to ensure your guests have a fab night. And when it comes to decorations, keep them minimalistic as well.

FAQs about Cheap Venues in San Diego, CA

Do all venues allow external catering?

As you might already know, some places, especially restaurants, do not allow external catering as they offer in-house service. But that’s not always the case! Some eateries do allow it, so the best solution is to contact the venue manager to discuss the rules before booking. Other venues, for example, patios, might also have specific rules regarding food. Whatever you go for, you can check the description of the venue to see whether it fits your requirements.

How much does it cost to rent a cheap venue in San Diego?

Rental fees for venues in San Diego vary depending on the place’s location, type, and size. Plenty of spaces offer special packages with prices ranging between $15 and $75 per person. The most popular pricing structure that you’ll find in San Diego is hourly rental - rates vary from $60 to $350 per hour, but small places can charge as little as $15 per hour.

What services does a venue rental include?

Depending on the venue, rental services can include different types of amenities. While some venues might provide in-house catering or staff services, some will require that you organize any additional services on your own. If you’re unsure about the services included, contact the venue manager to resolve any doubts!

Where can I find cheap party venues in San Diego?

You can find some affordable gems off the beaten track even in the city center! Even though Downtown is a business hub, it’s also one of the city’s most popular areas when it comes to events. Known for its nightlife and restaurants, you’ll be able to find a place for an elegant dinner or a wild 21st birthday party. If you’re thinking of partying in style, you have to check out Mission Valley and its variety of venues with pretty ocean and city views. Gaslamp Quarter is famous for trendy restaurants, vibrant bars, and unique nightlife spots. If you don’t mind the drive, we suggest having a look around Coronado - an area boasting some of the best views in town. And for throwing an epic beach-style outdoor party, you have to check out Ocean Beach and Pacific Beach. La Jolla, on the other hand, is a small area with beautiful beaches, stunning cliffs, and fantastic art galleries.