A Romantic Garden Wedding Gem in San Diego
As a florist who’s designed weddings all over San Diego — from the coast to the vineyards — Twin Oaks has always been one of my favorite venues to create in. There’s a kind of magic here that’s hard to describe until you experience it in person. The old oak trees, the soft sound of the fountains, and the layers of lush greenery make it feel like a hidden garden tucked just beyond the city.
Every time I step onto the property, I’m inspired all over again. The natural textures, gentle light, and organic surroundings give the flowers a chance to really shine. Whether it’s a soft pastel palette for spring or a rich, moody tone for fall, Twin Oaks transforms beautifully to match each couple’s vision.
Why I Love Working at Twin Oaks
From a florist’s perspective, Twin Oaks is the perfect creative playground. The gardens already provide the structure and movement that make floral design feel alive — my role is simply to add color, depth, and story to what’s already growing there.
The ceremony lawn is one of my favorite spots in San Diego. It feels private and peaceful, surrounded by mature trees that create a natural frame for a floral arch or ground meadow design. The reception space flows effortlessly from the outdoor terrace to the bright, elegant ballroom, which means couples can enjoy a cohesive experience without losing the beauty of the outdoors once the sun sets.
And beyond the beauty, the venue team is incredible — professional, kind, and always open to collaboration. Working with a staff that values creativity and communication makes the entire experience seamless for both vendors and couples alike.
What Makes Twin Oaks Weddings So Special
Weddings at Twin Oaks always feel like they’re straight out of a romantic storybook. The light here shifts in the most beautiful way — golden and glowing in the afternoon, soft and ethereal as evening falls. The natural garden setting does so much of the work, creating an atmosphere that feels intimate, timeless, and deeply romantic.
It’s also one of the most comfortable venues I’ve ever worked at — and that matters more than most couples realize. Twin Oaks offers large, separate bridal and groom suites, all fully air-conditioned (which is truly a blessing during those warm San Diego summers). The bridal suite is especially spacious — perfect for getting ready with a big wedding party, with plenty of room for multiple hair and makeup stations.
They also allow vendors and wedding parties to arrive early for setup, which makes such a difference on the day-of. We never feel rushed here. Everything about the venue is designed to make the day flow smoothly — from the first look to the last dance.
The property itself balances elegance with ease. A floral arch feels monumental here without needing to be oversized. Table arrangements and candlelight come to life under the oak trees and string lights. Every element just feels intentional — like it belongs.
Ceremony and Reception Spaces
One of the reasons I love designing at Twin Oaks is the flexibility of the spaces. Each one has its own personality, but together they flow beautifully from start to finish.
- Garden Vista Lawn — A lush, tree-lined ceremony site perfect for floral arches, meadows, or asymmetrical designs
- Garden Ballroom & Terrace — A romantic, light-filled reception space that opens to the patio, ideal for long tables, soft candlelight, and floral runners.
- Outdoor Bar & Cocktail Lawn — Right outside the main tent is one of my favorite gathering spaces — a charming bar and open-air cocktail area surrounded by trees and string lights. It’s an ideal place for smaller floral installations, bud vases, or overhead greenery moments that make the space feel warm and welcoming.
And while the ceremony and reception areas are stunning, one of Twin Oaks’ best-kept secrets is the number of hidden photo spots scattered throughout the property. From quiet garden pathways to ivy-covered archways, there’s no shortage of romantic backdrops for portraits. It’s the kind of place where you could wander for hours and still find a new pocket of beauty.
The Perfect Couple for Twin Oaks
Twin Oaks is the dream venue for couples who love the idea of a garden wedding that feels effortless but still refined. It’s for the romantics who want natural beauty without having to travel hours out of town. The venue’s combination of architecture and landscape gives it a timeless quality that works beautifully for a variety of aesthetics — from airy garden romance to modern floral color stories.
The couples I see drawn to Twin Oaks are thoughtful about design and want their day to feel organic, elevated, and full of emotion. They appreciate moments that feel intentional — walking through a lush garden aisle, dining under twinkle lights, or sharing a first dance surrounded by candlelight.
Insider Tips for Planning Your Twin Oaks Wedding
After creating so many weddings here, a few things always come to mind when helping couples design their day:
- Lean into the light. The property absolutely glows during golden hour. Plan your ceremony around 90 minutes before sunset for the best photos.
- Focus on key areas. The ceremony arch, sweetheart table, and reception centerpieces create the biggest visual impact in this space.
- Work with the landscape. Twin Oaks already provides so much greenery and texture. Florals here should complement the setting — romantic, organic, and full of natural movement.
- Don’t skip the candles. Evening receptions are especially magical here, and candlelight against the oak trees is one of my favorite sights.
A Florist’s Take
Over the years, I’ve designed everything from soft pastel garden weddings to bold, color-forward celebrations here, and each one feels unique. The venue itself has a soul — it changes with the light, the season, and the couple.
One of my favorite designs featured delicate roses, airy blue delphinium, and soft greenery woven through long tables with floating candles. It looked as though the garden had simply grown across the reception space overnight.
There’s a sense of ease at Twin Oaks that I don’t find everywhere — the kind that allows creativity to flow freely. It’s one of those places that never asks florals to compete with the environment, but rather to become part of it.
Twin Oaks Wedding Venue Facts
Venue: Twin Oaks House & Gardens
Address: 236 Deer Springs Rd, San Marcos, CA 92069
Phone: (760) 510-1606
Capacity: Up to 300 guests
Included Amenities: Tables, chairs, linens (varies by package), in-house catering, coordination
Best For: Garden-style weddings, romantic outdoor celebrations, and couples who love timeless, nature-inspired design
If you’re dreaming of a wedding that feels like stepping into your own private garden — surrounded by lush greenery, candlelight, and flowers that tell a story — Twin Oaks might just be the perfect place to start.
Make sure to check out our portfolio to see other weddings from Twin Oaks
Photos: Paige Hill Photography
Florals: Feral Rose Floral
