Museum of Photographic Arts

k) and we rented the Botanical Lawn outside for a cocktail hour that our guests are still raving about. The space inside the Museum is open and modern and guests can walk through the gallery at no extra charge. Plus, you can rent their photobooth for a fraction of what it would cost to contract with an outside company. But the best part of our experience was working with Melissa and her team. She was on top of everything; organized and flexible and even helped us out when we were having trouble with our caterer. Weddings are so stressful, but we were never worried about how things were going to go at the museum because we were in such capable hands. And everything was perfect. Even when I broke one of my vases, they replaced it with one of theirs. I wish I could attend my reception over and over again!

ing us through the process of having a wedding, and made the process really fun. The whole staff was wonderful. All of our guests loved the fact that it was in a museum, and it made it really easy for people to mingle-- they're surrounded by conversation pieces. My favorite things about this venue: 1. No need to decorate excessively-- it looks amazing as is. It also looks lovely gussied up, but you don't have to do much. 2. You can play movies on the wall of the reception area (really cool for the dancing part of the reception). 3. The movie theater they have can be used for ceremonies-- and it's incredible. INCREDIBLE. The cost was also super inexpensive, as far as wedding venues go. And you can use your own caterers and buy your own booze. They make it easy to stay on a budget. We would seriously get married here a thousand times at this place if we could.

we were able to have cocktail hour a 2 min walk from the museum on the lawn in front of the Botanic Garden building. This was organized through MOPA Third, it was the perfect size for our wedding. We had about 100 guests (you can have up to 140) and there was plenty of room for all the tables, the bar, a great dance floor, and a photo booth Fourth, guests can check out the exhibit in the museum but it's not so big that you guests end up looking at the exhibit the entire reception Fifth (but not the final bonus) Melissa, the special events manager, was an excellent resource. She worked well with us and our wedding coordinator and provided suggestions on the layout of the reception. I would definitely recommend MOPA for anyone looking a reception location that isn't at a hotel. Plus there are a ton of places in Balboa Park to have a ceremony. We had our ceremony at the Sculpture Garden at the San Diego Museum of Art, also just a short walk away from MOPA.

n and their event staff is professional and friendly. Their planning, AV skills, and day-of coordinating was nearly flawless. We had our ceremony in the theater, which made for great pictures and the reception in the atrium with access to the galleries, which was a fun bonus for the guests. Additionally, I think the contrast between the Spanish style exterior and modern interior makes for great pictures. I think there are only a few small drawbacks to the location: (1) cocktail hour, if outside, is across the walkway on the East Lawn. The City of SD double booked our area so we had to move at the last minute. That was annoying. Additionally, on a busy Saturday, it can be confusing for guests as to where they should go for cocktail hour. (2) The bathrooms for the MOPA are public so I would recommend having a coordinator or assistant assigned to make sure it's as clean and well-stocked as possible. (3) The atrium is great for a party of around 100 people (which is what we had); more than that will be tight. (4) If you have your wedding at the MOPA, I recommend springing for a dance floor - it looks prettier. (5) Parking can be a little tricky. All in all, though, we had a great time there, we loved the staff, and I can't think of anywhere else I would have rather had our party.

A and then had the dinner and dancing reception at MOPA this past August. It was the PERFECT setting and we could not have asked for more. MOPA was perfect for many reasons including the following: - It provides a unique, refreshing setting (unlike the typical church or ballroom setting); - It provides a healthy choice of caterers to choose from (and for a fee, you do have the option of hiring someone outside the list); - Its clean walls provide a modern look; - It has beautiful skylights that bring in the San Diego sunlight; - The gallery stays open for the guests, providing an extra thing to do for your guests. Our guests had the Rock 'n Roll exhibit to enjoy during our wedding and we got rave reviews on just how cool and fun that was!; - It is both spacious and cozy. You can seat up to 140 guests. We had 120 and it was perfect; - It has a in-house photo booth you can add to your package; - It has a theatre you can use for the ceremony (although we didn't); and - The contract comes with tables, chairs, and staff members who just make sure everything on the museum end run smoothly. Lastly and very importantly, MOPA comes with a great individual named Melissa as the Special Events Manager. She worked with me from Day 1 to answer all the questions I had and plan all the little details for our wedding day. She was extremely responsive on the phone, via email, and in person. I had a million questions and she answered them all thoroughly and enthusiastically. She was always friendly, warm, genuinely sweet, easy to like, and easy to get along with. That makes wedding planning much more manageable. Thank you for everything, Melissa!!! Consider having your wedding reception at MOPA and make your wedding an evening to remember, not only for you but also for your guests!

hts a romantic side of San Diego. We had around 110 guest with head table and dance floor. They were willing to work with our caterer and decor. Totally recommend it!

ssa took great care in answering any questions or concerns we may have had, and provided terrific customer service from beginning to end. Melissa was always available when we needed her and helped suggest vendors or ideas we may have needed, or not thought about. All of the event staff was friendly, helpful and very professional at all times. The outside of the museum offered gorgeous shots for wedding picture opportunities, and the area within was spacious enough for our entire party. The galleries of the museum were open to our guest adding to the ambience, and providing a perfect backdrop to an already perfect day. Our guests enjoyed a great time in the photo booth, which MOPA offers to rent at an affordable, and well worth it price. Our guests kept telling us how much fun the photo booth added to our wedding. We would definitely recommend The Museum of Photographic Arts to anyone looking for an alternative to renting out a restaurant or hall. If MOPA's gorgeous location in Balboa Park is not reason alone, then supporting it's rich art culture should be. Not only will you have the coolest wedding or event, but as a bonus you will feel good knowing that you are supporting MOPA!

help us plan and coordinate to make sure all of our tables would fit, that everything would be perfect. Her staff helping on the day of were all very nice and professional. All of our guests loved the venue and had a wonderful time!

ovies for the kids. They have a photobooth that you could use ($5 per use - 2 strips printed per use). They let you bring in your own alcohol, they provide the tables and chairs, there's a lot of value in this venue. I love everything about this venue!!