Frequently asked questions

Villa San Giovese is the perfect setting in the San Diego area for weddings, micro weddings, elopements, styled shoots, corporate retreats, quinceañeras, private celebrations, and more. If you have a special vision in mind, we would love to explore it with you.

Our hilltop estate in Jamul is ideally suited for celebrations of 100 to 150 guests, offering an intimate and relaxed experience. We can also accommodate gatherings of up to 250 guests with advance parking arrangements. Set high above the surrounding landscape with sweeping views, on-site parking is limited, which helps us preserve the peaceful charm of the property.

No. We host one event at a time, never two. When you celebrate here, the whole estate is yours.

We are LGBTQ+ owned. Villa San Giovese belongs to Todd and Bruno, a married couple, and every celebration of love is at home here.

Our estate offers vineyard views, gardens, a Tuscan-inspired reception area, on-site parking, bridal and groom suites, and vendor partnerships to enhance your experience.

A few indoor areas may be used for welcoming guests or photos, but Villa San Giovese is primarily an outdoor venue designed to showcase our surroundings and Southern California weather. We partner with trusted rental companies to provide weather coverage if needed.

Yes. Our bridal and groom suites give you each a private place to get ready, with access from two hours before the ceremony, and certain packages include extended time.

Yes, on-site parking is available. We keep it limited on purpose to preserve the peaceful setting, and for larger guest lists we will plan parking arrangements with you in advance.

We are in the hills of Jamul, California, about 30 minutes from downtown San Diego and 17 miles from San Diego International Airport, right beside the San Diego National Wildlife Refuge.

Yes. The AirBNB and cottage next door sleep up to 18 people, which works beautifully for wedding parties and traveling family.

Yes, tours are available by appointment only. Click the Schedule a Tour button, complete the short form, and we will reach out to confirm availability.

Tours typically last 30 to 45 minutes. Afterward, we will sit with you to discuss your vision and walk through transparent pricing so you have a clear understanding of all costs.

Absolutely. We encourage you to bring anyone who may help you make this important decision. We want you to feel confident and excited about choosing Villa San Giovese.

Yes. We offer virtual tours upon request to give you a detailed overview of the venue.

Our all-inclusive elopement packages are Roma at $2,100, Napoli at $2,700, and Firenze at $4,750. Each includes the officiant, coordinator, flowers, decorated stone altar, and photography. See the elopements page for full details.

Almafi is $7,525 for ceremony and reception, Venezia is $10,900 and Tuscany is $11,200 for ceremony, reception, and dinner, each for up to 40 guests with catering and photography options available. See the micro-weddings page for full details.

Venue rental rates vary by day and season. We share current pricing on your tour or by inquiry, and we are always happy to talk it through.

Yes. Venue fees may be paid in three equal installments: at contract signing to secure your date, six months prior to your event, and one month prior, with any final adjustments based on guest count. We accept personal checks, credit cards (processing fees apply), and most mobile payment apps including Zelle, Venmo, and PayPal.

To ensure availability, we recommend booking your San Diego event 6 to 12 months in advance. We may have openings on shorter timelines, so please ask.

Yes. A Certificate of Insurance listing Villa San Giovese as an additional insured is required to protect against damages that may occur during your event.

Events typically span up to 12 hours, including setup and cleanup. We are always happy to discuss your schedule and explore options that best support your plans and vendors.

We offer packages that can include catering, and we also work with a variety of excellent outside vendors. We do not require exclusivity.

No, we do not offer wedding planning services, but we are happy to share a list of reputable wedding planners in the area.

We keep a hand-picked list of caterers, photographers, florists, and planners who know the estate, and we share it with every couple who tours. We are also glad to talk through how your own favorites can work here.

Yes. If you choose to bring your own alcohol, a corkage fee applies to cover professional bar staff, glassware, garnishes, napkins, and service. We will happily help you design signature cocktails your guests will love.

Yes. A one-hour rehearsal is included with weddings, and we can arrange on-site rehearsal dinner options on request.

If your question is not answered here, contact us and we will be happy to help.