Darlington House Wedding: Elegant Style & Super 8 Film Magic

Darlington House

Darlington House is a stunning historic venue located in La Jolla, California. Known for its unique blend of Mediterranean and Moroccan architecture, the estate offers an elegant setting that’s perfect for intimate and large-scale weddings alike. The house features beautiful courtyards, vibrant tiled fountains, and charming vintage details, making it an ideal backdrop for couples seeking a classic California atmosphere with an Old World touch.

Wedding Information

Darlington House offers a versatile and picturesque setting for weddings, with pricing that varies based on the season and day of the week. For a 6-hour event, the venue rental starts at $7,750, with additional fees of $800 for access to certain areas for photography. The venue requires couples to select from their approved list of caterers, ensuring high-quality, trusted service (see list here).

The estate includes multiple event spaces, each adding unique charm to a wedding day. The main house, a two-story Mediterranean-inspired building, connects seamlessly with the Andalusian and Egyptian patios, offering intimate corners and tiled fountains. Additionally, the rose garden courtyard and library provide versatile areas for ceremonies, receptions, or quiet gathering spaces. Darlington House can accommodate up to 200 guests, making it ideal for both intimate gatherings and larger celebrations.

History

Darlington House, built in 1925, has a captivating history that enhances its timeless charm. Originally a private home, the estate showcases architectural influences from around the world. Inspired by the owner’s travels, designers incorporated Spanish, Moroccan, and Egyptian details. Over the years, Darlington House transformed into a beloved gathering space. It became a designated historic site, reflecting La Jolla’s heritage and elegance. Today, couples find themselves drawn to its rich history and unique design, making it an unforgettable venue.

La Jolla, California

Nestled along the coast, La Jolla offers breathtaking views and a charming, relaxed vibe. This seaside town is known for its scenic cliffs, upscale restaurants, and stunning beaches. Darlington House, located in the heart of La Jolla, places couples near these beautiful landscapes. Guests can enjoy local attractions, from boutiques to oceanfront dining, making it a well-rounded wedding destination. For a late-night snack, Taco Stand—just a 5-minute walk from the venue—is a local favorite. With its coastal beauty and unique character, La Jolla provides an ideal backdrop for unforgettable wedding photos.

Styled Shoot at Darlington House Hosted by On Cloud Events

Renalyn of On Cloud 9 Events brought a refined elegance to this styled shoot at Darlington House. Her expertise and attention to detail crafted a captivating atmosphere that wove each vendor’s work seamlessly together. Every aspect reflected a soft, sophisticated palette that perfectly matched Darlington House’s charm.

The long dining table, adorned with peach-hued roses and delicate white blooms, created a dreamy focal point. Taper candles in glass holders and minimalist place settings added a touch of understated elegance. Gold flatware and classic white china elevated the table’s look, bringing a luxurious feel to the space.

Renalyn’s planning covered each area of Darlington House—the main house, courtyards, and Andalusian patio. She selected an amazing model couple and brought in guests, creating an authentic dinner and cocktail hour experience. The floral details enhanced the setting, with the bride holding a cascading bouquet of orchids and blush roses. Bridesmaids carried sleek calla lily bouquets, adding balance and contrast to the floral designs. Here are my favorite images from the day capture on both digital and 35mm film photography.

Darlington House on Super 8 Film

For this Darlington House shoot, we swapped digital cameras for a Super 8, and the results were pure magic! Super 8 is a motion picture film format that records at 18 frames per second, giving it that nostalgic, slightly dream-like quality. With its grainy texture and retro vibes, it felt like stepping into a time machine—every moment captured felt a bit more romantic and timeless.

Super 8 is a fantastic alternative to typical digital video. Its vintage look adds a unique, artistic edge that makes every scene feel extra special. Filming on Super 8 was a blast, capturing all the fun and energy of the day in a way that feels both nostalgic and fresh. For couples wanting something different and unforgettable, Super 8 is the perfect choice!

I’m excited to offer this to couples who want to add a touch of vintage charm to their wedding. If you’re interested in adding Super 8 to your day, I’m currently offering a 10% discount for a limited time! Reach out to me for more details—I’d love to chat about how we can bring this unique vibe to your celebration.

@ariannamaddoxphoto

Darlington House Wedding on Super 8 Film #super8weddingvideographer #super8film #sandiegoweddingphotographer

♬ so this is love – soft girl aesthetic

Vendors:

Planning & Design – @oncloud9_events
Venue – @darlington_house
Floral – @greenhouseflorals
Catering – @toastcateringsd
Rentals (Tables & Chairs) – @thevoguerentals
Rentals (Lounge Furniture & Bar) – @eventpartyrentalssd
Rentals (Escort Shelf, Acrylic Stands) – @tbdsandiego
Tableware Rentals – @hostesshaven
Content Creator – @thegirlsgirlcontent
Signage – @tiacreates
Stationary – @paperdaisiesstationery
Hairstylist – @amberraynbeauty
MUA – @glambyrosee_
Bridal Boutique – @aw.bridal
Cake – @luxecakes_co
Watercolor Artist – @watercolorsbykarla
Nail Artist – @thelittlenailshopsd
Model Couple – @modelcouplesd

Need a San Diego Wedding Photographer?

Hello! I’m Arianna, the creative eye behind the lens and your dedicated storyteller. I’m here to capture your authentic beauty while providing just the right amount of guidance. From seamlessly organizing family portraits to ensuring every detail of your attire is picture-perfect, my focus is on making your experience effortless and enjoyable. I’m deeply inspired by the timeless elegance of film photography, the interplay of light and shadow, and artful, editorial compositions. My goal is to create refined, lasting images that celebrate your story with sophistication and joy. If you’re seeking a photographer who is both professional and engaging, I’d love to connect

Connect with Arianna

This blog post of, Darlington House Wedding: Elegant Style & Super 8 Film Magic was written by California wedding photographer Arianna Maddox.