The Oaks at Duncan Lane Wedding Venue
About an hour outside of San Diego, Pala holds a hidden gem wedding venue – The Oaks at Duncan Lane.
This venue is a photographer’s dream to work at. The lighting is pristine all day, the venue team is incredible, the entire property is stunning, and everything is conveniently located right next to each other. The Oaks at Duncan Lane is by far one of my most favorite venues to work at.
Check out the shots I captured when associate shooting a wedding for Sarah Yates Photo!
Getting Ready Space
Both the bride and the groom have their own separate getting ready spaces at The Oaks. The bride and her crew get the big house, which offers TONS of space for getting ready and for photos. There has never been an issue in my book where we’re having to sneak the bride and groom around each other.
The bridal house has amazing lighting too, coming in clutch for Hair and Makeup artists as well as photographers.
The Groom’s Cottage
The Groom and his crew also have their own private space for getting ready. It’s a smaller cottage located directly across from the bride’s house (don’t worry, you can’t see into the bride’s getting ready space), and perfectly equipped to get the boys ready to go.
Both houses have great spots for photos, beautiful lighting, and a great amount of space so that you’re not squished.
Father Daughter First Look
The courtyard below the bridal house makes for a great spot for first looks and portraits. Especially if you’re timed right and guests aren’t scheduled to arrive for awhile! It’s open, evenly-lit, and private before people start to show up.
Bridal Portraits on the Steps
Intimate and Private First Touch
I loved getting this shot through the windows of the bridal house during the couple’s private first touch. This moment is often a very private spot in a wedding day and allows you to calm some nerves before your ceremony. For couples who don’t want to see each other before the ceremony, but are still anxious, a first touch is perfect!
The Ceremony Space
The ceremony space at The Oaks at Duncan Lane never fails to impress. It’s shaded and very spacious! You don’t feel cramped at all, and you and your guests aren’t baking in the sun. It’s also so close to all of the other parts of the venue, so not too much walking involved. The venue has tons of paved paths too, making it very wheelchair friendly for older guests.
Wedding Party Photos
The Team
If The Oaks wasn’t already picture perfect enough, the team they have working their venue is incredible. I’ve had the pleasure of working with their staff on multiple occasions, and they never fail to serve. The venue is run by a lot of family and close friends, so the chemistry works in their favor. They all usually work every wedding together with the exceptions of needing time off of course. Linda, one of their coordinators and pictured below, is an angel of a human and helps the day run so smoothly.
Newlywed Romantics Around the Property
The Oaks at Duncan Lane Venue Details, Flat Lays, and Reception
Is The Oaks at Duncan Lane the perfect place for you?
If you’re looking through all of this, swooning and on the edge of your seat, please check out their website to inquire for your wedding. I’ll link it below for you to browse. Everything about this venue is a dream and I’ve loved working there so much.
I am ready to go back again and again and again. If you’re getting married at The Oaks at Duncan Lane and you’re ready to have the wedding gallery of your dreams, inquire with me below. I’ll give you $200 off your wedding package if you are getting married here!
YumikoTanPhotography.com/contact
All images in this gallery were taken by me when associate shooting for Sarah Yates Photo
