Weddingbee boards

I'm not sure that's possible in San Diego! She would pay $2500 just for the venue itself, not including catering. If she wants it outside, she needs to apply for a permit through the city and that's a pain because there's a lot of rules and it's costly.

But there is a place in Balboa Park that I know that will accomodate 300 but it's more like a hall, and in the outskirts of the park. Close to the freeway exit. I remember it's supposed to be "cheap" but I don't know how cheap is cheap. From what I remember it's supposed to be very basic, so nothing at all fancy. You should call the tourist information at Balboa Park and ask, they should know.

Maybe she can have it at someone's home? Or at a clubhouse (a lot of properties have a clubhouse the residents can use), but most don't accomodate that many people. But for that budget, it would be very hard with that many people. The only way would be to have family cook everything and DIY, saving the money for the venue rental -or- cut the guest in half and order food and have it at a house.

Regardless, it would still be a lovely wedding, but a little tricky to manage.

Sorry, I misunderstood! I thought the budget was with catering.

How about the Japanese Friendship Garden? It's gorgeous and they do wonderful weddings! But max capacity is 200. They allow outside catering, though the caterer might have to be approved or be on their list first.
http://www.niwa.org/private-events-garden

 
Marina Village is also a place she should look into. 

And the wineries in town: 
Bernardo Winery: http://bernardowinery.com/events/weddings-and-receptions/
Orfila Winery: http://www.orfila.com/events-private.html

 
Here's a link with a bunch of top wedding sites: http://www.sandiego-romantics.com/wedding-sites.html