The Abbey

Specialties

The Abbey is a classic venue for catered affairs including weddings and receptions, corporate functions, theme parties, casino nights, balls, proms, and association fundraisers.

Step into the stained-​glass resplendence of this award-​winning landmark. The Abbey dates back to 1910, and is the only Classic Revival structure still in existence in San Diego. Two enormous domed, stained glass skylights bathe the room in a pale yellow glow, while the twelve luminous stained glass windows cast their own heavenly light. Stunning fixtures made of hand-​blown, orange-​yellow glass are suspended from 50-​foot ceilings.

Perfect for weddings The Abbey is a full service facility, so after a ceremony up to 300 guests are treated to an elegant reception. Gourmet cuisine is prepared on-​site in, where bread has been broken and wine has been shared for the past nine decades. The services of a full-​time wedding coordinator are also available to help you make the most of this unique location.

History

Established in 1910.

The year was 1910 and in San Diego, a burst of architectural creativity produced noteworthy buildings such as the U.S. Grant Hotel. In fashionable «Uptown,» horticulturist Kate Sessions was planting trees in Balboa Park. On the fringe of this landscape, architect Norman Foote Marsh unveiled the Park Place Methodist Episcopal Church, an acclaimed structure that would eventually become «The Abbey.» Over the years the church underwent several incarnations, and in 1984 an award-​winning renovation transformed it into a restaurant. The statue of Gabriel was coated in gleaming gold leaf, but nothing else was done to alter the facility’s vintage beauty. The Abbey is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, an enormous honor reserved for only a small amount of places.

Today, The Abbey on Fifth is a private special event facility managed by Hornblower Cruises & Events. They invite you to stage your wedding, party or corporate event amid the Abbey’s dramatic classic décor.

Meet the Manager

Kristie B.

Manager

Kristie got started in the wedding industry in 1998 by joining the Association of Bridal Consultants (ABC). This educational and networking experience propelled her into her first position at Hornblower as wedding sales coordinator in San Diego ‘s wedding department in March of 2000. Soon after, she was promoted to Wedding Sales Manager (March 2003). Kristie now manages the weddings on all eight of San Diego yachts, as well as The Abbey, a classic historic building near Balboa Park.

Kristie is a Certified Professional Wedding Consultant by the ABC, and has recently held the position of Secretary on the board of San Diego Association of Bridal Consultants. She is an ordained minister, and has written and officiated wedding ceremonies. She takes pride in her organization and attention to detail, really loves working with her brides, and got to have the title herself, in 2006, when she was married and had her wedding reception on the yacht «High Spirits»!