Hello! I'm Carrie McCluskey, a wedding photographer based in the Carlsbad and San Marcos area of Southern California. For over a decade, I've been capturing weddings, along with headshots, family portraits, baby photos, and engagement sessions. I've had the pleasure of photographing weddings from Santa Barbara to Coronado and all the beautiful spots in between.
Southern California offers so many stunning locations for photos and weddings. Some of my favorites include waterfront settings, sunset views from cliffs, scenic golf courses like Maderas in Poway, and urban backdrops like Balboa Park. I've had the privilege of working at resorts and hotels across Malibu, Newport Beach, Dana Point, Laguna Beach, San Clemente, Oceanside, Carlsbad, Encinitas, Solana Beach, Del Mar, La Jolla, and Mission Bay.
My journey into wedding photography began after my own wedding at Hotel del Coronado, where I fell in love with the artistry of capturing special moments. I've since been honored to have my work featured on Style Me Pretty, San Diego Style Weddings, and The Knot. It's been a joy to be recognized as Best Photographer of the Year by The Knot, multiple years in a row.
Southern California is teeming with incredible wedding venues and picturesque spots for photography. Some of my top picks include the luxurious Grand del Mar, the stunning Rancho Valencia, the scenic Crossings at Carlsbad, the charming Inn at Rancho Santa Fe, the picturesque Catamaran, and the elegant La Jolla Women's Club. I've also had wonderful experiences at the Thursday Club in Point Loma, the Coronado Community Center, and the enchanting L'Auberge in Del Mar.
Other venues that have been a joy to photograph at include the breathtaking Maderas in Poway, the scenic Orfila Vineyards in Escondido, the lovely Wedgewood Country Club, the historic Prado, the exquisite Dana, and the tranquil Rancho Bernardo Inn. I've also had memorable shoots at Immaculata at USD, Falkner Winery in Temecula, and various military locations along the bay like the Admiral Kidd Club, Oceanview, and Breaker’s Beach.
Additionally, I've had the pleasure of working at Admiral Baker, the Omni by Petco Park, Morgan Run Resort, Mission de Acala, Pala Mesa in their tent reception location, Green Gables, as well as Marriott, Hilton, Hyatt, Bahia, Scripps Seaside, Japanese Friendship Garden, Monteleone Meadows, Twin Oaks, San Diego Library, and Karl Strauss Gardens.
When it comes to churches, some of my favorites to photograph at are St. John the Evangelist, the Immaculata, Founder's Chapel, St. Gregory the Great, and the expansive Catholic church in Scripps Ranch. I specialize in photographing Catholic weddings. Each venue offers its own unique charm and beauty, making every wedding a special and memorable event to capture.
Some of the most scenic spots for engagement and family sessions can be found in North County San Diego. I adore places like tree groves, Elfin Forest, Swami’s, Moonlight Beach, Ponto, Bataquitos Lagoon, and Carrillo Ranch, just to name a few. However, any of the stunning beaches or parks throughout San Diego County make for perfect locations for your portrait sessions.