Sunset Temple

Sunset Temple is a little know gem!!! An absolutely beautiful vintage venue. Claire wanted nothing more than to make my wedding dreams come true and Todd went above and beyond… never hesitating to rise to any of the challenges I set forth. And trust me when I say I gave him quite a wish list. In a world where most places will see you as a dollar sign, the team at Sunset Temple reminds us that there are still people and businesses that out there that care first and foremost about you and not your wallet. These people love their jobs and it shows in the pride they take in making your day the best it can be!!!

I can’t wait to shoot another wedding or event here. The vibe inherent with a place like this is too much to ignore, so fun and funky, you have to have a great vision, or want a great vision to utilize the wonderful space at the Sunset Temple. Can’t wait to work with Claire again! View the wedding I shot here:

We’ve been planning a wedding with Sunset Temple for several months and they took care of so many of the details for us beautifully, and with such INCREDIBLE SERVICE.
We brought the photo booth, DJ, flowers, favors, champagne glasses, candles and wedding cake but they provided pretty much everything else.
In one stop we received tables, chairs, linens, plates and utensils, 200 votive holders, an amazing dinner, soft drinks, coffee bar with all sides, and staff to serve the food and cake, to work the door and the bar, clean it all up afterwards and unbelievably, to give us «day-​of» coordination as well.
They made us a slide show with pictures we gave Todd and strung market lights in the main room. They set up a lounge for us upstairs and they had the place gorgeous and ready well ahead of «go» time. They didn’t let us lift a finger through out the night and were always near to assist with whatever came up.
They handled the lighting, the late guests, and the mess. They rehearsed with us and they made it all so easy.
The food was SO good :) (We wanted a Taco Bar, Beans, Rice, Salsa, Salad, .etc — best Mexican we’ve had in a while)
Claire, Todd and Eddie did even more though; they encouraged and supported us, they laughed with us and they did everything they could to make us feel welcomed and to feel important to them.
Claire managed our contract and asked for all of the things we wanted and talked through how she could provide each of those things. She is kind and attentive, a listener and so down to earth and easy to work with. Todd designed a thousand things around the plan, technically savvy and patient, and so good to us. Eddie we completely underestimated because he looks like a tough guy ;) Then he NAILED it! He was so creative and artistic, and able to manage the vendors, and assist everyone in the party and on the guest list, as well as put out fires before they could start without me ever knowing … He even decorated our cake (GORGEOUS, with roses).
We LOVE these people! (seriously, we would choose them for friends).
We were given a FABULOUS deal for all of this too, and they were worth every penny and much more. I wish I had the money to pay them what they’re worth!
We absolutely plan to have another event at Sunset with this amazing, talented team.

We recently planned a high school reunion at Sunset Temple. First of all, the owner, Claire Magner is one amazing lady! She helped us make this a truly spectacular evening! From the décor, room set up, lighting, music, it was all so perfect. I have to give props to her amazing staff! Each and everyone of them were so helpful, and so kind. And to Todd who walked us through every step of the room set up. He made our vision come to life! It was fabulous! I would highly recommend Sunset Temple for any special occasion.

A few weekends back, my non-​profit children’s theatre company came to a close. We wanted to go out BIG and in style and so I contacted Claire. She immediately let us know how much she believed in the work that we did and that she wanted to create a really special event night for us. Not only did she cut us a great deal, but she made sure that we were able to enjoy our celebration to the fullest. Todd was so helpful with all of our technical needs for the performance and made sure that my actors had everything in place for a successful final show.
On the day of the event, Claire had tables, chairs, lounge chairs & bar set up and ready for us. All we had to do was load in and load out our show. Claire was present at our event throughout the evening and even donated some goods to our audience! I found out later that my mother in New York had been in contact with Claire throughout the week to arrange a flower delivery on the evening of the event. My mother loves Claire. As do I.
The Sunset Temple is a beautiful venue that feels formal and welcoming at the same time. We had access to their full stage with beautiful draped curtains, the backdrop projection screen, sound booth, bar, balcony for filming, buffet tables and dressing room storage. The space is adaptable for several different banquets, performances, fundraisers and celebrations; for our event, it was just perfect.
I can’t thank Claire, Todd, and the Sunset Temple enough. There aren’t adequate words to describe how special & joyous that evening felt, in spite of the bittersweet occasion. Thank you thank you thank you, Sunset Temple!

MARYAH is a group of real estate professionals in the Metro area and we support a youth housing project downtown for at-​risk LGBTQ young adults. We had a Casino Night fundraiser at the Sunset Temple for over 200 people. I have to say the comments we received were nothing short of amazing. Claire was very helpful and work with us every step of the way. Needless to say we will try to have it there again next year. Thank you Claire for being an amazing person to help make our event one of the best it has been and we look forward to working with you again.

Oh man were do I even start! Claire, Eddie, and Spencer! You are all amazing people and if I ever need a place for anything I will always go to you as my number one. I cannot even begin to express how thankful I am to have met you and to make my wedding so beautiful. I love all of you and you were above and beyond at all times. Claire, Thank You so so much for working with me on budget and your garlic mashed taterrrz are AMAZZINGGG. Eddie, you were amazing; on point at all times. You will be first on my list and first on my recommendations always and forever for any events my friends might have. Spencer was also awesome and the reason why I found this place. Can’t wait to come to your remodeling party! Love you all!

We are soooo excited to have our wedding reception at sunset temple and most of all we are thrilled to be working with Claire the owner. I’m sure I’ll leave another review after our event in October but this review is based on our first impression of the venue and Claire and 5 stars all the way. My fiancé and I took two friends along with us to meet Claire and tour the place. We were smiling the entire time so excited to hear the story of the building and get to know such a Friendly, Positive, Down to earth lady that’s honestly just our type of people. Right away even on the phone prior to meeting I felt so comfortable talking with her and sure enough as soon as we met in person there were hugs right away. The venue is just awesome, unique, and the perfect spot for the party we are looking to throw and being one who loves to decorate I can’t wait to look around downstairs again and see all the treasures that we can use for the event if we choose to. :) I’ve looked around and met with many other venues and we knew right away nothing compared to this. Wedding planning can be very stressful and it’s only just begun I’m sure but knowing we have Claire to work with and an awesome theatrical venue we are relieved and Excited which is how it should feel. Yah!!! :)

We had our holiday party here on January 17 2015. Getting everything set up was a breeze. Spencer was super helpful in all aspects of party planning including décor, food, drinks and helping us get it all in on our budget. When we showed up everything was arranged as agreed upon and even exceeded our expectations. All of the staff were friendly, and went above and beyond to help us get the party done right. Needless to say it was a blast and some even said it was our best party yet. Kudos to the team at sunset temple, we will definitely be looking to book again next year!

We did not end up choosing Sunset Temple for our Bridal Shower. However, I just wanted to mention how wonderful it was to work with Spencer and Claire. It really is a nice business they have going and a beautiful place to have an event. You can call the number on the website or even stop by, Spencer is often times there, ready to answer your questions.

We just held an wonderful even at Sunset Temple last night (7÷31÷14). I was the coordinator for the show. Spencer, the manager, was amazing and made ever step of the process easy and everyone at Sunset Temple was friendly and accommodating. Service with a smile, all the way around.
The venue is beautiful; a 1920’s style with a flair of modern influences. Food… delicious! If you are looking for a unique style venue for a wedding or other social event, this incredible location and its ambiance adds to what ever party /​function you might be holding. Small enough to feel intimate, big enough to not feel cramped.
Our even had a number of speakers, and the sound was great. Lighting was subtle, and perfect… it didn’t detract from the main speakers, it only added to the cool vibe of this hidden gem.
Book now, as I’m sure as this inviting venue tucked in the heart of North Park will soon be booked non-​stop.
Glad there is a near by parking structure (not associate with the Sunset Temple), as street parking in NO can be a challenge at times. But if you know NP, that’s par for the course. A little hassle with parking is well worth the special experience of this outstanding venue. I hope to work with them again in the future. Thank you Spencer and Clair!!! You have a fabulous team!

My review is in reference to the Listen Shows concerts held at Sunset Temple. It is fantastic! They make sure the sound is superior, the talent stunning, and the experience spectacular. The setting is beautiful and absolutely the best place to hear terrific music. Parking is easy, location great. Convenient to get there early and stop in the coffee house (Claire de Lune) for a bite before the show.

My husband and I had our wedding at the Sunset Temple on April 20, 2014. The owner, Claire, and her staff were just wonderful. So friendly, reasonable prices, outstanding food and a beautiful venue! Our guests were blown away by the whole experience. They did everything… catering, linens and a dessert bar, since we chose not to have an offical wedding cake. If you are thinking of having an event, and you need a venue, I highly recommend The Sunset Temple. We looked at lots of venues and so glad we chose ST! Thanks Claire, Randy and staff. You guys rocked it!!!

On April 6, 2014, we presented the first of what will hopefully be many concerts at Sunset Temple. Listen Shows’ goal is to present the best-​sounding blues, jazz and roots concerts in San Diego. Sunset Temple’s ballroom is visually stunning, and acoustically very workable for our mixed vintage/​modern sound reinforcement system. In the four months we spent planning the event with the owner, Claire, and her staff, we found them to be very helpful and accommodating. The rental and catering prices are very reasonable given how beautiful the space is, how popular North Park has become, and how good their food is (see Claire De Lune Coffee Lounge next door, owned and operated by the same folks.)

Venue and owner were highly regarded by a friend. Met with Claire and Rande tonight. Very excited about having our wedding here.

I came here because I was invited to a private event, the XSL Poetry Slam & Cookoff. The entire venue was decorated for the holiday and warmth exuded from every design decision. The stage is gorgeous and bathed in beautiful lights that aren’t overwhelming. There were fewer than 100 people for a sit down dinner and performance show and the place was cozy and welcoming. Perfect for a small group or reception. The place could have handled several hundred if there hadn’t been tables. The staff was professional and efficient. I would recommend this venue for any smaller event, like a wedding reception or private club gathering. It is a beautiful location, right near the center of North Park.

Perfect place for a large party. Interested lighting, bar, plenty of space for dancing on the dance floor. Slightly peculiar large columns in the middle of the room, but hey — it makes it unique. Had a blast.

I had my wedding reception at Sunset Temple last October, and from our initial phone call to the venue to set up a meeting, my husband and I could feel the staff’s warmth and sincerity. During our first meeting we were totally sold; Sold on the vintage feel of the theater itself, sold on the owner, Claire, who could not have been easier to work with or kinder to us, just sold on how we wanted our wedding to be. All of our guests could not believe that this location even existed right by the coffee shop, it was like a secret, hidden treasure I am so grateful my husband stumbled upon.
Both my husband and I make decisions on whom we want to work with based upon a feel we get for them, and Claire presented such a sincere and good natured demeanor that we were ecstatic to have The Sunset Temple family be a part of our wedding day.
The entire staff, Claire, Randy, Todd and Jackie were outstanding. They were friendly, professional and integral at orchestrating one of the biggest days of my life! I had zero worry or concern that it would run smoothly, and it was absolutely perfect. The lighting, décor, everything was absolutely breathtaking. This location is a rare find in San Diego, and the owner and staff are just pure gems.

It’s obvious that this place has no management or structure. I went here tonight to see the group Pinback. People in line were given no instructions about how to enter and who needed wristbands/​tickets. Once inside there is no service whatsoever, not even a guy selling waters on a 100 degree day. (Laws of supply and demand anyone?)
The above things could have been largely ignored except for the fact that the venue also has zero security. How do I know? Easy. The bassist’s guitar was stolen during the middle of a performance. Poof. Done. Just like that. The band had to stop their set, head out the back door (which apparently was unlocked) and split up in search of the bass. While this went on, the rest of us concert goers were left trying to figure out what happened. The lead singer made a valiant attempt to try and entertain us but by that point the show was shot and half the audience left.
I will never, ever see a show here again and I suggest you don’t either.

You’ve been to Claire de Lune, the quirky, airy independent coffee shop on University in that 1930s department store building? Well, this «temple» is basically a performance venue in the same structure, with the same high ceiling but no windows. It’s real nice for a community show, spacious enough to have dancing, and that’s what it’s used for. I’m told it was recently renovated/​converted for this purpose.
**When the vaudeville revival returns in full force, this will be the center of your entertainment universe.**