Performing at a Wedding on NAS North Island: A Unique Experience

All set up for a wedding ceremony at the I-Bar on NAS North Island, Coronado

​Performing for a wedding at Naval Air Station North Island is a truly special experience — one that combines breathtaking ocean views, rich aviation history, and a sense of honor that comes with being part of a celebration on an active military base. For our ensemble, performing in such a historic setting felt both humbling and exhilarating. North Island, located at the northern tip of Coronado, is often called the “Birthplace of Naval Aviation.” The base dates back to 1917 and has hosted countless milestones in U.S. Navy history — from the earliest aircraft carrier operations to pioneering aviation training by legends like Glenn Curtiss. Standing on the tarmac or performing near the bay, it’s impossible not to feel the weight of that legacy all around you.

​Hosting or attending a wedding on base does require a little extra planning, especially around logistics and guest access. Visitors need to be cleared ahead of time, and it’s best to coordinate early with base security to make sure everyone can enter smoothly on the big day. While the Navy Lodge on base offers convenient accommodations for authorized guests, most visitors stay nearby in Coronado at places like the historic Hotel del Coronado or boutique inns along Orange Avenue. The proximity means guests can easily enjoy all that Coronado has to offer — charming shops, bike rides along the beach, and sunset strolls with views of the San Diego skyline. For those looking to explore further, downtown San Diego, Balboa Park, and the USS Midway Museum are just a short drive or ferry ride away.

From a musician’s perspective, every performance space on NAS North Island feels unique. Whether it’s playing outdoors with the Pacific breeze drifting through or inside a hangar surrounded by echoes of aviation history, it’s important to be flexible with setup and timing — sometimes even working around aircraft operations! But that’s part of the magic. There’s something unforgettable about filling such a storied location with music that marks a new chapter in a couple’s life. For us at the Left Coast Quintet, performing at North Island was not only about the notes we played but about honoring the people and place that made it possible — a celebration of love, history, and the enduring rhythm of service and community. Here is a sneak peak from "behind the stand":