The fog and rolling hills surrounding San Francisco wedding venues make for a picturesque and dreamy celebration. There is something special about the architecture and infrastructure of the city juxtaposed with the natural beauty of the landscape. San Francisco is perfect for nature and history-loving couples alike.
We talked to five top San Francisco wedding planners, including Tara Ybarra of Ybarra Events, about getting married in the Golden City. Ybarra shares, “San Francisco is not only one of the most beautiful cities with stunning, and sometimes quirky, architecture, it is also a city full of love. In San Francisco, where everyone knows Love is Love, all couples can walk hand in hand down the street and be accepted. San Fran is a city where LGBTQ+ weddings and multicultural celebrations are welcomed.”
Whether you’re looking for an elegant hotel venue or an iconic San Fran staple landmark, we have you covered. Ybarra comments, “From the incredible views to the remarkable buildings, San Francisco offers some amazing backdrops for your wedding day.” Keep reading to find PartySlate’s curated list of 11 San Francisco wedding venues for lovers of the City by The Bay. Make sure to stick around for insider wedding tips from some our favorite San Francisco planners.
In no particular order …
For an iconic and elegant venue…
Lindsey Relyea, Owner of L’Relyea Events, and Alex Quintana, Owner of Quintana Events, recommend this venue — which features neoclassical architecture and breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and Golden Gate Bridge — to their clients.
Legion of Honor can host up to 600 guests.
For culture and art…
Filled with priceless art, this venue has endless photo-ops and eye-catching elements.
de Young Museum can host up to 2,500 guests.
For an intimate rooftop space…
This loft-style venue offers a stunning rooftop for an al fresco dining experience during your reception.
The Newhall Nest can host up to 80 guests.
For waterfront industrial charm…
Located in the city’s Dogpatch district, this venue offers views of The Bay from its rooftop event space.
The Pearl can host up to 800 guests.
For a quintessential San Francisco spot…
The spacious atrium allows guests to mingle freely and offers beautiful natural light and great acoustics.
San Francisco Ferry Building can host up to 800 guests.
For a rustic and historic venue…
Relyea of L’Relyea Events and Quintana of Quintana Events recommend this venue to their clients for its rustic design elements and historical presence in the city.
The San Francisco Mint can host up to 300 guests.
For bayside beauty…
This venue offers incredible views and an even better ambiance within the event spaces that are flooded with natural light.
Cavallo Point can host up to 250 guests.
For timeless, yet unique venue…
Relyea of L’Relyea Events says, “This venue is always high on my list of San Francisco favorites. Its architecture is the perfect backdrop for a stunning wedding, whether it’s an elopement or a grand affair.”
San Francisco City Hall can host up to 60 guests.
For an expansive, multi-level event space…
Relyea of L’Relyea Events recommends this venue for its “noteworthy, time-treasured spaces and beautifully unique architecture.”
Terra Gallery & Event Venue can host up to 725 guests.
For a renowned venue filled with history and science…
Quintana of Quintana Events recommends this vast and unique venue to his clients.
California Academy of Sciences can host up to 3,000 guests.
For an elegant and timeless space…
Gianna Jackson, Owner and Lead Planner of West Event Co., notes, “The history of this venue makes it extra special. When you walk into the venue, you feel like you’re walking among stories, memories, and magical moments. It gives old world, European vibes in a city setting — a truly beautiful juxtaposition, and a flawless depiction of what San Francisco is.”
James Leary Flood Mansion can host up to 300 guests.
Meet the Contributors
Tara Ybarra
Co-Owner & Wedding Planner
Ybarra Events
Khadija Hansia-Gibson
Event Planner & Coordinator
Limelight Productions
Gianna Jackson
Owner & Lead Planner
West Event Co.
Lindsey Relyea
Owner & Creative Director
L’Relyea Events
Alex Quintana
Owner & Creative Director
Quintana Events
People Also Ask …
Where can I have an outdoor wedding in San Francisco?
San Francisco is the perfect scenic city to host your outdoor wedding. There are plenty of stunning San Francisco wedding venues that offer outdoor event spaces. Check out PartySlate’s venue directory to find the ideal venue for you. Make sure to use the filters to narrow your options until you locate your perfect wedding venue.
Do I need a wedding planner?
The short answer is yes. A wedding planner or day-of coordinator will make your wedding day as stress-free and joyful as it should be. A professional will also ensure that all details are on-point and make your day seamless. Check out our list of the best wedding planners in San Francisco to choose your planner.
What wedding vendors should I hire first?
Planning your wedding comes with a long list of vendors to hire, and it can be daunting to figure out who to start with. Finding an event planner is your first step. From there, nailing down a venue should be your top priority since wedding dates go fast these days. Some venues will offer a list of their preferred caterers and other vendors which may help simplify your next steps. Photographers and wedding entertainment also book up fast, so work with your planner to get those secured, as well.
What can I do in San Francisco for my wedding weekend?
Tara Ybarra from Ybarra Events shared with us, “San Francisco is so incredibly convenient. Couples can fly their loved ones in from around the globe, and they don’t need to worry about being able to find a venue or transportation. There are so many options that are so easily accessible. Another fantastic reason to choose to celebrate your nuptials in San Francisco: the surrounding entertainment!
“Wine tasting, hiking, cheese trails, theatre, the food… I always encourage my couples to plan the days leading up to their wedding day. Hop on over to Napa and immerse yourself in luxury for the day. Hike through Muir Woods in awe and take in the immensity of the Redwoods. Commission a sailboat and dine on the Bay. There is really no place like Northern California.”
Khadija Hansia-Gibson of Limelight Productions, says, “San Francisco is a special place to get married because it accommodates everyone’s needs — whether you want an outdoor lush wedding at the SF Botanical, a modern, sleek look like Gallery 308, or a historical venue like The Palace Hotel. Transportation is easy, food is great, and the vibe of the city is relaxed, making it the perfect wedding weekend backdrop. It doesn’t hurt that Wine Country is an hour north of SF, and beautiful Monterey two hours south.”
Alex Quintana of Quintana Events comments, “I think couples like San Francisco because it has many large indoor options with backdrops of the city, an abundance of hotel options for out of town guests, and sight-seeing opportunities for that special urban wedding feel.”