Top San Jose Gala Venues

• Spaces for 16-100 Guests
• 4 Restaurants
• 4 Historic Spaces
• 1 Waterfront

Shadowbrook Restaurant sits on the banks of Soquel Creek in Capitola-by-the-Sea, California, where it has welcomed guests for fine dining and private events since 1947. The restaurant's origins trace to a 1920s log cabin that was discovered, restored over three years, and opened as a 50-seat dining room — growing over the decades to include a hillside cable car (added in 1958), a riverside deck, a wine cellar, and a renovated redwood bar. The venue has been recognized as the "Most Romantic Restaurant" in Northern California by San Francisco Focus readers. For private events, Shadowbrook offers four distinct dining rooms that accommodate gatherings from intimate dinners of 9 to combined receptions of up to 100 guests. The Owner's Private Reserve seats up to 16 guests; the Redwood Room, with its warm redwood walls and views of the chef's herb garden, seats up to 22; the Wine Cellar accommodates up to 37 guests surrounded by the restaurant's wine collection; and the Green House fits 38 to 60 guests in a light-filled space with stained glass windows opening onto the creek-side gardens. The venue hosts weddings, rehearsal dinners, corporate meetings, milestone celebrations, and anniversaries. Award-winning cuisine, customizable menus, and an extensive wine program are available for all private events.

• Spaces for 120-300 Guests
• 1 Outdoor
• 2 Vineyards
• 2 Total Spaces

Fortino Winery Event Center sits on 30 acres in Gilroy, California, along the scenic Hecker Pass Highway — a working winery established in 1970, surrounded by Merlot and Chardonnay vineyards, towering redwoods, and manicured hillside grounds. Two dedicated event spaces accommodate celebrations from intimate gatherings to weddings of up to 300 guests. The outdoor Redwood Terrace features a ceremony area, reception lawn, covered stage and dance floor, full bar, and private entry through the vineyard. The Barrel Room is an indoor banquet hall — recently renovated with air conditioning and heat — with an attached outdoor covered space and vineyard views, suited for up to 120 guests. In-house catering draws on Italian culinary traditions, with menus offered buffet-style, family-style, or as plated dinners; the kitchen team also accommodates specialty menus. The winery is licensed for beer and wine service, with selections from Fortino's own cellar. Wedding coordination is available on-site, and the grounds include a dedicated bridal preparation room.

• Spaces for 20-400 Guests
• 1 Restaurant
• 3 Hotels
• 3 Total Spaces

With 8,000 square feet of adaptable meeting space, delicious onsite catering, professional event organizing, and cutting-edge audio/visual services, Hotel Paradox ensures that your gathering will be a success. In addition to our sleek, modern ballroom and two distinct function rooms, which can accommodate parties ranging from five to 400 people, our sunny pool deck with fire pits and cabanas will add to the whole experience. THE BALLROOM IS 4,400 SQ. FT. IN SIZE. In addition to being available as a whole or divided into four independent sections, the Sequoia Ballroom accommodates up to 490 guests in comfort. Create an atmosphere of inspiration for your visitors by having images of redwoods engraved into the glass, which will provide exactly the correct amount of privacy for your gathering. 535 SQ. Cypress Room Our 535-square-foot Cypress Room, which can be expanded to include 200 square feet of beautiful outdoor area, combines the beauty of nature with contemporary architecture.

• Spaces for 50-130 Guests
• 1 Museum
• 1 Landmark

The Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History (MAH) occupies a landmark building at 705 Front Street in the heart of downtown Santa Cruz, California. As the cultural hub of Santa Cruz County, the MAH brings together bilingual exhibitions, community events, and educational programming in a setting equally suited to private gatherings and celebrations. The museum's rentable spaces range from intimate to expansive, accommodating groups of 20 to 200 guests across five distinct areas. The 1,200-square-foot Atrium offers floor-to-ceiling windows and a projection system for receptions and presentations, while the Kincentricity Garden provides 1,800 square feet of lush outdoor space ideal for wedding ceremonies and seated dinners. The rooftop Sculpture Garden — the only rentable rooftop in Downtown Santa Cruz — and the indoor/outdoor Garden Room round out the venue's versatile offerings. Each rental includes complimentary use of the in-house sound system, rectangle and cocktail tables, folding chairs, and one dedicated MAH staff member. Couples and event planners will find the museum's distinctive blend of art, history, and community spirit a memorable backdrop for any occasion.

• Spaces for 500 Guests
• 1 Hotel
• 1 Ballroom

Meetings & Events: We have 17 rooms that can seat 1,500 people, and our hotel's proximity to the San Francisco airport makes us a convenient alternative for corporate or social events. Catering and extensive A/V equipment are the finishing touches. At Crowne Plaza hotels, we strive to make every meeting a success. We recognize that every connection has the potential to inspire you, from planning to execution. Business Meetings and Conferences: We take modern business seriously at Crowne Plaza. Let us know what kind of meeting you are organizing, and we will get back to you with available spaces, dates, and costs — guaranteed — within two hours. Whether you need a venue for presentations, educational sessions, corporate team building, or just a wonderful place to talk about the future of your company, your meeting will be a huge success thanks to our adaptable facilities and MPI-trained Crowne Plaza Meetings Director. Celebrations: Throw a bash they will not soon forget. We have magnificent locations, reception rooms, food, and more to accommodate groups of all sizes for the momentous day, from small wedding ceremonies to larger gatherings. We also have quinceaneras, showers, family reunions, bat and bar mitzvahs, graduation parties, military balls, religious retreats, and anything else worth commemorating. We will assist you in reserving hotel blocks so that everyone has a great time. Leave the details to us, and we will take care of the dancing. Conventions and Trade Shows: Choosing the right venue for your convention or trade show is key to making sure your attendees will return next year in even greater numbers. Crowne Plaza's professional staff, including expert meeting and event planners, remain at your service from registration to the final reception. Our event facilities include meeting rooms, conference venues and banquet halls to host everything from educational panels to merchant areas, with all the technology and support you need.

• Spaces for 500 Guests

Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation and California's only horticultural theme park, located at 3050 Hecker Pass Highway in Gilroy — about 30 miles south of San Jose and within an hour of San Francisco, Santa Cruz, and Monterey. Founded by Michael Bonfante and first opened to the public in June 2001, the park brings together more than 40 rides and attractions, majestic gardens, and more than 10,000 trees with an emphasis on local history and horticulture. The park's mission is to educate and inspire families, especially children, to appreciate trees and plants in a fun, beautifully landscaped setting. Its six distinctive gardens include the world-famous Circus Trees — rare arbor sculptures shaped by the late Axel Erlandson — alongside the lush Camellia Garden and the tropical Monarch Garden housed inside a 60-foot-tall glass greenhouse. For groups and private events, Gilroy Gardens offers multiple event spaces throughout the grounds — from the Creekside Terrace along a tranquil creek to the Events Plaza at the heart of the park and the South County Grove's open-lawn space — supported by an experienced in-house event planning and catering team. The park accommodates everything from company gatherings and school proms to quinceañeras, family reunions, and full park buyouts.

• Spaces for 150-350 Guests
• 1 Country Club

You've found a hidden gem in our hilltop setting, where fun-loving couples can celebrate in the midst of breathtaking Tri-Valley views. You can relax and enjoy being the center of attention when you visit our value-added venue, where we will design your customized experience for you. Our Amenities Include: There is a capacity of 150 people. Bride and Groom's Lounge, Ballroom & Vista Ceremony Lawn Terrace, Bridal Suite & Vista Ceremony Lawn Terrace One event at a time, with flexible start and finish times (10am - 10pm) There is catered food and a full bar on site. Outside catering is permitted; please inquire for further information. The following items are required: tables and chairs, serviceware, white floorlength linens and napkins in any color. The DRGC professional staff will take care of the setup and breakdown. Our Dublin Event Center in Northern California has a beautiful ceremony lawn with a view of the golf course and the valley, which is ideal for weddings. The lush golf course landscape provides breathtaking backdrops for all of your wedding party, family, and couple's photos, making it an excellent choice for outdoor ceremonies in warm weather. Our amazing water feature is a favorite among brides and grooms who want to take spectacular pictures. Look through our event gallery to see examples of previous weddings. In addition, we have a bridal suite and a groom's lounge available at our event venue. Given the wide range of weather conditions that California experiences, we have a number of ceremony locations for you to choose from on your special day.

• Spaces for 70 Guests

Create Mix & Mingle is a creative event studio located at 25 N Kingston Street in the heart of San Mateo, California, serving corporate groups, private parties, and community gatherings across the greater Bay Area. The studio bills itself as the Bay Area's go-to destination for unforgettable group experiences, offering step-by-step art sessions led by professional instructors where no prior experience is required. The studio hosts 15 or more hands-on event formats — from canvas painting and glass decoration to mosaic lamp crafting, tote bag painting, and terrarium building — and tailors each event to the group's preferences, including playlist, décor, and custom designs. An on-site wine bar offers beer, wine, champagne, and non-alcoholic beverages. Catering is available through partnerships with Rise Woodfire and Rise Pizzeria. Create Mix & Mingle accommodates a range of event sizes, with large-scale gatherings of 65 or more guests regularly hosted at the San Mateo studio. The venue also offers mobile event services, traveling to offices, homes, and partner venues in Burlingame, as well as virtual and hybrid event options.

• Spaces for 100-200 Guests
• 1 Outdoor

WEDDING CELEBRATIONS Why limit yourself to one day when you may enjoy yourself for the entire weekend? Venture is the ideal site to say "I do" and make it a celebration to remember, with several ceremony and reception locations and warm rustic accommodations for your guests. Why venture retreat center? - Get married in the midst of ancient redwoods and magnificent night skies! - More time with your guests: Spend more time with them! Guests are welcome to spend the entire weekend on-site, saving money on hotels and Airbnbs. - Less stress: Everything can be done in one lovely location. Your ceremony, reception, rehearsal dinner, Sunday brunch, and other events can all be held at our site. Did we mention that your visitors would be able to stay on-site? - No curfew: Unlike other venues that close at 10 p.m., Venture allows you to party with your family and friends into the wee hours of the morning! - BYOB: We do not have any limits on what you can drink (hard alcohol is allowed.) Bring your favorite drinks to save money! - Splash around in our pool, unwind in our hot tub, and play games on our meadow in the sun! - S'mores and campfires: Join us for late-night food and camaraderie over our campfire. Sample Wedding Package: - Exclusive use of the entire retreat facility during your stay - Friday checkin at 3pm, Sunday checkout at 11am - Indoor accommodations for up to 50 overnight guests - Outdoor camping accommodations for 50+ overnight guests - Multiple areas in our meadow & sun deck for your ceremony & reception - Commercial kitchen for you & your catering company to use - Full use of our pool, hot tub, and fire pit (firewood included)! - Depending on your package & needs, you can use our tables, chairs, string lighting, wine barrels, and more.

• Spaces for 110-300 Guests
• 1 Ballroom
• 1 Historic Space
• 1 Meeting Space

Gilroy Lodge on the Hill is a hilltop event facility perched above Gilroy, California, with sweeping views of the surrounding valley, oak-covered hillsides, and nearby wine country. The lodge is an affiliate of Gilroy Elks Lodge #1567 and has been recognized as a Best of Gilroy award recipient for event venues. Two banquet rooms accommodate gatherings from 50 to 300 guests. The Valley View Room features floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the hillside and opens to a spacious outdoor patio, making it well suited for weddings, anniversaries, quinceañeras, reunions, fundraisers, and proms. The Mt. Madonna Room offers a more intimate setting for birthdays, baby and bridal showers, and corporate meetings. All catering is provided in-house and rental rates include tables, basic chairs, table linens, setup, and cleanup. A day-of event coordinator, projector, bridal suite, and bar service are available as add-ons.

• Spaces for 10-300 Guests
• 1 Restaurant
• 5 Hotels
• 5 Total Spaces

Dream Inn Santa Cruz sits directly on Cowell Beach at 175 West Cliff Drive, making it the only beachfront hotel in Santa Cruz. Set against the backdrop of the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and the Municipal Wharf, the property blends coastal California character with full-service event capabilities. The hotel offers 3,500 square feet of flexible indoor event space across three connected rooms — the Surf View Room, the Beach View Room, and the Sand Room — all sharing a spacious pre-function foyer. Together they accommodate up to 200 guests for weddings, galas, corporate meetings, and private dinners, with floor-to-ceiling windows framing panoramic views of Monterey Bay. An additional private meeting room, The Cove, seats up to 10 for intimate gatherings, while Jack's Patio, an 8,000-square-foot outdoor venue, hosts receptions of up to 300. All event spaces are equipped with high-speed Wi-Fi and state-of-the-art A/V equipment. The culinary team sources from more than 20 local Monterey Bay farms and is a member of the Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch program, offering plated, buffet, and family-style menus with vegan and vegetarian options.

• Spaces for 250-10,000 Guests
• 1 Bar
• 1 Outdoor
• 8 Total Spaces

San Mateo County Event Center is a 48-acre public assembly facility in San Mateo, California, situated between the 92 and 101 freeways and within 30 minutes of three major Bay Area airports — SFO, SJC, and OAK. Founded in 1926 as a small flower show, the center has grown into one of the Bay Area's leading destinations for consumer and trade events, corporate gatherings, festivals, concerts, and sporting events. The campus features seven buildings encompassing over 195,000 square feet of indoor exhibit space, plus 10 acres of landscaped outdoor grounds. Event spaces range from the 104,900-square-foot Expo Hall, accommodating up to 10,000 standing guests, down to the carpeted Event Pavilion, which seats 250 for banquets. The Cypress Hall, recently renovated with new carpet and sound-dampening walls, divides into three separate spaces for breakout sessions or intimate dinners. The open-air Central Mall provides an outdoor setting for picnics, concerts, and festivals for up to 5,000 guests. In-house food and beverage service, alcohol options, high-speed Wi-Fi, and a dedicated event coordinator are available across the facility. The center also serves as an emergency response resource for San Mateo County.

• Spaces for 75-100 Guests
• 1 Event Space

We are a non profit corporation. When the San Mateo Garden Center opened its doors in 1975, it was the culmination of a long-held ambition made possible with the assistance of the City of San Mateo. In order to generate, encourage, and preserve beauty in the community, the center will share gardening knowledge and provide opportunities for volunteers to engage in the process. We have a Garden Shop where you may purchase plants for your home or business. This is a fund raising venture that also serves as a permanent educational and horticultural propagation center for the community. Venue The San Mateo Garden Center is a beautiful location. We can be found at 605 Parkside Way in San Mateo, California. A spacious main hall with seating for 115 people and a smaller chamber with seating for 38 people are available to us. The bottom garden may be seen from this room. Tables and chairs are provided for the setup of an event. We have a kitchen available to our guests. Additionally, we have a lovely gazebo and terrace where many weddings are hosted each year. It has a beautiful view of the pond and a flowing waterfall. This site is frequently used for receptions, cocktail parties, meetings, anniversaries, and memorial services. We have three different event spaces to choose from for your next event, all of which include access to a kitchen for catering purposes. One of our event spaces is a Gazebo located outdoors which is a popular space for wedding ceremonies.

• Spaces for 40-150 Guests
• 2 Event Spaces

Nestled on a scenic hillside at 9300 Alcosta Boulevard in San Ramon, California, the Alcosta Senior & Community Center is a versatile event venue operated by the City of San Ramon Parks & Community Services. Originally established in 1992 as the San Ramon Senior Center, the facility underwent a significant renovation and expansion in 2007 and re-emerged under its current name. While serving as an active community hub for adults 55 and older during weekdays, the center opens its doors to the broader public for private events on evenings and weekends. The venue offers multiple indoor and outdoor event spaces accommodating gatherings ranging from intimate meetings to receptions of 150 guests. The Vista Grande Room — the signature event space — features hardwood floors, a shaded outdoor terrace with valley views, and a full commercial kitchen. The adjacent Gardenview Room provides a smaller setting for up to 60 guests, and a Victorian-style gazebo surrounded by rose gardens and overlooking a broad lawn offers a distinctive outdoor ceremony option. Audio/visual equipment and a portable bar are available on-site, and bundled rental packages make the facility accessible for weddings, receptions, birthday celebrations, and corporate meetings alike.

Site rentals are available at Pie Ranch for a range of occasions. Our farm welcomes retreats, conferences, birthday parties, and other special events in addition to weddings! The Roadside Barn at Pie Ranch is a nice indoor facility with outdoor tables and a music system for evening use. Our "Lower Slice" rental is a lovely outside place with a meadow and a rustic outdoor kitchen to use. We have a fully equipped classroom available for retreats and conferences. All weddings and events are held at our primary facility, which is located at 2080 Cabrillo Highway in Pescadero, California. On the gorgeous Highway 1, approximately 30 minutes north of Santa Cruz and an hour south of San Francisco, we are near to Ao Nuevo State Park. Pie Ranch's rentals help to fund our food and farming education initiatives. Please contact us if you would like to learn more about Pie Ranch for your next event. Vision, Mission & Values We Envision a World in which: - Agricultural lands are preserved and enhanced for generations to come. - Farmers have access to knowledge, land and capital to build sustainable farms directly linked to local residents, businesses, and schools. - All people have access to healthy food and know and value where their food comes from. - Pie Ranch's Mission is to cultivate a healthy and just food system from seed to table through food education, farmer pathways, and regional partnerships. - Pie Ranch's Values are Justice, Equity, Solidarity, Diversity, Inclusion, Commitment & Collaboration, Love & Respect, and Responsible Stewardship. Read more about our Values and working definitions here.

• Spaces for 500 Guests
• 1 Barn
• 1 Farm

Long Branch Farms is one of Northern California's best rural wedding venues, thanks to its natural beauty and hidden rustic appeal. Couples have been marrying here for so long that their important anniversary celebrations are now underway. Long Branch's crew is well-versed in weddings and sweating the small stuff. Each wedding is as unique as the couple marrying, and inventive ideas for adding extra personal touches abound. Whether you exchange vows in a lovely rural church or set up an altar in the meadow, the real romance of a country western wedding will leave you with lasting memories. Authentic relics and attractive old western structures dot the land, providing idyllic locations for your wedding photography. The wide grounds may accommodate up to 500 guests for a fantasy reception or an intimate gathering of your closest friends. Dinner and dancing can take place in the Palace Grand Parlor or under the stars outside. As your visitors belly up to the bar, the original barn has been meticulously renovated into a delightful old western saloon that will please them. The games and activities let people get to know one another by breaking the ice between them. Because life on the Palmer family's farm has always featured a zoo of animals, pets are welcome. Only one event is scheduled per day, so you will have the entire team's attention while you are here, and any additional vendors you hire will have plenty of time to go above and above for you. Long Branch weddings are magical and the perfect way to begin your "happily ever after."

• Spaces for 300 Guests
• 1 Museum
• 1 Landmark

Since 2011, District Dining has been a part of some of the most spectacular San Francisco Bay Area celebrations. The Farallon Room at Skyline College and the Bayview Dining Room at College of San Mateo are both one-of-a-kind venues that can help you plan the perfect occasion. We provide dedicated staff for a personalized event for our visitors. A LITTLE ABOUT BAYVIEW DINING ROOM The Bayview Dining Room, located at the top of Hillsdale Boulevard in the College Center on CSM's beautiful campus, has floor to ceiling windows that let in plenty of natural light as well as stunning views of the San Francisco Bay Area and its surrounding mountain ranges. Our unique location provides a stunning backdrop for all types of events. For added convenience, this multipurpose event venue has option breakout rooms upstairs for conference sessions, as well as in-house catering and AV resources. Minimum guest count: 100 (includes space for dance floor, buffet) Max Party/Wedding Capacity: 300 Max Auditorium Seating Capacity: 300 Max Capacity for events requiring additional activity space (silent auction, etc.): 250 (typical—varies per specific event details) A LITTLE ABOUT THE FARALLON ROOM Skyline College's Farallon Room is positioned cliffside in San Bruno, overlooking the Pacific Ocean and hills below. Floor-to-ceiling windows, two fireplaces, and a semi-enclosed terrace characterize our new location. From weddings to corporate functions, our versatile, open space provides the perfect venue. This modern event venue offers flexibility in terms of room arrangement, catering services, and audio visual requirements. Minimum guest count: 90 (includes space for dance floor + buffet) Max Party/Wedding Capacity: 240 (includes space for dance floor, + buffet in pre-function area) Max Auditorium Seating Capacity: 300 Max Capacity for events requiring additional activity space (silent auction, etc.): 230 (typical - varies per specific event details)

• Spaces for 100 Guests
• 1 Resort

Meetings & Private Events At Northern California's favorite meeting spot, get out of the box and into nature! Our beautiful surroundings provide the ideal setting for innovation and creativity. Large windows and outdoor patios, as well as WIFI and visual supplies, are featured in the spaces. Take a break from the office with one of our unique group activities, such as a hike lead by a naturalist, a scavenger hunt, or a kayak excursion. Catering services are available, using fresh foods from our organic garden. Spaces for Meetings and Events At our unique Northern California meeting and event facilities, get out of the box and into nature. The natural beauty of Costanoa inspires innovation and creativity. Large windows with natural light, outside access/patios, WIFI, and visual materials are all available in our indoor meeting spaces. With an extra cost, open-air or tented outside areas are available. Take a break from the office with one of our unique group activities, such as a hike lead by a naturalist, a scavenger hunt, or a kayak excursion. Catering services are available, using fresh foods from our organic garden. Weddings At Costanoa, we have a selection of wedding venues with breathtaking views of coastal mountain ranges and ocean bluffs as your backdrop. We will work with you to create an ambiance of natural sophistication, whether you have your reception on the Lodge Terrace and Lawn, in the Redwood, or in the Oak Room. Costanoa's palette, which is inspired by nature, is the ideal canvas for a range of styles. When it comes to weddings at Costanoa, the difference is in the details, from modest and intimate to enormous and sophisticated.

• Spaces for 120-150 Guests
• 1 Restaurant

We're happy to provide you with an experience that suits your present mood: informal after a spin class, a professional lunch in a corner booth, a group of friends at our Chef's table, or an unplanned get-together at our communal table for catching up and small nibbles. Whatever brought you to THREE, we appreciate it and look forward to getting to know you. Our private dining and programs can be tailored to suit a wide range of requirements and budgets. We urge you to come in, unwind, socialize, and enjoy wonderful food and company so that you can focus on your visitors. We can bring the party to you if you have a certain location in mind for your event. DRINK... FOOD... From Happy Hours to full-fledged events, we've got you covered! We can accommodate huge groups by purchasing the entire restaurant. For a sitting meal, our dining room can hold up to 120 people, and for a standing reception, up to 150. We'll work with you to plan a one-of-a-kind event, complete with a chef-created cuisine and a bespoke bar menu tailored to your preferences and budget.

• Spaces for 98-235 Guests
• 2 Museums
• 2 Outdoor Spaces
• 2 Waterfront

The Seymour Marine Discovery Center is an oceanfront event venue operated by UC Santa Cruz, perched on a bluff above Monterey Bay at 100 McAllister Way in Santa Cruz, California. The center's coastal setting offers unobstructed ocean views and natural light throughout, creating a backdrop that few venues in Santa Cruz County can match. Two distinct event spaces accommodate gatherings ranging from intimate work retreats to full receptions of up to 235 guests. The La Feliz Room & Terrace is a private, indoor-outdoor space featuring vaulted ceilings, exposed beams, herringbone flooring, and a sheltered ocean-view terrace with bistro lighting. The Exhibit Hall & Shipwreck Deck integrates live marine exhibits and interactive touch tables with seawater from Monterey Bay alongside a ceremony deck overlooking the ocean, offering an immersive experience available nowhere else in the region. The center operates as a bring-your-own-vendor venue, welcoming all caterers and vendors, with a preferred vendor list available for those who want guidance. Events hosted here directly support UC Santa Cruz's nonprofit marine science education mission.