Welcome to I Do Venues—your insider’s view into San Francisco and California wedding ceremony and reception venues. The industry’s best wedding photographers provide daily design inspiration with professional photographs from of real weddings in the hottest Bay area venues. You can visualize the best themes, color palettes, and design concepts for your wedding venue.
Our practical information on each wedding venue is based on first-hand experience from industry professionals who have successfully executed real weddings at your selected wedding venue. Since choosing your wedding venue is the pivotal choice for designing your dream wedding, make the best decision with I Do Venues’ insight and insider knowledge and be inspired along the way.
Wedding Venue: Bryant Family Vineyard with MAP Events
Photography by: Meg Smith
About the Venue
Bryant Family Vineyard is a private estate in Napa, and although it is not available for the general public, it does host a gorgeous wedding. This perfectly designed wedding was styled by the incredible team at MAP Events, which shows everything that is possible in a wine country wedding theme. The ecru “French country” styled chairs look amazing among the grove of natural trees. The foliage and the placement gives the guests the ideal amount of shade under the warm Napa sun.
The bridal couple is surrounded by nature. There doesn’t seem to be a necessity for much else in the way of decor. An altar created by a rustic farm-style table is softened by a piece of antique lace, while the loose flowers scattered about seem as if they have fallen from the surrounding trees. The simple unity candle embellished by full hydrangeas takes this simple tabletop display to the next level.
I love Melissa and Jennie’s style. They manage to blend a unique look of comfortable country with the refinement of couture. The lounge is neither ultra-modern nor too outdoorsy. The colored cushions offer the perfect blend of color, texture, and comfort. The natural wood bowls with white and soft green hydrangea within is perfect for the setting. The wow-factor they coax from such simple elements is amazing.
As you move into the dining area, you see how they again tied in the idea of casual elegance. The tablesetting and florals are incredible – so stylish and full of color and texture, but just enough bling and sparkle. These details have been placed against a backdrop of a neutral colored table linen and chair choice. Melissa and Jennie chose the bistro chair versus a more formal chiavari or chameleon chair, which in turn provides both warmth and comfort to the design. Love it!
I Do Venues wants to recognize the talented team of wedding professionals who helped to make this bride’s dream a reality: Photographer – Meg Smith; Event Planning – Melissa Panico and Jennie Janzen of MAP Events; Catering – Paula leDuc Fine Catering; Florist – Radeff Design Studios; Tenting and Lighting – Classic Party Rentals; Cake – Perfect Endings Wedding Cake; Invitations – Nancy Sharon Collins.
Wedding Venue: Holman Ranch Step Back In Time
Photography by: Jeff Newsom
Check out this and other fun weddings held at Holman Ranch – click here!
About the venue
Old world hospitality is what Holman Ranch is all about. From the first time you meet with Hunter to waking up on the morning of your wedding and are welcomed by the gracious staff, every moment from the planning to the execution will be effortless.
Every aspect of Holman Ranch is worth discussing, but I do believe that aside from the fabulous staff and their complete adoration for everything wedding and making your day as memorable as they can, my favorite things about Holman Ranch are the Spanish-style hacienda rose patio and the ceremony veranda and lawn. Carmel Valley has it’s fair share of breathtaking views and vista points – from the ocean to the vineyards – but I have yet to find a setting as serene and welcoming as this one.
The Santa Lucia Mountains take on a varied shade of blue, green, and golds as the seasons change and the cool ocean fog creates a blanket that rises slowly over the mountains and then drifts off into the ocean beyond. The sense that you are getting married on a high mountain top is like nothing you’ll ever feel again – it is breathtaking. Holman Ranch tries to offer as much one-stop-shopping as possible and believe me, they have really thought of everything right down to the grass. The natural lawn is composed of a special blend similar to a golf course which will prevent brides and bridesmaids alike from having their party shoes sink in.
The Hacienda has the feel of a Spanish mission and the restoration is perfect. The rose patio is gorgeous and so unique – the architectural elements that you have to work with, both from a design and photography perspective, is out of this world. The patio is completely enclosed. On two sides you have the hacienda itself – windows that look out into the courtyard look stunning as the evening draws dark with a warm amber glow coming from the inside, the trickling sound of water can be heard from one of the fountains and the massive barn-style doors are suspended by a gorgeous natural stone and adobe trellis. Your guests will feel transported back in time.
I Do Venues wants to recognize the talented team of wedding professionals who helped to make this bride’s dream a reality: Photographer – Jeff Newsom; Designer/Planner – Amy Byrd Weddings and Events; Florist – Floral Design by Reina; Catering – Classic Catering; Videographer – Lola Video; Entertainment – Kelly Productions (ceremony), Mat Weddle (cocktail), Goodbeat Productions (DJ), Obadiah Parker; Rentals – Unlimited Events; Linens – La Tavola Linen; Photobooth – Magnolia Photobooth.
Wedding Venue: Carmel Valley Ranch Sneak Preview
Photography by: Allyson Wiley Photography
About the venue
The serenity of Carmel Valley Ranch is unparalleled. Imagine yourself waking up on your wedding day – the girls take a leisurely stroll to the top of the trail for a mountain-top yoga stretch, then relax for a few moments at a gorgeous meditation pool before moving to the bridal suite to begin preparations for the big day. Surrounded by 500 acres of amazing landscape, this wonderful secluded spot submerged in the heart of the San Lucia mountains in Carmel is a one of a kind wedding spot where family and friends can revel in the wonders of Carmel Valley.
I Do Venues wants to recognize the talented team of wedding professionals who helped to make this bride’s dream a reality: Photographer – Allyson Wiley Photography; Designer/Planner – JBD Events; Floral – Nancy Liu Chin; Linens – La Tavola Linen; Equipment Rentals – Hartman Studios.
Wedding Venue: Healdsburg Country Gardens with Elsa Vera
Photography by: Tia and Claire Studio
Click here to see more images from this gorgeous venue!
About the venue
It was just a few years ago when I saw my first wedding at the Healdsburg Country Gardens – it was gorgeous and made such an impression on me. This was a gorgeous private residence in the heart of the wine country, but as a private estate it was not obligated to require that a particular wine be served, or food and beverages be required. As a matter of fact, it was pretty wide open.
Over the past several years the popularity of the venue has definitely grown and I do tell everyone this is one that you need to book early. The open policy of allowing you to bring in all of your own vendors is still one of the strongest reasons that this venue continues to host some of the most memorable weddings in the valley each year.
Ask the expert
Country, couture, sweet darling – there are so many different ways to describe this wonderful design brought to us by Elsa Vera and Main Street Floragardens, but any way you slice it, the word is just ‘perfect.’ The playful design infused with warm hues of yellow, gold, and sunflower is the perfect affair to compliment the peaceful and quiet landscape of the Healdsburg Country Gardens.
As you examine this design, you will notice that each element is charming; however, standing alone may not make quite the statement that the overall design does. That is where a great design team comes in. It is their job and usually their great pleasure (as I don’t know many wedding designers who do not love their job) to take hundreds of small details, some that are a part of the facility, some that are floral, some that are structural, and some that are personal and weave them into one glorious cohesive design.
Check out this gorgeous table design! The labyrinth of flowers, fabric, glass, and paper unfold slowly into a stunning display of varied hues of warm yellow and green. What I love about this design is that it really captures your eye. It is all about the layers, and as you explore each layer it makes you look closer so that you can really see what the design is all about – wonderfully done!
The bride and groom had an amazing wedding because they played up the venue’s strengths. Although set in a garden, they carried it through with lush arrangements (Marcia at Mainstreet floral is fantastic!). This site also lends itself to be dressed up (I’ve had weddings that bring in lounge furniture, 10k in flowers) or dressed down (some brides have no centerpieces and just place wine on the tables to save on costs). The couple were also playful – the groom wore bright yellow socks! And they were both certain of wanting to enjoy themselves. They didn’t get caught up in photos and miss their wedding. The photos really reflect the day.
I love that at this venue you’re able to bring in any vendor you’d like. Also that you’re not limited to just wine like at a winery. This site has so much charm! At every turn, there is something very photogenic. The owners are constantly improving the venue – they don’t just maintain, they look around for things/ways that they can make it better. They have created one of the most amazing venues around ~ Elsa Vera.
I Do Venues wants to recognize the talented team of wedding professionals who helped to make this bride’s dream a reality: Photographer – Tia and Claire Studio; Designer/Planner – Elsa Vera; Floral – Main Street Floragardens; Catering – Pacific Connections; Videography – Thomas Hughes Films; Cupcakes – Kara’s Cupcakes.
Wedding Venue: Chileno Valley Ranch A Petaluma Treasure
Photography by: Michelle Walker Photography
Check out the slide show!
About the Venue
Main Street USA. This is the best way that I know to describe Petaluma, California. This incredible historic town sits just on the outskirts of the popular California wine region and is about one hour outside of the hustle and bustle of the Bay Area. The consistent climate give you warm sunny days from mid-April to August, and the community’s commitment to keeping its historic small town heritage in place makes Petaluma an incredible oasis.
Chileno Valley Ranch is an unspoiled eclectic collection of family businesses and artist expression. The family-owned organic cattle ranch is the primary function of the property, but Sally Gale is a very well-known local plain air artist and she revels in the opportunity to share by hosting workshops and art exhibits. In addition, the organic apple orchard has over five varietals. This is the ultimate spot for the couple who cherishes the idea of a truly sustainable wedding celebration: fresh apple pie straight from the orchard, an aged filet that was locally raised, and a variety of other yummy items that are contributed from local farmers and bread artisans. YUM !
Ask the Expert
Your wedding should be an opportunity for self expression and as you can see by the details captured by the wondrous Michelle Walker, this celebration was not in short supply of handmade, loving details.
The overall tranquil and understated look of this celebration is perfect for the outdoor venue. The soft wheat color palette ever-present in the rolling grass-covered hills is accentuated by dollops of bright orange, yellow, and a wisp of aqua.
If you are a DIY bride, this couple has a virtual treasure trove of ideas. The selection of a sweet and charming single poppy flower graphic seems to be a centralized theme through this gorgeous country-styled wedding. The graphic acts as a base to create the warmth and flavor of this celebration.
The bride’s bouquet is a burst of sunshine – the brightly colored poppies and ranunculus immediately capture the attention of every guest. The selection of a native flower such as the poppy makes the table arrangements simple and relatively inexpensive. A collection of wildflowers looks amazing in a selection of simple glass vases. The aqua color palette has been infused into the florals by wrapping the vases with serenely colored ribbon.
The fun twist on the guest book is brilliant and so well displayed. I love how the couple uses a similar display of jute hung across the side of the barn with simple old-fashioned clothes pins to display their wonderful collection of candid Polaroid photography.
Eulalia and Paul had a wedding that we would all love to have – casual, elegant, fun, and fabulous! Sally & Mike at the Chileno Valley Ranch hosted the event with the ceremony on the back lawn and the reception in the barn. The ranch is a working cattle ranch and apple orchard and dang those burgers were good! Pam Ferrari created a wonderful menu with all locally provided ingredients – all perfectly prepared. Paul Robertson decorated the barn with poppies and Eulalia wore the most amazing dress designed by her and Azadeh Couture - check out the hand applied flowers all over the skirt. The couple was gracious enough to let me drag them out of dinner to catch the sunset on the bluffs above the ranch – and the photos are amazing! It was a perfect day – Michelle Walker.
I Do Venues wants to recognize the talented team of wedding professionals who helped to make this bride’s dream a reality: Photographer – Michelle Walker Photography, Florist – Paul Robertson Floral Design, Catering – Pam Ferrari Custom Catering.
Wedding Venue: Villagio Inn and Spa with Flaxx Floral Design
Photography by: Geoff White
Take a look at this venue’s photo gallery!
About the Venue
This Vintage Estate is a stunning 23 acre piece of Mediterranean heaven located on the quiet backstreets of Yountville. The well-known Villagio Inn and Spa is just one small piece of this remarkable property. The massive outdoor area allows you to create the event you have always dreamed of; the perfect sweet garden party, or tent the lawn to create a one-of-a-kind modern affair with fabulous lighting and lounges. No matter what you want, this amazing property is happy to please.
Ask the Expert
What an incredible blending of culture and couture. The ceremony design of this wedding is simply spectacular. You can’t miss the influence of the groom’s Indian heritage and choice of a rich and warm color palette. I have to tip my hat to both Stephanie Fiscus of the Villagio Inn and Flaxx Floral Design. The ceremony design is absolutely perfect. The large architectural columns that were brought in to create an entry arch which allowed the use of colorful flowing fabrics, creating an open air cathedral, is just brilliant. The way the columns flank and enhance the paved stone walkway is just perfect. You don’t even realize that these elements were brought in – they look so natural.
No matter how grand a reception space, several well planned personal touches will make your reception seem positively intimate. I love the escort cards – there are so many creative ways to display them, but this creative combination of curly metal holders with the event’s signature petite yellow orchid attached, displayed in a field of wheat grass, is brilliant. They look like a mini field of incredible sunflowers. I also have to comment on the consistent perfect pairing of colors – even in this small detail they have perfectly picked up the warm yellow, orange, and cranberry color palette.
I Do Venues wants to recognize the talented team of wedding professionals who helped to make this bride’s dream a reality: Photographer – Geoff White; Coordinator – Stephanie Fiscus of Villagio Inn and Spa; Floral – Flaxx Floral Design; Cake – Beaux Gateaux; Catering – Villagio Inn and Spa; Invitations – Paper Source.
Design Inspiration: The Perfect Backyard Affair
Photography by: AV Photo
Check out the slide show!
Ask the Expert
I think every bride would agree: if your backyard looked this amazing, you just might be up for the old-fashioned backyard wedding. The incredibly talented team of So Eventful did an amazing job of making this incredible soiree a reality, but as a fellow planner, I must tell you all a secret – the backyard wedding is infinitely more complicated than many of your over-the-top galas!
Often I will have a family come to me and tell me that they are thinking about or have decided on a wonderful backyard wedding. They love the intimate idea of sharing their home, and the memories that may be associated with it, with their family and friends. But if you are considering this as an option, keep in mind: a planner and a great catering company are the key to success.
The logistics to a backyard event can be challenging. Your kitchen may be the world’s best gourmet kitchen, but it is still only suitable to feed 20 guests – not 200 all at the same time. Those incredibly wonderful remodeled bathrooms are perfect to show off on the tour, but again, if you are hosting 100 guests at the house, no one wants a line at the restroom. From generators, porta-potties, to valets and beyond, a great backyard wedding needs extraordinary planning.
I Do Venues wants to recognize the talented team of wedding professionals who helped to make this bride’s dream a reality: Photographer – AV Photo; Designer/Planner – Marisa M Manna of So Eventful; Floral – Belle’s Lodi Flower Shop; Cake – Kim Duke of Old Vine Bake Shop; Catering – Steve Copello of Angelina’s Catering; Beverages – The Pub & Lounge; Lighting and Rentals – Classic Party Rentals; Entertainment – Dave Badilla (cocktail music), Bob Clemmens (bag-piper), Mad House (dancing band); Invitations – Calligraphy by Hillary; Videographer – Andy Hirsh of Blue Moon Productions.
Wedding Venue: St. Regis Not Your Typical Ball Room
Photography by: Larissa Cleveland Photography
Click here to see more images from this and other weddings held at the St. Regis!
Ask the Expert
San Francisco’s hospitality community is a unique blend of extravagant and elegant resorts, business and conference centers, and avant garde boutique hotels that are scattered about the city. For many brides the idea of a typical “hotel ballroom” is not appealing, and if you were in any other city I might agree. But I love the gorgeous history and diversity of San Francisco’s hotels.
The larger hotels are incredible although they are sometimes weighted down by the stigma of a chain. The architecture, history, views, and amenities make them well worth taking into consideration for your wedding venue. In California, I think we can easily say that San Francisco is truly the only real “urban” downtown city. Similar to Chicago, New York, Boston, and Washington DC, downtown San Francisco has a multitude of chic hotels that boast Michelin-rated chefs and unparalleled service.
A classic and timeless wedding celebration is one that stays away from trends and concentrates on ideas and elements that endure the test of time. This is the same sense of style you will find at the St. Regis. The beautiful hotel located in SOMA (South of Market Area) has a modern aesthetic that has partnered the character of a historic building and the magnificent refinement of a 40-story hotel tower. No detail goes uncovered.
My favorite feature of this gorgeous property is the Yerba Buena Terrace. There is not another spot featured in any hotel or event venue that says “you’re hip in SF ” more than this terrace. The terrace is situated just a hint above Yerba Buena gardens and shares a wall with the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art. You and your guests are in your own outdoor gallery. The towering cityscape of San Francisco is all around you, yet you are somewhat suspended in the clouds.
I Do Venues wants to recognize the talented team of wedding professionals who helped to make this bride’s dream a reality: Photographer – Larissa Cleveland Photography; Coordinators – Lisa Blake of Bellissima Vita and Barry Peterson of St. Regis; Floral – Huckleberry Karen Designs; Lighting – Creative Lighting Design.
Wedding Venue: Carneros Inn A Dream Team Wedding
Photography by: Jose Villa
About the Venue
The Carneros Inn is probably on every planner and photographer’s list of the top ten places to host a wedding in the Napa Valley country. You have so many options and even with a budget-minded celebration, the natural elements that the property offers is so much to work with, making everything flow and fall into place.
This amazing wedding celebration has the gorgeous signatures of Beth Helmstetter Events and Kathleen Deery Design written all over it, and the subtle photography is unmistakably Jose Villa. The Carneros Inn is well-known for establishing the aesthetic of a California wine country wedding. Many resorts, restaurants, and wineries in the area receive their charm from mimicking an era or region from other countries, such as Tuscany, Italy, Hollywood heydays, etc. The Carneros Inn has redefined what California casual elegance is all about.
Ask the Expert
Kathleen Deery is one of my favorite floral designers. When you let her loose on a project, she has an amazing sense of overall style and brings a complete “mixed media” format to your celebration. I love how she uses a combination of glass, fabric, paper, lighting, furniture, props, and flowers into her overall design to provide not only beauty, but true style.
This celebration is breathtaking. The design incorporates many different themes but in such a cohesive way. The buildings at the Carneros Inn are unmistakably California farmhouse chic. As you can see, the planner has taken this and paired it with varying textures and styles and it all looks dazzling. The clear Lucite “ghost chairs” have an unmistakable modern flair. I often find these paired with a more club chic style, but you can see how these chairs absolutely make this room pop. The modern splash against the hardwood floors, white wood wainscoting on the walls, and the facility’s modernistic lighting fixtures is brilliant. Picture this room set up with either white wood folding chairs, and now that wonderful California wine country vibe that you see is changed completely to a more casual country cottage feel. It really is amazing how much furniture can change the environment.
I love the butterflies! The subtle graphic that is used on most of the collateral is gorgeous, but more than that, I love the attention. It’s not just enough to have the gorgeous graphic incorporated in all the collateral, Beth Helmstetter has incorporated the butterflies into the room and outdoors, subtly attaching them all around the room: on the lights, on the trees, on the glass. It’s as if they were fluttering around the room and stopped for just a brief moment. Amazing!
I Do Venues wants to recognize the talented team of wedding professionals who helped to make this bride’s dream a reality: Photographer – Jose Villa; Event Planner – Beth Helmstetter Events; Floral Design and Rentals – Kathleen Deery Design; Cake – Perfect Endings Wedding Cake; Linen Rentals – La Tavola Linen; Entertainment – Patrick Numair, Michael Udelson.
Wedding Venue: Evergreen Lodge Back to Nature
Photography by: Tinywater Photography
This location is gorgeous! Check out the photo gallery to see more.
About the Venue
This would be the perfect year to have a wedding in Yosemite. With the winter being unseasonably dry, the time available for a Yosemite wedding will be extended. If you have an inkling to explore this option, then make sure you check out the Evergreen Lodge specifically.
The Evergreen Lodge is blessed with a truly magical location. The Lodge is located conveniently along the most direct route to Yosemite from the Bay Area, so there are no excuses allowed for your guests about getting lost. And the lodge is just one mile from Hetch Hetchy and the western entrance to the National Park.
The Lodge is a great spot for the couple trying to plan a real get-out-of-town and get back to nature destination wedding celebration. The Lodge resembles a retreat center, all within a a short walk to the entrance of Yosemite. But make no mistake, there are plenty of activities and eye candy for your guests to enjoy without ever leaving the property. The Lodge is surrounded by Redwood forests, endless meadows of wild flowers, rivers, swimming holes, and incredible vistas where you can breath in all the magnificent beauty of the Yosemite Valley.
Ask the Expert
I love the whimsical and DIY feel of this celebration, but I think one of the best features of this wedding is the couple’s choice of Tinywater Photography to capture every intimate and magical moment. I can’t think of a more appropriate team to capture this fun, eclectic celebration.
Every celebration has a distinctive story to tell and when you add a splash of yourself into the design, your story becomes even more compelling. The personal touches that the bride and groom have infused have not only given their photographer great material to work with, but it really gives the viewer a sense of the couple’s personalities. The sweet kiss in front of the convertible 60′s vintage VW bug and the refreshing sweet green and yellow polka dot garland which enhances the ceremony space, are two such images of distinction.
I Do Venues wants to recognize the talented team of wedding professionals who helped to make this bride’s dream a reality: Photographer – Tinywater Photography, Florist – Natalie Galasso Designs, Cake – Cake Monkey, Catering – Evergreen Lodge, Entertainment – Tracorum.
older posts » | Top of PageRealistic, first hand reviews provide the savvy bride with additional insight into how the venue can be utilized. Our practical information and imaginative inspiration boards open up new and exciting possibilities for your dream wedding.
