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.
Design Inspiration ~ Island Vibe
Photography by: Corbin Gurkin
Summary
Warm white sand, cool island breezes, and the sweet aroma of tropics is quickly becoming a trend in wedding themes. Many couples feel they need to scamper off to a quiet, island location to have this fanciful style event. Definitely not! Even landlocked locations can embrace the feel of the tropics. Fun touches include splashes of bright colors, fruit infused libations, and lively island-style music.
The amazingly talented Corbin Gurkin has provided us with these photos taken from several different island-style events.
A simple tablescape made up of scattered sand dollars, sea shells, and starfish is a perfect starting point for a beach themed wedding. In the tropics, nature boasts the hues of vibrant orange, magenta, and blue, which you can steel for your perfect color palette. This color combination jumps off the distressed wood table, while the carved benches are made more comfortable by the addition of pillows in bright colors and festive prints.
The centerpieces are dynamic and fun – a combination of birds of paradise, orchids, and tropical foliage. They are captivating without being overly fussy or pretentious. We at I Do Venues love the chargers! The elephant ear foliage is the perfect backdrop for the casual place settings – and economical .
In contrast, the aqua blue invitations are reminiscent of the color of the Caribbean seas. They are the perfect way to set your guests’ expectations for the perfect beach party. Set the table with a combination of colored sea glass and simple single flower blooms in unique colored glass vases – you can even toss on some fish nets. An amazing linen choice will set this design concept apart – and make it pop. Consider an aqua crinkle taffeta or a sky blue topaz. Each of these fabrics have great movement without being flashy.
Wedding Venue: Marines’ Memorial Club Sneak Preview
Photography by: Brunk Photography
Sneak Preview
The Commander’s Ballroom at the Marines’ Memorial Club is a breathtaking venue filled to the brim with opulence, where elegance is a tradition. The inlaid carved ceilings are richly colored with hints of gold while the ethereal glow from the chandeliers washes the room with a warm glow. The downtown facility is well suited for a grand gala and will comfortably accommodate over three hundred guests. More to come!!!
Wedding Venue: Villagio Inn & Spa Sneak Preview
Photography by: Geoff White
Sneak Preview
Escape the hectic perils of the bustling city and plan your wedding at a Tuscan style retreat. Almost anyone can imagine themselves in this peaceful setting, where your guests can breath deeply, relaxing beneath the tranquil sun. The Italian aesthetic of this setting includes frescoes courtyards, amazing gardens and carved stone fountains. These wonderful elements, inspired from nature, will surround your guests, giving your wedding celebration the warmth of a Tuscan villa. More to come!!
Design Inspiration: Spring Blossoms
Photography By: Gertrude and Mabel Photography
Summary
Spring weddings are great! The flowers are bright and vibrant, the weather is perfect and the hills are lush and green. This creative spring wedding is brought to us by two extremely talented local artists: the amazing floral design of Nancy Liu Chin has been captured by the extremely talented Gertrude and Mabel Photography. Warm yellow hues reflective of a sunflower is a great central theme for a festive country themed design.
How amazing is the Huppa? I love how the poles are heavily textured with the intertwined vines and vivid yellow flowers. The design is wonderfully cohesive – the metal pails, wooden signs, and mason jars all add to a great overall look creating the ambiance of a great outdoor country market.
As you move into the tablescape, you notice the casual effect has been saturated with lots of charming detail. Amber glass gives a very antique effect, the graphics on the menu cards and the raffia tying a single Teddy Bear Sunflower in place look amazing without being overly fussy. The accessories and detail are what make this wedding stand out – the varying heights of the floral arrangements create depth on an overly long table, the vintage trunks are a great addition to make the guestbook stand out, and the floral and design elements that have been incorporated into the design of the candy bar blend this element into a great country theme.
Venue Recommendations
This wonderful wedding was hosted by Beaulieu Garden. With the incredible surroundings of the adjacent vineyards, a country theme is right at home in any wine country outdoor settings. I would definitely recommend trying this color pallet at Calistoga Ranch or Cornerstone.
I Do Venues wants to recognize the talented team of wedding professionals who helped to make this bride’s dream a reality: Photographer – Gertrude and Mabel Photography, Floral Design – Nancy Liu Chin, Catering – Paula LeDuc Fine Catering (exclusive caterers for Beaulieu Garden).
Design Inspiration ~ Backyard Details
Photography By: Amy and Stuart
Summary
How do you approach design for a backyard wedding? A backyard wedding is perfect for the bride who wants to express herself in a comfortable outdoor setting. The casual environment gives you the opportunity to make the aesthetic uniquely yours–even if it’s not in your backyard. A traditional garden party, a casual barbecue, or an elegant tented affair could each be the inspiration for your own backyard wedding.
The creative backyard wedding featured above and documented by the wonderful Amy and Stuart is all about home spun flavor, filled with playful elements to make a memorable celebration. Stepping away from tradition, the couple has embraced the bohemian life style.
The lush green lawn is dotted with vintage rugs, cushions, bolsters, and petite end tables, while a collection of lanterns complete the look. This is a fabulous, affordable alternative to lounge furniture or formal cocktail area. Flowers are accents rather than centerpieces. Oversized cylindrical vases are filled with fresh rosemary and pillar candles which creates a fragrant glow. Alternately rustic wooden vases hold sprays of lavender for a rustic touch.
Unique finishing touches set this soiree apart from the traditional. A collection of flea market antiques are staged as decor, while lavender is used through the design and all the printed collateral. Even a colorful Sangria acts as the focal point of the bar.
Venue Recommendations
The backyard soiree is best set in the proper environment; however, there are a few locations which will do justice to this unique theme. Beltane Ranch in the wine country is perfect for a backyard wedding–just the right size and the setting will remind you of a Sunday family dinner. The other location that comes to mind is Hacienda de las Flores in Moraga. This historic home has an expansive backyard with lush lawns, fountains, and ancient oaks–perfect for this casual design concept.
Design Inspiration: Vibrant Red at Casa de la Vista
Photography By: Geoff White
Summary
Bright vibrant colors against the backdrop of the San Francisco Skyline – you can only have this experience at Casa de la Vista on Treasure Island. If the view does not provide you with enough inspiration, the history surrounding you is sure to provide a spark of creativity.
This handsome design was constructed around a crimson color palette. Since crimson tends to lean towards the violet side of the color wheel, it gives you the option of successfully blending in shades of bright pink. The candy bar is a great visual, as well as a tasty, treat! They used a selection of various shapes, sizes, colors, and textures for the containers, but the signature color scheme tied it all together. The uniformity of the chair covers and sashes is wonderful, no doubt installed by a professional. The small details do make a difference!
Wedding Venue: Healdsburg Country Garden Sneak Preview
Photography By: Julie Mikos
Summary
The Healdsburg Country Garden is a private estate in the heart of Sonoma, just a few miles from downtown Healdsburg. The private gardens are the perfect location for a traditional botanical style wedding. This unique venue transitions from day into evening with seamless elegance.
The rustic barn can host your dinner reception without error, and then transform into a romantic softly lit barn dance by night. The twinkle lights and uplights in the garden create a soft and romantic ambiance. Check back for more to come!!
Photography By: Julie Mikos
Wedding Venue: Solage Catering and Facilities
Photography by: Adeline and Grace Photography
Overview
Cosmopolitan luxuries take on a casual laid back feel at Solage Resort in Calistoga. This multi-acre property is at the top of the wine country and offers its clients a multitude of options at moderate prices. The resort is operated by the Auberge family of resorts so, as you can imagine, every detail has been considered.
Ceremony
As you exchange vows, your guests will take in the amazing view of the surrounding hills and vineyards. A rustic arch of floral accents with natural elements can frame in the bride and groom as you exchange vows on the well-manicured ceremony lawn. The facility does not provide ceremony chairs, so when renting you have a variety of styles available. The lawn can easily fit approximately 150 – 200 guests.
Reception
The patio is adjacent to the ceremony site while the courtyard is just a few small steps away. Both are the perfect place for your appetizer and cocktail reception. Your guests can enjoy a selection of edibles from Solage’s award-winning chef and pair them with wine from neighboring wineries. The delicacies can be enjoyed while taking in the breathtaking views of the valley and the resort itself.
A variety of cocktail tables are provided by the facility at no additional charge, making this a great place to stage a ”retro chic” lounge or fire pit.
The loft-inspired design of the main dining room includes high ceilings, lush velvet draperies, polished concrete floors, and a cool neutral color palette. The exquisite room looks amazing when adorned with either traditional round dining tables, or more modern square or rectangular ones. The room easily can accommodate 180 – 200 for dining, still allowing for a moderate dance floor. This is a great space to allow the outside to flow in. Keep the large sliding glass doors open, pull back the drapes and let the outdoor lounge become part of the celebration.
Solage is well known as a destination for gourmet dining. The amazing chef and his team have created quite a local “buzz.” If you enjoy the idea of farm fresh produce, that is both sustainable and organic, then you’ll love the ability to treat your family and friends to this one-of-a-kind experience. Solage has full bar options and can help to pair your wine selections with your menu. Beverages will be charged based on consumption.
Insider Notes & The Bottom Line
The impeccable service at Solage starts when you drive up and the complimentary valet takes your keys. It ends several days later when a thank you card arrives. Solage thinks of all the details.
Take advantage of the many offerings; some are at a nominal additional charge, some are at no charge. Dark chocolate linens, welcome beverages, stage, dance floor, fire pit, and market umbrellas are just a few of the little extras.
I Do Design ~ Fun & Flirty
Photography by: Tanja Lippert Photography
Summary
Your wedding celebration is a unique opportunity to share a bit of yourself with your family and friends. All eyes are on you and it’s your day. From the venue to the menu, each detail can be a reflection of your personal style.
If you are like most brides, you have more than one aspect to your personality. Comfortable in your favorite pair of blue jeans, you still enjoy the party dress that makes you look like a million bucks. So why choose? There is no need to be conventional at your wedding–or boring. You can be both fun and flirty, as well as sophisticated and elegant.
Tanja Lippert’s fabulous photography has captured this gorgeous celebration at the Santa Lucia Preserve where the bride has allowed herself to indulge in the things she loves the most. The reception was filled with fun, flirty details with country charm, while the ceremony was soft and elegant.
The outdoor ceremony was as beautiful as the dress by Ines di Sant. The romantic setting was filled with soft filtered light from the surrounding forest and air was filled with simple notes of an acoustic ensemble.
The barn used for the reception was a meld of fabulous fete meets country. Every detail was perfect–from the colorful hanging globes to the gold chiavari chairs. Frivolity found its place alongside over-the-top elegance. If you’d like to see more of this celebration, you can check out Tanja’s blog.
Color Palette and Venue Recommendations
The quirky accents and gorgeous attention to detail of this celebration would translate well to Cornerstone in Sonoma or The Healdsburg Country Garden. If you are having a smaller celebration, consider the Carriage House at the Dunsmuir Hellman Estate in Oakland.
Photography by: Tanja Lippert Photography
Wedding Venue: UC Berkeley Botanical Garden Entertainment
Summary
The Redwood Grove is absolutely amazing. As the ceremony site is located in a natural forest, there is no electricity. Planning for music and amplification requires a well-thought strategy.
I Do Venues recommends simple acoustical music, which resonates beautifully as your guests follow the sounds into the amphitheater.
Acoustic or amplified music are permitted both inside and outside of the reception site. A DJ or a small two-piece ensemble is just right for this intimate setting.
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.
- Northern California Venues
- Central California Venues
- Southern California Venues
- Alicia's I Do's
- Ask the Experts
- Design Inspirations
- DIY Tips
- Photography Tips
- Special Offers
- Style Guides
.....................................................
