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: Casual Country Details
Photography By: IN Photography
Summary
A casual country aesthetic is the top choice for a couple who wants to blend the warm hues of fall into their wedding celebration. A park, ranch, or winery would be ideal for your soiree with country details. Find a location where the trees will be turning colors, or nestle your event in the outskirts of your favorite vineyard as the leaves turn golden umber and red. Rustic fences, old barns, and farmhouses in the distance will give you great scene-setting material.
This fun fall wedding is sophisticated country – not country western. The difference is the stunning elements. The cake transcends the norm by selecting a chocolate base rather than traditional white. A mountain-scape edges the bottom tier and hand-cut leaves adorn the top tiers. The vibrant colors of the fresh flowers adds to the brilliant and unique design.
The vine treatment of grapevine and sage on the rustic fence is a great, yet inexpensive, way to dress up a feature that otherwise might seem a bit too rustic. The pop of color that is created by a few roses at the posts is wonderful. I love, love, LOVE the lanterns! The elegant rose petals collected at the bottom of each lantern adds the perfect touch of color without overwhelming the simple lighting element. The vivid flower arrangements have great color and texture, which are further emphasized by their country chic container – wrapped birch bark. The combination of roses and orchids in the floral arrangements is brilliant – offering lots of texture and life.
Even the seating is easy and economical. The simple chair is decorated with a chocolate brown ribbon and a warm yellow rose. The program is simply weighted down with a river rock – clever and sweet.
Color Palette and Venue Recommendations
The white base of this color palette, blending with warm yellows, oranges, soft green, and cocoa browns makes it a great starting point. If you want to add even more color to your design, consider using a burlap brown table linen, or a buttercup yellow or mustard colored napkin. This design could find its home in several wine country locations, such as Kunde, BR Cohen Winery, or the Healdsburg Country Gardens.
Wedding Venue: Nicholson Ranch Sneak Preview
Photography By: Wendy Maclaurin Richardson
Summary
Once you meet Ramona Nicholson (entrepreneur, owner, and girl Friday) there is no doubt in your mind that she was the perfect choice to win the prestigious 2010 Woman of Year Award from the California State Assembly. Ramona Nicholson grew up working on her family’s Sonoma ranch, and today Ramona and her husband Deepak Gulrajani are responsible for establishing Nicholson Ranch, it’s vision, and direction.
Ramona has always felt – a true “sense of place” inspires a connection an authentic attachment infused with a combination of setting, heritage, landscape, and even celebration – this way of thinking is how they approach their magnificent handcrafted wine and this philosophy transcends into the handful of life celebrations that are held at Nicholson Ranch each year. More to come!
Wedding Venue: Brazilian Room Fall
Photography by: Akiko Photo
Summary
The hills of Oakland and Berkeley are home to so many hidden treasures. Steam trains, botanical gardens, and an antique merry-go-round are but a few of these treasures. One of the best well-known treasures in these hills is the Brazilian Room. This featured wedding venue has been a favorite spot to tie the knot since the turn of the century. If you are a fall bride and looking for a location that is all about nature, then look no more. The natural aesthetics of the Tudor-style building – paired with the lush green park lands that surrounds it – make this venue the perfect fall get-away.
Recently the talented team from R. Jack Balthazar visited the serene cottage in Tilden Park and the results were remarkable. You have to admire the altar – created from an antique table – as well as the lanterns and lush floral arrangements. The scale is perfect – as are the colors. They have managed to create a look that blends seamlessly into its surroundings, but the tablescape and accessories anchor the eye – bringing the altar to the forefront.
The design detail of the interior space is ingenious. The combination of the “King Arthur” style head table that spans the entire length of the room is combined with a flurry of round tables. The effect gives the room a very regal feel. The luxurious linen is differentiated based on the table, but the rich brocade textures give a cohesive feel. The room is so heavily weighted by rich wood tones, the abundance of color in the design is a great way to provide balance and style.
Photography by: Akiko Photo
Design Inspiration: White and Green
Photography By: Jose Villa
Summary
Jose Villa, in a word, is astonishing. His photography captures an essence of the subject in a manner which few other photographers can boast. When I peruse his blog – with minimal storytelling – I get a unique sense that I know the couple. I am able to understand what their wedding-day meant to them, and shared not just as a spectator in the wonderful detail, but in the emotion of the moment. When I came across this modern yet romantic fete designed by Kathleen Deery Design, I could envision this wedding recreated in so many Bay Area venues.
The cake: the modern design reminds me of the back of a wedding dress, all buttoned up and bustled. It is challenging to create, yet simple and fun. White on white makes a memorable cake design, and this one is perfect. Apples, pears, cherries, and stone fruit weave their way into so many interesting design elements. The apples used to surround the cake and those brimming over in the heart-shaped antique cake pan give a bit of country charm to a very elegant design. Peonies are all the rage – they are the new rose. The lush and full blossoms give you a great look for a bouquet, but allow you to keep the flower count at a minimum, without sacrificing style. Check out how the modern aesthetic design of the chairs fits in perfectly with full hydrangea blooms of the centerpiece. This is another great way to blend two styles well.
Details and Venue Recommendations
All white looks amazing as a base and it is so versatile – you can use any bright or pastel color to add pop and create a clean look. White also transcends many themes. It can be romantic, vintage, modern, or over the top – the sky’s the limit. With a simple white base, you can focus pops of color into your accessories - your napkins, ribbons, menus, and flowers. However, remember with an all white base, a little goes a long way. This is a wonderful design – very chic yet not trendy or flashy. This white and green combo would look outstanding at a rustic barn like Healdsburg Country Gardens or Atwood Ranch. A modern flair to the design would be equally gorgeous at Terra Galleries or Dogpatch Studios.
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; Floral – Kathleen Deery Design.
Alicia’s I Do’s ~ Mexico
Photography By: Belathee Photography
Summary
A destination wedding is a great concept; however, when you plan a wedding half-way across the continent – you can’t just make a phone call to put out any fires that might occur. The art of the destination wedding is pre-planning.
When we (Team AK) arrived in Mexico, it was important that we partner with local vendors while still having the ability to carry out our own design elements. The venue choice is a huge factor for a destination wedding. You must do your homework, making sure the venue is comfortable with your expectations and has experience with your type of wedding. On-site food and beverage service are a must. Be sure to note the area’s aesthetic offerings so you can emphasize the existing structures and ambiance, instead of trying to layer on more accents – at a higher cost. The goal should be to take the initial offering and bump it up a notch – design-wise.
For this particular wedding, the venue decor relied heavily on a seaside theme, utilizing varying hues of navy and white. We embraced this base and added hints of fuchsia to add the necessary “Pop.” Over 1,000 yards of crisp satin ribbon were used to capture the sea breeze and introduce movement. This treatment is simple and inexpensive yet stunning – and works perfectly for any venue that has a breeze. The facility provided white linen chair covers. They were the perfect complement to the vivid blue ocean and sandy beach without overwhelming the natural beauty.
A poolside reception followed the gorgeous wedding ceremony. The crisp white linen on the tables, the swaying palm trees, and the profusion of tropical flowers were all romantic elements, reminiscent of a scene from a Hemingway novel. The resort was overflowing with blooming bougainvillea plants in a perfect shade of fuchsia. With permission, we picked a bushel-full and covered the tables with their fragrant petals. On top the colorful vines, we used raspberry colored phalaris and tropical greenery – creating a warm tropical feel but keeping the flower budget to a minimum. As the sun was setting, you could see the flickering candlelight from over 1,000 crisp white luminaries that surrounded the entire property.
When planning a destination wedding, consider your guests’ comfort and wishes. Your guests’ presence was a sizable investment so take extra care of each one of them. The details here are crucial – starting with impressive invitations and collateral which gets them excited about attending your destination wedding. At the airport, have coaches waiting to take them to the resort along with complimentary beverages. Don’t leave them to their own devices. At check-in, greet them with complimentary baskets which include itineraries, local treats, games, and indulgent necessities they may have forgotten. Eliminating pressure is the key. Don’t over-schedule their time. Make your guests feel welcome to participate in every aspect of the multiple day celebration; however, if they just want to kick back and relax instead, let them.
Wedding Venue: Atwood Ranch Sneak Preview
Photography By: Rosemarie Lion
Summary
Atwood Events, Julie Atwood, and Atwood Ranch are in large the same entity and it is easy to see what a labor of love has been put into every detail of every wedding that takes place at Atwood Ranch.
For years, Julie Atwood was well known in the wine country as an in-demand interior designer. Julie was raised in the farmlands of California and she has been able to take her amazing eye for design, creating an exclusive oasis filled with rustic and natural elements. Atwood Ranch is 170 acres in Glen Ellen which is home to Julie and her family; thus she treats each wedding as a family celebration! If you want to serenity of getting married in the wine country, but are not looking for the traditional winery wedding, Atwood Ranch is a must see!! More to come…
Weekend Planning Guide: The Secret Garden
Photography By: Kristen Gardner
Summary
Fall is right around the corner and as you plan your wedding for next year, you may be considering an outdoor affair. Whether you choose to have an intimate outdoor ceremony or throw a grand garden party, September and October are the best months to consider in the Bay Area.
For the East Bay (Contra Costa and Alameda Counties), the summer heat will have passed, leaving the pleasantly warm summer evenings with their cool breezes.
In San Francisco, the heavy fog layer we experience in June and July will have traveled down coast – leaving crisp blue skies in their absence. The list for great outdoor venues in the Bay Area is endless, so I’ll highlight a few for fall consideration:
North Bay - Mill Valley Outdoor Art Club, Marin Art and Garden Center, and The Olema Inn
East Bay – Dunsmuir Hellman Estate, the UC Berkeley Botanical Garden, Wente Vineyards, and Concannon Vineyards
San Francisco – 1 Fort Mason, Conservatory of Flowers, and the Shakespeare Garden in Golden Gate Park
Details
This example of an outdoor wedding is spectacular. What I love most is that it could be held at any number of Bay Area locations with little modification.
The dramatic Persian-style rug is fit for a queen. The “pop” you get from this simple element creates a surreal contrast between the elegance of the rug and natural outdoor setting. And of course, it also looks great in photography.
Another great design choice is the rustic lanterns. As hanging elements, they bring your eye into the trees – creating a high focal point. Additionally, they are just as effective after the sun sets as a lighting element.
The woodsy, floral theme is perfect for this celebration. The profusion of different colors, flowers and textures is complimented by the soft and flowing ferns used as greenery.
Design Inspiration ~ Just for Fun
Photography by: Anna Kuperberg
Summary
Girls just want to have fun! A filmtastical photo booth at your wedding – like in the pictures above captured by the talented Anna Kuperberg – can provide not only great fun for your guests, but it also creates amazing memories for you. This trend started a few years ago, and although it continues to change and improve, it is a trend that doesn’t seem to be fading.
In the past few years, most reputable companies which rent photo booths provide thematic or custom designed booths. This allows the booth to blend into the overall design of your gala. I especially love it when the bride and groom provide an assortment of fun props – feather boas, vintage clothes, outrageous hats and glasses. All of these accessories allow your guests to jazz up their closeups – avoiding stuffy posed pictures.
Guest books created out of the film strips are also a great idea. These ready-to-use books will help you to get the most bang for your buck. Allow your guests to take a series of photos and then add a written sentimental note to their selection. You may choose to provide a variety of colored pens or possibly scrapbooking paraphernalia to allow your guests to get creative. This is a great way to remember what a fun and exuberant time your guests shared.
There are many different options available to you when renting a photo booth. First and most importantly, choose a company that provides same-day pick up and drop off. The majority of venues do not allow any of your decor to remain on the property after you have left the building. Consider hiring a DJ company that also provides photo booths like Dennon and Doyle. Many of these companies provide discounts when you purchase more than one service. Often, it will also provide you with a technical support person to catch or avoid any glitches.
Wedding Venue: Dogpatch Studios Sneak Preview
Photography By: Ben Chrisman
Summary
The Dogpatch Studios is a dynamic film studio situated in the heart of San Francisco’s Dogpatch district. The understated loft has three floors with modern aesthetics and a great open-air feel. It takes an amazing eye to turn this already wonderful venue into a one-of-a-kind wedding extravaganza – but as you can see, when you turn it over to a creative talent like Alison Events, the sky’s the limit. Dogpatch is three floors of fun, each floor has a different feel and can create a unique setting for your guests. The top floor had an amazing city views – this industrial space really epitomizes what is San Francisco: fun, funky, and inspired. More to come!
Wedding Venue: Cavallo Point Design
Photography By: Stephanie Pool for Lisa Lefkowitz Photography
Overview
What other location has nicknamed itself A View with Some Rooms? Cavallo Point in Sausalito is not only an exceptional resort; if you are looking for a location that represents the Bay Area, could it get any better than under the Golden Gate Bridge? Cavallo Point prides itself on offering a bit of everything for the discerning bride, letting you have great fun with your design. An outdoor ceremony can be held with amazing views, or use their traditional chapel. Alternately you can host an intimate indoor ceremony then move to one of their gorgeous reception rooms – the choice is yours and you can custom-create the flow of your event.
Ceremony
The best view in the house is the magnificent Kober Lawn. This location is one-of-a-kind, putting you literally up close and personal with the Golden Gate Bridge. The lawn is situated in such a manner that your guests will be able to absorb everything unique and historic about this wedding venue. This location is great for the diversity it can offer. You can hear the crashing surf, the views are stunning and the preserved greenbelt of this National Park will make your photographer smile.
If you enjoy the idea of a country-themed wedding, explore the idea of using walnut folding chairs. These chairs resemble a “grape vine,” which fit perfectly with the soft variegated green color pallet of the surrounding trees and foliage. A touch of vintage and romance is also welcome in the magnificent outdoor setting. For this theme, select the metal scroll garden chair and lots of roses – simple, elegant, and perfect for this setting. The lush green surroundings create a great canvass for a heavily petaled aisle. Try a thick scattering of flowers in your color palette or the unique look of a patterned or monogrammed floral runner. To incorporate movement in your ceremony, ribbons or fabrics that will catch on the wind work well. If you want to make more of a statement, frame the bride and groom in a chuppah style canopy or line the aisles with hanging florals with ribbons that will flutter in the refreshing breeze.
Photography By: Matthew May
Reception
Once vows and kisses have been exchanged, encourage your guests to stroll around the amazing grounds. Put a twist on your cocktail hour that is as unique as the venue. Consider setting up “food stands” so your guests can partake in the facility’s 5 star rated cuisine while they take a leisurely stroll around the grounds. How do you put a “spin” on the old-fashioned lemonade stand? Try serving blueberry-infused vodka lemon drops. Other ideas: with The Golden Gate Bridge and the San Francisco Skyline as your view, an oyster bar is logical, or what about clam chowder shooters?
Once you have taken your last photo and have rejoined your guests, begin a remarkable dining experience. There are five traditional dining locations at Cavallo Point. The staff is completely client-focused, so you can make any combination you’d like, or even try something new. The veranda that surrounds the main building and the fire-pit outside the Calliope Room are wonderful locations for pre-dinner libations or post-dinner munchies. These areas have great lounge furniture, so take advantage of their presence, add a few curved benches or round ottomans and you have an inviting atmosphere your guests won’t want to leave.
The Verbena Room and Mission Blue are our favorite locations for dining and the remainder of your party, as they are the most unique. We love the twin porcelain white fireplaces in the Verbena Room, along with the art deco lighting elements. It lends itself to a more elegant dynamic. Mission Blue is the actual post chapel which has been lovingly restored – with its hardwood floors and detailed beamed ceiling, it is so unique and definitely worth considering.
Colors at Cavallo Point should be a bit understated. This location is all about being at harmony with nature. A base color of apple green, latte, or mocha are great foundations. In the springtime, we love to see greens paired with blush and ecru – another great combination would include melon or peach. Because of the neutral interior of the rooms, many guests tend to go with an eggshell base. But in these spaces, especially in the fall, try cool colors such as wisteria, plum, or oyster, or pair browns with vibrant oranges and pinks. Walnut chiavari chairs will look amazing if you are going traditional; however, this is a perfect venue to incorporate a modern touch. Try the new chameleon chair styles – the look is fantastic!
Ask The Experts
Have fun with your lighting. This facility has so many cool lighting elements available. Lighting adds style and ambiance. Hang a collection of lanterns from the beams inside Mission Blue, which adds a great glow, but they will give your guests a focal point to take in this amazing piece of architecture.
Cavallo Point is the perfect blend of vintage mixed with modern touches, this theme really encapsulates the renovation of this historic post. The high ceilings make lighting a must – a combination of patterned wall washes or simple up-lights will make a dramatic difference in the overall feel of the room. Hang a collection of lanterns from the beams of Mission Blue – it is a great focal point and allows your guest to take advantage of this unique piece of architectural history. There are many options for lounges, I love using the Foyer or even Silverspot to create a dramatic lounge area. Don’t forget to bring blankets to keep your guests warm by the outdoor fire pit and consider putting together baskets of fixin’s for s’mores – it is a detail everyone will remember!!
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