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: Angel Island Paradise Found
Photography By: 39 East Photography
Summary
“The Ellis Island of the Pacific” has been the nickname of Angel Island for over a century. It is an amazing historic location for the couple who is blending cultures. 39 East Photography has captured the above celebration wonderfully. Your guests will remember this unforgettable setting as they are whisked away on a personal ferry under a magical sky of stars. The San Francisco skyline has never been so vivid. Wow!
Ask The Expert
Angel Island is a unique location steeped in history. It is a perfect venue for a couple who wants to have an incredible celebration that is a bit off the beaten path. The venue itself is over two miles long and has many interesting elements that you can incorporate in different thematic events.
For example, tie a bit of travel and history into your wedding celebration. Begin with your wedding invitations by replicating it with a vintage ferry ticket for your guests, giving a hint of what’s to come. As your guests begin to arrive at the ferry station, pass out “travel papers” which includes your ceremony program, their seating assignments, and personalized stationary or journal to jot down notes of reflection after the event. After a beach-side wedding ceremony, allow your guests to retire to one of the historic buildings available for your reception. Incorporate international flair by creating table names that correspond to different countries in honor of the many people that have graced Angel Island’s shore.
As you consider your design concept, plan to keep your table decor simple – all your collateral and design elements will need to be transported over by boat. An eclectic mix of vintage containers with single stems would be both easy to transport and lovely in the environment. A vintage typewriter with custom stationary will give your guests a great place to tell their story and sign in as a guest. Angel Island is so unique and the views are unparalleled. Your guests will enjoy the venue, but in order to make the celebration noteworthy, pay attention to the details.
Blankets are a perfect choice to keep your guests warm as the fog rolls in over the Golden Gate Bridge. Request that your catering company set up a hot cocoa bar, using a fun I LUV U or monogrammed stencil on top of your whipped cream. Even think of those that get seasick and provide some Dramamine in cute bags…hope they won’t have to use them!
I Do Venues wants to recognize the talented team of wedding professionals who helped to make this bride’s dream a reality: Photographer – 39 East Photography, Designer/Coordinator – Eric McFarland, Florist – Orchid Florist.
Wedding Venue: Villa Montalvo The Romance of Red
Photography By: Geoff White
Summary
Marble columns, colorful frescos, and beautiful gilded accents set an arresting backdrop for this amazing crimson wedding at Villa Montalvo in Saratoga. Crimson has always been a sign of opulence, beauty, and love. A lush carpet of thousands of crimson rose-petals pave the way to the perfect stage for you to pledge your love to each other. The juxtaposition of the classic white dress as you glide effortlessly down the aisle will put all eyes on you.
The bridesmaids’ bouquets are a work of art, befitting of The Montalvo Art Center. The miniature calla lilies, parrot tulips, and crimson roses make a strong statement while blending into the monochromatic theme. If you’d like to see more wonderful photographs from this real and red wedding at Villa Montalvo, take a peek at Geoff White’s blog. Gorgeous!
Alicia’s I Do’s ~ Off The Grid
Summary
So, what do you do when you have a client who decides to get married completely off the grid? Any good event planner will tell you, it will happen and you better be prepared for anything. Last year, I (Alicia) was fortunate enough to work with a couple who decide to do just that. The wedding location was a remote wooded ocean bluff along the Big Sur Coast (as part of a secluded private estate). It was gorgeous but it was also literally two (2) hours away from anything resembling a town.
In designing this event, we first had to think about building the architecture of the venue itself. Where would the ceremony go, reception, dance floor, lounge, etc? We literally needed to create a building without walls to make it work. We had to bring in lighting, bathrooms, heaters, water, and even generators to make it all work. We also had to plan a detailed transportation schedule, as all the guests were bussed in to the location itself and then many used golf carts to get out to the bluff. Once those logistics were figured out, we got to plan the fun stuff.
As if the logistics were not complicated enough, the bride and groom were both living in London, so all the planning was accomplished through email and phone conversations. Their guest list was multi-national, with their guests flying in from all over the world. The wedding couple wanted their guests’ comfort and enjoyment to be given the highest priority. Their goal was to create an environment that would allow their guests to feel welcomed, yet allow them to be immersed in the amazing beauty of the California coast.
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Design Details
The couple was looking for simplicity surrounded by nature. As a designer, often times simplicity can be a bigger challenge than over the top. I decided to use the natural surroundings as my starting point. The color palette and materials were all inspired by the local landscape and sourced locally as well, offering a green effect. We decided to use tables that looked like picnic tables – to give the impression that you may have just stumbled upon this amazing party during your hike. With the abundance of green and brown surrounding us naturally, we brought in orange and peach as the color palette.
In order to give the event a bit of flea market flair, we went shopping. The theme was a family-style gathering, so I searched my favorite haunts to create a unique table scape from vintage containers. This also allowed for a minimalist approach concerning flowers. The meal was a family style Paella dinner. Three mouthwatering paella variations were paired with French crudites’s and organic salads. The cliff had an amazing view and was the focal point during the ceremony. After the nuptials, the area was transformed into a cozy lounge, complete with blankets, pillows and a fire pit. Scattered around the lounge were vintage baskets filled to the brim with the ingredients for S’mores – they were the hit of the party!
On the practical side, when you are hosting a party so far off the grid, you must bring all the amenities with you. We considered contingencies such as first aid kits, sunscreen, insect repellent, lotions, hair spray, mints, pins, hand towels, moist ones, tissues, deodorant, hem tape, and fashion tape… to name only a few.
Wedding Venue: City Club Catering and Facilities
Photography By: Julie Mikos
Overview
The City Club, located in the heart of the financial district, has old world amenities. It also has an old world motto: “It is our pledge as operators of one of the premier San Francisco business clubs to provide the Members and their guests a place of quiet graciousness, where ‘no’ is never the correct answer to your needs and where superb service and personal recognition are paramount.” This level of hospitality will wind through every detail of your wedding celebration. The City Club understand it is your once-in-a-lifetime day!
Ceremony
The City Club’s opulent interior occupies the 10th and 11th floors of the historic landmark building, located at 155 Sansone in downtown San Francisco. The building itself is exquisite and the Club is an inspired representation of art deco architecture. The Club has four different rooms allocated for special events, each with its own unique features and styles. The Main Dining Room and City Club Cafe combined can easily host a lavish ceremony and reception for up to two hundred wedding guests. Other rooms are available for more intimate affairs.
I Do Venues suggests hosting your ceremony in the richly appointed Cafe. The name is too modest for its rich elegance. The Cafe’s Jeanne Dare stone fireplace mantelpiece is a breathtaking focal point for the exchanging of vows. Make your grand entrance through the stately doors, sauntering past 200 chiavari chairs down a crisp white aisle. The warm wood paneled walls and carved ceiling bring a breath of old world glamor to your affair.
Reception
Once you have kissed the groom, you can invite your guests to toast your union with a glass of sparkling golden bubbly, as it passes through the foyer and reception room by the amazing service staff. As your guests indulge in libations and savory nibbles, you may choose to have the staff flip the Cafe into a swanky lounge to be used for appetizers, cocktails, and your after dinner dance party. Otherwise, escort your guests up the grand staircase – which features a 300 foot original Diego Rivera Fresco – to the lavishly decorated Main Dining room.
Set for dinner, the elegant interior and architecture of this room are far from commonplace. The windows, which are encased with ebony, allow for just the right amount of filtered light during the day – and the warm glow of the city at night. The ceiling is entirely covered with brass leaf, which gives the room a magical glow. The Belgium blue marble fireplace is the crowning glory, providing a sophisticated element without overpowering. The Club can easily accommodate 200 guests seated for dinner in the Main Dining room. If you plan to host your dance party here, we recommend keeping the guest count to 150 to make room for your dance floor, cake, and other necessities.
Catering at the Club is provided and there is not an option for outside resources. The club’s chef is well-known throughout San Francisco. He caters to the most refined palettes in San Francisco’s financial district, so regardless of the menu you choose, the meal will be both a pleasure to the taste buds and the eye.
Insider notes and the bottom line
The rental fee for the Club is nominal. It will run approximately $2500.00 to $3000.00 for a Saturday evening. The Club has a strict food and beverage minimum so an average wedding will run between $15,000.00 to $30,000.00. The food and beverage minimums at first glance are on the upper scale. But keep in mind, you are paying a modest fee for the room and your food and beverage includes all of your service staff, place settings, linens, tables, and chairs. As a bonus, the rooms are so gorgeous alone, little additional decor is needed.
Wedding Venue: San Francisco Film Centre Sneak Preview
Photography By: Sarabek Images
Summary
The Palm Room at the San Francisco Film Centre is a wedding venue that can pack a definite punch. Located in the Presidio, this historic Spanish building has a classic look with old world character, but incorporates many modern amenities. The Film Centre is in the hub of San Francisco’s film industry and would be a perfect place for any couple to create their own timeless and classic memories.
The historic building has been re-invented and provides rich visual impact for glamorous parties and events. The Australian eucalyptus hardwood floors are gorgeous and beautifully detailed by modern tract lighting. The exterior of the historic mission style building has a long sweeping veranda with terracotta colored Mexican tile, wrought-iron railings, and beautiful arched breezeways.
The crown jewel is the gorgeous view of the Golden Gate Bridge. This wonderful wedding venue offers a prime location for photographers to steal away, capturing you and your groom up close and personal in picture-perfect style for your wedding album… More to come!!
Wedding Venue: Wildwood Acres Something Blue
Photography By: Julie Mikos
Summary
If you rarely find yourself traveling through the Caldecot Tunnel – that infamous mysterious tunnel that separates Contra Costa and the Tri-Valley area from the rest of the East Bay and San Francisco – then you may never have 
heard of Lafayette, let alone Wildwood Acres.
This private estate is still family owned and operated. It sits five miles up a small road, hidden and tucked away in the quiet and serene wooded hills of the Las Trampas Wilderness.
Julie Mikos (a local favorite photographer) recently had the opportunity to capture this stunning couple who incorporated the tradition of “Something Blue” into their overall wedding design.
I love how this couple complimented the sky blue theme with the khaki-colored grooms attire. It is perfect for an outdoor summer celebration and gives the celebration a cohesive feel, without appearing overly fussy.
Wildwood is amazing with its gorgeous garden setting. There are few venues in the East Bay that can accommodate over 300 guests for an outdoor celebration with dinner and ample parking. With acre after acre of wooded forest and national park all around you, this is a gorgeous location to consider.
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I Do Venues wants to recognize the talented team of wedding professionals who helped to make this bride’s dream a reality: Photographer – Julie Mikos, Designer / Coordinator – Is this you?
Wedding Venue: Calistoga Ranch Sneak Preview
Photography By: Brunk Photography
Summary
What a dazzling celebration! Every detail has been meticulously designed and every moment well rehearsed. This incredible wedding, photographed by Cliff Brunk, typifies the level of sophistication your guests will enjoy when you host your wedding at Calistoga Ranch.
Calistoga Ranch, located in the heart of the Napa Valley, is the perfect location for a bride who wants to treat her guests to a touch of refined California elegance. Calistoga Ranch is one of the Auberge family properties and your guests will feel completely spoiled from the moment they arrive. More to come!!
Photography By: Brunk Photography
Wedding Venue: Barndiva Sneak Preview
Photography By: Jen Curtis
Summary
Barndiva is by far one of the coolest wedding venues I have come across. This assemblage of a sustainable farm, gourmet restaurant, and art gallery is the perfect location for the eco-friendly foodie who is dying to indulge every sense of their guests.
The restaurant at Barndiva is exceptional – a sustainable and seasonal menu will be created just for you by head chef Ryan Fancher, formerly chef with Thomas Keller at the French Laundry. And the resident mixologist will custom-create a signature cocktail that will leave your guests begging for the recipe. We love, love, love Barndiva – this out of the way, unique wedding venue is a feast for the eyes and your palette. More to come!!
Bolinas ~ Beachside Retreat
Photography By: Julie Mikos
Summary
There is a reason why the locals keep taking down the signs that point you in the direction of Bolinas. When you look at this beautiful wedding meticulously documented by Julie Mikos, it is easy to understand why they would want to keep this location a secret.
St. Mary Magdalene Church is one of the only surviving one-room churches in Marin County. The church was constructed in the early 1900′s and today still hosts Sunday services. Bolinas is ideal for the bridal couple who is looking for a small intimate ceremony and reception but in a more casual and bohemian style.
After tying the knot in the quaint church, this couple hosted their event at a beach-side bistro. There are also several Inn’s, B&B’s, and private residences in the quiet beach community that can be rented and will allow small receptions. This naturally gorgeous sunset backdrop works well with a design motif that stems from nature. The secluded beach community will have your guests feeling like they have stumbled upon a beach party that never ends. How much fun is that?!
When it is time to host dinner service, a family-style dinner is right on the mark. Consider renting natural style furniture like Classic Party Rentals’ Descano Collection. The natural hardwood pieces are gorgeous and look right at home as part of the beach-side retreat. The natural finished tables and benches can be used without linen, saving on your overall design budget.
A tablescape created from sea grass, moss, and driftwood would be ideal. Add more of an eclectic edge by using a mixture of containers with wildflowers; add hints of sea shells and sea glass to tie it all together. If you prefer candles, use tall cylinders filled with sand and sea shells with petite candles. They look great and the light will be well protected from the beach breezes. The beach-setting can lend itself into the shabby chic aesthetic easily. For guest cards, use an antique window frame for your escort card. Just hang it from a nearby tree and put a glue dot on the back, and presto!
As the evening winds down and the guests want to relax, provide a couple of great lounge vignettes. Lounge furniture, fire pits, oversize pillows, blankets, and your own personal s’mores kit will make this scene reminiscent of the bonfires we all loved. They won’t want the evening to end!
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I Do Venues wants to recognize the talented team of wedding professionals who helped to make this bride’s dream a reality: Photographer – Julie Mikos, Furniture Rentals – Classic Party Rentals, Designer / Coordinator – Is this you?
Design Inspiration: What Dreams are Made Of
Photography By: Wendy Maclaurin Richardson
Summary
Every little girl (therefore, most brides) have imagined their wedding as a fairytale come true – but which princess would you be? This outrageously gorgeous backyard fete would be fitting for almost any fairytale princess, but the Moroccan style tenting provided by Raj Tents definitely reminds me of the streets of Zanzabar.
I Do Venues wants to thank Wendy Maclaurin Richardson who has done such in incredible job of capturing the refined detail that was put into this eclectic celebration. This backyard transformation was designed and installed by the amazingly talented Grant and Co. Floral and Event Design, and I think you would agree when all I can say is WOW!
The tenting and lighting design is truly inspired and it pushes this wedding from a great wedding to an over-the-top design that will be remembered long after the thank you cards have been received. Lounges are the perfect way to make your guests comfortable. When the lounges are furnished with velvet ottomans, fire pits, and baskets overflowing with local seasonal fruits – how can your guests resist?
If the reception does not have enough pizzazz for you, take a look at the simple sophistication used to create the ceremony. The family Spanish-style home makes a perfect backdrop for the ceremony. The lush green lawn looks amazing with a simple treatment of flower petals and maple church benches instead of the traditional white ceremony chairs.
Details & Venue Recommendations
This is a one of a kind, unique design and it would be challenging to recapture the exact feel and tone. However, if your dream includes billowing tents, lush fruit displays, and a touch of ethnic flair, we’d recommend using the lawn at Dunsmuir Hellman Estate or possibly Casa de las Flores in Moraga.
Photographers Thoughts
Samantha and Jon married on July 26th at his family home outside of San Francisco. The setting lent a certain intimacy to the event, which included sumptuous tenting and an abundance of cascading fruit. The striking black roses on the cake echoed the graceful black sash on Samantha’s dress. The dinner was in the carriage house and the family’s collection of vintage cars was on display, much to the delight of the children. ~ Wendy Maclaurin Richardson.
I Do Venues wants to recognize the talented team of wedding professionals who helped to make this bride’s dream a reality: Photographer – Wendy Maclaurin Richardson, Tent Rentals – Raj Tents, Designer/Coordinator – Grant and Co.
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