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: Jacuzzi Family Vineyard A “Bliss” ...
Photography by: Junshien International Photographers
Summary
When you take a tour of the Jacuzzi Family Vineyard, you are immediately impressed by the style and architecture. It feels as if you are touring a winery in the heart of Tuscany. You can immediately picture an intimate ceremony taking place in the breathtaking stone courtyard or your guests enjoying a dance under the stars after dinner.
As your guests move into the barrel room, the vast open beamed ceiling will immediately grab their attention. Brandy Cabral of Bliss Event Productions is responsible for the classic and elegant design of this event. I love how she has brought attention to the high ceilings by using tall floral arrangements that bring your eye upward. This gorgeous architectural element can add dramatic impact to your design, but you have to work with it.
In a large space, we recommend incorporating various types of arrangements. You’ll notice in this design there are several distinctive table scapes. By incorporating different table scapes – with similar but separate elements – you will open up the room. In a large room, too much of one item can be visually overwhelming.
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“I adore the colors the couple chose and they pulled them off brilliantly! The bride selected soft shades of yellows, whites, and creams. They worked wonderfully with the overall design and looked amazing against the backdrop of this stunning venue. One of my favorite elements, aside from the beautiful couple, were the bridesmaids’ dresses. The ladies truly rocked their frocks and the color looked divine on each and every one of them.” Brandy Cabral from Bliss Event Productions
I Do Venues wants to recognize the talented team of wedding professionals who helped to make this bride’s dream a reality: Photographer – Junshien International Photographers, Designer / Coordinator – Brandy Cabral of Bliss Event Productions, Florist – Anita Isaza of Wine Country Flowers, Cake – Patisserie Angelica, Catering – Wine Valley Catering.
Wedding Venue: Clos LaChance Winery Blue
Photography by: Julie Kay Kelly of JK Life Stories
Summary
This celebration is so much fun. I love how the couple has put an unexpected twist on the idea of a “wine country” celebration and made it work brilliantly. Clos LaChance Winery is located about thirty minutes south of the Silicon Valley, which is close enough to be convenient, but far enough away to be a destination. If you are not familiar with Clos LaChance Winery, take a quick day trip and check it out.
The adobe style architecture and the incredible stone patio are brought to life with the brightly colored hues from this event. Clean, preppy, and modern are the words that come to mind. The cobalt blue design in the linen looks amazing, but the contrast that occurs when you add the green apple accents takes the ensemble to the next level. The small details are well coordinated, creating a cohesive design. Everything about this design works together – the choice of square tables, the modern elements in the floral arrangements, even the small accents on the napkins. The clean, fresh feeling of this design would be wonderful in any outdoor setting.
I Do Venues wants to recognize the talented team of wedding professionals who helped to make this bride’s dream a reality: Photographer – Julie Kay Kelly of JK Life Stories, Florist – Bloomster’s Floral Designs.
Wedding Venue: Holman Ranch A Day With Amy Byrd
Photography by: Zoom Photography
Summary
Who wouldn’t want to have their wedding celebration here? A classic Spanish style hacienda, the Holman Ranch will embrace you in its warmth and charm from the moment you walk onto the property. The aura that surrounds you is truly wonderful. You can instantly tell that the owners of this wonderful retreat approached its creation as a true labor of love.
This particular celebration is simply stunning, and it’s no wonder when you release the creative energy of Amy Byrd. Her vivacious spirit as a designer has been recognized by The Knot, who named her as one of Northern California’s Top Ten Planners. The vibrant autumn color palette chosen for the floral design brings out the rustic feel of the event, but the arrangements are still elegant and refined.
We really do love every detail of this wedding, from the collateral to the table settings. Amy and her team have done an incredible job of showcasing the wonderful details of the property. We also tip our hats to Lauri Levenfeld from Zoom Photography who always does an amazing job.
The key to a successful event at a location like Holman Ranch is to use the elements that surround you. Play into them and don’t fight them. For example, I love how the wagon wheel was used for the escort cards, chalkboards are utilized for the menus, picnic tables are slated for dining, and even the raw light bulbs in the chandeliers are highlighted. All of these rustic, natural elements create a warm and comfortable feel, while still communicating sophisticated, simple elegance. LOVE IT!
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“The main inspiration for the entire weekend was the couple’s love for family, friends, good food, and one another. The bride and mother of the bride loved everything about Holman Ranch, so wanted to embrace the property and coordinate their wedding design with the already fantastic décor. The family wanted to have a warm intimate dinner, so they selected long farm-style tables that looked like they were made for a family-style dinner at Holman Ranch.
The decor was structured to embrace and enhance the rustic Spanish hacienda rather than trying to make it something that it is not. We also worked with the colors of the season and specifically used elements that you would find on a ranch. Each design element was chosen so you felt as if it had always been a part of Holman Ranch.” Amy Byrd
I Do Venues wants to recognize the talented team of wedding professionals who helped to make this bride’s dream a reality: Photographer – Zoom Photography, Designer / Coordinator – Amy Byrd Weddings and Events, Florist – Fionna Floral, Catering – Classic Catering, Rentals – Unlimited Events and Classic Party Rentals, Baked Goods – Patisserie Bechler.
Wedding Venue: Montclair Women’s Cultural Arts Club Pe ...
Photography by: First Comes Love
If you desire a wedding celebration with sense of whimsy, then check out The Montclair Women’s Cultural Arts Club. This wonderfully eclectic venue possesses its own bold personality. By bringing in elements that express your own personality, you can claim the space and show off your own interpretation.
When you embark on a DIY design project, it is important to keep things simple and elegant. The flowers created by this couple are a great example. The silver goblets are classic, vintage, and chic. A small arrangement of hydrangea or other full bodied flowers makes a great statement, but will not overpower the pocket book. The couple’s attention to detail has created a cohesive design that blends seamlessly into the overall feel of the venue.
The color palette for this wedding is both unique and brilliant – it makes the design work. The soft muted apricot color palette gives the event a hip yet vintage feel and allows the bride to be a minimalist when it comes to floral accents. Alison Bank of First Comes Love has done a brilliant job of helping this couple declare their own style within the frame of her photography - the images area showstopping.
I Do Venues wants to recognize the talented team of wedding professionals who helped to make this bride’s dream a reality: Photographer – First Comes Love, Cake, Catering, Rentals – Fork & Spoon Productions, Florist – SF Flower Market.
Design Inspiration: Vintage Details
Photography by: Amanda Bevington
Summary
The Bay Area is a mecca for vintage inspired venue choices. If you are planning a grand vintage affair, I would recommend the Julia Morgan Ballroom in downtown San Francisco. The room itself screams VINTAGE; however, the elaborate carved ceilings, fireplace, and lounge will seal the deal – they are gorgeous!! If you have a guest list in the 100 to 150 range, then take a look at The Montclair Women’s Cultural Arts Club in Oakland. This beau-arts inspired venue is the perfect place for a soft touch of romance, or possibly a roaring 20′s bash!!
Most Vintage weddings seem to be inspired from a particular item, not necessarily the era itself. The antique engagement ring he purchased circa 1920; the stunning wedding dress you found at the vintage clothing shop dating to 1930; the 1940′s hand-stitched veil you’ve had since you were twenty – each of these items carry an intrinsic sentimental value which will heighten your guests’ experience and provide an amazing starting point for a wedding theme with a vintage flair.
Amanda Bevington has provided us with these incredible photographs of a vintage wedding. The 1930′s style typewriter is wonderful – a great prop when used to create your guest book: guests can type a note of well-wishes to the bride and groom, then gently press them between the pages of your guestbook. The pearl-beaded purse is a great location to hold linen handkerchiefs – alluding to the fact there won’t be a dry eye in the house. Additional details for this wedding include small rhinestone-studded picture frames, and a collection of petite vases that hold single flowers – all of these small details will make a collectively large statement. The best part of this wedding is the bride’s hairpiece: forgoing the traditional veil, she has expressed her vintage style with a soft loose romantic style simply adorned with a silk blossom.
I Do Venues wants to recognize the talented team of wedding professionals who helped to make this bride’s dream a reality: Photographer – Amanda Bevington, Florist – Megan of La Partie Events.
Wedding Venues: The Berkeley City Club Details and Stolen Mo ...
Photography by: First Comes Love
Summary
I can’t think of a wedding venue in the East Bay that embraces the elements of a vintage design more graciously than the Berkeley City Club. Julia Morgan’s architectural style is unparalleled. The building itself is a step back in time as you witness every elegantly appointed detail. Alison Bank of First Comes Love has done a remarkable job of helping the happy couple capture unique 1920′s photography.
With a building as spectacular as this, you’ll have an endless supply of photo opportunities. There are architectural elements throughout that provide the perfect photo backdrop… stairways, windows, arches, and doorways galore. As you stroll through the corridors, libraries, and common rooms – the mood is set by the authentic use of antique furniture, tapestries, and original oil paintings.
The most amazing part of the building is its rich history and the story behind it. You can’t help but get lost in history. What a wonderful way to begin your life together – adding another chapter to the building’s rich heritage.
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“I loved Jen and Brant’s 1920’s theme. It was so well suited for the Julia Morgan designed building. The birdcage centerpieces, the cake, and Jen’s dress were some of my favorite aspects. Their wedding was filled with love and warmth and a year later I still remember the amazing toasts!” Alison Bank of First Comes Love
I Do Venues wants to recognize the talented team of wedding professionals who helped to make this bride’s dream a reality: Photographer – First Comes Love, Designer / Coordinator – Wendy Wittmann of Wittmann Weddings & Events, Cake – Black China Bakery, Venue & Catering – Berkeley City Club.
Wedding Venue: The Brazillian Room Floral Fete
Photography By: Teresa Halton
Summary
For residents of the Berkeley hills, Tilden Park is a well-known family retreat. The park is a slice of Americana in our own backyard. The rolling hills are home to an antique carousel, old-fashioned steam train, pony rides, and a small farm.
The crowning jewel of this serene park setting is the Brazilian Room. The Brazilian Room has been one of the East Bay’s most popular wedding locations for over three decades. The historic building was a gift to the East Bay Parks District, offered as a token of friendship from Brazil after the 1939 World’s Fair. The building was transported and rebuilt in pieces from Treasure Island. The beautiful hardwood floors, high beamed ceilings, leaded glass windows, and stone facade create a breathtaking sight for your reception guests.
This amazing wedding photographed by the talented Teresa Halton does a wonderful job of bringing color and life to the historic venue. Talk about wowing your guests with flowers! Natasha Lisitsa of Waterlily Pond Floral and Event Design is responsible for the incredible display of color and flowers that make this event memorable. The design brings out a very soft and romantic feel while remaining fun and eclectic. The Chuppa is amazing, the diversity of textures gives the piece movement and personality.
The perfect combination of imported roses, garden roses, and spray roses along with hydrangea, ranunculus, dahlia, amaryllis, and branches give this design lots of volume, movement and color. By using so many different flowers in the arrangements, the designer has captured a great overall feel without being too matchy-matchy. Each piece has a three dimensional feel.
This design works perfectly in The Brazilian Room; the non-translational structure still offers a lovely flow that looks like it’s straight out of the garden and the light colors pop when put against the dark wood of the interior.
I Do Venues wants to recognize the talented team of wedding professionals who helped to make this bride’s dream a reality: Photographer – Teresa Halton, Floral and Event Design – Natasha Lisitsa of Waterlily Pond Floral and Event Design, Cake – Montclair Baking.
Wedding Venue: Cline Cellars The Barrel Room
Photography by: Tiffany Fosnight and Nicola Borland of Adeline and Grace Photography
Summary
For many wine enthusiasts, the idea of getting married in the heart of California’s Wine Country is not about gardens and vineyards. Instead it all revolves around The Barrel Room. The number of actual wineries that can host events is limited. Even more rare are the number of working wineries that will allow their guests to enter the inner sanctum and host their celebration amongst the endless barrels of aging wine vintages.
The Barrel Room at Cline Cellars is simply amazing! One of the most unique features of this setting is your ability to customize the space. The Barrel Room has floor to ceiling oak barrels that can be arranged in a multitude of lay-outs, creating a dynamic space that is uniquely you.
As you design your space, you have so many options. This space can be the perfect backdrop for a completely over-the-top design, bringing in vineyard, country, or Tuscan inspired themes to your celebration.
Or for the DIY bride, just let the wine do the taking. Allow your guests to embrace this magical setting where true artisans handcraft some of the world’s most popular and award-winning vintages.
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Lighting will transform a barrel room and bring warmth into your design. Up lights and votives on each of the barrels makes an amazing and simple statement. If your budget allows, consider using a spot or pin light on each table or strings of overhead cafe lights. Either choice will enhance the ambiance and set a festive mood.
Looking for a great luxe detail? Offer signature pashminas to the ladies. Wine is best when served at the proper temperature, which means some of your guests may get a bit chilly as the evening moves on!
I Do Venues wants to recognize the talented team of wedding professionals who helped to make this bride’s dream a reality: Photographer – Tiffany Fosnight and Nicola Borland of Adeline and Grace Photography, Designer / Coordinator – Beth Lipin of BA Lipin Event Design, Flowers – Catherine Conlin of Wiggy Flowers, Catering – Wine Valley Catering, Cake – Michelle Bommarito, Papery – Lysa Goodman Poore of Demby+Solomon.
Wedding Venue: Nestldown Blending of Cultures
Photography by: Kate Harrison
Summary
Nestldown is the perfect wedding venue for a couple who is blending different cultures and who wants a celebration that demonstrates the intertwining of two lives. The unspoiled wilderness that surrounds your guests allows you to create a perfect hide away – a place that you can make your own. From the lily pond to the natural ceremony trellis, you can create a magical oasis your guests will never forget.
A wedding celebration should focus on the couple above all else. This intimate wedding at Nestldown is exquisite. Kate Harrison does an amazing job of telling the couple’s story and bringing it to life.
Many couples struggle with selecting the perfect wedding design or theme. I like to remind couples that you seldom have to look too far. Your design should be a reflection of the very things that make you who you are – as a couple. Your favorite foods, favorite color, cultural background, can all be brought to the forefront of your event.
I love how this couple took elements from each of their cultural backgrounds. From the groom’s attire to the mariachi band, this wedding is a true reflection of the couple and the merging of two cultures. Nestldown is so enchanting – it captures the soul. Vibrant colors and themes work amazingly well in this location as you are surrounded by rich lush gardens that make any decor stand out.
Wedding Venue: Beltane Ranch DIY Country Style
Photography by: Rosemarie Lion
Summary
Beltane Ranch is an ideal location for the couple who wants to express their DIY style and provide a comfortable feeling of home for their guests. The historic property is not only a working organic cattle ranch, but it is also home to one of the area’s most alluring bed and breakfasts. The main house and cottage combined can host over 20 guests for a long weekend of wedding festivities. It’s hard to choose a favorite aspect of Beltane Ranch. It might be the amazing evening sunsets, or perhaps the organic homegrown breakfast served to you on your own private patio.
Beltane is perfect for the bride who wants to blend country charm and wine country elegance. During the summer and fall, the golden colors of the vineyards and the amazing aromas from the gardens provide you with natural beauty. Very little is needed to truly WOW your guests.
This wonderful celebration was photographed by Rosemarie Lion and it is obvious the couple understood that a DIY style comes down to the details. The combination of the tangerine and eggplant color palette makes a great statement against the vibrant green and amber hues provided by the natural surroundings. The embracing branches of the ancient oak trees are a perfect canopy for dinner or can also provide a wonderful backdrop for an intimate ceremony.
We love the array of bottles being used as table numbers, all obvious favorites of the couples. The display of curly willow that spans the length of the tables is a perfect way to create a wonderful center design without the overuse of flowers – brilliant!
I Do Venues wants to recognize the talented team of wedding professionals who helped to make this bride’s dream a reality: Photographer – Rosemarie Lion, Planner – Kristy Sammis, Beltane Ranch Coordinator – Anne Soulier, Florist – Petalworks.
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