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: Presidio Golf Course Getting Ready For Spring
Photography by: Andi Hatch Photography
Summary
As spring is just around the corner, I came across this gorgeous wedding celebration at The Presidio Golf Course photographed by the enduring Andi Hatch. I can’t imagine a better representation of spring!
When you bring to mind a golf club, the first thing you think of is lush green grass and rolling hills. The Presidio is no exception to this rule, but you also get to add sweeping views of the Golden Gate bridge, historic landmark buildings, and an incredible staff. Even the most discerning bride will fall in love with this venue.
The grounds are flooded with deep rich green hues of the surrounding Monterey Pine trees. The key to using this vast outdoor space is to embrace and incorporate multiple shades of green into your design. Soft shades of green work well with so many traditional palettes.
Consider dressing up the dining room with natural colored chiavari chairs, paired with chocolate topaz linen and soft green accents. Simply gorgeous! Another palette to consider is a bright coral, peach, brown, and ivory. This is a wonderful color combination for a vintage look. And of course, we have to mention the wonderful combination portrayed above: buttercup yellow paired with ivory and fern green.
Yellow is an amazing color option and it performs perfectly in this venue. There are so many choices from bright to a softer shade of sunshine. The bridesmaids dresses are wonderfully colored with a barely-there shade of maize which looks great on everyone. The combination of pale yellow and ivory roses with soft green hydrangea add continuity to the simple design.
Cheers to the bride – she embraced the warm wood and verdant green tones of this charming venue and has chosen a color palette that looks gorgeous!
I Do Venues wants to recognize the talented team of wedding professionals who helped to make this bride’s dream a reality: Photographer – Andi Hatch Photography, Florist – Seti Design, Venue/Catering – Presidio Golf Course.
Wedding Venue: Omni Hotel Wow Factor
Photography by: Jennifer Paschal of Bruce Forrester Photography
Summary
How do you take a San Francisco ballroom and transform it into a show stopping Manhattan club with lots of WOW factor? Can you say “let them have light!”
The Omni Hotel is a wonderful wedding venue where the ballroom is perfectly formed for a party. The venue is a blend of San Francisco tradition with a modern edge. However, it takes the creative talent of a designer like Joannie Liss to envision this transformation. To be able to walk into a traditional downtown ballroom and leave with this as your vision is a testament to her talent.
The key to successfully executing a great design in a traditional ballroom is lighting. You can rent exquisite chairs, invest in exceptional specialty linen and the finest china, but you still won’t get as much “bang for your buck” as you will with an incredible lighting design.
The wedding featured above is an extraordinary example of sophistication. My hat off to Jennifer Paschal of Bruce Forrester Photography, who captured all the lighting elements so exquisitely. Consider how the ballroom subtly changes color. This subtle movement creates an energy that is indescribable.
I love how the lighting company used luxe crystal chandeliers as a source of light and reflection. The pin spot lights on each table highlight the incredible floral arrangements – they appear to jump right off the table. By showcasing the floral arrangements with light, you also accent the vibrant colors of the flowers, not allowing them to be hidden. Both the amazing lighting and the tall floral arrangements help to fill the room and bring attention to the dramatic architecture. You can’t help but to look skyward for the amazing light-show displayed on the ceiling.
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“I love working with the staff at the Omni! Their crew is wonderfully helpful and they understand my needs as a designer/ planner. They are happy to work with me and allow plenty of time for setup. We are allowed to bring in our own team of vendors, yet they are attentive along the way. The ballroom is perfect for a wedding: the shape is perfect, it allows you to feature a great band that everyone can see, and no-one feels like they are out in left field.” – Joannie Liss
I Do Venues wants to recognize the talented team of wedding professionals who helped to make this bride’s dream a reality: Photographer – Jennifer Paschal of Bruce Forrester Photography, Designer / Coordinator – Joannie Liss Events, Venue, Cake, Catering and Beverages – Omni Hotel, Florist – Sylvia Burgess of Montbretia Floral Design.
San Francisco Art Institute ~ Sneak Preview
Photography by: First Comes Love
Summary
Art meets love – this is what came to mind when I first saw this amazing wedding documented by the incredible Alison Bank of First Comes Love. The San Francisco Art Institute has the best of everything: incredible panoramic views of San Francisco, gorgeous outdoor courtyards, gardens surrounded by historic Spanish architecture, and art that ranges from California classics like Diego Rivera to the latest in modern art by some of today’s top art students. What an incredible place!
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, Planner & Florist – Maggie Wilson using flowers from the SF Flower Market.
Wedding Venue: Castlewood Country Club Sneak Preview
Photography By: W Photography
Summary
In the early 1890s, Phoebe Hearst purchased a magnificent wellhead fountain from the City of Verona in Italy. She imported the fountain and installed it as the center of the grand piazza-style estate she was building in the hills of Pleasanton, California. The acres of rolling countryside are now known as Castlewood Country Club.
Mrs. Hearst’s original estate fell to a fire in the 1960s, but the fountain and many of the original artifacts still remain. The estate and country club were rebuilt and the original grandeur of the Italian villa remains.
Castlewood is perfect for the couple looking to incorporate a soft romantic feel with lots of tradition and history into their celebration. W Photography has captured the soft romantic elements of this celebration perfectly.
This couple’s use of “The Crane” as a theme for their celebration presents a thought-provoking element for each guest. I love how they have set the stage with the invitation and then continued the cohesive feel throughout the ceremony and reception flowers.
This wedding venue is a perfect place to consider using more traditional and classic themes; however, consider incorporating a burst of color to create your own signature. The ancient Oak Tree is a wonderful ceremony location, and when the verdant green lawn is flush with colorful rose petals and flowers, it really leaps off the page.
I love how this bride has incorporated so many different textures into the design. The paper, rocks, crystals, flowers, and wood elements are all well utilized and give the design a sense of depth. The paper cranes (thousands of them I’m sure) are my favorite element. The use of shimmering crystals, delicate flowers, and the cranes hanging on the branches give this design a sense of whimsy!
I Do Venues wants to recognize the talented team of wedding professionals who helped to make this bride’s dream a reality: Photographer – W Photography, Coordinator – Norman Harm, Florist – Mints Design, Chair Covers – Especially Yours Chair Covers.
Wedding Venue: Tiber Canyon Ranch Country at its Best
Photography by: Chloe of Mike Larson Inc.
Summary
Tiber Canyon Ranch is a secluded property in the central coast area of California. Tucked away in the mountains of San Luis Obispo, this superb ranch has a delightful charm all of its own. The San Louis Obispo mountains are a bit outside of our normal coverage; however, when I read the story behind Tiber Canyon Ranch I knew I had to feature it.
Will Carlton and Chris Anderson found the ranch in the early 90′s. The original intention of the ranch was to provide a refuge for the two artists, where they could practice their craft of hand blown glass arts. A few years later, in an effort to share their space and incorporate their love of great food into the ranch, they planted groves of organically farmed olive trees. Hence Tiber Canyon olive oil was born.
The ranch has a communal feel. Chris’s parents live on the property in a 100-year-old farm house and when it is harvest time, Will and Chris invite over hundreds of their friends to join them in canvassing orchards and celebrating the harvest.
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The wedding featured above was photographed by the talented Chloe of Mike Larson Inc. – it is such an incredible wedding and truly exemplifies a country wedding at it’s best. They took a rustic venue and gave it a chic contemporary feel, all while bringing in vintage elements. The juxtaposition of the design elements are amazing!
The yellow and gray combination is simply awesome. This stunning color duo was well received this year and I love how this couple incorporated these modern colors into a charming country chic affair.
Light and cheery, yet hip and trendy – we just can’t get enough. There isn’t a detail to be missed – from the amazing hairpieces for the bridesmaids to the eclectic table scape arrangements on the tables, each piece is picture perfect. A+ for original design.
I Do Venues wants to recognize the talented team of wedding professionals who helped to make this bride’s dream a reality: Photographer – Chloe of Mike Larson Inc., Planner & Day of Coordinator – Chris Anderson of Tiber Canyon Ranch, Florist – Jane Johnson, Cake – Missi Bullock, Catering – Sea Shanty.
Wedding Venue: 1 Fort Mason A Day with Duncan Reyes
Photography by: Choco Studio
Summary
Duncan Reyes knows how to throw a party! For over ten years, Duncan has been the mastermind behind many downtown San Francisco posh soirees. His work at The Westin St. Francis, Fairmont Hotel, and Julia Morgan Ballroom have gained him a reputation for impeccable taste, top notch service, and creative flair. As the owner and creative muse behind F. Duncan Reyes Events by Design, he has been able to continue his passion for the perfect party for hundreds of Bay Area brides.
1 Fort Mason is a grand historic venue that captures the elegance and glamor of a bygone era. Duncan has worked his magic with this couple and incorporated just the right amount of vintage inspiration partnered with an innovative and contemporary design, and delivered an amazing look that is full of vibrant energy.
The profusion of richly colored orchids is a simple yet playful way to bring an abundance of color into the design. The mixed hues of lilac, lavender, and plum compliment each other, bringing depth to the design. I love, love, love the centerpieces! What a great use of the apothecary jars. The mixture of color and texture in a three dimensional display is wonderful.
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“1 Fort Mason is like a clean giant canvas just waiting for the artist to paint a masterpiece. The venue itself has a wonderful history and every room has majestic scenic views of San Francisco Bay. This particular celebration had a design that was contemporary and eclectic. The vibrant colors resonated with the vibe of a chic dance club or a lounge which was perfectly paired with electrifying energy of the bride, groom, their families and guests. The couple chose a great color palette and theme that reflected their personalities – sexy, seductive, unique, elegant and hot! ” Duncan Reyes
I Do Venues wants to recognize the talented team of wedding professionals who helped to make this bride’s dream a reality: Photographer – Choco Studio, Designer / Planner – Duncan Reyes & Dennis Menendez of F. Duncan Reyes Events by Design, Venue – 1 Fort Mason, Florist – Natalini Flowers, Catering – LRE Catering, Event Rentals – Hartmann Studios, Lighting Design – Got Light?, Cake – The Cakemaker, Tuxedo Rental & Sales – Black Tie Tuxedos, Hair and Make-up – Glama-Rama Salon, Entertainment – Synchronicity Strings and BKR Production, Inc., Transportation – C&M Limousine and SF Minibus.
Wedding Venue: Westin St. Francis Sneak Preview
Photography by: Albert Lau
Summary
The allure of a refined San Francisco wedding has been leading engaged couples through the front doors of The Westin St. Francis Hotel for over a century. As one of the city’s most revered landmark hotels, the Westin St. Francis is the only hotel that can boast a union square address. The energy you encounter as you pass through the grand lobby sets the tone for the evening’s festivities.
The Imperial Floor, located 32 stories above a bustling union square, is situated slightly above the famed downtown skyline. The panoramic views of the city that come into view as they ascend to the 32nd floor will take your guests’ breath away. The Imperial Floor has two gorgeous reception facilities, the Victor and the Alexandria, who share the same stunning view. The grand hotel recently refreshed the spaces to assure that the interior decor rivals the panoramic bay and city views.
‘Sophistication meets Hollywood glamor’ is the best way to describe the truly elegant venue. The detail that has been put into the refreshed design is captivating. From the light fixtures to the opulent window coverings, the new furniture and accessories are best described as beau arts meets SF Moma. With any ballroom wedding, you’ll want to bring out the beauty and detail of the venue. Creams, golds, and blush hues work beautifully in this environment. The rooms will look as if they are constantly awash with the warm glow of candle light.
I Do Venues wants to recognize the talented team of wedding professionals who helped to make this bride’s dream a reality: Photographer – Albert Lau, Florist – Floramor, Cake, Catering & Venue – The Westin St. Francis.
Wedding Venue: Nicholson Ranch Tangerine & Green
Photography by: Wendy Maclaurin Richardson
Summary
A color palette of tangerine paired with soft greens and walnut brown accents is both fun and flirty. The collateral and color scheme show off the wonderful architecture and natural rustic surroundings of Nicholson Ranch Winery. It is a perfect way to bring the outdoor terrace and courtyard to life without being overpowering.
The choice of a topaz linen in lime green is brilliant. The texture brings in a level of sophistication and the subtle iridescence of the fabric looks amazing in the sunlight. The colorful floral arrangements absolutely “pop” – giving you a wonderful contrast.
I love how the florist has used what we call the “garden effect” – the utilization of multiple containers, filled with different flowers. This is also great when you intermix these casual designs with a more structured arrangement created from the same flowers. This creates a great cohesive look without being too matchy matchy.
I have to mention the cake – its just stunning! The brightly colored stripes are perfectly accented by the petite polka dots and swirl pattern – allowing the cake to make a bold statement, but not relinquishing its feminine feel.
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, Planner – Laurie Noble of A Noble Affair, Florist – Edward Bellingeri.
Wedding Venues ~ Who’s Who
Photography by: Julie Mikos
Summary
Each year industry professionals from the Knot put together a list of the Top 10 Wedding Venues they believe are the best in the Bay Area. The venues tend to have unique attributes – whether its an amazing 5 star restaurant, historic significance, eco-friendliness, or just plain awesomeness!
This year, we are so excited to have been able to feature real weddings from several of the venues that made the cut. The Top 10 list according to the winter edition of The Knot Northern California includes: Simi Winery, Olema Inn and Restaurant, San Jose City Hall, James Leary Flood Mansion, The Westin St. Francis, San Francisco Film Center, Thomas Fogarty Winery, Calistoga Ranch, The Ritz Carlton, and Stryker Sonoma Winery.
If you were wondering – the incredible wedding featured above took place at Stryker Sonoma. This winery combines a very hip and modern aesthetic with lots of rustic wine country detail – truly unique. Take a look at the Barrel Room; Stephanie Beer of Covenant Coordinating has done an incredible job of creating an intimate space with effervescent style – what gorgeous lighting! Our regards to Julie Mikos – she is an incredible talent and always captures each moment beautifully.
If you are still searching for the perfect wedding venue, take a look at these amazing options – you’ll love their service and locations. The best part: each of these venues offers endless possibilities in creating your dream wedding.
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 – Stephanie Beer of Covenant Coordinating, Florist – Wine Country Flowers.
Wedding Venue: Beltane Ranch Your Backyard
Photography by: Rosemarie Lion
Summary
Many couples love the allure of having a “backyard” celebration – there is a ense of romance associated with the intimacy and warmth of hosting your celebration in your own home. If your own home is not ideal for a large celebration, consider letting Beltane Ranch in the heart of Sonoma be your home for the weekend.
This quintessential country property offers something for everyone. The ranch sits on several acres that are surrounded on all sides by rolling hills and vineyards. Olive groves, lush lawns, and a traditional English garden surround the classic white country house. White picket fences, the second floor veranda, arbors covered with blooming roses, and an old fashioned porch create the perfect place for a backyard inspired celebration.
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, Cake – Sweetie Pies, Catering – Broadway Catering and Events.
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