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: Thomas Fogarty Check Out the View
Photography by: Meg Perotti
Summary
There are few wedding venues that share the luxury of Wine Country ambiance coupled with sweeping views of the San Francisco Bay. The Thomas Fogarty Winery is definitely one of the best kept secrets in the wedding industry. The facility is perfectly structured with three distinct areas for your guests to enjoy, and it is such a seamless transition that your event moves effortlessly all day. At Thomas Fogarty Winery your guests will feel like they are on top of the world.
This gorgeous wedding celebration, captured by the amazingly talented Meg Perotti, does an amazing job of fully utilizing this picturesque and dynamic property. If you have always envisioned a traditional exchange of vows, the garden at Thomas Fogarty is ideal. The natural landscape is striking, so when it comes to decor, keep it simple. Don’t overshadow the million-dollar views with extraneous details. After the ceremony, while you and your groom take a few snapshots, allow your guests to wander the gorgeous property and enjoy a glass of bubbly. Thomas Fogarty’s Blanc de Blanc Sparkling is perfectly paired with a few light nibbles or chocolate-dipped strawberries.
I Do Venues wants to recognize the talented team of wedding professionals who helped to make this bride’s dream a reality: Photographer – Meg Perotti, Designer / Planner – Janece Shellooe and Amelia Thomas of Every Elegant Detail, Florist – Amy Burke Designs, Cake – Icing on the Cake, Catering – Componere Fine Catering, Linen Rentals – Hartmann Studios, Tables & Bar Rentals – Zephyr Tents, Videographer – Andrew HSU of Studio MSV.
Wedding VenueL Healdsburg Country Gardens Country Style
Photography By: Tanja Lippert
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Summary
There is nothing more fun than a fresh country themed wedding, and today’s brides have the ability to create a simple old-fashioned country affair or a fun yet very sophisticated über-chic soirée. With so many unique country elements to draw from, there are limitless possibilities!
A bicycle built for two, most likely with the bride seated on the handlebars, is the central theme for this modern country celebration. The trendy country affair featured here comes to us compliments of the very talented Tanja Lippert, showing a wedding that makes a great blend of traditional elements paired with modern graphic design. The orange bicycle is a splendidly unique feature to build a design theme on, and it works particularly well when used as a common thread woven throughout the entire celebration. Perfect as a graphic for paper collateral like ceremony programs and table numbers to a central prop for photography, the simple yet highly creative design element makes a fun, bold statement that everyone will remember.
The elongated farm-style dining table is the star attraction here and provides the base for a key design element. The family-style seating is a great way to give the whole celebration a more casual feel, while the decor pulls the whole thing together and keeps it feeling special. A neutral ivory table linen starts you off with a fresh clean look, but if you want to add a bit more pizazz, try using a fabric-like linen, raw silk, or burlap. The neutral tones of these linens will create contrast, while their textures will give the space a bit more dimension. Tall wrought-iron pedestals with cascading bursts of bright summer color work well to create a dimension of height and incorporate the great wood-beamed ceiling into the party. Low elements of colored pillar candles and loose arrangements of flowers corralled in wooden boxes blend the charm of the barn into the design, at the same time lending themselves to creating a bit of sophistication. If you want to bring the party up a notch, I Do Venues recommends using maple chiavari chairs and pairing them with pumpkin colored cushions. This addition will add just a hint of southern elegance without going over the top.
I Do Venues wants to recognize the talented team of wedding professionals who helped to make this bride’s dream a reality: Photographer – Tanja Lippert, Florist – DragonFly Floral, Cake – Auntie B’s Bakery, Catering – Preferred Sonoma Caterers, Paper Goods – Emma Rose Papery, Cinematography – Luke Goodman.
Wedding Venue: Solage Make it personal
Photography by: Zoom Photography
Summary
Your wedding is the perfect place for you to express your personality. Too often we work with brides who are desperately trying to CREATE a wedding theme. Don’t over-think this process. Many times you can create a theme which captures the right look but lacks a personal touch. This amazing wedding was photographed by the incredible Laurie Levenfield of Zoom Photography and is a wonderful example of personal touches. This couple, with the help of the amazing Jennifer Janzen of MAP Wedding and Events, used their wedding celebration as a way to share the things they love with family and friends. Laurie shares some of the couple’s details and decisions:
“Because Wine Country holds a special place in our hearts, there was no question that Wine Country would be the location for our wedding. When we started thinking about the size of the wedding, we knew we wanted an intimate gathering of our closest family and friends. While we did not have a theme to our wedding, we focused on sharing our favorite parts of the Napa experience with our guests, many of whom were visiting the area for the first time.
We visited several venues in Sonoma and Napa. Some venues had great food and wine lists, some venues had beautiful grounds, and some would allow outdoor music. But we did not find a venue that had the whole package until we visited Solage Calistoga. Solage is an environmentally-friendly resort with a rustic and yet sophisticated vibe. The restaurant, SolBar, which also handles event catering, even works with local farmers and purveyors to showcase the farm-to-table philosophy.
We picked up the color scheme from the location and its surroundings. Solage has beautiful lavender on the property so we included purple, balancing it with muted neutrals in our linens and furniture. In a nod to Walter’s culinary degree and all of the amazing cooking he does at home, we incorporated herbs into the flower arrangements. We also included lavender in the floral arrangements, along with garden roses, hydrangeas, olive branches, and rosemary.”
Check it out
If you’d like to see more real weddings held at this incredible venue, click here.
I Do Venues wants to recognize the talented team of wedding professionals who helped to make this bride’s dream a reality: Photographer – Laurie Levenfeld of Zoom Photography, Coordinator – Jennifer Janzen of MAP Wedding and Events, Florist – Lisa Boone of Atelier Joya, Rentals – Classic Party Rentals, Invitations – CECI of New York, Venue, Food & Beverage – Solage.
Wedding Venue: Cavallo Point Capturing Great Moments
Photography by: Zoom Photography
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Summary
The Lodge at The Golden Gate (Cavallo Point) is quickly becoming a wedding venue that even the most discerning bride will love. It is a favorite among local brides who are looking to share a bit of our eco-friendly San Francisco green culture with family and friend. But even the chic NY bride looking to host a fabulous destination wedding is enchanted with Cavallo Point. As one of the most picturesque wedding locales in the world, this amazing resort, spa, and Michelin-rated restaurant is only a few years old, but its history and allure seem to be timeless.
When you consider how to get the most out of your wedding photography, you should consider a well rounded album with a diverse set of backdrops and lighting options. This will allow you and your subjects to relive every moment of the event in fresh, new settings and in beautifully captured prints.
This stylish and chic wedding has photographs that will make every bride envious. Lauri Levenfeld and Jessica Epstein of Zoom Photography may have had a lot to do with these pictures, but you can’t deny that the picturesque backgrounds around every corner at Cavallo Point made their impact as well.
The options at Cavallo Point are simply stunning. Start by gathering your wedding party on the bluffs, where you are up close and personal with the Golden Gate Bridge. The resulting images are surreal. The natural landscape is a huge part of the attraction of Cavallo Point, as the property is filled with wild flowers, coastal trees, and grasses. And of course, no Bay Area photo shoot is complete without a trip to the beach.
When you travel around the property, make note of all the wonderful historical architectural elements. The historic buildings are just one resource. There are so many tucked away vignettes available – from the red and white Adirondack chairs scattered around the property, to the fire pits and the colonial rockers sitting on the porch. Make sure you allow enough time for your photographer to capture these elements. You won’t be disappointed.
I Do Venues wants to recognize the talented team of wedding professionals who helped to make this bride’s dream a reality: Photographers – Lauri Levenfeld and Jessica Epstein of Zoom Photography, Designer / Planner – Melissa A Panico of MAP Wedding and Events, Florist – Cherries, Cake, Catering – Cavallo Point, Rentals – Classic Party Rentals.
Wedding Venue: Garden Court Hotel Bridal Details
Photography by: Geoff White
Summary
Any bride will tell you that one of their favorite parts about planning their wedding was shopping for their wedding trousseau. Every bride to be has a vision of what they will look like on their wedding day. Some brides will take only a few hours to find the perfect look while others spend months trying to decide on the perfect accessory. Regardless of how you approach your look, don’t forget, it is all in the details!
When beginning your bridal transformation, the dress often takes center stage. But it’s important that you don’t stop there. It’s the details that tie everything together. Most brides spend the bulk of their budget on their dress and then pay minimal attention to their accessories. To capture a complete look, you need the finishing touches that great accessories provide. From shoes to head pieces, all the accessories help define your look and the theme of your wedding. Jewelry, purses, garters, and dress details set the tone for everything else.
I Do Venues wants to recognize the talented team of wedding professionals who helped to make this bride’s dream a reality: Photographer – Geoff White, Day of Coordinator – Kelly Tsutsumi of Garden Court Hotel, Florist – Fiori, Cake – Mayfield Bakery and Cafe.
Wedding Venue: An Evening at The Argonaut Hotel
Photography by: Annabella Photography
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Summary
Since it was reclaimed as a historic landmark in the late 1960s, the Cannery Building, located at San Francisco’s historic Fisherman’s Wharf district, is recognized as one of the city’s most popular destination for travelers. What a wonderful place for a high-end boutique hotel wedding with all the modern amenities and luxury you expect from the Kimpton Hotel brand.
We love everything about the Argonaut Hotel. The historic brick courtyard looks wonderfully romantic as the twinkle lights in the ancient oak trees mimic the starry San Francisco night. The location is perfect for your out-of-town guests. Whether they have a late night craving for fresh crab or they need to satisfy their sweet tooth with a trip to Ghirardelli, this location is in the heart of everything that San Francisco is known for.
I Do Venues wants to recognize the talented team of wedding professionals who helped to make this bride’s dream a reality: Photographer – Annabella Photography, Catering and Day of Coordinator – Sean McKean of Argonaut Hotel, Florist – Main Street Floragardens, Cupcakes – Kara’s Cupcakes.
Wedding Venue: Chardonnay Golf Club Picture Perfect Ceremony ...
Photography by: Keith Simonian Photography
Summary
There is something innately romantic about the idea of exchanging wedding vows under the boughs of an ancient oak tree as the sun sets behind a vineyard of Cabernet grapes. The oak tree pictured above is not only a spectacular location for a ceremony, but the photographs set against it will take your breath away.
I love the Chardonnay Golf Club, which is set in the picturesque, vine covered hills of the Napa Valley. The club offers engaged couples an unforgettable ceremony and reception location that will inspire your wedding guests.
Chardonnay offers wedding parties a diverse range of backdrops and locations for the ceremony and reception festivities. We love the oak tree; however, the wonderfully landscaped garden lawn adjacent to the outdoor reception pavilion offers an equally stunning backdrop. The meticulously manicured English garden is designed so you and your guests are secluded from the rest of the world. The white trellis is perfect as a frame for the bride and groom.
I Do Venues wants to recognize the talented team of wedding professionals who helped to make this bride’s dream a reality: Photographer – Keith Simonian Photography, Florist – Garaventa Florist.
Wedding Venue: Omni Hotel An Affair To Remember
Photography by: Jennifer Paschal of Bruce Forrester Photography
Summary
Warmth, elegance and refinement – these are the qualities you’ll witness at every Omni Hotel wedding. The hotel embodies timeless designs and modern amenities so that your guests will enjoy every comfort, but still have the downtown San Francisco experience.
I love how the Omni Hotel has managed to mingle the elements of a large open floor plan within the lobby and the ballroom, but remained true to it’s 1920s roots. The venue offers a magnificent juxtaposition between the elegance and history of San Francisco’s past, and the refinement of today’s modern hotel.
The warm personal touches featured in the wedding above are a perfect compliment to the Omni. The soft romantic color palette is brought to life by the shimmering light of the crystal chandeliers in the hotel’s Grand Ballroom.
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.
Wedding Venue: Allied Arts Guild DIY Style
Photography by: Gem Photo
Summary
When you combine the creative energy of a working artist community with a wonderful DIY-inspired wedding theme, you have the perfect combination as displayed by this gorgeous wedding hosted at The Allied Arts Guild in Menlo Park. The history of the Guild goes back to 1929 when Garfield Merner and his wife, Delight, realized their dream of creating an active artist community in California.
The Spanish Colonial architecture of the buildings and shops also have Moroccan and Tunisian overtures blended throughout. This couple has done an amazing job of capturing the essence of the craftsman style. By combining DIY elements and the warmth of a honey-gold color palette, they have created a memorable celebration. I love the use of daffodil yellow and poppy orange in the wedding design. These warm and inviting hues work wonderfully against the cream-colored stucco walls, as well as the brick and stone courtyards and the variegated greens offered by the surrounding English-style gardens.
When using this color palette at such a quaint location, there are so many ways to incorporate DIY style – especially during autumn. The vine-covered arbor is the perfect place to display a welcoming banner that has been handcrafted by the bride and her entourage. Looking for a wonderful way to display your escort cards? Have your florist make hanging floral vines; or use a simple treatment of ribbon or twine and attach your escort cards with monogrammed wooden clothes pins.
The pumpkin display in the rustic wooden wheel barrel is a perfect yet simple design element. The Art Guild has so many artistic elements infused into the property that it makes it easy to enhance them with a simple monochromatic floral design or potted plants. Fill colorful over-sized ceramic vases with a collection of Chinese parasols, or throw brightly colored silk pillows on the built-in mason worked benches. Your guests will love the combination of rustic and colorful chic as a place to relax with a libation. We love this facility. Not only is it charming, but it makes achieving a memorable DIY design easy.
Photography by: Gem Photo
I Do Venues wants to recognize the talented team of wedding professionals who helped to make this bride’s dream a reality: Photographer – Gem Photo, Florist – Anna at Artistic Florist, Cake – Sweet Tooth Confections.
Wedding Venue: Casa de la Vista Geoff White Captures the Stu ...
Photography By: Geoff White
Summary
For many Bay Area residents, Treasure Island is a daily reminder that they are halfway home at the end of a long day. If you have never stopped to explore the impressive man-made island, your wedding celebration presents a great opportunity. Your pictures will look like they jumped right out of the pages of a town-and-country magazine with the impressive structures of the Transamerica Buildings, Coit Tower, and Embacadero Center featured behind you.
These stunning views are only one reason to book your celebration on Treasure Island. The historic island has four separate event venues to choose from. The Pavilion is a wonderful permanent tent structure; it is stunning with over 100 feet of picture windows that face this incredible view and is perfect for larger events over 200 guests. The restored officers club, Casa de la Vista, has been among a favorite for brides for over ten years. The building has been restored beautifully with white wainscoting, wood beamed ceilings and a wonderful brick courtyard that is perfect for your appetizer and cocktial hour.
The wonderful celebration featured above has been captured by the incredibly talented Geoff White; his pictures are always inspiring and provide all of us with lots to consider.
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.
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