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: Santa Margarita Ranch Working with Your Photo ...
Photography by: Jake Odening of Mike Larson Inc.
Summary
Choosing a great wedding photographer is not as easy as you may think – there are lots of details you need to consider. Keep in mind the photographer’s style – is it in line with your style, wedding location, and overall design? Although they may be great photographers, some photographers excel in taking outdoor photography, and some prefer low light settings. Make sure you look at their entire portfolio and that their style is in line with what your event facility will lean towards.
Wedding photography is unique – the photographer is challenged to capture moments that are heavily influenced by their surroundings and you don’t get a re-take. Outdoor wedding photography can be even more demanding as you have extreme fluctuation in the light, and every element from fog, wind, and small outdoor critters can change or effect that perfect shot.
Your wedding photographer should be familiar with every inch of the area that you want to capture in your wedding photography. If your photographer is not familiar with your location, it is a good idea that they visit it with you before the big day. The photographer should help you decide where the best locations for group shots, single shots, and that super romantic kiss are.
As you explore the space with your photographer, really take in the scenery. Pay close attention to things that have a tremendous amount of color or texture. Taking a picture of the bride and groom in a bright field of wild flowers will make that wedding dress jump off the page, or a great photograph of the bride and groom with a deep rich velvety curtain as a background will look soft, dreamy, and super romantic. As with all things wedding, it is important to consider the details.
I Do Venues wants to recognize the talented team of wedding professionals who helped to make this bride’s dream a reality: Photographer – Jake Odening of Mike Larson Inc., Coordinator – Coleen Arciaga, Venue Contact – Destini Cavalletto of Vintage Traditions Event Venues, Photo Booth Rental – The Photo Booth Experience, Catering – Epic Weddings.
Wedding Venue: Hamlin Mansion Make Your Memories Last
Photography by: Julie Mikos
Summary
Unforgettable photography in a timeless San Francisco setting is achieved for this couple’s beautiful wedding celebration at The Hamlin Mansion. Julie Mikos’ incredible talent creates soft and romantic moments which become cherished memories.
The Hamlin Mansion is a grand 20-room mansion that gracefully presides over the well-known Presidio Heights neighborhood. The views are spectacular and the elegantly appointed details of Baroque architecture, soaring columns, and grand staircase all make for wonderful photography opportunities. I love how Julie has captured so much emotion on the faces of this couple. The photos with the setting sun, Mt. Tam, and the Golden Gate Bridge are priceless.
One of my favorite features about the Hamlin Mansion is that it has two spectacular views; from one side you have the unforgettable views of the Golden Gate and the Bay; from the other side you have the bustling city.
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, Event Planner – Moira Gubbins of Parties, Parties, Parties, Florist – Sharla Flock Designs, Catering – Elaine Bell Catering, Cake – Cake Coquette.
Wedding Venue: Hans Fahden Vineyards Celebrate with Color
Photography by: Adi Nevo Photographs
Summary
We only get a select few moments of perfection in life. I’m sure when this bride began her walk down the aisle, she was thrilled with the knowledge that this was one of them. I love Hans Fahden Vineyard, as it is a one of kind find.
This incredible celebration just blows me away. The colors and the vibrant flowers are in stark counterpoint with the quiet and content expression on the bride’s face. All of these emotions are immediately sensed when you walk onto the vineyard. I can’t think of a better wedding to represent this incredible location and its many offerings.
My favorite part of this design is the vibrant color combination, which is perfect for an outdoor wine country wedding. The combination of deep, rich blackberry tempered with softer hues of violet, lilac, and lavender make a regal backdrop for colorful bursts accent colors: tangerine and lemon. The effect is utterly amazing.
This great color choice does an incredible job accentuating the natural surroundings without being overpowering. The flowers have a carefree and natural feel to them. The Huppa is simply stunning, as are the branches and floral swags, and the vines blend together effortlessly, making a gorgeous focal point. What an incredible way to remember your vows and your moment of perfection!
I Do Venues wants to recognize the talented team of wedding professionals who helped to make this bride’s dream a reality: Photographer – Adi Nevo Photographs, Designer/Planner – Holliday Weddings, Florist – Lush Floral, Cake – Fleur de Lisa Wedding Cakes and Specialty Desserts.
Wedding Venue: Elliston Vineyards A Vineyard with Value
Photography by: Keith Simonian Photography
Summary
If you are looking for a wine country wedding, you are no longer limited to just the Napa Valley. The rich and fertile soil in California has led to an uprising of vineyards and boutique wineries all over Northern California.
Elliston Vineyards is by no means new to the scene. The impressive 17-room stone mansion is over 100 years old and the vineyards have been producing wine since the late 1890′s. The secluded canyon in the Sunol hills where Elliston resides is a bit off the beaten path. Nestled in the canyon between Pleasanton and Sunol, this wondrous venue is ideally located if your guests are commuting from the Walnut Creek, Pleasanton, or Orinda corridors.
One of the biggest draws to a wine country wedding is the feeling that you are a million miles away. This is your private escape to share with family and friends and it is a promise that Elliston Vineyards can keep. The quiet canyon is set far back from the highway on a small secluded private winding road. You will pass a handful of private homes, quaint farms, and secluded vineyards on your drive there.
The grounds are covered with Pinot Noir vineyards and ancient oak trees which create stunning backdrops for your wedding photographs. The price point at Elliston is something to brag about too, as this venue can host approximately 120 guests comfortably. Your wedding begins with a ceremony in the garden, with your guests moving to the outdoor deck and terrace for the reception. You get all of this at a price range between $3000 to $5000. The modest starting point makes this a wonderful location for a DIY bride or for the bride who wants to spend their budget customizing their event.
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, Entertainment – Souza Sounds.
Wedding Venue: Allied Arts Guild A Casual Affair
Photography by: Gem Photo
We love these wonderful DIY details from the Allied Arts Guild. Want to see more? Just click.
Summary
Home spun charm goes hand-in-hand with creating a warm and intimate event. Many brides put pressure on themselves to host a grand gala or a killer party. But remember, your family and friends truly want to celebrate with you and your groom, enjoying the special moment. There is nothing wrong with having a casual, intimate affair.
There are many creative ways to keep the tone of your celebration casual and unpretentious, without making it commonplace. The first thing to consider is the venue itself. Choose a venue that has personality and flair and avoid formal ballrooms and large halls which require excessive stage dressing. This memorable celebration at The Allied Arts Guild in Menlo Park is a wonderful example of intimate and relaxed.
The Allied Arts Guild is a wonderfully eclectic venue – perfect for the couple who wants to keep things personal. The Art Guild has over seven unique spaces for your use. There are several outdoor courtyards that feature craftsman style furniture, fountains, and gorgeous gardens. In addition, the indoor space has wood beams, Spanish style stucco walls, and a wonderful fireplace. All of these vignettes allow you to use the unique elements of the space as part of your design, while allowing you to maximize your design budget.
The Bay Area is filled with amazing wedding venues that are the perfect blend of casual comfort and eclectic style. If you are looking for a party that is simple, playful, and unassuming, then take a look at the following venues for your perfect wedding celebration: The Headlands Center for the Arts, The Montclair Women’s Cultural Arts Club, or The Marin Art and Garden Center.
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, Catering and Beverages – Cafe Primavera.
V Sattui ~ Sneak Preview
Photography by: Michelle Walker Photography
Summary
If you take a tour of the Napa Valley on any given Saturday in the summer, you will smell a sizzling outdoor grill and hear the music of a local band filling the air under the shade-covered picnic area of V Sattui Winery. V Sattui is definitely one of the local hot-spots for wine enthusiasts who come to tour the valley. However, many couples do not realize how many different backdrops and settings this 100-year old winery has to offer. Engaged couples looking to host the perfect wine country wedding needn’t look any further.
I Do Venues wants to recognize the talented team of wedding professionals who helped to make this bride’s dream a reality: Photographer – Michelle Walker Photography, Designer / Planner – Sugar Rush Events, Florist – Valley Flora, Catering – Alex’s Catering.
Wedding Venue: Holman Ranch Picture Perfect
Photography by: Zoom Photography
Happy Easter!!
It’s all in the details. Planning a wedding celebration that will wow your guests and provide amazing photography is all about selecting the perfect location and capturing the details.
The dream team combination of Amy Byrd Weddings and Events and Lauri Levenfeld of Zoom Photography have taken Holman Ranch from a simple, quaint Spanish-style Hacienda Ranch and transformed it into a picture perfect celebration filled with personal details which translates beautifully onto film. The happy couple will have amazing memories to share long beyond the honeymoon.
Ask The Expert
“Holman Ranch is the perfect combination of rustic and elegance. The ranch is located on a secluded bluff in The Carmel Valley and the view is out of this world! I love the adorable ranch details and the stunning gardens. The ranch offers endless areas to shoot – the stunning lawn, the rose garden, and the horse shoe pit which is a great spot for quirky portraits of the bride and groom.
As for group shots, there are endless possibilities like the perfectly lit walking path, the porch on the backside of the house, or the gorgeous courtyard. There are so many eclectic ranch details to choose from.” – Laurie Levenfeld
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: Bear Flag Farm Love the Details
Photography by: Zoom Photography
Summary
This wonderful and awe-inspiring design must have met with rave reviews from the guests for its warmth and country charm. When a team comes together to facilitate such a lovely event, it really is magical. We love how they have transformed this rustic outdoor setting into a festival of fall colors and textures – simply exceeding all expectations.
The details are dazzling. Wedding guests love to see hints of your personality incorporated into a design. What better way to share your personality than with lots of personal photographs and artifacts. The rustic side board complimented by family photos is a perfect example. Also, I love how the couple has put a twist on the traditional guest book by creating a wishing well from a glass apothecary jar. The rustic and personal flair of the signs are sweet and original.
The florals add a dash of elegance and panache into the finished design. The ceremony decor is kept understated. Hydrangea and dahlias cascading out of a weathered metal container are the perfect adornment for the ceremony chairs. The use of the same flowers but in a different combination on the dining tables creates cohesion. But I love how they have used a variety of different containers, both metal and glass, in different heights and sizes to give more depth and interest to the design.
The details of this wedding are just as inspiring as those incorporated by many of the area’s best designers. This wedding is a great example of what can be accomplished when you get the right team together. The couple, facility coordinator, catering company, and florist have done an incredible job of carrying this couple’s theme and vision through every element of their celebration – great job!
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 / Planner – Tina Reikes of Bear Flag Farm, Florist – Lush Floral, Catering – Living Room Events.
Wedding Venue: Gundlach Bundschu Winery Crossroad of the Win ...
Photography by: Marcel & Meher Photography
Click here to see more images…
Summary
I do not think you can find a winery more centrally located than Gundlach Bundschu. Since 1858 the Rhinefarm Estate has welcomed visitors as they pass through the crossroads of the Napa and Sonoma wine-growing regions. The estate is nestled at the intersection of Napa, Sonoma, Carneros, and the Mayacamus Mountains. From the moment you enter the property you will feel the hallmarks the estate is known for – its frivolity and sense of family.
If you are looking for a great place to celebrate, then just drive up and grab a glass. With over six generations of wine makers adding to the success of the winery, they have learned a few things on their road to success. This family puts as much emphasis into the celebration of life as they do in the celebration of their award-winning wines.
It seems as if there is always a party on the property. If you visit in the summer, you may stumble across a summer film festival in the vineyard, or perhaps join them for the fall harvest, the day of the dead celebration, or an impromptu Shakespeare reading in the rustic outdoor amphitheater. The energy and vitality of the property is all around you. It is truly a spectacular place to toast the beginning of your life together.
I Do Venues wants to recognize the talented team of wedding professionals who helped to make this bride’s dream a reality: Photographer – Marcel & Meher Photography, Designer / Planner – Christina Andrews, Florist – Mimi and Marilyn of Seasons Floral Design, Beverages – Gundlach Bundschu Winery, Catering – Thomas Odermatt from Roli Roti Catering.
Wedding Venue: Solage Alfresco Wedding
Photography by: Zoom Photography
Summary
Solage is quickly becoming one of the most sought-after wedding venues in Calistoga. There are so many reasons to choose Solage, including their impeccable service (they are part of the Auberge family of resorts) as well as their incredible food. But for many couples, the popularity seems to be the versatility of the resort and the event spaces themselves.
Just take a look at this gorgeous wedding reception. We have to give credit to the very talented Lauri Levenfeld of Zoom Photography – not only for sharing this incredible wedding, but for capturing so many elegant details. And we can’t forget to acknowledge the fabulous team at MAP Wedding and Events for their stunning work at showcasing this wonderful venue.
This couple’s intimate celebration was a perfect way to explore the versatility of the venue. The Solstice lawn was used for the ceremony, which was a brilliant choice and very well done. The small intimate ceremony could easily have been overpowered by the large lush green lawn, but the use of the formal chiavari chairs allowed the space to look complete.
At Solage, the traditional flow for an event is to have the ceremony on the lawn with appetizers and cocktails on the Solstice Patio, followed by dinner and dancing indoors. I love how this couple broke away from that mold and chose instead to enjoy the east courtyard and Spectra Patio for appetizers and cocktails. This is a great space which often gets overlooked. The unique furniture sculptures create a great conversation piece for a fun appetizer and cocktail reception. Then they chose to enjoy alfresco dining on the patio with a great lounge and club atmosphere indoors, which is ideal for dancing.
The grapevine-covered terrace is one of the loveliest features at Solage. I love how this couple used the entire span by filling it with giant king tables to create an elegant “wine maker” style dinner. Part of the beauty of Solage is the glorious outdoor elements. The grounds are so incredible – it seems like a waste to spend the majority of your event indoors.
I Do Venues wants to recognize the talented team of wedding professionals who helped to make this bride’s dream a reality: Photographer – Lauri Levenfeld of Zoom Photography, Coordinator – Jennifer Janzen of MAP Wedding and Events, Florist – Lisa Boone of Atelier Joya, Invitations – CECI of New York, Venue, Food & Beverage – Solage, Rentals – Classic Party Rentals.
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