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: Rengstorff House Mountain View
Photography by: Delbarr Moradi
Click here to check out more great photos from this wedding.
About the Venue
These phenomenal photographs look as if they were shot in a small quaint town somewhere along the Mendocino coast. The gorgeous coastal grasses, the gingerbread Victorian home, windmill, and grain house all give a feeling of a bygone era. It is surprising to find out that this incredible celebration took place in the heart of Silicon Valley. The Rengstorff House sits quietly along the water’s edge in Mountain View. It is the oldest Victorian home in the area and is widely known by history buffs as one of the best preserved Victorian homes on the West Coast.
The house is centrally located among two large gardens, which makes the property an ideal location for wedding celebrations. As your guests arrive, they will walk up a small path from the parking area and over a quaint wood bridge (a perfect location for photos.) You’ll definitely see a smile on their faces as they see the emerging historic home come into sight. It is such an unexpected surprise in the midst of Silicon Valley’s hustle and bustle.
I Do Venues wants to recognize the talented team of wedding professionals who helped to make this bride’s dream a reality: Photographer – Delbarr Moradi, Florist – Flowers by Sophia, Cake – Bijan Bakery, Linen Rentals – Danny Thomas Party Rentals.
Wedding Venue: A Sneak Preview of Silverado Resort and Spa
Photography by: Marcel & Meher Photography
About the Venue
The Silverado Resort and Spa is classic Napa Valley. The 14-room Miller Mansion is a Napa Valley landmark. This gorgeous property brings your thoughts to a Southern Plantation with its incredible verandas, massive columns, and a grand entrance. When your guests stay at the resort, they are treated to every level of refinement. The world-class spa is a perfect way for the bridesmaids to relax before the big day while the groomsmen are welcome to play a round of golf at either of the two championship 18-hole golf courses, which is a small part of the 1,2oo acre resort… More to come!
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, Florist – Valley Flora, Cake – Sweetie Pies, Entertainment – Peter Rudolfi.
Wedding Venue: Hamlin Mansion Entertaining In Style
Photography by: Julie Mikos
Summary
When your guests arrive at the Hamlin Mansion, they will be awestruck by every elegantly appointed detail of this gorgeous 24-room mansion. This is how entertaining in San Francisco is done. Presidio Heights has always been the place where the San Francisco elite have hobnobbed with movie stars and politicians. The entrance is spectacular. Two playful granite lions (Leo and Leona) grant your guests entrance to the mansion as they ascend up the granite steps into the marble foyer. What a spectacular way to greet your guests.
There are lots of ways to WOW your guests during your wedding celebration, but tantalizing their taste buds with a sublime wedding menu will get you rave reviews. When you are choosing your wedding venue it seems odd to think about your menu, but the two go hand in hand. Serving a casual luncheon at the Julia Morgan would be just as out of place as serving high tea at the Stinson Beach Community Center. Choosing a menu that pairs perfectly with your venue can be a fun and tasty challenge.
The Hamlin Mansion is a great place to explore a variety of culinary possibilities. This is the perfect place to allow food to be a piece of history and art. Elaine Bell Catering has been creating dream menus for San Francisco brides for over 10 years. I love how they carefully incorporate a bit of art, geometry, and frivolity into each item. I also adore how they have taken traditional flavors and displayed them with such zeal!
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: Annadel Estate Winery Talk About Wow Factor
Photography by: Myrtle and Marjoram
To see more images from this gorgeous real wedding, click here!
Ask the Experts
If getting the opportunity to have your wedding at Annadel Estate Winery is not enough to set everything right with the world, consider having a true “dream team” of wedding vendors at your disposal to make every detail and memory perfect.
Annadel has a great list of preferred vendors from which you can choose. This incredible celebration starts with the stylings of Melissa Panico of MAP Wedding & Events. Inspired by the bride’s vision, they have used a barely-there color palette which gives the winery a polished feel without being overly stuffy. I particularly love the U-shape for the tables. Many couples prefer to steer away from the traditional round tables and this unusual design is not only perfect for the location, but it also promotes conversation.
When planning an outdoor celebration, there is a tendency to stay away from formality. This wedding has blended so many formal elements into the design while maintaining a very casual and chic feel about it. I love the large cascading floral arrangements which make an incredible statement. The monochromatic arrangements could be dull and boring, but these grab your attention and don’t let go. The textures, from the curve of the vases to the choice of the flowers, are simply incredible. The long wooden boxes that house the low arrangements are an ideal way to set a long or U-shaped table. Too many vases create clutter, but these unique elements bring a rustic and natural element to the table. They are offset well by the dramatic dark table runner. We love this overall look and can’t compliment the team enough. The results are just brilliant.
I Do Venues wants to recognize the talented team of wedding professionals who helped to make this bride’s dream a reality: Photographer – Myrtle and Marjoram, Designer/Planner – Melissa Panico of MAP Wedding & Events, Florist – Willow Floral Design, Catering – Paula LeDuc Fine Catering, Lighting – Got Light?
Wedding Venue: Murrieta’s Well in Livermore
Photography by: Robert Valdes Photography
About the Venue
The folks at Wente Vineyards in Livermore have a secret up their sleeve. Just a short drive down the road will deliver you to a small intimate vineyard called Murrieta’s Well. First of all, it is run by the folks at Wente Vineyards, so you can be assured that the food, service, and of course the wine will impress even the most “foodie” couple. The size of the venue is also one of it’s biggest draws. A winery or wine country wedding is commonly associate with a large scale event. This location is perfect for the mid-sized intimate affair. Murrieta’s Well is perfectly sized for a celebration with approximately 80 guests. The rustic and charming qualities of the vineyard and barrel room speak for itself. There is little need to go overboard with decor. Simple is the way to go. Think about using some great linens that will stand out against the stone and weathered wood facade. When working with the barrel room, consider one thing: lighting. This is the crucial detail to make the room stand out. Candles and up lights will work wonders. A simple gobo wash on the room is a great way to bring in your color palette. Creating a soft glow in the barrel room will set the stage for a romantic wedding dinner.
Ask the Expert
When you choose a wedding venue, an incredible aesthetic is a great asset for your photography, especially if the location has a wide variety of backdrops to choose from. This venue is a perfect example – your guest will enjoy the warm setting sun over rolling vineyards as you exchange vows, followed by a light and airy outdoor courtyard setting for your appetizers and cocktail. Then allow your guests to enjoy the drama of an authentic barrel room as you move indoors for the remainder of your celebration. A venue like this helps create natural flow, always giving your guests something to look forward to – and something for your photographer to work with!
Wedding Venue: Silicon Valley Capital Club An Orchid Affair
Photography by: Daniela Degrassi Photography
About the Venue
“Penthouse, please.”
What an incredible first impression. The Silicon Valley Capital Club is by far one of the most prestigious private clubs in all of Silicon Valley. The downtown San Jose social club is perfect if you want your wedding venue to have incredible views with a dramatic “urban” feel. Many people are not aware that the club’s renowned 5-star restaurant, the penthouse terraces, and the event rooms are open and available to anyone who wants to host a luxe celebration.
A ceremony on the outside terrace is breathtaking; however, the real attraction to this location is the evening skyline. After the sun goes down and your guests start dancing, you can see the twinkle of Silicon Valley. It feels as if you are surrounded by a million stars. Just gorgeous!
Ask the Expert
The simple elegance of an orchid makes it the perfect choice for any wedding celebration. From the wedding designer planning an over-the-top design or the DIY bride trying to get a fresh, clean look, each will be able to incorporate this versatile bud into a variety of designs.
As pictured above, an eclectic display of single bud orchids submersed in clear glass vessels is a simple and elegant way to add a burst of color to your table without going overboard on your floral budget. I love to use orchids because they stand alone so well. No greens or filler is needed to create a captivating look.
If you are trying to achieve a more rustic look, consider encasing either a single plant or multiple plants with a combination of moss and birch bark in clear glass vases. The result is quick, easy, and inspiring.
The color palette chosen by this couple is right on trend. Aubergine and violet or almost any shade of purple paired with soft gray or silver is a stunning duo… sexy, sleek, and elegant. Think about using gray linens with purple flowers and let the flowers stand on their own. By giving the flowers a great foundation to stand against, you can keep the arrangements simple.
Wedding Venue: Wente Vineyards The Perfect Livermore Affair
Photography by: Robert Valdes Photography
About the Venue
There is an abundance of reasons to consider Wente Vineyards in Livermore as the site for your wedding reception. Gorgeous properties, award-winning wine, superior service staff are just a few; but probably one of my favorite reasons is the consistent and high caliber of cuisine they offer.
Wente has raised the bar in the Tri-valley area and has become the place to host a wedding or celebration. Many “foodies” feel they need to travel to either San Francisco or Napa to get the farm-to-table experience in a wedding affair. Wente has broken the mold and allows Tri-valley foodies to indulge not only in spectacular surroundings, but in a menu that is out of this world. They use locally grown and sustainable ingredients whenever possible and the chef’s creativity is incredible. Who wouldn’t want this menu for their wedding celebration? YUM!
FOR THE TABLE
Assorted Marinated Olives, Rosemary, Citrus, Garlic
APPETIZERS
House Smoked Salmon, Dill Crème Fraîche, Chicories, Grilled Flatbread
SALADS
Baby Beets, Citrus Vinaigrette, Goat Cheese, Pine Nuts, on top of Garden Greens
MAIN COURSES
Atlantic Skate, Asparagus, Maitake Mushrooms, Bloomsdale Spinach, Cipollini, Nettle Pesto
Wedding Venue: Ambiance Antiques A Perfectly Staged Celebrat ...
Photography by: Rojo Foto Design
Want to see more images from this fun wedding? Just click!
About the venue
I love it when a couple can embrace a wedding venue completely outside the box. This small and intimate celebration at Ambiance Antiques in San Francisco allowed this couple to serve up an eye-catching element of style in every aspect of their celebration.
I love venues where you are surrounded by decor. It takes the worry out of needing to plan a theme or the necessity to spend elaborately on decor. This wedding takes the idea of the vintage antique feel to the next level. I love how they styled their glamorous and chic wedding trousseau around the wonderful French Baroque themed antique shop.
The dress is completely killer and she looks amazing in it. You can picture this couple at the top of a Wedgewood China inspired wedding cake.
Ask the Expert
When planning a table scape at such an elaborately staged venue, you might be tempted to go with a simple plain design, assuming that a busy pattern or overdone table would compete with the already perfectly staged decor. In this circumstance, a plain boring table would seem out of place. Use a collection of different chargers, antique china patterns, and different types of glassware to create a fun yet cohesive look. Centerpieces created from silver Revere bowls or antique candelabras would fit in nicely, and an assortment of bottles, containers, lace doilies, and damask linen will bring this location to the next level.
I Do Venues wants to recognize the talented team of wedding professionals who helped to make this bride’s dream a reality: Photographer – Rojo Foto Design, Florist – SF Flower Market, Cake – That Takes The Cake, All Rentals, Lighting – Ambiance Antiques.
Wedding Venue: V Sattui Winery More Than a Wedding Reception
Photography by: Michelle Walker Photography
About the venue
When you embark upon the task of planning a wedding celebration in the Napa Valley, the first thing you must do is choose a venue that embodies the quintessential wine country experience. V Sattui Winery in the Napa Valley is an extraordinary representation of an authentic California winery.
The wine country experience is so much more than just the wine. It’s the architecture, the aroma, the colors, and the memories made. When you choose a stunning venue such as this one, you’re allowing your guests to be completely immersed in the experience of visiting The Napa Valley.
The authentic Stone Winery has been on the property since the late 70′s and was fashioned after one of the original buildings that resided on the property. When you get married at V Sattui, you get a little bit of everything. The courtyard is stunning for your ceremony, the lush floral vines that cover the verandas and beautiful mature oak trees bring the perfect amount of color into the setting. The massive arched winery doors provide a wonderful focal point as well as a great backdrop for portraits.
Ask the expert
Many of your guests may never have had the opportunity to enter an authentic barrel room, let alone celebrate among the countless rows of aging wine barrels. This wedding celebration perfectly captures the soft and romantic glow that you can achieve from this incredible setting. The minimalist approach works well. As you can see, crisp white table linen, delicate full yet low profile floral arrangements, chiavari chairs, and lots of candles are all this celebration needed to make a wonderful statement.
In addition to being surrounded by amazing scenery, architecture, and food, the wine country is ideal for a destination wedding or to create an entire weekend of events. There is great shopping, sightseeing, tours, and hikes – all at your fingertips. Having all these great activities close by really help create an amazing weekend itinerary for your guests. Wine country is a fest for all the senses, so let your guests embrace it.
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: The Ferry Building Having Fun with Flowers
Photography by: Julie Mikos
To view the entire photo gallery from this celebration just click!
Ask the expert
Do you have a favorite flower, color, or style? Your wedding celebration is the perfect opportunity to combine all three of these elements into an amazing wedding design.
The trend in flowers this wedding season is putting emphasis on sophistication and glamor, trending towards simple lines and timeless, simple styles. Floral design has seen a movement towards design that has a soft modern romantic feel to it. Playful, flirty, and unstructured designs are overtaking the manicured, oversized cascades that seemed to dominate table arrangements a few years ago. This celebration is to die for, Lidia Sadoun of La Fleuriste did a stunning job of creating a soft and romantic floral scape but kept clean modern lines – it is a perfect compliment to the Ferry Building!
Traditionally your floral budget should be about 10 – 20% of your total wedding budget. Flower freaks may tend to spend a bit more. But in general, 15 – 20% will give you show-stopping designs. How do you get the most bang for your budget? Choose a color combination first, then research what flowers are in bloom and in your budget before deciding on a particular design. Work with your florist by not insisting on a particular bloom. Remember, just like any artist, if you allow your floral designer to use their imagination, they will usually be able to give you more mileage out of your budget.
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 / Planner – Amy Nichols Special Events, Catering – Paula LeDuc Fine Catering, Florist – Lidia Sadoun of La Fleuriste.
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