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: City Hall Pretty in Pink
Photography by: Junshien International Photographers
To see more amazing images from this fun wedding, click here!
About the Venue
There’s not enough to be said about the magnificence of San Francisco’s City Hall. The iconic landmark’s architecture epitomizes the American Renaissance of the early 20th century and exudes elegance. The neo-classical design and gilded Baroque dome bring to mind the century-old architectural gems in European cities like Paris and Rome. Inside, an overwhelming sense of grandeur and grace fills the large Rotunda where splendid wedding celebrations take place. The drama of the space will add to the overall feeling of luxury and romance inherent in the soaring ceilings, intricate inlaid marble flooring, wrought-iron banisters, and carved limestone walls. For the ultimate wedding experience, there’s nowhere more remarkable than this breathtaking space.
Ask the Experts
Extravagance, elegance, luxury, and glamor describe this wedding at San Francisco’s City Hall. Everything, from the bride’s sparkly shoes to the jaw-dropping cake, takes this wedding beyond over-the-top. The gorgeous color scheme of metallic gold, deep fuchsia, and sweet bubblegum pink is accentuated by the brilliant use of lighting around the Rotunda. The patterned wash on the floors and warm uplights around the room not only highlight the beautiful architecture, but also really creates an atmosphere and ambiance.
I love how the sweetheart table is placed on the landing of the grand staircase, making the couple visible to everyone and the center of the party. With their names in lights above their seats, it’s clear that the bride and groom are the stars of this party.
The detailed ice bar (with martini luges!) is a showstopper and surely caused some jaws to drop with its elaborate design. But the highlight of this elaborate celebration is the surprise costume change and Chinese dragons. Not only does this cultural element bring the couple’s personality into the evening, but it also sets the tone for a celebration of this couple’s love, happiness, and luck.
A few words from Jessica Goldblatt with Dreams on a Dime Events and Weddings:
“On its own – no lights, no flowers, no wedding – San Francisco City Hall is a fantastic venue. The classic marble and gold detailing is absolutely beautiful so it’s no wonder that the venue hosts numerous weddings every week (on a busy Friday, you might count 8 or 10 couples waiting to take their place on the steps). Once you start looking at some of the design possibilities, you realize that the space is really a blank canvas and you can add a ton or very little and it will still look awesome.”
The Rotunda is such an amazing space that screams for big, bold, and spectacular. It’s hard to look at this space and not think ‘wow!’”
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, Planner and Day of Coordinator – Jessica Goldblatt with Dreams on a Dime Events and Weddings, Florist – Kuga Designs, Cake – The Buttercream Studio, Catering – McCalls Catering and Events, Entertainment – DJ Raul Navalta, Calligraphy – Lumitone.
Wedding Venue: Villagio Inn and Spa Perfect Details
Photography by: Geoff White
To see some more images from this elegant wedding, click here!
About the Venue
If you’re planning a wedding that is a seamless mix of country casual and city elegance, the Villagio Inn and Spa in the Wine Country’s Yountville is the perfect place. The star of the 23-acre estate is The Pavilion, a stunning 16,000 square-foot outdoor space designed with weddings in mind. With large lawns, one terraced above the other, and bounded by fountains, arbors, and flagstone faced and ivy-covered walls, The Pavilion is beautiful. The main path ends at a tall wooden arbor set atop a stepped brick base and backed by a beautiful stone wall. The arbor is beautiful on its own, but with decor such as hanging flowers, flower balls, ribbon, fabric – the choices are endless – it can be spectacular.
After the ceremony your guests can enjoy cocktails just behind the ceremony space on the adjoining lawn. Then, have your guests walk a short distance to the main lawn area which is perfect for dinner. You can tent the area if you choose to do so, but by all means, it is beautiful all on its own. I love bringing in various types of overhead lighting such as lanterns, chandeliers, or piazza lights. After dinner your guests can make their way to the Historic Barrel Room for dancing and dessert. This is a great space for a dessert bar and a cozy lounge set-up, making it the perfect way to end the night
Ask the Experts
The details make this wedding beautiful – especially the always-classic black and white color scheme. At the ceremony, black bridesmaid’s dresses and white calla lily bouquets make a bold statement when combined with the bride’s white gown and stunning white rose bouquet. The antique parasol collection lets the couple add a personal touch to the space while also providing guests with shade and comfort.
The black and white theme is carried into the reception where beautiful damask linens create an elegant atmosphere that I’m just swooning over. I love what a graphic statement they make – especially with the white rose centerpieces in lime-filled vases. The pops of lime green are carried into the lounge area as well with lime pillows interspersed with the black and white damask pillows. I adore the cake’s graphic black fondant detailing as well – it makes a marvelous statement and will be remembered. This wedding exudes modern elegance in the best way.
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, Florist – Lush Floral, Cake – Fleur de Lisa Wedding Cakes and Specialty Desserts, Catering – Villagio Inn and Spa.
Wedding Venue: Bianchi Winery
Photography by: Mike Larson Inc.
About the Venue
Bianchi Winery commands a westward view of rolling vineyards sprinkled with ancient oaks. This winery and state-of-the-art event facility blends old, warm charm and modern accents with its stunning architecture. The elegant Paso Robles Tasting Room incorporates natural wood and stone while a vaulted ceiling and numerous windows create an expansive feel. Exchange vows on the property’s semi-circular redwood pergola as your guests sit on the adjacent manicured lawn. After becoming husband and wife, pose for photos by the winery’s waterfall-fed lake as koi fish swim serenely near you. The lakeside deck is the ideal spot for cocktail hour and dancing, while larger receptions often take place amidst the estate vineyards on the vineyard lawn or in the winery’s elegant tasting room.
Ask the Experts
I’m LOVING this wedding at Bianchi – all the details and touches are so thoughtful and show exactly who the couple is.
When most couples plan a winery wedding, the color palette tends to be full of deep plums, rich merlots, warm golds, and creamy ivories, so I love how unexpected, cheerful, and playful this couple’s vibrant aqua, crisp white, bright orange, and poppy red color palette is! The aqua accentuates the color of the sky and lake while the bright oranges and reds acknowledge the venue’s unique koi fish collection and breathtaking sunsets.
Playful and vibrant fabrics sprinkled throughout this celebration add a festive touch in unexpected places – such as the table covering in the lounge and the linens and napkins on the reception tables. In addition to these fun fabrics, modern white bud vases really make a statement and pop on the reception tables when filled with bold orange and red flowers. It’s clear that this couple’s wedding was truly a celebration!
I Do Venues wants to recognize the talented team of wedding professionals who helped to make this bride’s dream a reality: Photographer – Mike Larson Inc.; Ceremony, Lunch, and Reception Design – Lollipop Events & Designs; Florist – Lori Boe Floral Design; Cupcakes and Cake – The Cakery.
Wedding Venue: Testarossa Winery
Photography by: Cara Mia Photography
About the Venue
With stone walls and wrought-iron gates adorning this magnificent venue, Testarossa Winery in Los Gatos offers old-world elegance and timeless charm. The historic winery offers a variety of options available for your nuptials, ensuring your day will be picture perfect.
As you pass through the front door, a stone tunnel with century-old limestone walls and a vaulted ceiling offers a cave-like feel and an intimate spot for a ceremony. Continue your celebration in The Castello Room, Testarossa’s tasting room, with wine and appetizers before moving into the larger Palazzio Room where an elegant and romantic night of dinner and dancing is sure to unfold.
Ask the Experts
A rich fall color palette of warm earthy tones and warm ambient lighting not only enhances Testarossa Winery, but creates an atmosphere of sophistication and romance. Light your world on fire – the twinkle created by hundreds of votive candles adds flattering amber glow throughout the space. Combine the romance of candle light with diffused amber up lights and a few chandeliers and you have a design that dreams are made of.
Incorporating deep hues of eggplant, apricot, and ecru is a beautiful compliment to Testarossa’s natural ambiance. Our hat’s off to the florist (a friend of the couple) who has brilliantly captured this color combination in the bride’s bouquet and other floral elements. The crisp punctuation of the flowers with a splash of raspberry is perfect, and the calla lilies add a feeling of luxury and glamor.
In keeping with the the winery theme of the celebration, a gorgeous bottle of the couple’s favorite Testarossa wine serves as an alternative guest book – this is a fun way to share your favorite vintage with friends and can be featured in your home as a constant reminder of your joyous big day (or used to celebrate an anniversary)!
I Do Venues wants to recognize the talented team of wedding professionals who helped to make this bride’s dream a reality: Photographer – Cara Mia Photography, Entertainment – Elite Entertainment and Events, Cake – Thao Huynh of Shugar Rush, Catering – Talula Bay Catering, Beverages – Testarossa Winery.
Wedding Venue: Relais du Soleil
Photography by: Diane Askew Photography
About the Venue
Relais du Soleil is Sonoma County at its finest and perfect for couples who are seeking an alternative to a more typical winery setting. This turn-of-the-century farmhouse and guest ranch situated in the heart of Northern California Wine Country will make the perfect location for your dream wedding. Here, a rustic but classic ranch sits nestled in an Oak woodland – with a beautiful creek meandering nearby, and a stunning vista of horses grazing in the meadow. The owner is friendly and won’t be looking over anyone’s shoulder. Couples are free to let the venue reflect who they truly are.
Ask the Experts
I absolutely adore this couple’s use of succulents in lieu of traditional flowers – it adds so much personality and charm to the celebration. This bride’s nontraditional botanic choice is quickly becoming the new trend in wedding flowers. The personal touches incorporated into the design, from the antique getaway car to the escort cards displayed on colorful scrapbook paper, they all create a sense of intimacy. Diane Askew did a fantastic job capturing all the beautiful details of this wedding and all of its special touches. “It was a striking wedding in regards to the classically beautiful bride and her vibrant smile, the whimsical decor at the ever-so whimsical wine country (reception) venue, and the charming drive in an antique car. This wedding was unique and full of personality.” We couldn’t agree more!
I Do Venues wants to recognize the talented team of wedding professionals who helped to make this bride’s dream a reality: Photographer – Diane Askew Photography, Florist – Oak Hill Farm, Cake – Laurie Luvoc Cakes, Catering – Preferred Sonoma Caterers, Entertainment – Denon and Doyle.
Wedding Venue: Solage Meyer Lemon
Photography by: Elisa Cicinelli
Ask the expert
Yellow is one of those colors that just makes you feel happy inside. Whether you are having a fun-loving country wedding filled with DIY details, or creating a sophisticated and chic soiree, yellow is both eye-catching and flexible. We love this fun design by our very own Alica Falango of Alicia K Designs – bursting with inspired sunshine and joy!
The modern aesthetic of the lounge furniture is stunning against the lush green lawn. The unique centerpieces incorporate both the crisp color of the cut lemons and a burst of texture and height from the orchids – stunning and fun! The lemon theme is carried seamlessly throughout the entire design using them for the escort cards, aisle and centerpieces, and the over-sized paper lanterns.
This would be a great design theme to incorporate into any number of different local venues. A similar theme used at one of the many art galleries that dot downtown San Francisco such as the Terra Gallery would be sublime.
I Do Venues wants to recognize the talented team of wedding professionals who helped to make this bride’s dream a reality: Photographer – Elisa Cicinelli, Design and Floral – Alicia K Designs, Lighting – Illusions Lighting Design.
Wedding Venue: Legion of Honor Classic, Timeless, Gorgeous
Photography by: Stephanie Williams Photography
About the venue
The Legion of Honor offers each couple the ability to create a one-of-a-kind wedding celebration where the only thing holding you back is your imagination. This gorgeous celebration gives you a stunning example of timeless elegance. The Rodin Galleries of the Legion have been transformed with incredible lighting, rich fall colors, and textures. I love how the Legion allows you to rent one or all three of the galleries, giving you an amazing amount of flexibility. Renting all three galleries for your dinner party gives you the ability to host over 200 guests with incredible style, or for the more intimate celebration, use one gallery for your appetizer cocktail reception, then move to the next gallery for dining, and finish off the night with dancing to an incredible band in the third gallery.
Ask the expert
Stephanie Williams (photographer extraordinaire) has outdone herself capturing this incredible celebration. Check out how well she has captured both the indoor and outdoor spaces in addition to the ever-stunning couple. Many photographers excel at either outdoor photography or low light shots – Stephanie has done an incredible job of capturing every aspect of this celebration ranging from soft shadows created by the overcast and drizzling weather, to the soft warm amber glow and patterned light washes created by the talented lighting team – brilliant.
The lighting, luscious fall color palette, and carefully selected details are the heart of what makes this celebration so stunning. The branched patterned light wash on the walls transforms the incredible vaulted ceiling – the gilded color used creates a warmth and softens the otherwise stark white washed walls. I love how the branch pattern somewhat mimics the “branch” design of the taller centerpieces created by the incredibly talented Pat Gibbons – seamless.
I Do Venues wants to recognize the talented team of wedding professionals who helped to make this bride’s dream a reality: Photographer – Stephanie Williams Photography, Florist – Pat Gibbons Floral Designs.
Wedding Venue: Beaulieu Garden Inspired by Vintage
Photography by: Jose Villa
About the Venue
This private, family-owned estate blends beauty, intimacy, and tradition in a stunning secluded and unforgettable setting. As you drive up the meandering half-mile drive underneath a canopy of Sycamore trees, you will be welcomed into these beautiful gardens sprinkled with old stone fountains, reflecting pools, and elegant statues. Exchange vows in the sunken garden with a stone pool of lilies and a cherub fountain before dining under an immense Sycamore arbor draped with crystal chandeliers. As the night falls, you and your guests can dance beneath the stars next to a sparkling pool bordered by manicured lawns and grape vines in the rolling hills beyond. Managed by Paula leDuc Fine Catering, Beaulieu Garden offers romance, elegance, and unforgettable celebrations.
Ask the Experts
Jose Villa did an amazing job capturing this vintage inspired design that exudes romance and elegance. Each and every detail seems more beautiful than the last, but when they all come together, it’s perfection.
The warm peaches, blush pinks, and ivories lend a stunningly soft and romantic feel to this couple’s celebration, while the rich sapphire blue is the perfect accent for the bridesmaids’ dresses and is an unexpected pop of color in this otherwise soft and ethereal color scheme.
At the alfresco reception under the Sycamore arbor and hanging grape vines, the blue makes another appearance underneath the sparkling crystal chandeliers. I love how this bride was unafraid of using different hues of the same accent color. At the ceremony, sapphire ruled, but at the reception, a softer shade of sky blue makes the perfect statement. The long wood tables and complementary chairs add to the intimate feeling of this wedding and the overall romance in the design. The simple centerpieces in low, antique silver vases are the perfect finishing touch to this tablescape. Other touches like the intricate ivory cake, escort cards on blush ribbon, and sweet parasols add personality and a vintage touch to this lovely affair.
This lovely wedding was also featured in Town and Country Weddings Magazine in Fall 2010!
I Do Venues wants to recognize the talented team of wedding professionals who helped to make this bride’s dream a reality: Photographer – Jose Villa, Designer/Planner – Brandy Cabral of Bliss Event Productions, Florist – Flower Wild, Catering – Paula leDuc Fine Catering, Cake – Fleur de Lisa, Lighting Rentals – Got Light?, Cinematography – Well Spun Weddings, Photo Booth – Red Cheese, Tabletop Rentals – Classic Party Rentals, Vintage Rentals – Maison Reve.
Wedding Venue: A Garden Wedding At Cornerstone
Photography by: Sylvie Gil Photography
About the Venue
Did you know Cornerstone Gardens in Sonoma was the first gallery-style garden installation in the United States? Did you also know this incredible garden, which was fashioned after the famed Garden Festival at Chaumont-sur-Loire in France, was recently included in 1001 Gardens to See Before you Die by Rae Spencer-Jones & Elizabeth Scholtz and it has made Sunset Magazine’s Top 10 list for Western Gardens? Well, if flying the entire wedding party to France is out of the question for your wedding celebration, we recommend checking out the Cornerstone Gardens as a fun and provocative alternative.
We recommend using as much of the property as possible. Stretch out your party by encouraging your guests to explore every nook and cranny. Do you need an activity during appetizers and cocktails while the happy couple takes a few photos? Consider a scavenger hunt. The garden consists of over nine acres of amazing landscape installations, vintage salvage yard, and modern and retro themed boutiques and art galleries. In other words, endless opportunities for your guests to fall in love with this amazing venue.
Ask the Expert
As you plan your ceremony, consider escorting your guests to the pond. The lush green lawn bordered by a chic rectangular pond complete with lily pads makes quite a statement. What I love about this area is that you can choose your backdrop to be either the reflective pond or acres of mature grapevines. The background is naturally elegant and provides all the inspiration you need. This is a spot where keeping things simple is required.
If you really want to make the ceremony stand out, we recommend using unique chairs versus overdoing it with floral and other elements. Classic Party Rentals has some great options: the Tuscany Chair, Wrought Iron Cafe Chair, Garden Chair, French Slotted Chair, or even benches – all can help set the tone. Plus they add all the decor you need for the elegantly understated ceremony area.
I Do Venues wants to recognize the talented team of wedding professionals who helped to make this bride’s dream a reality: Photographer – Sylvie Gil Photography, Designer/Planner – Kathy Higgins Weddings, Florist – Anne Appleman Flowers and Plants, Cake – Perfect Endings Wedding Cake, Catering – Elaine Bell Catering.
Wedding Venue: Costanoa Picture Perfect
Photography by: Zoom Photography
About the Venue
Nestled at the base of the Santa Cruz Mountains, overlooking the Pacific Ocean, Costanoa offers the perfect setting to celebrate your marriage with family and friends. Surrounded by endless acres of untouched wilderness, rolling coastal hills, rugged bluffs, and secluded beaches, this eco-adventure resort inspires awe.
Costanoa has two main locations to celebrate your union: the rustic mountain-style Lodge and the Cascade Restaurant. From the Restaurant, a winding path leads to the Coastal Bluff, a rustic meadow with a breathtaking vista of sea and sky. After the vows, stroll back to the Cascade Lawn, which can be elegantly tented or left open to the great outdoors. For a larger wedding, utilize the Lodge, whose lovely grounds consist of two tiers of landscaped lawns. The Lodge Lawn, which embraces a majestic canyon and mountain panorama, is a picture perfect local for your ceremony, then wander to the Lodge Terrace for a reception amongst the enchanting wilderness.
Ask the Experts
If we didn’t know any better, we’d think that this wedding was an inspiration shoot. The lush greenery, stunning sky, and quaint lighthouse seem almost too picturesque and perfect to be real. And yet, they are.
Laurie Levenfeld and Jessica Epstein of Zoom Photography were able not only to capture these gorgeous surroundings but also the sincere emotion between the bride and groom exquisitely. The soft, diffused lighting and dramatic landscapes are a photographer’s dream and will make for absolutely magnificent wedding photos worthy of hanging in a museum.
The peaceful air, serenity, and calmness inherent in the location is absolutely breathtaking and suits the wedding perfectly. We love how the simplistic décor adds to the natural surroundings rather than detracting from it. The ceremony arch with its natural wood elements and sweet florals is effortlessly beautiful against a backdrop of the Santa Cruz Mountains. Everything about this wedding seems so effortless and serene – yet so lovely too.
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 and Jessica Epstein of Zoom Photography, Florist – Sheri Hermone, Cake – SusieCakes.
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