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: Camarillo Ranch by Lukas VanDyke
Photography by: Lukas VanDyke Photography
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What a splendid way to begin your life together: under the romantic white gazebo at Camarillo Ranch. The incredible oval structure has a pantina’d trim (which I love) and fits into the property of the gorgeous 150-year old Victorian home perfectly and flawlessly. Camarillo Ranch’s classical Queen Ann style Victorian cottage (14 rooms in all) was originally owned by Adolfo Camarillo, lovingly referred to by the community as ‘The Last Spanish Don.’ His influence on the local community is seen around every corner, but the gorgeous residence which he originally built as a gift to his wife, Isabella, remains one of the premier wedding locations along the Ventura coastline.
The Gazebo sits quietly and majestically on the rolling lawn that is adjacent to the main house. The Gazebo is a perfect spot for the bride and groom to use as center stage for the ceremony, or they can create a free-standing arbor and use the Gazebo as a band stand for a classic string trio or possibly a little light jazz. The ceremony area is engulfed in a sea of variant hues of green, so moving towards a soft and white-washed color palette with pops of color will bring out the most in the gorgeous setting.
If you want a simple ceremony design, use a white wood folding chair with a white cushion and decorate the aisle with a heavy scattering of rose petals down each side. If you have the ability to add a bit of WOW factor to the design, have your florist create a unique stencil pattern that replicates the one of the striking Victorian scroll patterns found throughout the property. This classic and elegant look will take your breath away when paired with white chiavari chairs and brightly colored cushions.
The emergence of the scrolled iron folding chair available through most rental companies is also a great choice and not too alarming on the budget. These fun and functional accessories have been able to add a completely new dimension to the look of an outdoor garden wedding. This location would be sublime paired with these chairs and a matching white or ivory cushion.
The fun nature of each of these ideas makes it so that you do not have to go over the top for the aisle decor. A simple element like hanging iron baskets or floating ribbons that will catch the breeze looks incredible – or again, if we can take things up a notch, consider using Shepard hooks with pomanders or mason style jars hanging from each with a cascade of color and fun.
I Do Venues wants to recognize the talented team of wedding professionals who helped to make this bride’s dream a reality: Photographer – Lukas VanDyke Photography; Floral – Crystal Sanford of A Recycled Love Story; Day of Coordinator – Elise Hamel; Catering – Wood Ranch Barbeque and Grill; Cake – Jane Beard; Programs – Jane Guy.
Special Offer: Chardonnay Golf Club Marry Me in March
Photography by: Robert Paetz Photography
Special Offer
The Chardonnay Golf Club is offering a “Marry Me in March” wedding special! Book your wedding anytime during March 2012 and receive $1500 off the site fee for an Oak Tree Ceremony and Clubhouse Reception.*
Contact Diane Fennikoh at the Chardonnay Golf Club for further details and a customized quote:
(707) 252-5984 or dfennikoh@chardonnaygolfclub.com
*available for the Clubhouse reception only, 180 guests maximum.
Wedding Venue: Corinthian Yacht Club Sail Away
Photography by: Myrtle and Marjoram
About the venue
With the America’s Cup sailing race taking place in San Francisco Bay next year and the festivities beginning early, it is my prediction that the Nautical-themed wedding will be making a comeback to San Francisco. The Bay Area is surrounded by waterways – you can’ travel more than 30 minutes in any direction without hitting a Bay, Ocean, Canal, or some large body if water. If the sheer proximity to water does not sell the nautical theme for you, maybe a look at the Corinthian Yacht Club in Tiberon will.
The Corinthian is appropriately named after the iconic three-story high white Corinthian columns that create the remarkable facade of this timeless facility, and you cannot get a better view. The white wainscoting and the expansive wall of windows of the Solarium that look out onto the harbor and the Golden Gate Bridge, and Alcatraz beyond is the perfect example of old world nautical. The harbor filled with sailing boats and yachts also provides a stunning visual backdrop for photographs.
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; Day of Coordinator – Leila Heyman of Corinthian Yacht Club; Floral – Fantasy Florals Design; Cake – Branching Out Cakes; Catering – Corinthian Yacht Club.
Wedding Venue: Meadowood Classic Elegance
Photography by: Leah McCormick
About the Venue
Magical moments can be made to order at Meadowood. This facility is ideal for the couple looking for an intimate and serene setting with timeless beauty. Both a classically elegant affair with clean modern lines or a celebration that leans towards romantic details will be at home.
The grounds at Meadowood are pristine; you can envision the groomsmen playing a game of croquet or bocci while smoking cigars and enjoying a glass of scotch. The lush rolling hills and the soaring Redwood forest sets a scene that is reminiscent of the New England countryside, creating an ideal location for assembling your wedding guests. White wood chairs are an obvious choice to create the frame for the bride and groom.
If your taste leans towards classical elegance, consider scrolled iron garden chairs for a vintage feel. Tall floral arrangements seated upon rustic wood pedestals helps to blend your decor with the surrounding forest.
It’s important to highlight the bride and groom so their silhouette is not competing with the vast treeline. We recommend using calla lilies, branches, and dogwood to create height and contrast. Interesting architectural elements can also create a fun canvas for your ceremony portrait. Wooden arches or a trellis with free-flowing vines and bright floral swags make great photo backdrops.
I Do Venues wants to recognize the talented team of wedding professionals who helped to make this bride’s dream a reality: Photographer – Leah McCormick; Floral – Friday Flowers; Day of Coordinator – Meadowood; Rentals – La Tavola Linen.
Wedding Venue: Ruby Hill Golf Club
Photography by: Junshien International Photographers
About the venue
Planning your wedding is the first great adventure you will embark on as a couple. The process begins with a ring and ends with a heartfelt ‘I do’ – but the journey and details in between should be enjoyed and treasured. The party that is the end result will be one of the most memorable times of your life.
Finding the perfect location to host your big day is so important and if a tri-valley wedding is what you are looking for, then you will be drawn to the opportunities that await you at Ruby Hill Golf Club. The architecture is inspiring and timeless, reminiscent of a French chateau, and the details that have been incorporated into the oval terrace and surrounding gardens are breathtaking. The sun-kissed hills that surround the property are filled with a combination of stately Oak trees and a myriad of grape vines.
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The pictures of this celebration are stunning – Junshein International Photographers has done such a great job of capturing the elegance!
As photographers, we are always looking for locations that brings out the creativity within us and sparks our imagination. There was no lack of that at the Ruby Hill Golf Club. The courtyard enclosed by a circle of pillars was perfect for an outdoor ceremony. It felt both very open and intimate at the same time. We love the staircase leading to the main banquet hall – it’s a great way for the wedding party to make their entrance, and as an overflow area for guests to stand in for the slideshow or the cake cutting.
Some of the best weddings are the ones where the couple’s personalities shine through in every aspect of the day. The details, flower arrangements and color selections all matched perfectly and were very much ‘them.’ It was obvious to everyone that Christina and Anthony were having a blast on their special day, and their joy was infections. Even when we look back at the pictures we took, we can’t help but smile and relive the moments. ~ Junshien International Photographers
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 – Blanca Samano of A Touch of Elegance, Florist – Ashley Ha, Cake – Cupcakes on the Go, Entertainment – Kixx Music Service.
Wedding Venue: Chateau Julien Wine Estate
Photography by: Tia and Claire Studio
About the Venue
Although Chateau Julien Wine Estate is just 10 minutes from the Monterey Peninsula, you and your guests will think you’ve been magically transported to the French countryside. Nestled in the rolling hills of Carmel Valley, amidst vineyards and gardens, this 16-acre French country winery is a stunning setting for any wedding. Both the exquisitely appointed French country Chateau and grand, rustic Chai provide a beautiful setting for an extraordinary, memorable affair.
You will find beautiful stained glass that embodies rich antiques, and travertine tiles amidst dramatic 30-foot cathedral ceilings in the Chateau’s Great Hall. French doors open onto the Estate Garden Cobblestone Courtyard and glass-covered Conservatory, extending the old world ambiance under the Valley’s starlit skies.
The newly built Chai rests adjacent to the winery on the 16 acre estate. Built in traditional French style, the Chai is home to French and American oak barrels. With open-beam cathedral ceilings supported by towering columns, the Chai provides the ideal atmosphere for a warm yet dramatic reception.
Perhaps one of the best features of Chateau Julien is the endless possibilities the venue offers to brides. The manicured gardens full of blooming flowers and plush greenery are the perfect backdrop for your bridal portraits, adding dimension, texture, and color to any photo.
Chateau Julien is a French inspired country side vineyard winery with large rose gardens, a white walled stone patio, a large barrel room and boasting vineyards that run through the property making the essence of wine country visible no matter where you are in the venue. The venue’s natural beauty and neutral tones really allows for pretty much any color palette to be applied with ease. Also, it’s impressive barrel room has high ceilings with large French doors that creates a dramatic entrance. ~ Simone Lennon
Ask the Experts
This bride’s attention to detail brings a cohesiveness and beauty to her nuptials. The fuchsia peep-toe heels are a cheerful, fun accent to her overall romantic and soft look. The blush peonies, ivory hydrangeas, and bubblegum pink roses create romantic drama and interesting dimension in her bouquet wrapped with a simple white ribbon. I love the personalized handkerchiefs for guests during the ceremony – the couple’s silhouettes and the sweet message is a charming and delightful touch.
In the Chai, amber up-lighting on the barrels and two opulent crystal chandeliers add drama and elegance to the space while creating a warm ambiance. A deep silver and soft pink color scheme updates the feel of the vast room to modern and romantic while a mixture of square and round tables is exciting and dynamic. Trees soften the wood throughout the room and add height, accentuating the dramatic beamed ceilings. A rosy pink linen sets the sweetheart table apart from the rest and a vignette of candles provides a soft, romantic glow around the newlywed couple.
I Do Venues wants to recognize the talented team of wedding professionals who helped to make this bride’s dream a reality: Photographer – Tia and Claire Studio; Planner and Coordinator – Simone Lennon of Soiree by Simone; Floral and Event Design – Christine Cater Wedding and Event Floral Design; Catering – Michael’s Catering; Rentals – Chic Event Rentals; Linens – La Tavola Linen; Entertainment – DNA Entertainment; Cake – Kathy Lickess, family friend.
Wedding Venue: Clos LaChance Winery Choosing a Theme
Photography by: Carlie Statsky Photography
About the Venue
Clos LaChance Winery is the dream of dedicated winemakers. The winery started with a few rows of grapes planted in a backyard, partially as landscaping and in part to fulfill a life-long dream of being winemakers. This home-based vineyard started in 1987 and by 1992, they had their first vintage release. The couple soon realized that in order to continue to release wines for future vintages, they need to acquire more vineyards. With great creative spirit, the couple started CK Vines (named after their children).
CK Vines is unlike any other service I have ever witnessed. CK Vines is a company that specializes in the maintenance and installation of private home and backyard vineyards. They basically plant and maintain their own wine futures. The unique way in which they source the grapes gives them the same control over the growing process that the larger wineries have, but without the cost associated with a larger vineyard operation.
In 2002, the family had the unique opportunity to open a production facility, tasting room, and hospitality center along the 6th hole of the gorgeous Cordelie Golf resort. The lush green Santa Cruz mountains create an unforgettable backdrop for a wedding celebration. The rolling hills are on one side and the panoramic vistas of the vineyards are on the other – utterly breathtaking.
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How do you choose a theme? As you think about your wedding celebration, you will be surprised by how it will begin to take shape and evolve as you consider all the details. Before you make too many decisions, however, give serious thought to what will make the day memorable to YOU. Do you prefer a winery or a garden…mountain top or beach? Will your celebration be inspired by a particular theme, such as the city where you met, your cultural heritage, or perhaps a shared interest such as wine?
Some couples do not have a definite theme they are attracted to for their celebration. Oftentimes these couples will find the power of color is their underlying theme. To create a cohesive theme built around a specific color can be relatively easy if you allow yourself flexibility to embrace depth and texture rather than trying for a color theme that is too matchy-matchy.
The inspiring design above had accomplished a wonderful theme centrally designed around the color palette of sunflower yellow, poppy, and gold, as well as natural elements. This couple did an outstanding job. The outdoor setting at the venue is a great beginning. The warm tone of the Italian stucco exterior, the gold awnings and wood detailing of the building, as well as the gold tones of the changing foliage are an amazing back drop.
The color palette is woven throughout the design – the invitations, programs, and menu cards are simple and elegant with just a hint of color. The flowers are amazing, with a blend of birch bark vases with a predominantly yellow collection of ranunculas and roses with just a twinge of pale pink. They look amazing in this setting. I love the driftwood used as the table number holders. What an impressive show of both imagination and a brilliant use of color.
“Every aspect of the day felt so thoughtful and cohesive, from the custom invitations, programs and menu cards that were designed by the couple themselves, the beautiful floral designs, the stunning cake, even the basket of golden flip flops by the dance floor. I love how bright and alive the day looked, which completely reflects the bride’s personality.
There is so much beauty in this one location, with views out over the vineyards in every direction and beautiful Californian light that streams through the courtyards and gardens that surround the place. Both inside and out feel elegant and inviting, with many different areas for guests to enjoy themselves.” Carlie Statsky
I Do Venues wants to recognize the talented team of wedding professionals who helped to make this bride’s dream a reality: Photographer – Carlie Statsky Photography, Day of Wedding Coordinator – Clos laChance Winery, Florist – Nicole Ha Designs, Cake – Bala from The Cakemaker, Catering – Le Papillon, Entertainment – Keith Johnson Band, Stationary – Fong Brothers Printing.
Wedding Venue: Villagio Resort and Spa A Damask Wedding
Photography by: Geoff White
About the Venue
Do you keep the Michelin Guide on your nightstand for bedtime reading? Do you have a wine cellar in your garage filled with the best varietals and vintages the Napa Valley has to offer? Then what better place to marry than the adorable town of Yountville, filled with world renowned restaurants, lovely tasting rooms, and an incredible amount of charm. The Villagio Resort and Spa is a 23 acre estate set in the middle of downtown Yountville with several amazing options for hosting your wedding. Plan your ceremony in the gorgeous garden pavilion with its distinguished waterways, followed by dinner in the history-rich brick barrel room and its dramatic 8′ rustic chandeliers.
Personally, I am drawn to the Groezinger Estate House which hosts intimate weddings of up to 70 people in the Groezinger North reception room. The space offers a beautiful sprawling ceremony lawn, a rustic brick walled event space with a gorgeous wood burning fireplace, and an adjoining room with a super cool antique wood bar to set the tone for your party.
Whichever spaces you host your event at the Villagio, it is sure to be timeless, beautiful, and luxurious. Most importantly, your guests will have walking access to one of the most incredible areas in the world to partake in epicurean delights.
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Black and white damask is so completely fabulous. Damask is bold and geometric with just enough floral to still be soft and feminine. It is a pattern that blends beautifully into a ballroom and adds pizzazz to an otherwise dull space. In this beautiful wedding at the Villagio Resort and Spa in Napa, it is used in an outdoor space which punches up the beautiful garden atmosphere in an unexpected and playful way.
Upon first thought, a black and white damask pattern conjures up images of elegant, vintage romance. I would achieve this look by pairing these bold damask pattern linens with mercury votives, silver candelabras, and cut crystal vases. The Deco Chair in white or silver from Hartmann Studios will lend its elegant lines and heirloom qualities to the overall look. In lounge areas, try curvaceous tufted sofas in white with dark wood accents. The soft white damask sofa from Heritage and Craft will add glamor to this sophisticated design. Romantic wrought iron and crystal chandeliers complete the look. Hanging ornate indoor chandeliers in outdoor spaces is always unexpected and keeps the design fresh and young.
If you are looking for a more dramatically modern design, toss in bright splashes of over-the-top color – try lime green or lemon yellow. Lacquered coffee tables in black, audaciously colorful throw pillows, and curved tufted leather banquettes will come together in a stylish contemporary design with a hint of retro glamor. Square glass vases arranged in trios will look great with each having a single type of flower. I love a combination of calla lilies, roses, and anemones arranged in this way. Sliced limes or lemons used in the base of the glass vases bring the color back in with a fresh twist.
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: The San Francisco City Club
Photography by: Daniela Degrassi Photography
About the Venue
Choosing the right wedding venue is one of the most important decisions any engaged couple will make. The venue helps to set the tone of the event and ultimately brings the whole day together. Since San Francisco is known as a city of wonders, you have many incredible wedding venues to choose from. So where does one start?
If you are looking for a central location that provides one stop amenities, then I would recommend checking out The San Francisco City Club. The City Club has been part of San Francisco’s history for over 100 years. The beaux Arts styling and architecture make this location a perfect complement for the vintage bride or the Gatsby girl.
The City Club offers a list of unique amenities. It is not a hotel, so your decor options can go any direction you desire. As a private club to some of San Francisco’s most elite financiers, it has the best San Francisco has to offer concerning cuisine and wine. The rooms are gorgeous with rich wood accents, fireplaces, and fine art by some of California’s most renowned artists (the floor to ceiling Diego Rivera will make any art-lover swoon).
Why this Works
The celebration pictured above is classic San Francisco. The bride herself is part of the design. Look at how the dress and veil are complemented by the rich and luxurious setting. This bride could be circa 1920 just as easily as circa 2010. The warm wood paneling and patterned carpet are softened by the subtle color palette created by the washed ivory tones of the linen and chair covers. The look is completed by the wood chiavari chairs, again on trend with the 1920′s look.
My favorite accent of this celebration is the bright floral displays. The combination of tall and short vases creates a bit of dimension on the table and I love how the bright colors become the focal point of the table.
I Do Venues wants to recognize the talented team of wedding professionals who helped to make this bride’s dream a reality: Photographer – Daniela Degrassi Photography; Day of Coordinator – Jamie Furman of The City Club; Floral – Laurel Designs; Cake – Tim Nugent of Scala’s Bistro; Catering – The San Francisco City Club.
Wedding Venue: Clift Hotel A Modern Romance
Photography by: onelove photography
About the Venue
A vision of modern glamor and refined elegance, San Francisco’s Clift Hotel is the perfect example of chic sophistication. In the lobby, soaring 25-foot ceilings, polished Italian plaster walls, and Italian Pietra Serena limestone floors transport you to another world. An over-sized bronze chair and couch with curling horn arms add whimsy and create an innovative and striking atmosphere.
As you move through the event spaces, white velvet curtains cover all of the walls, softening the space and providing an elegant backdrop for custom-etched mirrors and hanging demilune Murano glass vases. Tired banquet room furniture is updated – Polyurethane chairs with silver legs are slip-covered with printed etching of Italian Renaissance chair frames while dark exotic wood and polished stainless steel establishes a sleek, modern style.
Ask the Experts
A neutral and monochromatic wedding intensifies the modern edge of the Clift Hotel. Thoughtful uses of warm taupe and soft amber keep this wedding from feeling stark and cold. Amber uplighting in the ceremony creates a feeling of intimacy and the two Manzanita trees dripping in crystals and orchids frame the couple as they become husband and wife.
Manzanita trees continue to add drama in the reception where the deep chocolate of the branches contrast against the base of white and blush pink dahlias and accents of chocolate cosmos. The escort cards also embrace the theme of modern nature with burlap-colored tags adorned with leaf-stamped ovals indicating the guests’ names. The leaf motif is carried onto the cake where graphic fondant botanicals and intricate piping details act as an updated version of the traditional flower-adorned cake.
I Do Venues wants to recognize the talented team of wedding professionals who helped to make this bride’s dream a reality: Photographer – onelove photography, Florist – Floral Design Studio, Cake – Cake Coquette, Lighting – Anderson AV Rentals, Invitations – Nice Owl Design Studio.
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