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: Mt. La Salle Old World Charm and a Napa View
Photography by: enLuce Photography
This Church is beautiful! Click here for more images.
About the Venue:
Mt. La Salle Church (also known as Christian Brothers Retreat Center) nestled in the hills above Napa Valley provides a serene and majestic vista and will instill your guests with a sense of peace and tranquility. The Chapel is a wonderful example of Spanish Romanesque and Mission-style architecture. The red tile roof, classic adobe styling, and elongated breezeways are accentuated by handsome arched outdoor corridors. The splendid display of Old World architecture is reminiscent of a California Mission.
The exquisite Bell Tower is the cornerstone of the property and is tantamount to a classical Italian piazza or Spanish plaza. The chapel, residential halls, and administrative offices all work together to forge a connection between the past and the present, keeping a connection to a central gathering place or community square, traditional in European culture.
The chapel is the obvious choice for a traditional ceremony; however, if you prefer to think outside of the box, create your ceremony on the peaceful and luxuriant lawn. To appropriately create a space that is inviting and timeless, consider using wood benches versus a traditional white or natural wood folding chair. A romantic flair of chandeliers hung from the ancient oak trees will provide a memorable backdrop and give your guests plenty to gush about. I love the idea of a heavy floral aisle runner. A thick carpeting of pastel colored blooms will contrast superbly with the vast green lawn, or use a stencil pattern to create a floral scroll that matches the look of your chandeliers. Gorgeous!
Click here to see images from this couple’s fun reception held at the Villagio Inn and Spa.
I Do Venues wants to recognize the talented team of wedding professionals who helped to make this bride’s dream a reality: Photographer – enLuce Photography; Designer/Planner – Simone Lennon of Soiree by Simone; Floral – Karen Baba of Plan Decor; Catering – Villagio Inn and Spa; Cake – Forget-me-not Bakery; Chocolate Fountain – The Chocolate Curtain; Entertainment – Martin Hodge Productions; Rentals – Classic Party Rentals; Videographer – Thomas Hughes Films.
Wedding Venue: The Dana-Powers House Sneak Preview
Photography by: Ken Kienow
Click here to see some more fun images…
About the venue
Over 100 years of incredible California History is yours to share and become part of if you choose to mosey on over to Rancho Nipomo along California’s Central Coast area and check out The Dana-Powers House. The name is derived from the current historians of the house Judith Dana-Powers and Edward Chadwell. Judith’s family have lived on and taken loving care of this property since 1882 and for over 100 years the Dana’s were known for their generous hospitality and lavish fiesta’s. It is so befitting that the current generations of Dana’s would continue this tradition by opening their incredible home to create a feeling of extended family as they help you plan and execute the perfect wedding celebration.
I Do Venues wants to recognize the talented team of wedding professionals who helped to make this bride’s dream a reality: Photographer – Ken Kienow; Floral – April Flowers; Catering – Upper Crust Trattoria; Pies – Avila Valley Barn; Table numbers – Paper Eclectiques.
Wedding Venue: The Mountain Terrace Sneak Preview
Photography by: Adi Nevo Photographs
About the Venue
Flow… this is a key element that you’ll hear almost every wedding professional speak about. Whether you are talking about the symbiotic relationship between the various spaces used at an event facility, or the time line of the event – every wedding needs to have it. I love the mulch-terraced decks, patio, and lawn area at the Mountain Terrace; the size and scale of each space works well by themselves or when designed together for a great event with a cohesive flow.
The expansive lawn is one of my favorite locals in the South Bay. The lush green lawn rolls directly into a sentry post of the soaring Redwood trees – as the sun sets you can see the filtered light twinkle through the tree line and shower the bridal party with LOVE. White or natural wood chairs (included with the rental fee) with an ivory cushion fit perfectly. If you are looking to add a splash of vintage or romantic flair, consider scrolled iron garden chairs with a comfy cushion.
The artisan-styled wooden arch provided by the facility is a perfect frame for the bride and groom – it looks amazing when covered with a simple burst of flowers at the top or weave the beauty of soft vines throughout the structure. The lawn envelopes you in a lush dark green forested feel. In order to bring in a splash of color, use a neutral color palette. White, ivory’s, or blush all work amazingly and will create the necessary contrasts to make the space come to life.
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; Design and Catering – Samantha Bryer for Weir and Associates; Entertainment – Pure Ecstacy; Photo Booth – Night Owl Photobooth.
Wedding Venue: The Sylvan Lake Estate Heaven on Earth
Photography by: 39 East Photography
Click here to see some more beautiful images from this wedding.
About the venue
The Sylvan Lake Estate is like coming home. The owners of this amazing retreat-style estate have owned the property for over 40 years and while they only host a handful of weddings on the property each year, to those brides and grooms lucky enough to book this unique location it will feel like they’re part of the family. The gardens are exquisite and as John will tell you, he knows every flower, bloom, grass, and gopher. This is a true labor of love for the couple and what a great thing to share with your family and friends.
Ask the experts
I never get tired of a great outdoor celebration – especially when your location is as magical as The Sylvan Lake Estate. This outdoor celebration blows me away. I love how the bride was able to incorporate that incredible comfortable feel you only get at a private home, but tie it all together with her roots of being raised in the Napa Valley.
A great design is not only endearing and fresh – it is timeless. The rustic white washed farm tables are perfect. So out of the box, not on every rental list, and yet they are sublime and picture perfect. The incredible French-style white garden chairs are again perfect – this completes the look. If they had used plain white wood folding chairs, this look would not jump off the page as it does.
A gorgeous color palette trend this year has been the modern yellow and gray pairing – what a great thought to take this highly modern color palette and reinvent it into a fabulously soft and chic country-themed set of graphics. The mason jars and corresponding color palette are perfectly executed from invitation to centerpiece, to give-away at the end of the night, and even the flowers. Love it!
I Do Venues wants to recognize the talented team of wedding professionals who helped to make this bride’s dream a reality: Photographer – 39 East Photography; Floral – Green Valley Floral; Cake – Hannah’s Edible Art; Catering – Alex’s Catering; Entertainment – Platinum Entertainment; Invitations – Modern Moments Designs.
Wedding Venue: Fort Mason
Photography by: HyStudio
About the Venue
As you drive down the sun-kissed stretch of waterfront from the intersection of Buchanan and the Marina to the Aquatic Park and Marina Green, you’ll discover what is known as Fort Mason. Since well before the 1906 earthquake, the residents of the Marina district of our gorgeous city have shared this incredible strip of waterfront with the sailors, merchant marines, and the Navy. Now the land is being carefully watched over by the Golden Gate National Recreation Area.
Ask the Expert
The turn of phrase “There’s not a bad seat in the house” is an understatement for this venue. A waterfront ceremony on top of the bluff with towering Monterey pines offering dappled shade for your guests is a scenic image usually reserved for picture perfect postcards. The addition of the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, and the Port of San Francisco places the scenery at the top of anyone’s wildest imagination.
The heirloom quality celebration pictured above is the perfect companion to the Italianate and Renaissance architectural styling of 1 Fort Mason. This incredible building, which has panoramic views from every room, is the perfect wedding venue choice for a couple looking to pair the best view in San Francisco with a grand feeling afforded by a historic military outpost.
The dining room is accentuated by nearly 50 feet of over-sized floor to ceiling windows which creates a light-infused interior space, enhanced the verdant green garden below and the views of the Bay beyond. The black chiavari chairs, crisp white linen, and soft romantic details of this classic monochromatic design seems to nod to a simpler time.
The building has such historic charm, but it is a great space for a party. The transition from a soft romantic dining room to a fun and festive party is just a matter of a few well-placed lights. Lighting can have a huge impact on this room. A stenciled patterned wash helps to soften this space and turns a vanilla room into a chic club.
Wedding Venue: Cavallo Point And Their Journey Begins
Photography by: Sabine Scherer Photography
Click here to see some more amazing images from this venue!
About the Venue
The Lodge at the Golden Gate – aka Cavallo Point – has gained its fair share of recognition recently. Although the historic site is well over 100 years old, the world-class resort is only four years young. The historic buildings that surround the 10 acre “parade green” is by far one of the most spectacular views in all of the Bay Area.
These gorgeous photos captured by the amazing Sabine Scherer are not only breathtaking, but they capture the facility at its best. Whether you are strolling though the wildflowers and tall grasses at 6:00 am, watching the fog roll in past the Golden Gate mid-day, or checking out the lights of San Francisco waterfront, the view won’t get better than this.
Ask the Expert
This was another event that was fun to design. We really decided to tell a story with this event. The bride and groom had traveled throughout the world together and both families had to fly in from overseas to make the event, so I wanted to make sure that the guests really got to know the couple as this was a once in lifetime chance for many of the guests to all be in the same place together. Our underlying theme was travel. We decided that we wanted to make it subtle, and also focus on the colors and design on the beautiful Cavallo Point. We wanted touches of whimsy yet modern earthy details…
We decided to recreate cherry blossom trees by hand gluing hundreds of paper “cherry blossoms” – it was a simple, yet beautiful backdrop for the ceremony. They framed the couple perfectly.
For our escort cards we recreated a birch forest with the escort cards attached to the trees. It was the perfect combo of earthy yet modern. We used a typewriter for the guest book so that they could create a guest travel journal.
At each place setting we put a postcard and asked that each guest write a “bucket list” item. The couple knew that traveling would always be a huge part of their lives and what better way to inspire the couple than to create the ultimate “bucket list” of things to do throughout the world.
My favorite part of the design was the “chip bar.” We give our clients a detailed questionnaire to get to know them and both the bride and groom mentioned the bride’s obsession for chips! So we brought in chips from around the world and created the ultimate chip bar, people were able to nibble as they danced the night away and also pack some up to go home! The guests had a ball and it was another great way to bring in our travel theme. ~ Alicia Falango.
I Do Venues wants to recognize the talented team of wedding professionals who helped to make this bride’s dream a reality: Photographer – Sabine Scherer Photography; Designer and Florist – Alicia K Designs; Lighting – Got Light?; General Rentals – Hartmann Studios; Linens – La Tavola Linen; Photobooth – SF Photo Booth.
Wedding Venue: Kunde A Hill Top Wedding
Photography by: Diane Askew Photography
Check out the slide show for more images.
About the Venue
Sustainability: the principle that we must meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
By today’s standards this is a fairly accepted concept and the idea of sustainability has become a buzz word in the wine and farming industries. However, if you have ever taken a visit to Kunde Family Estate, you’ll find out this forward-thinking idea is the guiding principle that founded this 5th generation winery over 100 years ago by Louis Kunde.
The Kunde Family Estate Winery has been committed to the idea of sustainable farming since 1902, and as a family and a winery their dedication to the environment runs as deep as their pledge to craft award-winning wines.
The sun-kissed serenity of this outdoor setting is breathtaking, rising 1,400 feet above the floor of Sonoma’s Valley of the Moon. Kunde Family Estate’s “Mountain Top” is the newest addition to their venue offerings. The Estate has over five different areas that a couple can use for their celebration; if you are looking for a one-of-a-kind experience at the most intimate setting in Sonoma, you’ll fall in love with Kunde.
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; Day of Coordinator – Stephanie Franci of Kunde Family Estate; Floral – Vanda Floral Design; Cake – Fleur de Lisa Wedding Cakes and Specialty Desserts; Catering – Preferred Sonoma Caterers; Entertainment – Christopher Wooley; Lighting – ATL Events.
Wedding Venue: Pavilion by the Bay Lounging Around
Photography by: Michele M Waite Photography
Click here to check out some more beautiful images from this event.
About the Venue
‘A room with a view’ – there is no other way to describe The Pavilion by the Bay. Sitting at the water’s edge on Treasure Island, this permanent tent structure has glass window panels that allow each of your guests the best view in the house – all night long.
Ask the expert
Hello wow, hello sexy! Every wedding should have an area for guests to unwind and relax, hence the perfect lounge. The lounge can be used for cocktail hour and then again for dessert and/or dancing. There are so many furniture options, so finding something to match your theme and style should be fun. Take into consideration the shape of the room and the flow of the event. I love it when a lounge has a dramatic entrance, who wouldn’t be excited for what’s in store?
The sleek modern furnishings of this lounge in all-white leather is a perfect compliment for the soft white ethereal feel of this stylish wedding at The Pavilion by the Bay. Our hats off to the designer – they have managed to take a permanent tent structure and incorporate lots of soft billowing fabrics, mercury glass, and other romantic tones along with a splash of modern panache. The lounge alone is one thing we love.
I Do Venues wants to recognize the talented team of wedding professionals who helped to make this bride’s dream a reality: Photographer – Michele M Waite Photography; Designer/Planner – Sitting in a Tree Events; Floral – Birch SF; Catering – Wine Valley Catering; Lighting Rentals – Hatfield and Walker; Invitations – Ollie Ollie Press; Videographer – Shakewell Productions; All Other Paper Goods – Sitting in a Tree Events.
Special Offers: Garden Court Hotel Holiday Offers and Events
Photography by: Geoff White
The Spanish style architecture of the Garden Court Hotel in Downtown Palo Alto resembles your own private “Hacienda,” the modern luxuries that are hidden inside this elegantly refurbished boutique hotel are a well kept secret of the elite of the Silicon Valley.
This Holiday Season, the Garden Court Hotel is offering some amazing deals and events!
30% and 50% Off 3rd Night Holiday Stays
30% Off 3rd Night thru Dec 15, 2011
50% Off 3rd Night Dec 15, 2011 thru Jan 8, 2012
Click here for more details!
Hometown Tourist On Ice
A little silly. A little sweet. Very romantic. Spend the evening skating under the stars and enjoy a luxurious night at Garden Court Hotel.
Click here for more details!
Holiday Events and Special Packages
So many to choose from! To see a complete list of all Holiday Events and Special Packages offered at the Garden Court Hotel, click here.
Weddings and Complimentary Honeymoons
Enjoy your day and a complimentary wedding night stay + 7 night Honeymoon in Spain.
Click here to find out more about a complimentary wedding night stay, and here to get more information on how to qualify for your honeymoon in Spain.
The Secret Garden Holiday Tea and Matinee
Saturday, December 17, 2011.
Holiday Tea Only – $35.00 per adult / $25.00 per child
Holiday Tea and the Secret Garden Matinee – $75.00 per adult / $45.00 per child
Click here for more details!
Wedding Venue: Villagio Inn and Spa with Simone Lennon
Photography by: enLuce Photography
Check out the fun slide show
About the Venue
I love the Villagio Inn and Spa in Napa. The location of this gorgeous wedding venue is a bit off the beaten path, but once you emerge onto the courtyard or step into the barrel room of this fantastic property, you know it’s truly magical. The Tuscan-style architecture reminds you of sitting in a farmhouse in the Tuscan countryside, sharing a favorite bottle of red wine with family and friends.
Take a look at this couple’s beautiful ceremony held at the Mt. La Salle Church.
Ask the expert
In the end, the bride’s mother said it best, “All this is just fluff, it’s beautiful fluff, but nothing compares to the beautiful smile on my daughter’s face when she walked down the aisle.”
It’s apparent that this couple is just absolutely gorgeous, but it’s very rare to find a couple who’s inner beauty rivals their external beauty which shines so bright in Ashley and Dave. Ashley, by far, one of my favorite brides of all time, really is the girl that everyone wants to be best friends with. She’s calm, happy, has a great sense of style and really truly makes you feel like you are part of her family. As a couple, they were an absolute dream to work with.
With that said, this wedding was not themed by an era, a style or a trend–it was much more than that. It was themed by Ashley’s Italian heritage and family values that she was brought up with. It was about who she was, who her parents are and what she and Dave were building together – family, style, sophistication, class and overall, a beautiful life.
As a wedding planner, I get to work with some of the most amazing people, creative vendors and at some of the most beautiful places, and when all three elements align for one wedding, that’s when wedding magic really happens.
The color palette for this affair was white, kiwi green and cobalt blue, but most importantly, the symbolic icon of the wedding was the olive branch. To put the theme in motion, we created an impressive cocktail hour display using imported olive oil in custom bottles with custom labels and tags that acted as escort cards and guest favors in rustic wooden crates. Also, the over-sized white dinner charges on the tablescapes had an olive tree branch impressed on the top which added a beautiful touch.
One of my favorite elements in the wedding was the Historic Barrel Room for the dancing reception. We used of 400 votive candles combined to create an amazingly romantic glow throughout the brick room and the outdoor lawn that we transformed into a cigar lounge equipped with an espresso bar, cigar bar, cordials bar, photo booth and picture screening slideshow of the couple. ~ Simone Lennon.
I Do Venues wants to recognize the talented team of wedding professionals who helped to make this bride’s dream a reality: Photographer – enLuce Photography; Designer/Planner – Simone Lennon of Soiree by Simone; Floral – Karen Baba of Plan Decor; Catering – Villagio Inn and Spa; Cake – Forget-me-not Bakery; Chocolate Fountain – The Chocolate Curtain; Entertainment – Martin Hodge Productions; Rentals – Classic Party Rentals; Videographer – Thomas Hughes Films.
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.
- Northern California Venues
- Central California Venues
- Southern California Venues
- Alicia's I Do's
- Ask the Experts
- Design Inspirations
- DIY Tips
- Photography Tips
- Special Offers
- Style Guides
.....................................................
