Welcome to I Do Venues—your insider’s view into 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 west coast 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: Brazilian Room Design
Photography By: Andrew Weeks
Ceremony
The Brazilian Room is so breathtaking, you only need to add the slightest touches to make the venue your own. A natural jewel of the East Bay, your guests will be astonished by its effortless beauty. Most ceremonies held at the Brazilian Room take advantage of its manicured garden or slate patio. The rustic outdoor space requires only the smallest amount of embellishment. Modest natural wood or white chairs create the best contrast with the historic dark stone building as your backdrop. You may consider accenting the chairs with simple floral arrangements in order to give your ceremony a soft, more finished look. Light and airy themes work well in these surroundings, and with the botanical gardens right next door, this is a great venue for a truly rustic or organic theme. Casually thrown-together floral arrangements, natural accessories like twigs, pine cones, and burlap will allow you to make the space unique to your style and design preferences.
Little is needed in regards to structural additions at the Brazilian room; however, with the lush greens and deep browns that surround you, it is important to bring in splashes of color. Your floral designs should include bright pinks, fiery oranges, and sunny yellows – you will get the most pop from these colorful flowers against the room’s dark background tones. I Do Venues recommends considering seasonal blooms for your celebration. With the botanical garden next door, it is likely that these selections will already appear in the natural surroundings during your wedding month.
Reception
The natural brown tones of the interior wood walls weighing heavily on the room, we recommend bringing warmth into the space through the use of light-colored linens and additional lighting. This will give the space depth and warmth. The amazing fireplace automatically acts as a focal point, but it can be made even more eye-catching with the right decorations. Use this feature and adorn it with garlands, fabrics, or lots of candles.
A fall palette works well in the Brazilian room; shades of copper, curry, burnt orange, and gold bring in elegant texture and the color needed to lighten the overall feel of the room. If you prefer darker colors, consider using a corresponding color palette in deeper hues to create accents throughout the space. Concentrate these colors to make a strong focal point – incorporate them into your napkins, cake table, guest cards, or favors. This will create the feel you desire without weighing down the space with too many dark colors. Greens are another way to draw attention to the Brazilian Room’s beautiful natural surroundings, and its many shades compliments the space very nicely. If you are having a daytime reception or making your vows during the spring or summer months, subtle pastels can be used to create an elegant feel. Shades of soft lavender, buttercup yellow, and cornflower blue help to accentuate the dark wood features of the building. If you do decide to decorate in pastels, select fabrics that have reflective properties so that the colors are light and airy.
Wedding Venue: Beaulieu Garden with Sylvie Gil
Photography by: Sylvie Gil Photography
We love Beaulieu Garden! Check out their slide show!
About the venue
Where is Beaulieu Garden? That is one question every bride, planner, DJ, florist, and officiant ask themselves when they make their first trip to this magical oasis in the heart of Napa Valley. Brides, do not fear, as anyone who has ever worked or attended an event at this incredible property will tell you, it is well worth the wait.
The property is set back from the main road; you cross the railroad track and the stately gate grants you entrance. The 1/4 mile lane leading to the heart of the property is lined with towering Pine trees and Cabernet vineyards on either side. Are we there yet?
The WOW-factor associated with this location is amazing. Once you arrive and leave your vehicle in the parking area, you still are not sure what to expect. Then you see the Grecian style garden with over-sized pond filled with rose petals and water lilies, a carved stone staircase and landing that are picture-perfect for your ceremony, and perfectly manicured rose gardens that are just a step away from perfection.
Ask the expert
As you peruse the wedding blogs and publications, it is easy for us to begin to think that the level of photography we see is the standard. Take a seat brides, these are all the best of the best and we are so excited to have the amazing Sylvie Gil helping us out and allowing us to publish this “raspberry” soiree. It doesn’t matter whether Sylvie is capturing a moment of sure bliss on the bride’s face or making sure she gets a gorgeous shot of every detail, for all you brides to be, her work is uncompromising.
I love the picture of the grape arbor set for dinner with the chandeliers and candlelight. This is one of the most gorgeous locations for dinner in all of The Valley; however, trying to capture it on film or describing it to a bride can be difficult. Imagine the warmth created by the chandeliers and the small twinkly lights. The juxtaposition of the brightly hued flora motif against the rustic wood arbor and the dense green foliage is perfect. The bright white table runners jump off the page against the neutral colored farm table – it is gorgeous and Sylvie is amazing in her ability to bring it 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 – Sylvie Gil Photography; Planner – Kathy Higgins Weddings; Floral – Valley Flora; Catering – Paula LeDuc Fine Catering; Cake – Perfect Endings; Lighting – Got Light?; Linen and General Rentals – Classic Party Rentals; Lounge Furniture – Blueprint Studios; Entertainment – Ever Music Group, Chris Fox of Fox Sounds.
Wedding Venue: Mill Valley Outdoor Art Club
Photography by: Rosemarie Lion
Ask the expert
Inspired by esteemed architect Bernard Maybeck, the craftsman-style architecture of this facility makes the Outdoor Art Club the perfect location for a delightfully rustic celebration. This is a venue where you can get lost in the details while making a memorable home-spun wedding celebration. As guests arrive through a wisteria-covered arched wooden gate, set the tone by offering raspberry lemonade or other homemade libations drawn from antique glass pitchers. This invites your guest to enjoy a high level of hospitality without any stuffiness or fuss.
I Do Venues prefers to host the ceremony on the lawn towards the far end of the property, leaving the patio set for a fun and inviting cocktail hour. The garden-style chairs offered by the facility are best adorned with bright flowers and ribbons, and the lawn looks amazing with a heavy scattering of rose petals for an aisle runner. The small scale of the pretty little garden is not conducive to many props, but garden stakes with hanging elements look wonderful. If you are leaning toward a shabby chic look, try incorporating a small wooden or metal vintage gate. With a great floral swag attached to the gate – the subtle touch will perfectly set the scene for your wedding ceremony.
If you tend toward a romantic or vintage feel, keeping your ceremony color palette light and airy works best. Consider shades of aqua, chocolate brown, latte, or antique gold. If you want to opt for a brighter pop of color, try fuchsia, mauve, and latte. Each of these color schemes allows for the use of a variety of different flowers without overpowering the small garden with too much color and will tie into the design of your reception room beautifully.
The transition from ceremony to reception is just a few steps up the garden path. Transitioning the patio into an outdoor lounge creates a surreal space with wooden garden furniture that looks right at home. A few wooden benches topped with colored pillows, low coffee-style tables with casual flower arrangements, and candles in various sizes of Mason jars will bring an effortless feeling of comfort into the space. The ancient oaks that watch over the couple are stunning when up-lit or strung with a collection of café lights, completing the space with a warm glow and making it an inviting spot to munch on appetizers after the ceremony, or to enjoy a decadent piece of cake in the evening’s later hours.
The outdoor patio area has many nooks and crannies, all serving as small vignettes to be filled with seasonal blooms, displayed with vintage decor, and to strike up wonderful conversations. Wood or moss-covered vases for displaying bridal bouquets, wooden signs pointing out directions, antique furniture to display escort cards, iron work as a decorative detail… all of these elements can be used in simple ways to transport your guests back in time.
The Art Club’s main room is heavily laden with beamed ceilings, moldings, and hardwood floors, all in dark hues. To lighten up the space, use an antique color palette that helps brighten the room. Ecru, white-washed pinks, pale peach, or ivory help create a look that mimics the character of antique photography, and soft aqua or seafoam green paired with pretty wisteria sets a tone of romance. All of these colors work well as a base to contrast against the dark wood, creating great drama with the light, translucent color scheme playing against the strong, dark architectural features.
Make a statement by adding soft romantic touches and hang small delicate floral arrangements on the room’s side beams. Using vintage metal containers or glass vases looks great as well – just be sure to keep the arrangements simple with just a few pops of color. If the room’s stage is not already being used in another way, keep the theatrical curtains closed until after dinner, when they can be opened to reveal a fun lounge from which spectators can comfortably watch the dance party below.
Ask the Experts
The DIY bride with an affinity for vintage style will fall in love with this unique and historic location. There are so many ways to bring in an old, antiqued feel just through the use of color and simple details. Table design is the best way to make an impact in this intimate room, so choose a table runner that will bring in an element of color. Instead of choosing one china pattern, create a vintage feel by combining different patterns, colors, textures, and sizes in all your dinner and glassware. Menu cards, napkins, table numbers, and favors are all small elements that together help create a great impact in this charming setting.
Wedding Venue: St. Francis Yacht Club Sneak Preview
Photography by: Misti Layne
About the venue
Wow – check out the view of this amazing San Francisco icon. The St. Francis Yacht Club has been welcoming world-class sailing competitions for more than eight decades and the location of The St. Francis Yacht Club is world renowned. The Spanish-styled buildings sit quietly at the edge of Marina Green, just before you enter the Presidio. Can you say location, location, location?! If you are a native of San Francisco, you are fully aware of the multi-million dollar price tags that are associated with the real estate that sits just across the street from the Yacht Club. What an incredible opportunity to share this fantastc view with your family and friends.
I Do Venues wants to recognize the talented team of wedding professionals who helped to make this bride’s dream a reality: Photographer – Misti Layne; Floral – San Francisco Florist; Catering and Beverages – St. Francis Yacht Club; Day of Coordinator – Sarah McClendon; Cake – The Cakemaker; Rentals – Classic Party Rentals; Lighting – Got Light; Entertainment – Denon and Doyle; Invitations – Paper Source.
Wedding Venue: 1 Fort Mason
Photography by: Choco Studio
Click here to see more images from this beautiful wedding!
About the Venue
With incredible bay views, sweeping vistas, and gorgeous surrounding scenery, the photography options available at 1 Fort Mason are endless. More than just the sum of its parts, the photography equation is elementary: just add the bride and groom and you have perfect wedding portraits! Don’t miss out on the surrounding landscape and architecture as tall cypress trees and complex old-world architectural elements can be found all over 1 Fort Mason’s grounds. Many couples focus immediately on the incredible bay views (which I Do Venues wholeheartedly recommends!), often overlooking the area’s surrounding greenery and military artifacts. You will be amazed by the role these simple elements can play in your wedding photography as they create uniquely beautiful pictures of your special day.
Ask the expert
To fully take advantage of the photography options available, consider either hiring a photographer who has shot at this location before, or taking a pre-wedding tour of the grounds so you can scout out locations together. Your thoughtful planning ahead will result in breathtaking photography with a variety of sites, treasures, and emotions.
• Capture the wedding ceremony in progress with the bay, Alcatraz, and the San Francisco waterfront creating a one-of-a-kind background.
• The bride and groom standing together in front of one of the fireplaces, with a vintage crystal chandelier glistening overhead.
• The newlyweds standing in the bar area in front of the room’s curved windows, with twinkling lights from outside showing through the enormous windows.
• The fireplace in the foyer of the building creates a classic backdrop for portraits. It allows for true intimacy in portraits and exudes a lively, playful energy.
I Do Venues wants to recognize the talented team of wedding professionals who helped to make this bride’s dream a reality: Photographer – Choco Studio, Designer/Planner – Duncan Reyes & Dennis Menendez of F. Duncan Reyes Events by Design, Venue – 1 Fort Mason, Florist – Natalini Flowers, Catering – LRE Catering, Event Rentals – Hartmann Studios, Lighting Design – Got Light?, Cake – The Cakemaker, Tuxedo Rental & Sales – Black Tie Tuxedos, Hair and Make-up – Glama-Rama Salon, Entertainment – Synchronicity Strings and BKR Production, Inc., Transportation – C&M Limousine and SF Minibus.
Wedding Venue: The Carneros Inn With Megan Reeves
Photography by: Megan Reeves Photography
Click here to take a look at the Carneros Inn’s gorgeous slide show!
Ask the expert
I love it when some of our favorite contributors express their feelings about our favorite wedding venues. There are so many reasons to fall in love with the Carneros Inn and I’m so glad the very talented Megan Reeves has shared some of hers.
As a photographer I was so inspired by the design of this wedding: organic touches, simple clean lines, energizing colors. Audrienne handled all the details herself and they worked perfectly with Carneros Inn’s urban-rustic style. Sonoma florist, Anne Appleman, used succulents and other unexpected elements in her wonderfully elegant flower arrangements. I also loved the use of a Napa Valley “coffee table” book as a guest book – such a great idea for any destination wedding.
The Carneros Inn is a gorgeous spot to get married. It is set in the beautifully secluded hills of Carneros but is also a 10 minute drive from downtown Napa and its booming restaurant and bar scene. The staff there couldn’t be any nicer or more professional. The ultra-hip cottages are incredibly luxurious and made this Seattle couple’s stay and coordination right around the wedding infinitely easier. Hair and make-up was done by the Carneros Inn spa staff right in her room – the bride and her bridesmaids looked positively radiant.
I Do Venues wants to recognize the talented team of wedding professionals who helped to make this bride’s dream a reality: Photographer – Megan Reeves Photography; Second Photographer – Jen Philips; Day of Coordinator – Tristin Bruno of The Carneros Inn; Floral – Anne Appleman Flowers and Plants; Catering – Carneros Inn; Entertainment – A Long Music.
Wedding Venue: Cline Cellars
Photography By: Tiffany Fosnight and Nicola Borland of Adeline and Grace Photography
About the Venue
As you drive down the Carneros Highway you are surrounded by wineries on all sides, but the Cline Cellars is the first winery you will encounter. It’s a beautiful and welcoming location for your family and friends as an introduction to your wine country celebration.
The team at Cline Cellars have done a remarkable job of creating a lush green garden oasis which can function as a central location for your wedding ceremony and reception. The great lawn sets a spectacular backdrop for the couple looking to host a breathtaking affair, capturing the natural beauty of the picturesque surroundings. I love the mature willow trees – they are the ideal spot to frame in the bride and groom as they exchange vows.
The trees, ponds, and aviaries give your guests the feeling that they are at a private wine country retreat versus a traditional winery. Don’t get me wrong – Cline has been making some of the best vintages for over fifty years.
The couple featured above chose to hold their ceremony on the great lawn. I love the dramatic use of rose petals, which adds color and texture. And what bride wouldn’t want to arrive on a bed of roses? Add to the lush greenery by adding some color. The combination of the rose petals down the aisle along with the bright floral arrangements on the pillars is a perfect choice. A clean and simple design adds to the surroundings rather than outshine it.
I Do Venues wants to recognize the talented team of wedding professionals who helped to make this bride’s dream a reality: Photographer – Tiffany Fosnight and Nicola Borland of Adeline and Grace Photography, Designer / Coordinator – BA Lipin Event Design, Florist – Catherine Conlin of Wiggy Flowers.
Wedding Venue: Sonoma Mission Inn A Perfect Destination
Photography by: Diane Askew Photography
About the venue
World class wine, superior service, and the world’s most inspired chefs – this is what you will experience at the Sonoma Mission Inn and Spa. Owned by the Fairmont Hotels, this property is synonymous with Luxe living and a refined lifestyle. The History of this iconic property begins with the native Americans. The healing properties of the hot springs and mineral enriched muds established this site as a center for the healing arts and sweat lodges.
Today, the gorgeous estate property has become a favorite for destination weddings. The graceful buildings are architectural replica’s of the California Missions. The adobe structures which surround the traditional “piazza” courtyard forges a connection between the past and present. As you pass through the entry doors you are transported to the 1920′s grandeur – the large courtyards are a central theme enclosed on all sides by adobe and red tile.
In 2002 the resort property underwent a multimillion dollar renovation. The renovation brought the beauty and grandeur of the 1920′s back to the aesthetic of the property; however, the updates also included every modern amenity as you would expect from this level of luxury resort.
Ask the expert
The popularity of this resort is partially due to the seductive beauty of the property. It is also in large due to the superior level of service and distinctive hospitality that Fairmont hotels are known for world wide. For destination bound weddings, this property is ideal. Literally, with one phone call and a healthy limit on your credit card, everything is take care of. Flowers, musicians, officiants, decor – nothing left to chance. If you enjoy a more hands-on planning experience, you will be equally thrilled. The backdrop of your wedding canvass is bursting with extraordinary detail, like walking into a time warp – let your imagination run wild!
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; Floral – Fleur Essence Floral Design; Cake – Sweet on Cake; Catering – The Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn; Entertainment – Bella Rosa Quartet, DJ Jeffrey Goodwin; Videographer – Turtle Island Productions.
Wedding Venue: The Dogpatch Studios
Photography By: Orange Photography
Ask the expert
I (Alicia) am a huge supporter of bringing elements of Feng Shui into events. It is something I have applied to my own home, so why not my events? The five elements of Feng Shui (fire, earth, wood, metal, and water) surround us every day. Balance is created by representing the five elements in simple ways.
Chris and Deniz were the perfect clients, allowing me to take the elements of Feng Shui to the next level. They love the Asian culture, having traveled extensively there and using Asian elements in their everyday life, including home décor and cooking.
To come up with a balanced wedding design, I took all five elements and incorporated them into the theme:
Fire – Candles (I know, too easy) and lighting
Earth – Orchids, river rocks, moss
Wood – Bamboo
Water – Columns of floating candles and flowers in water
Metal – Tin containers
We used all of these elements together to create our Asian inspired event. The Dogpatch Studios was the perfect venue for their event, acting as a blank canvas with the 3rd floor as a backdrop for the ceremony. The light and airy space was filled with lights; the city’s own lights as the background. We lined the aisle with petals and pebbles, while the chairs had hanging tins filled with orchids.
After the wedding ceremony, the guests made their way to cocktails where each table held water-filled vases with floating candles, flowers, and river rock. After cocktails, guests were escorted down a flight of stairs lined with columns filled with water and candles. Once they made their way to the reception area, they found a rock and bamboo garden with their escort cards. Long tables were used so all of the elements could be incorporated. Each table featured orchids attached to bamboo in metal containers and succulents running down the center, along with columns of floating candles, river rocks, and moss. It was stunning to view, yet so balanced.
The most important part of Feng Shui is balance. Balance is achieved regardless of theme (you don’t have to have an Asian theme to practice balance). Consider your wedding theme from all angles to embrace balance. Address sights, sounds, tactile, scents, and tastes equally. For example, don’t overpower your guests with an abundance of fragrant flowers but neglect appropriate lighting.
Enjoy and happy designing!
Wedding Venue: Piedmont Community Hall
Photography by: Emily Takes Photos
What a beautiful celebration! Click here to see more images…
About the Venue
At the Piedmont Community Hall, choosing a gorgeous backdrop for an elegant, outdoor garden wedding is easy. With the Community Hall, circular brick patio, Redwood Amphitheater, Japanese Teahouse, and the stunning Exedra Plaza, this facility is sure to please any couple.
The Redwood Amphitheater with its forest-like setting and babbling brook is quiet, serene, and perfect for a small intimate celebration. With the light filtering through the soaring Redwood trees, a magical feeling will overcome you and your guests as you exchange your vows in front of a soaring cathedral of Redwood trees.
If your guest count will tip over 150 guests, the Exedra Plaza is exquisitely located in the heart of Piedmont Park. A beautiful fountain with rounded staircases on either side provides the perfect stage for your nuptials. Host your cocktail hour in the Japanese Tea House, open the walls on three sides and expose an open-air tree-house effect where your guests can enjoy the meticulously manicured garden.
For an outdoor reception, the tasteful and inviting brick patio in front of the Community Hall is always alive with color, from blooming seasonal flowers, to an ancient tree and a round planter as center stage. After the champagne has been sipped and plates cleared, let your guests celebrate by dancing the night away in the Community Hall.
Ask the Experts
We love The Piedmont Community Hall – this charming wedding venue is tucked away in the East Bay hills and offers couples endless design options. A natural rustic affair or a chic garden party, this facility is a blank slate. We love the trans-formative quality of this enchanting venue which allows a bride to create a party that is uniquely her.
Great lighting will transform any space. The amazing lighting provided by Enhanced Lighting and Design added warmth, personality, and pizazz to the classic Mediterranean architecture of the Community Hall. The rich amber glow brings attention to the herringbone hardwood floors, wood beamed ceilings, and wrought-iron chandelier. The playful patterned washes on the walls and floors take this design up a notch from classic to club chic. The classic architecture makes it a beautiful venue on its own, but it is also a great blank canvas for all kinds of details and décor.
I Do Venues wants to recognize the talented team of wedding professionals who helped to make this bride’s dream a reality: Photographer – Emily Takes Photos, Planner – Dreams on a Dime Events and Weddings, Designer – Enhanced Lighting and Design, Florist – Lee’s Florist and Nursery, Cake – Carolyn Wong Cakes, Catering – Good Fellas Catering, Invitations – Wedding Paper Divas.
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