9 Best Wedding Venues in San Francisco – Affordable & Unique Reception Venues

Our Top 9 Wedding Venues in San Francisco CA

If you’re planning a wedding in the San Francisco area, you’re in luck! There are so many incredible wedding venues in San Francisco to choose from. To help you narrow your options, we’ve compiled a list of 10 breathtaking reception venues in San Francisco, CA. From historic mansions to modern loft spaces, there’s something for everyone on this list. So without further ado, here are nine stunning places to host your San Francisco, CA, wedding reception.

1. Mountain House Estate – California Wine Country

Address: 38000 CA-128, Cloverdale, CA 95425

Mountain House Estate in Sonoma Wine Country is a destination for many Bay Area wedding couples. Sitting on 40 private acres and overlooking the rolling hill of California wine country, the property is known for its flexibility and customization – want to bring a food truck and have your furry friend participate in your ceremony? We can make it happen! Most couples choose our venue because we have more unique photo opportunities than the average venue – in fact, our website has an entire page showing you all the unique areas.

Mountain House Estate is consistently ranked as a top Northern California wedding venue. Click here to get in touch.

P.S. – We have lodging accommodations if you want to spend the night.

Nearby: Mendocino, Santa Rosa, Napa

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2. Stern Grove Trocadero Clubhouse: DIY Wedding

Address: Wawona St, San Francisco, CA 94132

Update March 2023 from the website: “CURRENTLY UNAVAILABLE Updated 03/12/23: Due to severe damage sustained by a fallen 85-foot eucalyptus tree in March 2023, the Clubhouse is currently closed. We are not accepting reservations at this time. Future availability will be posted here once more information on the repair work and a re-opening date has been determined.”

The Stern Grove Trocadero Clubhouse is a great wedding venue in San Francisco, CA, due to its stunning natural beauty, DIY appeal, and feeling of seclusion. With its winding paths, pond, redwoods, and eucalyptus trees, this venue offers an enchanted and unique atmosphere for your special day. The Trocadero Clubhouse is the focal point of the space and includes a small Victorian building with a striking lemon-yellow exterior, perfect for pictures and dancing.

Additionally, the Stern Grove Trocadero Clubhouse has a capacity of 120 sit-down guests, and the DIY aspect is why the venue has such a low price point, so you can get the wedding of your dreams without breaking the budget. With some preparation, you and your guests can create an unforgettable experience at the Stern Grove Trocadero Clubhouse. The catering kitchen allows you to bring in your caterer or do DIY catering to save a little extra money.

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Rental Fees:

Stern Grove Trocadero Clubhouse has minimal rental fees, giving wedding couples a DIY wedding and DIY appeal. Check the chart for more details:

3. de Young Museum (Fine Art Museum)

(Located in Golden Gate Park)

Address: 50 Hagiwara Tea Garden Dr, San Francisco, CA 94118

The de Young Museum in San Francisco, CA, is an exceptional wedding venue due to its captivating art space and breathtaking features. With a history dating back to 1895, the museum is nestled in the heart of the city’s Golden Gate Park, making it a perfect location for any couple to tie the knot. With various event spaces, including:

• Barbro Osher Sculpture Garden
  • Seated capacity: 250
• Hamon Observation Tower
  • Seated capacity: 45
  • Reception capacity: 150
• de Young Café + Terrace
  • Seated capacity: 150 (100 with indoor dancing)
  • Reception capacity: 200
• Wilsey Court
  • Seated capacity: 350
  • Reception capacity: 700
• Entire Museum
  • Seated capacity: 350 (in Wilsey Court)
  • Reception capacity: 1,500 to 3,000

Couples can choose the ideal setting to express their unique style. Additionally, its priceless art exhibitions provide a wealth of eye-catching and memorable photo-ops, making it a perfect choice for any couple looking to commemorate their special day.

What is the price?

$15,000 and up.

What is the seating capacity?

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4. The Newhall Nest | Roof Deck

Address: 260 California St Penthouse, San Francisco, CA 94111

The Newhall Nest is an urban wedding venue in the Financial District – perfect for couples in the San Francisco, California, area. Its 4,000-square-foot space includes a 2,000-square-foot rooftop deck with a commercial bar setup and attached penthouse, perfect for intimate receptions of up to 80 guests.

The open-air rooftop features panoramic views of the Bay and stunning cityscape, while the luxe penthouse offers wraparound windows and a loft-style layout. In addition, the venue offers high-end a/v equipment and sound systems, plus a one-of-a-kind iconic game room. The Newhall Nest allows couples to wow their guests with a unique, al fresco dining experience, complete with bistro lighting and a Traeger grill. Moreover, it’s conveniently located in the Embarcadero for easy access for guests via public transportation or ride share (Uber or Lyft).

Amenities:

• Kitchenette with hosting amenities
• Airy, open layout with luxury styling
• High-end A/V equipment
• Sound system throughout, indoors and out
• Game room / overnight room

5. The Pearl | San Francisco Rooftop Wedding Venue

Address: 601 19th St, San Francisco, CA 94107

Corporate event venue only? Definitely not! The Pearl is one of the best urban wedding venues in San Francisco, CA, because of its modern multi-level event space in the heart of Dogpatch. The outdoor terrace area offers amazing waterfront industrial views of The Bay. The multi-tier setup provides plenty of space for your guests to mingle, enjoy conversations, and drink in the views. Additionally, the Pearl provides 9,000 square feet of total space, and the maximum seated reception capacity is 220 people. With stunning views, plenty of space, and the ability to host up to 800 guests, the Pearl is perfect for an unforgettable wedding celebration.

Pros:

• Panoramic rooftop Views
• Spacious, open-space concept perfect for a reception
• Dimmable in-house lighting
• Four-zone wireless control sound system
• Plug & play projector with 11’ x 7’ screen
• On-site venue manager
• Permanent art installations
• ADA lift
• WiFi
• Bike Parking

Cons:

• Difficult parking
• No outdoor space with gardens/trees

5. Pier 70

Photo Courtesy of WeddingWire

Address: 20th Street, 901 Illinois St, San Francisco, CA 94107

Pier 70 is in the Potrero Point neighborhood, home to the Union Iron Works and later to Bethlehem Shipbuilding. It’s a fantastic industrial wedding venue in San Francisco, CA, because of its unique combination of shoreline, industrial use, and historical buildings. It is a 69-acre property owned by the Port of San Francisco, which gives couples access to a waterfront setting with plenty of room to host their wedding. With its breathtaking views, spaciousness, and rustic charm, Pier 70 provides a perfect venue for couples looking to have a huge wedding – the venue can accommodate up to 800 guests, with ceremony spaces on both levels, reception space on the upper level, and a lawn for wedding photography. Couples can also access the pier to celebrate, creating a unique and special occasion.

6. Conservatory of Flowers

Address: 100 John F Kennedy Dr, San Francisco, CA 94118

The Conservatory of Flowers is a beautiful, historical, and unique wedding venue in the Golden Gate Park of San Francisco. It boasts hundreds of plants and flowers, custom metalwork and architectural beauty, and different exhibit spaces for your wedding, including:

• The Outdoor Palm Terrace
• The Terrace Lawns
• Five Conservatory Galleries
• West Gallery
• Orchard Pavilion (the reception hall)

This venue allows couples to host their entire event in one place, with a maximum capacity of 200 guests. Moreover, the Conservatory of Flowers is a perfect space for nature-loving couples to host their big day and create beautiful memories in a peaceful and idyllic setting. The venue does have a caterer list you must choose from and does require you to hire at least a month of coordinator/planner.

7. The Laundry | Art Museum Wedding

Address: 3359 26th St, San Francisco, CA 94110

Located in San Francisco’s lively Mission District, The Laundry is a tucked away hidden secret. This gallery space is ideal for your wedding day if you love exposed brick and an industrial yet warm & rustic charm. The Laundry features rotating art exhibitions with works from established and emerging local SF artists. With 6,000 sq ft, two floors, and four gallery spaces to choose from (or choose them all), The Laundry can accommodate any size wedding or elpoement.

Here are the available spaces with capacity:

• Capp St. Gallery: Maximum Capacity: 25
• Full Buyout: Maximum Capacity: 210
• Salon Gallery: Maximum Capacity: 80
• Theater Gallery: Maximum Capacity: 100
• Upper Capp St. Gallery: Maximum Capacity: 25

8. The Box SF

Address: 1069 Howard St, San Francisco, CA 94103

The Box SF is a quirky wedding venue in San Francisco, as it is conveniently located in the South of Market area, just a stone’s throw from City Hall. The space offers a warm and cozy feel (and even features a hidden Speakeasy!) with its original 1920’s windows, wood details, and modern industrial loft feel. It is also the former William Randolph Hearst newspaper printing plant, making it a unique and special place for weddings.

Cool Features:

• Hidden speakeasy
• Historic printing presses
• Original antique printed pieces
• 337-year-old table made from antique Chinese village gate doors
• Full bar packages and multiple catering options are available
  • Or BYO caterer
  • No food and beverage minimum

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9. Golden Gate Club

Located in: Presidio of San Francisco

Address: 135 Fisher Loop, San Francisco, CA 94129

The Golden Gate Club is a Wedgewood Weddings venue. If the name didn’t give it away, the San Francisco Golden Gate Club offers amazing views of the Golden Gate Bridge, the city skyline, and the ocean. Because it’s a Wedgwood Weddings venue, it provides couples with an all-inclusive and customizable wedding package, complete with an array of services to make planning easier.

The venue itself has a variety of spaces to choose from, including the Ventana Ballroom, the Cypress and Hawthorn ballrooms, and the Presidio Chapel. Each space features cathedral ceilings, revival-style architecture, and floor-to-ceiling windows with views of the Presidio and the Golden Gate Bridge. The venue rental and ceremony cost is reasonable, averaging around $100 to $180 per guest and $1,500 for the ceremony. With all these features, the Golden Gate Club is a great venue for couples looking for a memorable and beautiful wedding in San Francisco.

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FAQ

What types of venues are available for a wedding in San Francisco?

When planning a wedding in San Francisco, there are SO many venue types. For a simple atmosphere, couples can opt for a San Francisco City Hall wedding with a ceremony performed by a County Clerk Deputy Marriage Commissioner and limited to six guests.

Museums, hotels and resorts, restaurants, country clubs and estates, and waterfront venues provide stunning backdrops for exchanging vows. For a larger group of loved ones, restaurant wedding venues can provide the ideal compromise between a San Francisco City Hall elopement and a full-scale wedding. Dedicated event spaces are also available for those looking for a more traditional and elegant space to get married in San Francisco.

Are there any affordable wedding venues in San Francisco?

The city has a variety of wedding venues to choose from—from exotic beachfront venues to barn venues and from small venues for intimate weddings to winery wedding venues. With various styles and sizes, a range of prices, and stunning city views, you can find a wedding venue to fit your needs and budget.

The average cost for a wedding in San Francisco is around $43,119, about $14,000 higher than the national average. But don’t fret—there are still plenty of options for an affordable wedding in the city. You just have to be wary of deciding if you want a DIY wedding where mishaps can happen or if you want to pay extra for a more stress-free experience.

No matter your budget or style, you can find the perfect wedding venue in San Francisco. From a historic federal reserve to a luxurious ballroom, you’re sure to find a spot to make your special day truly memorable.

Are there any unique reception venues in San Francisco?

Are you looking for something unique and special for your wedding reception venue in San Francisco? Consider the iconic Ferry Building, where you can say your vows in a stunning waterfront setting. The Ritz-Carlton offers a romantic courtyard lit with stars and twinkling city lights or a sophisticated ballroom with Bavarian chandeliers for an outdoor reception.

Are there any reception venues with views of the San Francisco Bay?

Are you looking for a wedding venue in San Francisco with stunning views of the Bay? Look no further than the Ritz-Carlton at 301 Battery St, City Cruises at 125 Third St, City View at Metreon, or the Julia Morgan Ballroom. These venues offer gorgeous views of the San Francisco Bay, making your special day even more magical.

The Ritz-Carlton in San Francisco vs. City View at Matreon

The Ritz-Carlton offers a romantic courtyard reception lit by stars and twinkling city lights, while City View at Metreon offers a floor-to-ceiling view of the San Francisco skyline and an 11,000-square-foot open-air terrace. Finally, the Julia Morgan Ballroom at 465 California St. provides a beautiful city view and a luxurious ballroom with a 20-foot fireplace. For a truly magical experience, consider getting married at Grace Cathedral on Nob Hill, where you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the entire Bay Area.

Are there any indoor wedding venues in San Francisco?

Too many to name! San Francisco has various wedding venues to choose from, indoor and outdoor, ensuring you find the perfect setting for your celebration. Whether you’re looking for a timeless ballroom, a cozy art gallery, or a former federal reserve (The Bentley Reserve Building), you can find it in San Francisco.

No matter what style of venue you’re looking for, San Francisco has something for everyone, so start your search for the perfect wedding venue today!

Are there any winery wedding venues in San Francisco?

The best winery wedding venues are in Sonoma and Napa.

San Francisco has a variety of different types of wedding venues to choose from, and there are some great winery venues available. From small, intimate wineries to large, luxurious ones with stunning city views, you can find the perfect winery wedding venue in San Francisco. From coastal vineyards to rustic barns, there is something for every couple. You can also find some of the most stunning ballrooms in San Francisco with some of the best views of the Bay. So, if you want a unique and beautiful venue to say “I do” in the city, a winery wedding venue in San Francisco is a great option.

What is the best hotel venue for a wedding in San Francisco?

Regarding wedding venues in San Francisco, deciding which one is the best can be difficult. The Ritz-Carlton at 301 Battery St. is a great option with its elegant wedding reception venues featuring romantic courtyard receptions lit by stars and twinkling city lights or sophisticated ballroom receptions under Bavarian crystal chandeliers.

The Palace Hotel

The Palace Hotel at 125 Third St. is another excellent choice, as it is the oldest hotel in San Francisco and has a 9,000-square-foot Grand Ballroom that can accommodate up to 500 guests.

James Leary Flood Mansion

For a unique experience, consider the James Leary Flood Mansion at 600 Stockton St., which offers a 140-foot-long Grand Hall that can hold up to 165 guests for a seated event or 299 for a reception-style event.

City View at Metreon

Last, City View at Metreon at the center of the city is the perfect option for larger receptions, as it can host between 200 and 2,000 people with its 31,000-square-foot interior and 11,000-square-foot open-air terrace with a stunning view of the San Francisco skyline.

Are there any destination wedding venues in San Francisco?

Mountain House Estate is one of the top destination wedding venues near San Francisco. Here’s why:

• We’re in California wine country and nearby many vineyards and wineries
• We’re close enough to the coast if you want to experience the Pacific ocean and views.
• Our venue offers next-door lodging if you want to spend the night.
• We have dozens of photo opportunities that no other venue offers.

Book a tour of Mountain House Estate to find your perfect wedding reception venue.

Weddings are an important part of any couple’s life, and choosing the right location for their ceremony and reception is key. With so many stunning venues in San Francisco, CA, deciding which one is right for you can be hard. But don’t worry—our team at Mountain House Estate would be happy to book a tour of our property and help you find the perfect space for your big day. We guarantee that you won’t regret booking with us!