The fog and rolling hills surrounding San Francisco wedding venues make for a picturesque and dreamy celebration. There is something special about the architecture and infrastructure of the city juxtaposed with the natural beauty of the landscape. San Francisco is perfect for nature and culture-loving couples alike.
We talked to several San Francisco wedding planners, including Tara Ybarra of Ybarra Events, about getting married in the Golden City. She tells us, “San Francisco is not only one of the most beautiful cities with stunning, and sometimes quirky, architecture, it is also a city full of love. In San Francisco, where everyone knows Love is Love, all couples can walk hand in hand down the street and be accepted. San Fran is a city where LGBTQ+ weddings and multicultural celebrations are welcomed.”
Couples also love the countless photo ops. Ybarra adds, “From the incredible views to the remarkable buildings, San Francisco offers some amazing backdrops for your wedding day.”
Whether you’re looking for a raw venue space or an iconic San Fran landmark, we have you covered. Keep reading to find PartySlate’s curated list of 13 San Francisco wedding venues for lovers of the City by The Bay. Make sure to stick around for insider wedding tips on making the most of your San Francisco nuptials.
Listed in no particular order …
For an intimate rooftop space…
This loft-style venue offers a stunning rooftop for an al fresco dining experience during your reception. Couples love the stunning city views and countless photo ops.
The Newhall Nest can host up to 50 seated guests.
For a venue that has it all…
This brightly lit venue boasts cathedral ceilings and floor-to-ceiling windows with stunning views of the Golden Gate Bridge— as well as a picturesque courtyard. Wedding ceremonies are extremely beautiful in the Presidio Chapel, a mission-style chapel with an impressive entrance and altar.
Golden Gate Club at the Presidio can host up to 300 seated guests.
For your own private art gallery…
Located in the city’s Dogpatch district, this industrial venue wows with permanent art installations by Alexis Laurent. Couples also appreciate the spectacular views of The Bay from its rooftop event space.
The Pearl can host up to 220 seated guests.
For a one-of-a-kind private dining space…
Private dining gets a new look with a sleek contemporary design. This former warehouse space boasts a beautiful rooftop dining space as well as several interior spaces with a speakeasy ambiance and industrial vibes.
25 Lusk can host up to 135 seated guests.
For a flexible waterfront venue…
Situated on the iconic Embarcadero, this waterfront venue boasts several flexible event spaces with industrial charm. Guests love the spectacular views of Bay Bridge, the Financial District, and Coit Tower.
Pier 27 can host up to 900 seated guests.
For an ever-popular, elegant venue…
Legion of Honor features beautiful event spaces both inside and out. Guests love the neoclassical architecture, breathtaking views, and private gallery viewings.
Legion of Honor can host up to 450 seated guests.
For a transformative art museum…
Not only is this modern venue filled with unique works of art, it’s projection mapping capabilities allow for easy customization.
de Young Museum can host up to 2,500 guests.
For a quintessential San Francisco spot…
The spacious and airy Grand Hall allows guests to mingle freely and offers beautiful natural light and great acoustics.
San Francisco Ferry Building can host up to 400 guests.
For a rustic and historic venue…
This classical revivalist venue features rustic design elements. We especially love how the spacious interior courtyard features gaslight chandeliers in the color of your choice.
Contact The San Francisco Mint for guest capacity details.
For a renowned venue filled with history and science…
This 75-foot-tall planetarium boasts the world’s largest living indoor coral reef — as well as two vast halls with creative lighting options and on-site aquarium.
California Academy of Sciences can host up to 600 seated guests.
For a timeless, yet unique venue…
Exchange vows on the grand staircase and beneath a 24-karat-gold dome in the Rotunda or celebrate outdoors in one of the two courtyards for an unforgettable wedding in San Francisco.
Contact San Francisco City Hall for guest capacity details.
For an expansive, multi-level event space…
This chic industrial space is the perfect blank canvas for any wedding theme. Floor-to-ceiling windows let in plenty of natural light.
Terra Gallery & Event Venue can host up to 400 seated guests.
For an elegant and timeless space…
This impressive venue boasts a collection of classical styles, including features of the Italian Renaissance, Rococo, Tudor, and Georgian periods.
James Leary Flood Mansion can host up to 300 guests.
People Also Ask…
Do I need a wedding planner?
The short answer is yes. A wedding planner or day-of coordinator will make your wedding day as stress-free and joyful as it should be. A professional will also ensure that all details are on-point and make your day seamless. Check out our list of the best wedding planners in San Francisco to choose your planner. You can also contact our contributing panel below:
Meet the Contributors
Tara Ybarra
Co-Owner & Wedding Planner
Ybarra Events
Khadija Hansia-Gibson
Event Planner & Coordinator
Limelight Productions
Alex Quintana
Owner & Creative Director
Quintana Events
Where can I have an outdoor wedding in San Francisco?
San Francisco is the perfect scenic city to host your outdoor wedding. There are plenty of stunning wedding venues that offer outdoor event spaces. Check out PartySlate’s venue directory for San Francisco, and make sure to use the filters to narrow your options until you locate your ideal space.
What wedding vendors should I hire first?
Planning your wedding comes with a long list of vendors to hire, and it can be daunting to figure out who to start with. Finding an event planner is your first step. From there, nailing down a venue should be your top priority since wedding dates go fast these days. Some venues will offer a list of their preferred caterers and other vendors which may help simplify your next steps. Photographers and wedding entertainment also book up fast, so work with your planner to get those secured, as well.
What can I do in San Francisco for my wedding weekend?
Tara Ybarra from Ybarra Events shared with us, “San Francisco is so incredibly convenient. Couples can fly their loved ones in from around the globe, and they don’t need to worry about being able to find a venue or transportation. There are so many options that are so easily accessible. Another fantastic reason to choose to celebrate your nuptials in San Francisco: the surrounding entertainment!
“Wine tasting, hiking, cheese trails, theatre, the food… I always encourage my couples to plan the days leading up to their wedding day. Hop on over to Napa and immerse yourself in luxury for the day. Hike through Muir Woods in awe and take in the immensity of the Redwoods. Commission a sailboat and dine on the Bay. There is really no place like Northern California.”
Khadija Hansia-Gibson of Limelight Productions, says, “San Francisco is a special place to get married because it accommodates everyone’s needs — whether you want an outdoor lush wedding at the SF Botanical, a modern, sleek look like Gallery 308, or a historical venue like The Palace Hotel. Transportation is easy, food is great, and the vibe of the city is relaxed, making it the perfect wedding weekend backdrop. It doesn’t hurt that Wine Country is an hour north of SF, and beautiful Monterey two hours south.”
Alex Quintana of Quintana Events comments, “I think couples like San Francisco because it has many large indoor options with backdrops of the city, an abundance of hotel options for out of town guests, and sight-seeing opportunities for that special urban wedding feel.”
featured photographer
Duy Ho Photography
We love how Duy Ho Photography captures the beauty of life’s most memorable moments with the click of a camera. Based in San Fransisco, Duy works with clients to capture each special moment from their special day. photographer: Duy Ho Photography