I may be biased but San Francisco is the best city ever! And if you’re thinking about eloping or getting married here then congratulations you’re in the right place! It can be hard to choose a place to get married as there are so many costs involved, guest lists to plan, and what seems like a never ending list of decisions to be made. But, hopefully this blog can help you out just a little by providing 10 wedding venues in San Francisco.
Wedding Venues in San Francisco
There are tons of unique places to get married in San Francisco. The options are truly endless from places like the Fairmount Hotel to the Exploratorium. However, one of the things I love most about elopements and more intimate, smaller weddings is that the day is completely focused on the couple. Every invite is made with great honor and care. So, I’ve hand picked these wedding venues in San Francisco with that in mind!
1. Stern Grove Trocadero Clubhouse
The Stern Grove Trocadero Club is located in Golden Gate Park and is a great spot if you’re looking for privacy and to be surround by trees. They have a minimum of 6 hours required to book and an additional fee for use of the outside space. You can refer to the table below for information and rates or their website here. The Clubhouse has a caterer’s kitchen for the permittee’s use which includes a prep counter, warming ovens, and a refrigerator. There is no stove or oven at this facility so it’s important to coordinate with your caterer accordingly. The Club has a capacity of 120 sit down so, with less than that you can be assured that your guests will be comfortable with space to spare.
To reserve the space you must complete an online application and the application must be received a minimum of 30 days prior to your date. I’m sure you know the sooner the better when it comes to wedding planning and booking vendors so dates can be reserved up to a year in advance. In the event that there are multiple applications for the same date the reservation will be awarded through a lottery system.
To complete your reservation a 20% (non -refundable deposit) of the total Rental Fee is due five business days from the date the reservation was made. Then the remaining balance, performance bond and staff salary is due six months prior to event. If you’re book last minute (two-six month before) the full payment and performance bond, candle permits, security contract and staff salary is due five business days from the date the reservation was made.
Rental Fees
| Day/Time | Reservation Fee | Hourly Rate (Minimum 6 Hours) | Outside Surrounding Area: Additional Fee | Staff Salary Per Hour (Minimum 6 Hours) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monday to Friday (Daytime: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.) | $50 | $153 | $200 | $25 |
| Monday to Thursday (Evening: 5 p.m. to 11 p.m.) | $50 | $153 | $200 | $25 |
| Friday to Sunday (Evening 5 p.m. to 11 p.m.) | $150 | $178 | $200 | $25 |
| Saturday to Sunday (Daytime:10 a.m. to 4 p.m.) | $150 | $178 | $200 | $25 |
| Legal Holidays: (Daytime:10 a.m. to 4 p.m.) or (Evening: 5 p.m. to 11 p.m.) | $150 | $178 | $200 | $25 |
2. Stable Cafe
Stable Cafe is a super cute indoor/outdoor venue located right on Folsom St. in SF. This venue is a great option whether you’re looking to just hold your ceremony with a small reception to follow or you plan on eloping in City Hall and looking for more space to continue the party.
The space capacity is set at 65 people which if you’re looking for a small wedding I think fits the perfect amount of people. You must hire a planner and or coordinator for your event for it to be held here, it’s apart of their contract, but honestly they just help days run smoother all around. Their wedding packages start at around $6000 for 7 hours including set up and take down. Be sure to reach out to their coordinator Karen and you can inquire on their site here.
3. Conservatory of Flowers
The Conservatory of Flowers is gorgeous and one of the most unique wedding venues in San Francisco. At absolute maximum capacity this space holds 150-200 guests. They have numerous spaces on site that depending on your wedding size can accommodate your ceremony and or your reception. To reserve your date you must pay a 25% deposit of the total rental fee. Deposits are fully refundable up to 14 days after the deposit has been made. Full payment is required 90 days prior to your wedding. They do have a list of pre-approved caterers so if you have one already in mind you might want to double check. There are also certain items not permitted in the Conservatory such as: outside flowers, cut flowers, other organic material, helium balloons, glitter, rice, confetti, bubbles. So, if you’re planning a fun exit definitely check with them first!
Wedding Size Location Recommendations
| Up to 50 | West Gallery | Ceremony |
| Up to 50 | Conservatory & Orchid Pavilion | Ceremony & reception |
| Up to 99 | Full venue buyout | Ceremony & reception |
| Up to 99 | Conservatory & Orchid Pavilion | Reception only |
| Up to 150 | Full venue buyout | Ceremony & reception |
| Up to 150 | Conservatory & Orchid Pavilion | Reception only |
| Up to 200 | Full venue buyout | Ceremony & reception or reception only |
4. Garden of Shakespeare’s Flowers
The Garden of Shakespeare’s Flowers is located in Golden Gate Park and is sure to provide a warm romantic setting tucked away from all the big city madness. If you’re looking for a small intimate gathering outside than this might be the place for you. Though the space can accommodate up to 200 people. The reservation fee is $514 and a minimum of two hours must be booked to reserve the space ($147/hr). Which I think is the perfect amount of time to set up and take down a small ceremony. This is one of the most popular wedding sites in Golden Gate Park however, receptions with any food or drink are not allowed at this space. So, if you’re looking for an outdoor ceremony space followed by a reception at a cool restaurant or somewhere else in SF this might be the spot for you.
5. San Francisco City Hall
We know her we love her, this is probably one of my favorite wedding venues in San Francisco because it’s just so beautiful all on its own. There are 4 types of ceremonies you can have at San Francisco City hall: a civil ceremony, one hour ceremony, two hour ceremony, or a full wedding. Depending on how many guests, what day of the week, the availability of San Francisco City Hall, and your budget will determine what type of ceremony works best for you.
You can take a look at the table below to see what your best option is depending on what you’re looking for your elopement.
| Type of Ceremony | Public or Private | Guest Count | Availability | Cost |
| Civic Ceremony | Public | 6 | Weekdays 9am – 1pm | $95 |
| One Hour Ceremony | Private | 40 for Mayor’s Balcony 60 for 4th Floor Gallery (100 standing) | Weekdays 9am – 3pm | $1000 + chairs |
| Two Hour Ceremony | Private | 200 | Saturday 9am – 12pm | $5000 |
| Full Wedding | Private | up to 3000 | Weekday and weekend evenings | starting at $10,000 |
A lot of couples opt for a civil ceremony for an elopement. While other couples wanting more privacy and a few more guests typically do a one hour ceremony. They can be pretty strict with limiting 6 people for a civil ceremony and that includes your photographer. So, if you want more than 6 people I would opt for the 1 hour ceremony. If you want to read more information about getting married in San Francisco City Hall check out this blog post.
6. Foreign Cinema
Foreign Cinema can a accommodate a multitude of different party sizes so whether you want a small ceremony with a larger reception or a smaller wedding in general or just a few friends and family for a nice dinner this is an amazing option. And one that is sure to fit into your budget. There are 5 different options for spaces you can rent from Foreign Cinema including: the amate terrace, modernism west gallery, mezzanine, the director’s table, and the entire restaurant.
THE SPACES
AMATE TERRACE – the seated capacity is 18 people so plenty for hosting a small intimate dinner. This is their newest event space just past the Courtyard that features floor tiles, cafe lighting and is only available April-October.
MODERNISM WEST GALLERY – the seated capacity is 60 people and this space is in partnership with an international art dealer. You’ll dine with curated international artwork while enjoying an amazing sound/audio system, built in bar, and high ceilings.
MEZZANINE – the seated capacity is 30 people, so if you’re on the cusp of a larger guest list this may not be the space for you. This space overlooks the main dining room below it and allows guest to share the same energy as the rest of the restaurant. This is a semi-private area so if you’re wanting a private experience then this might not be the space for you.
DIRECTOR’S TABLE – the seated capacity is 12 people, perfect for a intimate dinner with your closest people. This is also a semi-private dining experience and close to the 35mm film projector for an unobstructed view of the nightly feature in the courtyard.
ENTIRE RESTAURANT – go big or go home am I right?? Just kidding but the entire restaurant sits 166 people, standing room accommodates 350 people. You can buy out the entire restaurant for the night to host your wedding, each space above is included in the buy out, and use of heated courtyard, main dining room, fireplace, full bar, and their projection system.
7. Haas-Lilienthal House
WEDDING PACKAGES
Wedding packages at Haas-Lilienthal House include a variety of amenities. Including: in-house table and chairs, furnished dressing rooms, fireplace use, parlor and grand piano, private courtyard, full kitchen use, and one year of membership. The House accommodates around 50 people in total, so if you’re looking for a space that can fit a small wedding with multiple spaces this is probably the space for you. The house is also equipped with wifi, a portable PA system, and a Bose soundwave system.
| 8 HOUR WEDDING RENTAL | |
| Monday -Thursday | $3000 |
| Friday | $4000 |
| Saturday | $4450 |
| Sunday | $3800 |
| 10 HOUR WEDDING RENTAL | |
| Monday -Thursday | $3750 |
| Friday | $5000 |
| Saturday | $5563 |
| Sunday | $4750 |
If you’re not looking for your entire wedding to be at the house they do have smaller package for 4 hours available you can check out the rates below and for more info on the house click here.
HOURLY RATES (4 hours minimum)
| Monday- Thursday | $1500/$375 |
| Friday | $2000/$500 |
| Saturday | $2225/$556 |
| Sunday | $1900/$475 |
8. The Newhall Nest
This beautiful rooftop space features premium amenities such as a commercial bar set up, Traeger grill, bistro lighting, and spectacular views. This is the perfect place for your intimate wedding as it accommodates around 30 people.
Their commercial bar set up offers a convenient and classy means to provide beverages while their bistro lighting provides a glow of ambiance. Both the grill and kitchen can be used by your own preferred caterer. The location of the Newhall Nest right in the Embarcadero allow for easy accessibility for guest from public transport or ride share.
9. The Box SF
The Box SF is amazing and unique event space. There are a multitude of spaces that might be the right fit for your wedding needs. However, the most popular is the top floor which has a total capacity of 80 people. The top floor has two rooms, the gate room and the main room. The Gate room features their historic 337-year old dining table made from antique Chinese village gate doors! The table itself seats 32 people and the room can seat 50 for a dinner. The main draw back of choosing this space would be the rental hours as it’s only available in two 8 hour periods; from 8:00 am – 4:00 pm and/or from 4:00 pm – 12:00 am.
Overall, the space does include an on-site Venue Manager to ensure your wedding runs smoothly. And numerous features including: a full tech buildout, free wifi, furniture in the Gate Room with the ability to rent for the Main Room, full bar package options, no food or beverage minimums, freight elevator, and is very accessible from public transportation.
10. Golden Gate Club
Golden Gate Club is a SF wedding venue located in the Presidio that personally has some of my favorite views of the Golden Gate bridge assuming you can get a day without Karl. This venue is a Wedgewood wedding venue meaning they offer a variety of services that generally can make wedding planning easier. They offer all-inclusive, customizable wedding packages. However, I know for some people that have a specific style or vendor that they are already in love with this can be a pain.
Depending on the package you get from Wedgewood you can expect to spend anywhere from $100-$180 per guest. Ceremony cost is around $1500 and for venue rental refer to the chart below.
| December – March | April, November | May – October | |
| Monday – Thursday | $4,495 | $4,995 | $6,495 |
| Friday & Saturday | $4,995 | $6,995 | $8,995 |
| Sunday | $5,995 | $9,495 | $11,495 |
If you’re looking for more detailed information and to send in an inquiry check out their site here.
HONORABLE MENTIONS for Wedding Venues in San Francisco
Skyline Events SF
This is one of the newest venues to the San Francisco Bay Area and if you’re looking for something with lots of space and great views then this is the one. The Skyline Events center is located on treasure with waterfront views of the San Francisco Skyline, Alcatraz, the Golden Gate Bridge and the Bay Bridge. This venue is HUGE with over 5,000 square feet that can accommodate around 300 guest. It features an on site kitchen, indoor and outdoor space, and plenty of parking.
This is probably too much space if you plan on having less than 100 guests. However, if you’re looking for something larger with plenty of space, easily accessible, and somewhere completely new that you can create exactly how you want then look no further. Check out more about this venue and inquire on their site here.
Headlands Center for the Arts
The Headlands Center for Arts is just 15 minutes away from San Francisco. This whole venue is off the grid with complete secludedness and indoor/outdoor spaces. This venue is only available for Saturday so if you’re looking for a weekday venue this is not the place for you. The total buyout is $10,500 which for being near the city I think is an absolute steal and the venue fits about 140 people. If you’re looking for more information be sure to check out their site here.
