Every year hundreds of people get married in San Francisco City Hall. The iconic staircase, and the ambient lighting, it’s absolutely gorgeous in there. However, it doesn’t necessarily fit the 100+ on your potential guest list. And maybe the thought of saying your vows in front of that many people makes your head spin. Don’t worry there’s an answer! Have your ceremony at city hall and a larger reception somewhere else. There are so many amazing restaurants for wedding receptions in San Francisco. That way you get the best of both worlds. An intimate ceremony followed by a fun party with friends!
Don’t get me wrong San Francisco also has some amazing wedding venues. But, more and more people are deciding to either elope now and plan for the bigger wedding later or have a small ceremony with the closest people followed by a big party with everyone else. And if you’re looking to do that in San Francisco then I know of at least 15 restaurants that can help make that happen!
This is a working blog at the moment. A lot of these restaurants very frustratingly don’t have private dining events information readily available on their website. So, I’ll continue to update until all the info is here to help you make a decision.
1. Aracely
Aracely is on Treasure Island which is just across the Bay Bridge. And while you can host your whole wedding here I think it’s actually the perfect place for a restaurant wedding reception. Treasure Island has gorgeous views of the San Francisco skyline. It is a pretty secluded place making it also a great location for those “just married, super in love” portraits.
They have three options their cafe, their patio, and their courtyard. And have options for catering onsite or bringing in your own caterer. They have a 4-hour minimum with the onsite catering starting at $550/hr and a $5000 minimum. For outside catering it is $1300/hr and for 4 hour minimum. For their own catering, they have lots of different options from buffet style, family style, appetizers, charcuterie boats, dessert table, and the list goes on. They also have 3 options for coordination including, a day of coordinator (always recommended), month of coordinator, or full event coordination. Aracely even has some options for in-house decor, florals, and a photo booth. They have thought of it all! So, if you’re a one-and-done least amount of fuss possible type of person definitely check them out!
2. Beach Chalet
Beach Chalet is located right in front of Ocean Beach and has not only amazing views of the water but of also Golden Gate Park. And this place could make a perfect restaurant for your wedding reception in San Francisco. Beach Chalet offers indoor spaces and their sister restaurant Park Chalet offers both indoor and outdoor spaces.
With such a variety of different spaces, Beach Chalet can accommodate anywhere from 40 – 450 people! That means this place is perfect for having a larger reception or dinner with friends and family if you want to keep your ceremony and wedding smaller and more intimate.
3. Greens Restaurant
Greens restaurant located right in the Marina district also has amazing waterfront views. They offer 3 separate private dining spaces that can accommodate anywhere from 40-120 people.
| Space | Capacity | Budget | Includes |
| The Bay Room | 50 seated, 75+ reception | $1,500 + depending on the time, day, and date | 3 hours of event time, food and beverage charged person, custom printed menu, and custom floor plan |
| The Main Dining Room | 120 seated, 175 reception | $10k + depending on the time, day, and date | 4 hours of event time, food for up to 100 people, custom-printed menu |
| Outdoor Pavilion | 60 seated, 100+ reception | $2,500 + depending on the time, day, and date | 3 hours of event time, food and beverage charged person, custom printed menu, and custom floor plan |
They have a bunch of different add-ons and upgrades that you can use to make the most of your time and resources. Anything from helping to coordinate rentals from Fort Mason Center to also being in partnership with Acme Floral Company so you can have amazing flowers on your day.
Since renting the main dining room is the only one that comes with food for 100 people it has 3 different menu options.
| Package Name | Cost Per Person | Includes |
| Basic | $28 | a choice of salad, soup or chili and seasonal accompaniments |
| Standard | $44 | a choice of salad, choice of entree, and choice of dessert |
| Tassajara | $56 | a choice of greens seeded roll, choice of entree, and choice of dessert |
Though additional hours can be added for $800/hr I think this place would be best if you’re just hoping to host a meal with some family and friends. And you can take the rest of the party to another location after.
4. Villon and Charmaine’s at the Proper Hotel
The Proper Hotel is iconic in probably every way possible. And any of their restaurants would be amazing for your restaurant wedding reception in San Francisco. There decor, the vibes, everything is *chef’s kiss.* There are 3 different spaces that you can rent here.
GILDA’S DINING ROOM is located right behind Villion this space is a perfect place to host an intimate dinner as this space only fits 12 people. The limited capacity makes it perfect for a rehearsal dinner or small gathering. And with a custom menu, you’ll have a meal to remember.
LA BANDE A beautiful green cafe space that depending on the setup can host up to 40 guests seated. And since it’s right near a patio you can also include that as additional space which could give up to 100 guests with a standing capacity. This kitchen offers NorCal-inspired dishes with an array of craft beers and cocktails.
CHARMAIN’S If you want views of the city then, look no further. Charmaine’s offers sweeping panoramic views of San Francisco which is the whole point of a rooftop bar in San Francisco. There are both indoor and outdoor spaces that can accommodate your needs including both full and partial buyout options.
5. Starbelly
Starbelly is located right in the Castro and has a gorgeous patio that could be the perfect place for your wedding reception in San Francisco. The garden patio fits about 45 people for max capacity and has tables and seating that is a mix of benches and chairs. During lunch hours (11 am to 3:30 pm), Monday thru Friday, the food and beverage minimum spend is $2500, plus a 20% service charge, sales tax, and 5% SF Mandates tax.
All the food is served from a pre-fixe menu that is $55 per person and they have an array of options from fish tacos and corndogs for starters to beef sliders and pizza for your mains.
6. 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.
7. Del Popolo
Del Popolo is a cute Italian restaurant located near Nob Hill in San Francisco. If you want to reserve the Garden area the food and beverage minimum is $2500 Tuesday through Thursday and $3000 Friday and Saturday. While the back patio minimum is $1500 and $2000 for those respective days. The entire cost is subject to SF sales tax, gratuity, and a booking fee.
Both of the spaces are located one level below ground and are only accessible via a staircase. Therefore you can be assured you’ll be able to entire a private intimate gathering.
The menu fluctuates between seasons and has a healthy list of starters, pizzas, and entrees. And the cost per person ranges from $65-$85 depending on your selection.
8. BiteUnite SF
BiteUnite offers a unique experience in general with cooking classes. However, this space can also be rented to host a private dinner with 20-30 guests. You’ll get to enjoy a culinary experience hosted by their local chefs in the Bay Area. They offer a four-course dinner series with an array of delicious cuisines for you to choose from, such as NorCal, Thai & Asian feast (in family style), Italian, Gourmet French, and Indian. You can check out their full menus on their site.
During the holiday period, a minimum of 20 guests are required. There are 3 time slots available for booking in 3-hour increments noon, 3 pm, or 6:30/7 pm. And a beverage package can be added for three hours at $42 pp. Once you’ve finalized your date and number of guests you can book directly on their site which is amazingly easy and pay. You’ll see a pending credit until the host official accepts. You can expect the total to be between $2000-$8000 depending on the number of guests and the cuisine chosen.The space is also available for rental via Peerspace so you can craft the reception to your liking.
9. Wayfare Tavern
The Wayfare Tavern could be the perfect place for your restaurant wedding reception in San Francisco with 3 different private dining spaces including the Billards room (seats 14), the Sequoia (seats 50/80 standing), and the Bartlett room (seats 50).
BILLARDS ROOM This space is the perfect intimate dining room that seats up to 14 guests. For anything over 8 guests, you will have to choose a prix-fixe menu. Lunch is $40 per person and a $100 room rental fee. Dinner is $75 per person with a $200 room rental fee.
BARTLETT This space fits around 30 people seated and is best used as a dining space rather than a reception space. This is the original dining space at the Wayfare Tavern and features lots of windows to light the space and a private bar. This space offers both plated and family-style prix-fixe menus.
family — $55 / $85 person
plated — $75 / $95 person
Food and beverage minimums are $1500 and $2500 for dinner. And the room rental fee ranges from $250-$500+.
SEQUOIA This space is located on the 4th floor and is the perfect space for a large seated dinner or reception. The space can fit 50 seated or 70 standing and has setups equipped for both. Pricing is dependent on family style versus plated and with its lunch or dinner.
family — $55 / $85 person
plated — $75 / $95 person
Food and beverage minimums are $2000 for lunch and $3500 for dinner. And room rental fees range from $300-$500.
10. Fable
To reserve any at Fable they require a $500 non-refundable deposit with a food and beverage minimum (excludes 8.75% CA State Tax, 6% SF Mandate, and 20% Gratuity). The $500 deposit will be credited to the bill on the day of the event. There are 3 options for a group of your size: all options are for the duration of lunch (11:30 am-3:00 pm) / brunch (10:00 am-2:30 pm)
- Single Patio – Upper Deck: semi-private; customized menu; max 25 people; $1500 F&B min (Lunch) / $2500 F&B min (Brunch)
- Partial Patio – Upper and Middle Decks: semi-private; limited space for hors d’oeuvres/ drinks/ mingling and a seated customized prix fixe menu; max 45 people; $2500 F&B min (Lunch) / $5000 F&B min (Brunch)
- Entire Patio – Upper, Middle, and Lower Decks: exclusive use of all three decks allowing for complete privacy; space for hors d’oeuvres/ drinks/ mingling and a seated customized prix fixe menu; max 55 people; $3000 F&B min (Lunch) / $6000 F&B min (Brunch).
11. All Good Pizza
All Good Pizza is in the Dogpatch area of San Francisco and if the weather is just right then this could be the perfect spot for you. It’s accessible, outdoors, has low minimums, and delicious food! They have two main options to pay per person. One with alcoholic beverages included and one without. The dinner with boozy drinks is $60 per person and dinner with non-alcoholic beverages is $40 per person. You’ll choose 3 antipastos, 4 pizzas, 2 pastas, and your drinks accordingly.
There is a $2000 minimum so be prepared to order. They are happy to make the space tailored for your wedding with photo booth rentals, game rentals, and live/amplified music just ask them when you inquire. You can even have your custom pizza made! The firepits and string lights throughout give All Good Pizza a cozy backyard garden vibe. And if you want something low-key and delicious then this may be the spot for you.
12. Fiorella
Fiorella is a small chain in San Francisco and offers dining locations in Clement, Sunset, and on Polk Street. This is a great wedding reception in San Francisco choice because they have 3 different restaurants that can fit your needs. Unless you are tied to a specific neighborhood because it’s your local spot then you’ll want to decide on the location most likely by guest count. Each location offers 2-3 possible buyout options and the price ranges anywhere from $45 per person to a $10k buyout. And can accommodate guest counts from 12 to 70 people.
CLEMENT This location offers a large table inside or outside or a full patio buyout. The table can fit 12-18 guests and each person is $45 for a prix-fixe menu including 3 courses. The patio buyout can accommodate 35 people seated which is $45 per head and then an additional $2200 minimum Sunday-Thursday and $3000 minimum Friday-Saturday.
SUNSET This location can fit 12-18 guests at a large table, 34 guests on the upper roof, and 70 guests for a full roof buyout. Same as above with a $45 per person cost and Sunday to Thursday $2500 food and beverage minimum Friday and Saturday $3250 food and beverage minimum for the upper deck. And Sunday to Thursday $5500 food and beverage minimum Friday and Saturday $7000 food and beverage minimum for a full rooftop buyout.
POLK ST. This location offers an entire restaurant buyout that fits 50 people or a large table reservation with 12-15 guests. For the entire buyout, they offer a $45 per person, family-style prix fixe menu with a $10,000 food & beverage minimum Sunday-Thursday & a $12,000 food & beverage minimum Friday & Saturday.
13. Zazie
Zazie located in the Cole Valley burrow of San Francisco offers brunch on weekdays in their heated covered garden patio. This could be the perfect spot for a post-early City Hall ceremony. They offer pre-fixe, family-style menus that range from $45-$65/ person (including service), and drinks are charged by consumption. Over 22 guests require a full patio buyout with a food & beverage minimum of $4,500 (including service). And it’s important to note that large brunch reservations are only allowed on weekdays.
Zazie also has dinner options for your wedding reception in San Francisco. Their patio dinner party can accommodate 10-40 people. You can do a partial patio buyout, full patio buyout, or a full buyout of the restaurant depending on the amount of guests. For a partial patio buyout weekdays they have a half night option which is 5 pm or 8 pm is $65/person minimum and a full night option $95/person minimum with a $4,900 food and beverage minimum. On weekends which are Friday and Saturday half night is $75/person minimum and full night is $110/person minimum with a $6,900 food and beverage minimum. It’s also important to note that they can serve desserts or you can have a cake delivered but there is a $5/ person cake fee. For 23-40 guests a full patio buyout is required.
For 41-80 guests a full restaurant buyout is required. And weekdays (Sunday-Thursday) there is an $11,900 food and beverage minimum and on weekends (Friday/Saturday) there is a $13,900 food and beverage minimum. So, there are lots of different options that are bound to fit within your budget! Check out their site for menu examples and to book your reservation.
14. Foreign Cinema
Foreign Cinema can accommodate a multitude of different party sizes so whether you want a small ceremony with a larger reception 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, and cafe lighting and is only available in 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, a 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 guests to share the same energy as the rest of the restaurant. This is a semi-private area so if you want a private experience then this might not be the space for you.
DIRECTOR’S TABLE – The seated capacity is 12 people, perfect for an intimate dinner with your closest people. This is also a semi-private dining experience and is 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 seats 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 buyout, and use of the heated courtyard, main dining room, fireplace, full bar, and projection system.
15. Spruce
Spruce is a gorgeous restaurant in Presidio Heights and could be the perfect place for your wedding reception in San Francisco. They have 3 separate rooms that could fit your party size.
SHIRAGA This space can accommodate up to 12 guests. Food and beverage minimum range from $2750 – $3500.
LIBRARY This space can fit between 15-18 guests depending on the arrangement of tables. Food and beverage minimum range from $3250 – $4500. Located near the front of the restaurant with an open curtain that could allow potentially for an indoor-outdoor space.
LAUREL This is the largest space and can fit up to 20 guests at one long table or 40 guests at several round tables with the additional expense of chairs. Food and beverage minimums range between $4,000 – $6,500. This is also a fully private space away from the main part of the restaurant and dining room which provides a lot of privacy for an intimate dinner.
They have several different menu options including hors d’oeuvres, 3-course limited or open prix-fixe, 4-course luxury prix-fixe, or 5-course chef’s tasting menu. Hence the range in pricing for food and beverage minimums. All beverages, including wine, spirits, and non-alcoholic beverages, are charged based on consumption, in addition to the per-person menu price. The cost for hors d’oeuvres ranges between $85-110 per person for unlimited while dinner ranges between $130-195 per person.
Tip For Having a Restaurant Wedding Reception in San Francisco
Think About the Menu and Drinks
When picking out the menu for your reception be sure to think of your guests. Are they vegan/vegetarian? Food allergies? Small restaurant receptions are beautiful because you truly care about every invite. Know your people and pick food that they’ll love just as much as you do. For most of the restaurants on this list, you’ll choose a pre-fixed menu based on the options provided by the restaurant. And you have to hit a certain food and beverage minimum depending on the day and time of day that you are renting out.
I mean if it were up to me a wedding wouldn’t be a wedding without drinks. And if you’re family is anything like mine that minimum stands no chance against some tequila shots. Most restaurants without a full buyout do not offer an open bar. So, be sure to plan and budget accordingly if you want to treat your guests.
Plan Ahead For Desserts
A cute cake or another dessert of choice can go a long way to satisfying that sweet tooth and adding some extra flair to your reception. If hosting a small get-together of 5-10 people at a restaurant most restaurants do charge you a dessert fee (perhaps a different name). So, be sure to ask! The fee can either be a general fee or per person and is typically around $5 per person or less.
Some restaurants do have dessert options that you can purchase so that is also another option. And if you’re not a dessert person maybe think about something else you two can share or cut like a pizza or maybe a pour champagne together over a champagne tower.
Extra piece of advice that no one asked for: if you’re a groom and reading this DO NOT put cake/dessert/ whatever in you’re bride’s face. I will not be elaborating.
Plan Out the Size and Space
When planning out your restaurant wedding reception in San Francisco you’ll want to pick a place depending on the amount of guests you want to come, your budget, and whether you want privacy. Some of the restaurants mentioned have more private and semi-private options so be sure to look at the menus and the space (in person if you can) before deciding.
An easy way to both elevate and personalize a space is decor and florals. Depending on the number of guests you’re inviting think about centerpieces with candles, bud vases, or floral arrangements and the table layout and design to accommodate and easily interact with all your guests. This is when having a planner or coordinator can be very helpful.
Ask About a Point Person
Day of coordination can be EXTREMELY helpful especially if you are planning decor. Be sure to ask for a point person no matter what so that you can have direct and constant communication with someone from the restaurant to get all your questions ordered. And for days of coordination or just planning help in general you can hire someone, ask family/friends for help, or just do it yourself.
This goes in line with planning out the space to make sure everything is in the right place and will be ready upon your arrival. This could also be something you ask a family member or maid of honor to help with if you’re having a larger party and reception. I would say 30 guests and under with minimal planning and coordination is probably fine to plan/coordinate yourself. But, anything over that I would recommend hiring some of this awesome planner in the Bay Area.
Don’t Forget About Parking and Bathrooms
San Francisco is a big city and like most big cities finding parking can be a challenge. So, be sure to look for parking lots near or close to the restaurant you choose and include instructions to your guests via either your invitations or your wedding website. And if there are no viable parking options other than street parking I would recommend providing Uber or Lyft codes to your guests.
If you don’t know what an Uber or Lyft code is you essentially pre-spend money with Uber and Lyft and create a code for your guests to be able to take their rides to your wedding reception on you. I LOVE this idea because everyone gets to and from the decisions safely and there’s no need to worry about car break-ins.
Also don’t forget to think about bathrooms and accessibility if you have elderly or disabled guests. Be sure you, your planner/coordinator know where guests can use the restroom!
Meet Your San Francisco Elopement Photographer
Are you thinking about getting married in San Francisco? And if you’re looking for a San Francisco elopement photographer I would love to introduce myself. Hi, I’m Torez, The Bay will always be home to me and I’d love to show you around some of my favorite spots and capture your memories! I’m an absolute hopeless romantic and I watch all of the rom-com and corny Hallmark movies without any shame. And I cry at every single wedding I go to.
I know getting in front of a camera can feel weird and awkward and you’re like what the hell do I do with my hands? But, seriously I’ll be there to make you laugh, guide you through the whole process, and make things as easy, fun, and as seamless as possible. I know photography can feel like an investment especially if you can get camera nervous or shy but that’s what I’m here for! It can take some time to warm up in front of a camera and that’s normal. I do everything I can to make sure my couples feel comfortable and safe and get some beautiful photos that they love.
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