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The Best Wedding Venues in San Francisco

by Haley Anhut
Last updated on January 25, 2022

Your wedding is one of the most important moments in your life, and San Francisco is a wonderful place to get married! Here is a categorized list of perfect venues in San Francisco, carefully curated by us at Clean Origin. Whether you and your partner want a lovely traditional ceremony with 500 guests or a fun and unique elopement, we are here to help. 

Best Historical Venues

Looking for a venue filled with historical significance and sentiment? Here are 2 great San Francisco official landmarks where you can host your wedding. 

The Ferry Building

One of San Francisco’s most famous landmark buildings boasts giant steel beams, soaring above two stories. Intricate metal arches run the length of the building and can be illuminated with dramatic event lighting. For those with an appreciation for history, one of the Northwest’s major hubs of transportation will not go unnoticed. The Grand Hall is perfect for large receptions, but small intimate events can also be held in the Port Commission Hearing Room overlooking the water with a sweeping view of the Bay. Not only is the space beautiful, but it’s also home to an incredible variety of local and international culinary spots to take advantage of for your food options.

San Francisco Mint

Designated a National Historic Landmark in 1961, couples may enjoy a rare opportunity to host a truly memorable wedding at the San Francisco Mint. Through exploring the grand façade, sweeping staircase entry, courtyard, and antique gas street lamps, you and your guests will discover the juxtaposition of historical architectural details and modern conveniences. Officials once weighed coins and stacked ingots for safekeeping here, and you can now celebrate the benefits of such an interesting landmark. There are indoor and outdoor options for a ceremony; gorgeous ballrooms, romantic courtyards, and ornate chandeliers are all options for your wedding spaces.

Our Ring Pick: Luisant Ring

This gorgeous vintage ring is covered in filigree swirls and accented with four lab-created diamonds.

Best Outdoor Venues

Love the peaceful outdoors? San Francisco has National Parks and close-by venues perfect for your open and fresh wedding.

Cavallo Point 

Located in Golden Gate National Park, the Lodge at Cavallo Point includes a fantastic campus of building options to host your wedding of small groups of 20 or large parties of up to 300. The inviting lodge provides a city escape on the Bay, with Golden Gate Bridge views or a soothing forest environment. The staff prides themselves on serving all of your needs, including refined lodging, custom dining experiences, and a historic chapel. The aesthetic is soft and soothing, providing the perfect breath of fresh air for city dwellers.

The Presidio

Want to take advantage of San Fran’s beautiful views? The Presidio National Park has many lovingly restored buildings available for special events. Your wedding would feature iconic bay views of the Golden Gate Bridge, Angel Island, and Alcatraz.

Our Ring Pick: Bloom Solitaire

This lovely diamond solitaire showcases your center stone with lab-created diamonds scattered among the leaves and petals in the band.

Best Big Guest List Venues

Have a big guest list? These venues are perfect for you!

California Academy of Sciences

Do you want an awe-inspiring and wild wedding experience? Hosting your wedding at the California Academy of Sciences not only treats you and your guests to world-class service in an amazing setting filled with wildlife and art, but also helps further the Academy’s mission to explore, explain, and sustain life on our planet. They have over 15 usable venues including a Living Rooftop, a four-story tropical rainforest, and the world’s largest living indoor coral reef. You can even rent the whole museum; imagine moving your party from hall to hall, enjoying cocktails on the Living Roof and/or dinner in the 75-foot Planetarium. The opportunities for customization are endless, and you’re helping important causes in the process.

City View at Metreon

More city-oriented? Remodeled to be as flexible and modern as possible, City View at Metreon has over 31,000 square feet of divisible space that can accommodate 200 or 2,000. Floor-to-ceiling windows offer an unobstructed view of San Francisco’s fantastic skyline for a late-night party, and the expansive outdoor terrace provides a spectacular open-air experience.

Our Ring Pick: Petite Classic Halo

A circle of lab-created diamonds surrounds your round center stone with accent diamonds cascading down the sides of the rose gold band.

Best Intimate Venues

 Looking for an intimate, romantic, or warm wedding venue?

Wayfare Tavern

The Wayfare Tavern is a private and elegant restaurant just off the Embarcadero. They offer many indoor spaces where couples and guests can enjoy an intimate and warm atmosphere with amazing food. With a capacity maximum of 50 seated, it’s perfect for couples who want a unique and lively but close-knit wedding experience. The different rooms invoke a home-like yet sophisticated feel, with pictures on the wall or shelves full of books. Overall, guests and couples will appreciate the calm, loving setting and the welcoming staff.

Dogpatch Wineworks

 Dogpatch Wineworks is a beautiful space, lined with illuminated wine barrels. As one of our more cost-effective options, Dogpatch Wineworks offers a fully customizable venue complete with packages and staff ready to help you tailor your dream wedding and be a guest at your own party.

Our Ring Pick: London Cathedral Solitaire Ring

Featuring romantic trellis detail and a six-prong setting to emphasize your chosen lab-created center stone.

Best Affordable Venues

You always need to be comfortable with your budget. These venues help you to throw an amazing ceremony and party more affordably!

Fort Mason Center for Arts and Culture

On the waterfront of San Francisco Bay, Fort Mason Center for Arts & Culture is an ideal, beautiful, and affordable venue for any type of wedding. Their offered spaces include newly renovated industrial-chic Gallery 308 with room for 250 people and views of the Golden Gate Bridge, the traditional General’s Residence with room for 130 and views overlooking the bay, or the smaller and more intimate Firehouse, with room for 80 people and views of Alcatraz. The whole historic campus can fit any budget and couple.

City Hall

San Francisco’s City Hall is a breathtaking Beaux-Arts monument with a rotunda perfect for your wedding. With marble floors and columns, the most picture-perfect spot is the grand marble staircase. You can opt for a private ceremony rental or an even more affordable public civil ceremony.

Our Ring Pick: Classic Solitaire

A classic solitaire engagement ring with a 4-prong setting to hold your stunning lab-created diamond.

Best Quirky Venues

Want to make a statement? Interesting and quirky venues abound in San Francisco!

Exploratorium

Want to make a statement at this hidden gem on Pier 15? Hosting your wedding at the Exploratorium is perfect for couples who are curious, fun, and want to share their unique side with their friends and family. Your guests will be able to wander through the intriguing science exhibits and explore all the art pieces while celebrating your special day. The wedding can be large or small, but will definitely be unforgettable.

Terra Gallery

Looking for a venue in the coolest San Francisco neighborhood? Technology and art combine to make Terra Gallery in SOMA, a collection of galleries and event spaces just blocks from the Bay Bridge. This urban and modern-chic venue helps you use the powers of art and tech to turn your wedding into a masterpiece. This venue is perfect for creative couples who are always looking toward the cutting-edge; you can make this place fit any creative vision you have for your celebration. Terra allows you to reserve floors individually, or take over everything and offer your guests multiple environments.

Our Ring Pick: Starburst Halo

A delicate burst of prong-set lab-created diamonds surrounds your center stone, with even more tapering up the sides of this contemporary yet timeless ring.