Once the exciting adventure of wedding planning has started you want to be sure to find a wedding venue that will be true to your vision, accommodate your guests and set the stage for amazing photographs.
From sprawling vineyards to luxurious private estates to cliffside ocean views and chic barns a venue can greatly speak to the style, theme and level and overall feeling in a wedding.
When choosing a wedding venue, it is important to think about the elements that are important to you. For example, do you prefer to get married in the trees. Or maybe a cliffside view of the ocean sparks your fancy. Whatever you choose The Bay Area is filled to the brim with historical landmarks, rolling hills, seaside escapes, and luxury resorts. It also happens to offer an impressive assortment of wedding venues that are ideal for smaller weddings or micro weddings, elopements or just little get togethers that will accommodate any type of union.
1. The Ritz Carlton Half Moon Bay
A luxury Coastal resort getaway is an understatement to the incredible Ritz Carlton Half Moon Bay. The resort resembles a castle perched on a cliff in Ireland. Not only is the building stunning itself but the beaches surrounding it are breathtaking. We asked our couples why they chose this scenic venue, and their answers were the perfect combination of beauty embracing both nature and luxury. The Ritz Carlton is a supreme location that entices all of its visitors with both the upscale vibe and its sweeping seascape views. Imagine exchanging your vows to the orchestral sounds of the waves coming and going. Their indoor ballroom still offers the incredible views or you have the option to host a dinner out side where guests can stay warm by the fire pit. Its one of our favorites for a reason!
Why we love it…
I mean did you see that view? We can’t help but swoon every time a couple says their venue is held at the Ritz in Half Moon Bay. We love shooting there because of the cliffside photo op. The Ritz offers a golf cart for our couples to transport them around the venue during their wedding portraits. With over 35,000 sq feet of property the Ritz offers a ton of photo ops and with a golf cart we cover so much ground in such a little time. It’s also one of the most magical sunsets if the night is clear….
click here to view a full wedding at the Ritz Carlton Half Moon Bay.
2. Cavallo Point Lodge and Spa
We had the pleasure of shooting at Cavallo Point Lodge three times this year and felt so spoiled just being there. Cavallo Point is such an oasis tucked away at the waters edge in Sausalito. Getting married on the historical Mission Blue Lawn offers a direct view of the Golden Gate Bridge framed with wispy leaves Eucalyptus trees and red and white tops of the classic surrounding Presidio style buildings. Its an absolute magical place to say I do because of how enchanting the lodge really is. It can accommodate your entire wedding party and then some but is also quite suitable to smaller get togethers and even elopements. With the iconic bridge and ocean views you’re also offered quick access to the Marin Headlands as another awesome place for bridal portraits.
Why we love it…
Ok so we are going to be so honest with you….THE SPA is incredible. Its one of our favorite places to get a massage, facial or just enjoy their amenities which includes an epic Eucalyptus steam room. When we shoot weddings at Cavallo we love taking our couples down to the edge of the water where the small harbor is. Then its a short walk to the epic view of the golden gate bridge where couples always love to be photographed under.
Check out the full wedding gallery we shot at Cavallo Point
3. The Claremont Club and Spa
If you’re looking to get married in that old Hollywood romance movie like venue look no further! The Claremont Club and Spa has so much class and elegance that it is like being transported back in time. Many old Hollywood actors and actresses, presidents and the well known socialites have been known to stay at the Claremont while visiting the Bay Area. Built in 1907 the Fairmont has a plethora of amazing rooms to house guests. Let’s not forget the iconic Tower Suite that is something out of a dream. Imagine getting married up in the tower with views that stretch out to the City by the Bay. Its absolutely breathtaking.
Why we love it…
It’s hard not to love this place as a photographer or videographer. We have so many different photo opportunities at the Claremont. The staff is super accommodating and you can fly a drone all over the property. We have shot many weddings there and fall in love with it more and more ever time. Secret Tip: If you’re hosting a small get together I would definitely apt for dinner in the Tenzig Room. Its absolutely Devine with the dark wood, amazing art on the dark blue walls. Its so romantically picture perfect.
Check out one of our weddings we shot at the Claremont
4. The Brazilian Room
The Brazilian Room in Berkeley California is the perfect balance of nature and rustic cabin like venue. With its gorgeous high windows that allow the right amount of light in complimented with the rich hardwood framing. The tree lined majestic valley that serves as the backdrop for your ceremony is absolutely stunning. It’s completely insane that this place is super affordable because it feels way more upscale to be there. With Tilden Park just a hop skip and a jump away its the perfect spot for couples photos.
Why we love it…
The Brazilian Room is an ideal venue to set up gorgeous flower builds and decorate the room with accessories that can really amp up the level of lux. Not to mention the fire place is a staple that is just lovely. The light there is beautiful all year round because of the trees so photos are always so beautiful.
Check out our full gallery of a wedding we shot at the Brazilian Room
5. The Corinthian Yacht Club
Ok so first of all I want to say that we are totally biased in absolute adoring this venue because we got married at The Corinthian Yacht Club. We loved this venue because of the twinkling city lights at night! Where else can you get a full view of the city, the magical ocean views and the harbor? The Corinthian Yacht Club is a classy venue. It can hold up to 250 people comfortably and has the perfect balance of dark wood in the dining area and white light and bright lounge with of course the incredible direct view of the the San Francisco Skyline.
Why we love it…
Other than the fact that we experienced it and know the venue inside and out? Guests will love enjoying the feeling being on a vacation so close to the city. The little town of Tiburon is quaint and feels perfect for a couple to get married at. The small harbor is a perfect spot for sunset photos and the gorgeous setting of the bay is just a magical backdrop. The food is incredible and the staff is very nice. Pro Tip: Stay at the Waters Edge in Tiburon for an easy getaway. The rooms are exceptional and you’re right in the center of everything.
