San Francisco's Luxurious Wedding Venues

Choosing the right wedding ceremony venue is probably one of the most important decisions any bride and groom will make. The perfect venue sets the theme of the wedding and ultimately brings together the entire day. When it comes to romantic wedding locations, there is no place better than San Francisco, California. The city is littered with luxurious venues that are sure to add the wow-factor to any ceremony. From classic churches to modern hotels, the following venues provide charming surroundings, astounding architecture, serene atmospheres and an overall romantic mood.

Palace of Fine Arts at Night 1

OUTDOOR VENUES

An outdoor wedding is an excellent choice for any type of ceremony. Outdoor venues can accommodate large or small gatherings and add natural beauty to the backdrop, resulting in fantastic photographic opportunities. With San Francisco's enigmatic parks, waterways and enchanting museums, an outdoor location is one option to strongly take into consideration.

Palace of Fine Arts
Located in the Marina District on the edge of Presidio Park, the Palace of Fine Arts is one of the most romantic venues in San Francisco. The building, inspired by Roman and Greek architecture, was designed by Bernard Maybeck, who wanted his masterpiece to be as beautiful reflected in the water as it was in the sky. The building was originally constructed in 1915 for the Panama-Pacific Exposition, making it one of the oldest structures in the city. Australian eucalyptus trees cover the eastern shores of the park, while a classical Roman rotunda and carved colonnades sit central to the setting. Majestic swans and wildlife surround the lake, adding to its beauty. The stunning landscape with detailed columns, statues and a year-round lake has turned this landmark into a favorite wedding location, ideal for a romantic, large-scale wedding.

Legion of Honor

	Legion of Honor 2

Built in 1924 to the third-quarter adaptation of the 18th century Palais de la Légion d'Honneur in Paris, France, this San Francisco museum is home to 4,000 years of ancient art. The museum sits in Lincoln Park, exhibiting breathtaking views of the Golden Gate Bridge, the city of San Francisco and the Pacific Ocean. The neoclassical architecture, outdoor gardens and magnificent collection of art and sculptures are just some of the reasons why the Legion of Honor is one of the most sought after venues for weddings.

Evening-time wedding ceremonies are a commonplace at the Legion with the Court of Honor being a popular spot within the vicinity. The Legion Café & Garden and Boardroom are available for rental, however wedding ceremonies may take place on the balustrade area of the lawn by permission and at an extra charge. Two wedding packages are available, which include an eight-hour renting time and entrance to the Terrace Hallway & Café via the terrace or museum front entries. Arrangements for music, staging, dressing rooms and catering can be made directly through the museum.

MANSIONS

Mansions are a great location for wedding ceremonies, if chosen wisely. They usually offer more flexibility than traditional venues, allowing for the free use of the entire facility, instead of selected areas. These estates present beautiful classical architecture and are suited for private gatherings.

The Chenery House 3

The Chenery House
For a reasonable price, the Chenery House adds glamor and beauty to a wedding. This large private estate sits on its own private park and features a maple leaf zoo with life-size bronze elephant and lion statues. A great fountain adorns the front of the mansion while an astounding grand staircase greets guests inside. Along with panoramic views of the downtown skyline and Bay Bridge, the Chenery House contains a 100-piece art collection priced at $10 million. A swimming pool with a retracting roof and poolside dining can be found on the second floor while the bridal headquarters are located in the West Wing. A personal event coordinator is provided with the venue to help plan the details. Valet parking, live music, gourmet food, a full-service cocktail bar and floral décor is included when renting this venue. The Chenery House provides a unique, whimsical charm, and is great for those who enjoy the arts and have a playful nature. The estate can accommodate almost 200 guests for a seated buffet dinner, offers a beautiful setting for pictures and allows for overnight stays, which makes it a fine venue to host a wedding.

The James Leary Flood Mansion
This classic Italian Renaissance style mansion was designed in 1912 by architects Bliss and Faville, and features hand-crafted woods, ample marble fixtures, hand-painted murals, an enclosed tile courtyard and grand views of the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz Island. The arched entrance is adorned with two Corinthian columns that follow four rising steps. Single pilasters stand on each side of the spiraled columns, while Italian Sforza lamps outline the passage. Two wedding ceremony spaces are available within the mansion. The first, the Grand Hall is a 140 ft (43 m) space highlighting Italian marble floors, great bronze doors and views of the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, the San Francisco Bay and the Marin Country Hills. The second option is the Cortile. This Italian courtyard boasts a giant fern, and is surrounded by gardens and stained glass windows, establishing an appealing setting for any wedding.

HOTELS

Hotels are becoming a popular choice for wedding ceremony sites. They are elegant, convenient and provide many amenities. San Francisco has many up-scale hotels, however the following two offer luxury like no other.

The Terrace Courtyard at the Ritz Carlton 4

The Ritz Carlton San Francisco
For a sophisticated look, nothing beats the Ritz Carlton. Built in 1909 on the prestigious community of Nob Hill, this hotel is embellished with oriental carpets, Bavarian crystal chandeliers, silk wall coverings and fresh floral arrangements. The hotel accommodates all types of weddings from small, intimate settings to large and lavish affairs. Wedding packages are available in which a special menu is created, accommodations are organized, and floral arrangements and entertainment is setup. There are two areas that can be rented for the wedding ceremony. The first, the Terrace Courtyard, sits in a lavish, hilltop landscape. At this setting, a beautiful pavilion-style tent can be erected among the garden flowers, ivy and large two-tiered fountain. The second option is the grand Ballroom, which can be divided up into one, two or three salons. All are decorated with brocade-patterned muted silk rose walls and feature Bavarian crystal chandeliers that suspend from a recessed oval ceiling. Decor, dramatic lighting and ice carving options are also offered at San Francisco's Ritz Carlton. To ease stress, a wedding manager is on hand with a list of exclusive recommended vendors such as florists, photographers and entertainment providers.

The Fairmont Hotel San Francisco
The world-renowned Fairmont Hotel is a great choice for a glamorous wedding. Set atop Nob Hill, the hotel holds sweeping views of the city and San Francisco Bay. It is comprised of 591 guestrooms, various restaurants, lounges and 55,000 sq ft (5,110 sq m) of functional space. Union Square, Fisherman's Wharf and the city's Financial District are close by, which attract many big names to the hotel.

	The Venetian Room at the Fairmont Hotel 5

A wide selection of wedding packages are offered, with both indoor and outdoor locations available. Packages feature a cocktail reception room with cocktail seating and candle votives, guest registry, gift and cake tables with house skirting, and dinner on round, candle-lit tables that seat eight to12 guests. The finest sterling silver cutlery with Bach china and crystal stemware is used on house white or ivory linens and napkins. Coat and gift checking services are included, as well as custom menu planning. To kick-off a romantic honeymoon, a complimentary wedding-night bridal suite for the bride and groom is presented as a gift.

There are various ballrooms in which the wedding ceremony may take place. One option, The Gold Room, is filled with many crystal chandeliers, wall sconces and hand-painted murals. Taking its inspiration from French Provincial detailing, the walls are furbished with ornate, gold-leaf bas-reliefs, while indoor balconies stretch up to the coffered ceiling. Another choice, The Pavilion Room, showcases picture windows that overlook the roof garden. For those who prefer a more scenic setting, The Crown Room would be a perfect selection. Located on the top floor of the tower, this space is adorned with soft celadon, pale violet and sage colors with gold highlights. An extraordinary view of the Golden Gate Bridge, Coit Tower, Alcatraz, Bay Bridge, downtown San Francisco and the Twin Peaks is visible through the room's tall, wrap-around windows.

The Venetian Room is covered with gold damask patterned walls and a carpet that has accents of royal and light blue, periwinkle and buttercup yellow. The 22-ft (7-m) ceiling makes this room light, airy and great for a cultivated look. Finally, there is the Penthouse Suite. Spanning the entire eighth floor, this suite features three large bedrooms, a living room with a grand piano, a formal dining area and a two-story circular library with a rotunda.

It should be noted that ceremony sites are only available to those who hold their reception, luncheon or dinner event at the hotel as well.

CHURCHES

For a more traditional approach, note one of these two magnificent churches. They offer wonderful architecture, spiritual guidance and large environments.

Saints Peter and Paul Church
This beautiful Salesian church is located in San Francisco's North Beach Neighborhood, across from Washington Square. It was completed in 1924 after the San Francisco earthquake destroyed the original creation in 1906. The church is 100 ft (30 m) wide and 160 ft (49 m) long with two lofty spires soaring 191 ft (58 m) into the sky. The inside of Saints Peter and Paul Church is nothing less than awe-inspiring with its elaborate 40-ton Carrara marble high-alter, a Christo Pantocrator (Christ All Powerful) painting instilled in a dome overlooking the alter and a magnificent rose window. A pair of alters, shrines, chapels and statues also mark the inside of the church. This site offers a great environment, promises an exceptional setting for pictures and caters to the English, Latin, Italian and Chinese communities. Weddings can be booked for Saturdays at three different time slots, and arrangements can be made six months in advance.

Grace Cathedral 6

Grace Cathedral
Another one of San Francisco's stunning churches, the Grace Cathedral sports a neo-Gothic look upon Nob Hill. The original building was founded in 1849 during the California Gold Rush, but just like the majority of San Francisco buildings, it was destroyed in the 1906 earthquake. Architect Dean J. Wilmer Gresham began working on the present structure in 1928. The cathedral was completed in 1964 as the third largest Episcopal cathedral in the nation, boasting an indoor wool tapestry and outdoor terrazzo stone labyrinth. The famed gilded bas-reliefs that adorn the main entrance doors are replicas of Ghiberti's original molds for the Gates of Paradise found at the Bapistry in Florence, Italy. The interior features various stained-glass windows, medieval and contemporary furnishings, a 44-bell carillon and three organs. Frescoes depicting the history of San Francisco and scenes from the life of St. Francis of Assisi can also be found inside the cathedral.

The Grace Cathedral is an option worthy of consideration. Couples don't have to be members of the church or the Episcopalian faith to get married at this church. Weddings can take place Monday through Saturday with five times to choose from.