As a wedding photographer who has had the privilege of capturing countless love stories in the San Francisco Bay Area, I have explored nearly every nook and cranny of this stunning region. If you are in the midst of planning your big day and are seeking the perfect backdrop for your special day, here is a comprehensive guide to the best San Francisco Bay Area wedding venues, seen through the lens of a seasoned photographer.

Whether you envision a grand celebration in a historic mansion, an intimate ceremony on a scenic coastline, or a chic, modern gathering in the heart of the city, the Bay Area has something to suit every style and preference.

We are blessed with a variety of gorgeous wedding venues from stately, elegant, modern, trendy, to beautiful outdoor venues surrounded by lush gardens. This list includes some of the newest wedding venues and locations in the Bay Area and Northern California.

1. San Francisco City Hall Wedding

Bride and groom standing on the Grand Staircase at their San Francisco City Hall wedding

As a SF City Hall wedding photographer, I have been honored to photograph hundreds of weddings here, and each one is unique and special.

San Francisco City Hall is a wonderful location for weddings of any size — from an elopement of just the two of you, intimate weddings, or large scale weddings for over 200+ guests. City Hall is open on weekdays for civil ceremonies, elopements, and private one-hour ceremonies on the Fourth Floor or Mayor’s Balcony. If you prefer a Saturday wedding, City Hall is available for morning, afternoon weddings, or evening ceremonies and receptions.

City Hall is a San Francisco landmark, known around the world and often featured in film and television. It is a shining example of Beaux Arts architecture. It is the perfect wedding venue to host your sophisticated and elegant wedding.

City Hall Wedding Resources

Website: San Francisco City Hall | Special Events
Address: 1 Dr Carlton B Goodlett Pl, San Francisco, CA 94102
Phone: (415) 554-6079

2. Flood Mansion

Groom kisses his bride on the balcony at Flood Mansion San Franc

The James Leary Flood Mansion is an elegant and classical venue located in the Pacific Heights neighborhood of San Francisco. It features amazing architecture and a stunning views of San Francisco and the Golden Gate Bridge.

View Flood Mansion wedding photos.

Website: Floodmansion.org
Address: 2222 Broadway, San Francisco, CA 94115
Phone: (415) 292-3142

3. San Francisco Zoo

Bride and groom on the carousel at their San Francisco Zoo wedding

If you are looking for the most unique wedding venue in San Francisco, then the San Francisco Zoo fits the bill. You can get married on the African Savannah. There are options to have cocktail hour at the Merry Go Round, feed giraffes, or have animal guests join you.

View San Francisco Zoo wedding photos.

Website: San Francisco Zoo Events
Address: Sloat Boulevard at the Great Highway, San Francisco, CA 94132
Phone: (415) 753-7055

4. Legion of Honor

Bride and groom walking in the courtyard at their Legion of Honor Museum San Francisco wedding. San Francisco Bay Area wedding venues.

The Legion of Honor Museum is an architectural wonder and a sought after venue in San Francisco. It features a view of the Golden Gate Bridge and a lovely entry courtyard with columns that has become an Instagram favorite.

View Legion of Honor wedding photos.

Website: https://legionofhonor.famsf.org/about/rent-legion-honor/weddings-legion-honor
Address: 100 34th Ave, San Francisco, CA 94121

5. De Young Museum

Bride and groom walking at their De Young Museum. San Francisco Bay Area wedding photographer

The De Young Museum is an amazing example of modern architecture. It is a great place to get married and to be surrounded by fine art.

Website: https://deyoung.famsf.org/about/rentals/weddings
Address: 50 Hagiwara Tea Garden Drive, San Francisco, CA 94118

6. Berkeley City Club

Bride and groom at their Berkeley City Club wedding

The Berkeley City Club is a historic wedding venue designed by architect, Julia Morgan.

Website: https://www.berkeleycityclub.com/weddings-at-berkeley-city-club.htm
Address: 2315 Durant Avenue, Berkeley, CA 94704
Phone: (510) 848-7800

7. Outdoor Art Club

Bride and groom at their Outdoor Art Club wedding under the wisteria

The Outdoor Art Club of Mill Valley is a historic Marin wedding venue designed by architect Bernard Maybeck. If you get married there in March or April, you may be lucky enough to have the iconic purple wisteria in bloom at the front gate of this venue.

View Outdoor Art Club wedding photos.

Website: https://outdoorartclub.org/rental/
Address: 1 W Blithedale Ave, Mill Valley, CA 94941
Phone: (415) 383-2582

8. UC Berkeley Botanical Garden / Redwood Grove

Bride and groom kiss in front of a rose arbor at their UC Berkeley Botanical Garden wedding / Redwood Grove

Located in the heart of the UC Berkeley campus, the UC Berkeley Botanical Garden and Mather Redwood Grove offers a magical setting for couples seeking a unique and enchanting venue to tie the knot. Among its many hidden gems, the Redwood Grove stands out as an idyllic location for a wedding ceremony, surrounded by majestic redwood trees and lush California native greenery.

View UC Berkeley Mather Redwood Grove and Botanical Garden wedding photos.

Website: UC Berkeley Botanical Garden and Redwood Grove
Address: 200 Centennial Dr, Berkeley, CA 94720
Phone: 1-510-664-4215

9. Shakespeare Garden Golden Gate Park

Two grooms raise their hands triumphantly at their wedding ceremony in Shakespeares Garden in Golden Gate Park San Francisco

Shakespeare Garden is the most popular ceremony location in San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park. It is a beautiful tree lined space and an outdoor oasis in the middle of the city.

View Shakespeare Garden wedding photos.

Website: Shakespeare Garden
Address: Martin Luther King Drive, Between Nancy Pelosi Drive & Music Concourse Drive

10. Fairmont Hotel

Bride and groom at their Fairmont Hotel San Francisco Wedding

The Fairmont Hotel is a luxury wedding venue in San Francisco. It has a beautiful outdoor ceremony area and multiple indoor ballroom options.

Website: https://www.fairmont.com/san-francisco/meetings-weddings/weddings/
Address: 950 Mason Street, San Francisco, CA 94108

11. Queen Wilhelmina Tulip Garden

Bride and groom smile during their Queen Wilhelmina Tulip Garden wedding

The Queen Wilhelmina Tulip Garden is located in Golden Gate Park in San Francisco, CA. Although the garden is known for its tulips, blooms of all types are featured throughout the year. The tulip garden is a popular and affordable location for wedding ceremonies or receptions.

View a Queen Wilhelmina Tulip Garden wedding.

Website: https://sfrecpark.org/908/Golden-Gate-Park—Queen-Wilhelmina-Gard

Address: 47th Avenue and Great Highway at the Dutch Windmill, San Francisco, CA

12. California Memorial Stadium

Bride and groom smile at each other at their California Memorial Stadium wedding at UC Berkeley

Since it opened in the fall of 1923, the California Memorial Stadium has produced many memories for generations of Golden Bears. Built as a memorial to fallen heroes of World War I from California, the stadium is a stunning example of Beaux Arts architecture and historical signficigance. The stadium is located on the UC Berkeley campus at the foot of the Berkeley Hills.

View a California Memorial Stadium wedding at UC Berkeley.

Website: California Memorial Stadium wedding

Address: 2227 Piedmont Ave, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA

Other San Francisco Wedding Venues

San Francisco Hotel Wedding Venues

Golden Gate Park Venues

Presidio Venues

Golden Gate National Recreation Area Venues

SF Parks Department