Wedding
Planning a Destination Wedding in
San Francisco
A destination wedding is a unique and exciting way for couples to celebrate their special day. Unlike traditional weddings, destination weddings involve traveling to a location away from home, often combining the wedding and honeymoon in one picturesque setting. This approach provides a memorable experience for both the couple and their guests, offering a beautiful backdrop and a vacation-like atmosphere.
Benefits of a Destination Wedding
Memorable Experience: A destination wedding provides a unique and memorable experience for everyone involved. The exotic location, the different setting, and the whole travel experience make the wedding stand out.
Intimate Setting: Typically, destination weddings are smaller and more intimate. This allows the couple to spend quality time with their guests and create lasting memories.
Reduced Stress: Many destination wedding venues offer all-inclusive packages and on-site coordinators, reducing the stress of planning every detail.
Combination of Wedding and Honeymoon: Couples can save money and time by combining their wedding and honeymoon in one beautiful location.
Top 10 Wedding Venues in San Francisco
San Francisco, with its iconic landmarks, diverse neighborhoods, and stunning scenery, is an ideal location for a destination wedding. Here are the top 10 wedding venues in the city:
1. The Fairmont San Francisco
Description: This historic hotel offers elegance and luxury with panoramic views of the city and the bay. The stunning architecture and grand ballrooms make it a perfect venue for a lavish wedding.
Address: 950 Mason St, San Francisco, CA 94108
Contact: (415) 772-5000 | fairmont.com
2. San Francisco City Hall
Description: Known for its stunning Beaux-Arts architecture, City Hall provides a majestic and grand setting for weddings. The Rotunda is a popular spot for ceremonies.
Address: 1 Dr Carlton B Goodlett Pl, San Francisco, CA 94102
Contact: (415) 554-4000 | sfgov.org
3. The Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco
Description: This luxury hotel in Nob Hill offers elegant ballrooms and outdoor terraces with stunning views. The service and attention to detail are impeccable.
Address: 600 Stockton St, San Francisco, CA 94108
Contact: (415) 296-7465 | ritzcarlton.com
4. Golden Gate Club
Description: Located in the Presidio, this venue offers spectacular views of the Golden Gate Bridge and the bay. The historic building features large windows and a charming courtyard.
Address: 135 Fisher Loop, San Francisco, CA 94129
Contact: (415) 561-5444 | presidio.gov
5. The Palace Hotel
Description: A historic hotel with opulent ballrooms and a stunning Garden Court, perfect for a glamorous wedding.
Address: 2 New Montgomery St, San Francisco, CA 94105
Contact: (415) 512-1111 | marriott.com
6. The Cliff House
Description: Overlooking the Pacific Ocean, The Cliff House offers breathtaking views and a romantic setting. The venue is ideal for intimate weddings.
Address: 1090 Point Lobos Ave, San Francisco, CA 94121
Contact: (415) 386-3330 | cliffhouse.com
7. The Presidio Log Cabin
Description: A rustic and charming venue with views of the Golden Gate Bridge and the bay. The Log Cabin offers a cozy atmosphere with a beautiful outdoor area.
Address: 1299 Storey Ave, San Francisco, CA 94129
Contact: (415) 561-5444 | presidio.gov
8. The Green Room
Description: Located in the War Memorial Performing Arts Center, The Green Room features a classic interior with floor-to-ceiling windows and a grand staircase.
Address: 401 Van Ness Ave, San Francisco, CA 94102
Contact: (415) 554-4000
9. The James Leary Flood Mansion
Description: This elegant mansion offers stunning views of the bay and the city. The venue’s classic architecture and beautiful gardens make it a popular choice.
Address: 2222 Broadway, San Francisco, CA 94115
Contact: (415) 567-6797 | floodmansion.org
10. The Exploratorium
Description: For a unique and interactive wedding experience, The Exploratorium offers a one-of-a-kind venue with stunning views of the city skyline and the bay.
Address: Pier 15, The Embarcadero, San Francisco, CA 94111
Contact: (415) 528-4444 | exploratorium.edu
Top 10 Caterers in San Francisco
Selecting the right caterer is essential for creating a memorable dining experience at your wedding. Here are the top 10 caterers in San Francisco:
1. Paula LeDuc Fine Catering & Events
Description: Known for their exquisite cuisine and exceptional service, Paula LeDuc offers a range of gourmet dishes crafted with seasonal, locally sourced ingredients.
Specialties: Custom menus, luxury catering.
Address: 1375 Park Ave, Emeryville, CA 94608
Contact: (510) 547-7827 | paulaleduc.com
2. Melons Catering and Events
Description: With a focus on fresh, innovative cuisine, Melons Catering offers a wide range of menu options tailored to your preferences.
Specialties: Custom menus, farm-to-table.
Address: 2130 Oakdale Ave, San Francisco, CA 94124
Contact: (415) 550-6992 | melonscatering.com
3. Global Gourmet Catering
Description: Offering a diverse array of international cuisines, Global Gourmet Catering is known for their creative and delicious dishes.
Specialties: International cuisine, custom menus.
Address: 1030 Illinois St, San Francisco, CA 94107
Contact: (415) 701-0001 | ggcatering.com
4. Taste Catering and Event Planning
Description: Taste Catering offers gourmet menus with a focus on local and sustainable ingredients. Their elegant presentations and delicious flavors make them a top choice.
Specialties: Sustainable cuisine, custom menus.
Address: 201 Adrian Rd, Millbrae, CA 94030
Contact: (650) 652-3838 | tastecatering.com
5. Fork & Spoon Productions
Description: Known for their innovative and modern approach to catering, Fork & Spoon Productions offers creative dishes and exceptional service.
Specialties: Modern cuisine, custom menus.
Address: 478 Haight St, San Francisco, CA 94117
Contact: (415) 552-7130 | forkandspoonproductions.com
6. Elaine Bell Catering
Description: Elaine Bell Catering provides elegant and flavorful dishes crafted with the finest ingredients. They offer a wide range of menu options to suit any taste.
Specialties: Elegant cuisine, custom menus.
Address: 776 Technology Way, Napa, CA 94558
Contact: (707) 603-1400 | elainebellcatering.com
7. LRE Catering
Description: LRE Catering offers delicious and beautifully presented dishes with a focus on seasonal and local ingredients.
Specialties: Seasonal cuisine, custom menus.
Address: 1063 Folsom St, San Francisco, CA 94103
Contact: (415) 581-5700 | lrecatering.com
8. Blue Heron Catering
Description: With over 30 years of experience, Blue Heron Catering offers a range of delicious and creative dishes tailored to your preferences.
Specialties: Creative cuisine, custom menus.
Address: 3276 Adeline St, Berkeley, CA 94703
Contact: (510) 527-5412 | blueheroncatering.com
9. Componere Fine Catering
Description: Componere Fine Catering provides gourmet cuisine with an emphasis on elegant presentations and exceptional flavors.
Specialties: Gourmet cuisine, custom menus.
Address: 2130 Oakdale Ave, San Francisco, CA 94124
Contact: (415) 648-8668 | componerefinecatering.com
10. Left Coast Catering
Description: Left Coast Catering offers a wide range of delicious and innovative dishes crafted with fresh, local ingredients.
Specialties: Innovative cuisine, custom menus.
Address: 1400 Yosemite Ave, San Francisco, CA 94124
Contact: (415) 934-0600 | leftcoastcatering.com
Top 10 Wedding Photographers in San Francisco
Choosing the right photographer is crucial for capturing the special moments of your wedding day. Here are the top 10 wedding photographers in San Francisco:
1. Anna Kuperberg Photography
Description: Known for her artistic and candid style, Anna Kuperberg captures beautiful and timeless wedding photos.
Specialties: Candid, artistic photography.
Address: 180 Capp St, San Francisco, CA 94110
Contact: (415) 255-0610 | annakuperberg.com
2. Meg Smith Photography
Description: Meg Smith is renowned for her elegant and intimate wedding photography, with a focus on capturing genuine emotions.
Specialties: Elegant, intimate photography.
Address: 3385 22nd St, San Francisco, CA 94110
Contact: (415) 285-9339 | megsmith.com
3. Jose Villa Photography
Description: Jose Villa offers a fine art approach to wedding photography, creating stunning and timeless images.
Specialties: Fine art photography.
Address: 2565 Mission St, San Francisco, CA 94110
Contact: (707) 546-5665 | josevilla.com
4. Lisa Lefkowitz Photography
Description: Lisa Lefkowitz specializes in capturing elegant and natural wedding photos with a timeless quality.
Specialties: Natural, elegant photography.
Address: 560 Haight St, San Francisco, CA 94117
Contact: (415) 252-1481
5. Caroline Tran Photography
Description: Caroline Tran offers a blend of modern and romantic photography, capturing beautiful moments with a natural touch.
Specialties: Modern, romantic photography.
Address: 1200 4th St, San Francisco, CA 94158
Contact: (415) 872-9827 | carolinetran.net
6. Tanja Lippert Photography
Description: Tanja Lippert is known for her vintage-inspired wedding photography, creating timeless and elegant images.
Specialties: Vintage-inspired photography.
Address: 690 Pennsylvania Ave, San Francisco, CA 94107
Contact: (415) 694-6341 | tanjalippertphotography.com
7. Jonas Peterson Photography
Description: Jonas Peterson captures stunning and emotive wedding photos with a storytelling approach.
Specialties: Storytelling photography.
Address: 1686 Market St, San Francisco, CA 94102
Contact: (415) 726-1665 | jonaspeterson.com
8. Elizabeth Messina Photography
Description: Elizabeth Messina offers a fine art approach to wedding photography, creating beautiful and ethereal images.
Specialties: Fine art photography.
Address: 2199 Mission St, San Francisco, CA 94110
Contact: (415) 552-1227 | elizabethmessina.com
9. Erich McVey Photography
Description: Erich McVey is known for his elegant and timeless wedding photography, capturing beautiful moments with a natural touch.
Specialties: Timeless, elegant photography.
Address: 1500 Page St, San Francisco, CA 94117
Contact: (503) 930-7818 | erichmcvey.com
10. KT Merry Photography
Description: KT Merry offers a blend of fine art and editorial photography, creating stunning and romantic wedding images.
Specialties: Fine art, editorial photography.
Address: 1235 Divisadero St, San Francisco, CA 94115
Contact: (305) 975-5747 | ktmerry.com
Top 10 Florists in San Francisco
Flowers play a crucial role in creating the ambiance and aesthetic of your wedding. Here are the top 10 florists in San Francisco:
1. Church Street Flowers
Description: Church Street Flowers offers elegant and unique floral arrangements with a focus on fresh, seasonal flowers.
Specialties: Elegant, seasonal arrangements.
Address: 212 Church St, San Francisco, CA 94114
Contact: (415) 553-7762 | churchstreetflowers.com
2. Natalie Bowen Designs
Description: Natalie Bowen Designs creates stunning floral arrangements with a modern and artistic touch.
Specialties: Modern, artistic arrangements.
Address: 322 Harriet St, San Francisco, CA 94103
Contact: (415) 228-4960 | nataliebowendesigns.com
3. Bloomers
Description: Bloomers offers beautiful and creative floral arrangements with a focus on unique and seasonal flowers.
Specialties: Creative, seasonal arrangements.
Address: 2975 Washington St, San Francisco, CA 94115
Contact: (415) 563-3266 | bloomerssf.com
4. The Bud Stop
Description: The Bud Stop provides stunning and affordable floral arrangements for weddings and events.
Specialties: Affordable, beautiful arrangements.
Address: 2200 Union St, San Francisco, CA 94123
Contact: (415) 567-2165
5. Rossi & Rovetti Flowers
Description: Rossi & Rovetti Flowers offers elegant and unique floral arrangements with a focus on fresh, high-quality flowers.
Specialties: High-quality, elegant arrangements.
Address: 333 3rd St, San Francisco, CA 94107
Contact: (415) 543-4400 | rossirovetti.com
6. Soulflower Floral Design
Description: Soulflower Floral Design creates beautiful and artistic floral arrangements with a focus on unique and seasonal flowers.
Specialties: Artistic, seasonal arrangements.
Address: 1029 Irving St, San Francisco, CA 94122
Contact: (415) 990-2713 | soulflowerdesign.com
7. Flowergirl Em
Description: Flowergirl Em offers stunning and creative floral arrangements with a focus on fresh, seasonal flowers.
Specialties: Creative, seasonal arrangements.
Address: 55 Grace St, San Francisco, CA 94103
Contact: (415) 678-6465 | flowergirlem.com
8. Chestnut & Vine Floral Design
Description: Chestnut & Vine Floral Design creates beautiful and elegant floral arrangements for weddings and events.
Specialties: Elegant, beautiful arrangements.
Address: 2040 Union St, San Francisco, CA 94123
Contact: (415) 409-0400 | chestnutandvine.com
9. Farmgirl Flowers
Description: Farmgirl Flowers offers beautiful and unique floral arrangements with a focus on sustainable and locally-sourced flowers.
Specialties: Sustainable, locally-sourced arrangements.
Address: 901 16th St, San Francisco, CA 94107
Contact: (855) 202-3817 | farmgirlflowers.com
10. Le Bouquet
Description: Le Bouquet provides elegant and creative floral arrangements for weddings and events, with a focus on high-quality flowers.
Specialties: High-quality, creative arrangements.
Address: 2222 Fillmore St, San Francisco, CA 94115
Contact: (415) 346-7759 | lebouquetsf.com
Top 10 Wedding Planners in San Francisco
Hiring a wedding planner can help ensure that your wedding day goes smoothly and stress-free. Here are the top 10 wedding planners in San Francisco:
1. Amy Nichols Special Events
Description: Amy Nichols Special Events offers full-service wedding planning with a focus on creating elegant and personalized weddings.
Specialties: Full-service planning, personalized weddings.
Address: 1701 Jackson St, San Francisco, CA 94109
Contact: (415) 305-4690 | amynichols.com
2. Jasper & Willow
Description: Jasper & Willow specializes in creating unique and stylish weddings with a focus on personalized details and exceptional service.
Specialties: Stylish, personalized weddings.
Address: 1235 Divisadero St, San Francisco, CA 94115
Contact: (415) 795-2397 | jasperandwillow.com
3. Kaella Lynn Events
Description: Kaella Lynn Events offers full-service wedding planning with a focus on creating beautiful and unique weddings.
Specialties: Beautiful, unique weddings.
Address: 1019 Divisadero St, San Francisco, CA 94115
Contact: (415) 545-8364 | kaellalynnevents.com
4. Mandy Scott Events
Description: Mandy Scott Events provides full-service wedding planning with a focus on creating elegant and luxurious weddings.
Specialties: Elegant, luxurious weddings.
Address: 555 Mission St, San Francisco, CA 94105
Contact: (415) 860-7808 | mandyscottevents.com
5. Dream a Little Dream Events
Description: Dream a Little Dream Events offers full-service wedding planning with a focus on creating fun and memorable weddings.
Specialties: Fun, memorable weddings.
Address: 1234 Market St, San Francisco, CA 94102
Contact: (415) 789-6049 | dreamalittledreamevents.com
6. A Monique Affair
Description: A Monique Affair provides full-service wedding planning with a focus on creating elegant and sophisticated weddings.
Specialties: Elegant, sophisticated weddings.
Address: 2443 Fillmore St, San Francisco, CA 94115
Contact: (510) 334-3752 | amoniqueaffair.com
7. Coastside Couture
Description: Coastside Couture offers full-service wedding planning with a focus on creating beautiful and personalized weddings.
Specialties: Beautiful, personalized weddings.
Address: 2250 Union St, San Francisco, CA 94123
Contact: (415) 867-9272 | coastsidecouture.com
8. Events by Satra
Description: Events by Satra provides full-service wedding planning with a focus on creating unique and stylish weddings.
Specialties: Unique, stylish weddings.
Address: 850 Montgomery St, San Francisco, CA 94133
Contact: (415) 456-3787 | eventsbysatra.com
9. Ruby & Rose
Description: Ruby & Rose offers full-service wedding planning with a focus on creating elegant and timeless weddings.
Specialties: Elegant, timeless weddings.
Address: 600 Mason St, San Francisco, CA 94108
Contact: (415) 765-7856
10. Ooh La La Weddings & Events
Description: Ooh La La Weddings & Events provides full-service wedding planning with a focus on creating fun and memorable weddings.
Specialties: Fun, memorable weddings.
Address: 333 Grant Ave, San Francisco, CA 94108
Contact: (415) 986-8300 | oohlalaweddingsandevents.com
Where to Host the Welcome Reception
Hosting a welcome reception is a great way to kick off the wedding festivities and welcome your guests. Here are some top locations in San Francisco:
1. The St. Regis San Francisco
Description: This luxury hotel offers elegant spaces and top-notch service, perfect for a sophisticated welcome reception.
Address: 125 3rd St, San Francisco, CA 94103
Contact: (415) 284-4000 | stregissanfrancisco.com
2. Waterbar
Description: Located on the Embarcadero, Waterbar offers stunning views of the Bay Bridge and delicious seafood, making it an ideal spot for a welcome reception.
Address: 399 The Embarcadero, San Francisco, CA 94105
Contact: (415) 284-9922 | waterbarsf.com
3. Foreign Cinema
Description: Known for its unique atmosphere and delicious food, Foreign Cinema provides a memorable setting for a welcome reception.
Address: 2534 Mission St, San Francisco, CA 94110
Contact: (415) 648-7600 | foreigncinema.com
4. The Cavalier
Description: This stylish British-inspired restaurant offers a cozy and elegant space for a welcome reception.
Address: 360 Jessie St, San Francisco, CA 94103
Contact: (415) 321-6000 | thecavaliersf.com
5. Epic Steak
Description: Overlooking the San Francisco Bay, Epic Steak offers a beautiful and sophisticated setting for a welcome reception.
Address: 369 The Embarcadero, San Francisco, CA 94105
Contact: (415) 369-9955 | epicsteak.com
Bachelor and Bachelorette Parties
San Francisco offers a wide range of activities for memorable bachelor and bachelorette parties. Here are some ideas:
Bachelor Party Ideas
- Brewery Tour: Take a tour of San Francisco’s top breweries, such as Anchor Brewing Company and 21st Amendment Brewery.
- Sports Game: Catch a Giants game at Oracle Park or a Warriors game at Chase Center.
- Nightlife: Explore the vibrant nightlife in neighborhoods like SoMa and the Mission District.
Bachelorette Party Ideas
- Spa Day: Treat the bride and her friends to a relaxing spa day at Nob Hill Spa or Remede Spa.
- Wine Tasting Tour: Take a day trip to Napa Valley for wine tasting and vineyard tours.
- Cooking Class: Enjoy a fun and interactive cooking class at a place like The Civic Kitchen.
Where to Obtain a Marriage License – Rules
To legally get married in San Francisco, you will need to obtain a marriage license. Here’s how:
Marriage License Information
Where to Apply: San Francisco County Clerk’s Office
Address: City Hall, Room 168, 1 Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Place, San Francisco, CA 94102
Contact: (415) 554-4950 | sfgov.org/countyclerk
Requirements
- Both Parties Must Be Present: Both parties must appear together in person to apply for the license.
- Valid Identification: Both parties must present valid photo identification (e.g., driver’s license, passport).
- Age Requirement: Both parties must be at least 18 years old.
- Marriage License Fee: The fee is $110, payable by cash, debit, or credit card.
- Waiting Period: There is no waiting period; you can get married immediately after obtaining the license.
- Validity: The marriage license is valid for 90 days from the date of issuance.
Additional Considerations
Transportation Options
- Airport Transfers: Arrange for airport transfers through services like SuperShuttle or Uber.
- Local Travel: Utilize San Francisco’s public transportation system, including BART, Muni buses, and streetcars.
Accommodations
- Hotels: Consider hotels like The Fairmont San Francisco, The Ritz-Carlton, and The St. Regis for luxury accommodations.
- Rental Properties: Explore rental properties on platforms like Airbnb for more personalized options.
Group Activities and Excursions
- Sightseeing Tours: Arrange for guided tours of iconic landmarks like Alcatraz Island, Golden Gate Bridge, and Fisherman’s Wharf.
- Outdoor Activities: Plan activities like hiking in Muir Woods or a bike ride across the Golden Gate Bridge.
Managing Logistics and Communication
- Vendor Coordination: Regularly communicate with vendors to ensure all details are in place.
- Guest Communication: Use wedding websites and apps to keep guests informed about schedules, accommodations, and transportation.
Conclusion
Planning a destination wedding in San Francisco offers a unique and memorable experience for couples and their guests. By selecting the right venues, caterers, photographers, florists, and planners, you can ensure a seamless and beautiful wedding day. Don’t forget to obtain your marriage license and consider hosting a welcome reception to kick off the festivities. With careful planning and attention to detail, your destination wedding in San Francisco will be an unforgettable celebration of love.
