Small Venues for Rent in San Francisco, CA

Your Guide to Renting Small Venues in San Francisco, CA

No matter how small your event is, booking a nice venue can take it to the next level. And speaking of venues, you won’t have trouble finding those in San Francisco. The only thing you may have trouble with is choosing just one, since there are so many options! But worry not, we’ve got your back. Check out our brief guide to finding and securing the perfect small venue for your event.

How do I choose the perfect San Francisco venue for my small event?

Let’s discuss some of the most important things to consider when booking a small venue for your event.

What type of event are you planning?

Let’s start with the basics. Different types of events may require different spaces, so the most important thing is to know exactly what you’re planning. Is it an intimate wedding reception, a small concert or a low-key birthday party? Of course, a lot also depends on your personal preferences. Take some time to come up with your vision of the event: Who are you inviting? What should be the overall mood? Are you hosting a private party or a corporate event? Is it more formal or rather casual? Once you figure that out, it will give a direction to your search for the ideal venue.

What kind of budget do you have?

Next on our list of essentials is the budget. You need to know how much you’re prepared to spend on the event. Luckily for you, a smaller number of guests typically means lower costs. Still, San Francisco has the reputation of being rather expensive, so it’s best to include some kind of reserve in your budget just to be safe. Remember to consider space rental fees plus additional fees that may apply, e.g. the costs of catering, decorations, equipment rentals, etc. When you’re clear on the numbers, use Tagvenue’s filters to browse venues that fit your price range.

How many people are you inviting?

Knowing the estimated number of guests is also absolutely crucial to booking the right space. “Small venue” is a relative term, you’ll have to be more specific than that. Some people will consider an event for 50 guests to be small, while others will picture a gathering of no more than 10. So, make your guest list, send out the invitations and ask people to RSVP. This will give you an idea of how many guests you should be expecting to show up and thanks to this information, you will be able to book a venue that’s just the perfect size. If you’re using Tagvenue, you can easily filter San Francisco venues by capacity.

What sort of facilities and equipment do you need?

Depending on the type of event you’re hosting, you may require different facilities and equipment. For example, if you’re looking for a small corporate venue, you’d probably like it to have WiFi, a projector and maybe a whiteboard to quickly jot down ideas. If you’re planning an intimate wedding, perhaps you’d enjoy an outdoor space with a nice view that will look amazing in the photos. If there’s anyone with disabilities among your guests, check the venue’s accessibility. Make a list of all the essentials and keep it handy when you’re comparing spaces!

Which area of San Francisco are you considering for your event?

Think about the location of your event. Are you interested in any particular neighborhood? Many great small party venues are located in the waterfront areas such as the Marina District, Fisherman’s Wharf or the Embarcadero. You’ll also find plenty of choice downtown, including bars, restaurants and live music venues. And if you’re looking for small corporate event venues, check out places such as the Financial District or Union Square. Keep in mind that the ideal location should be convenient to all guests. Consider aspects such as easy road access, parking spaces and the proximity of transport hubs.

Are you hosting a catered event?

Most events, even the small ones, include some form of catering. It can be a three-course sit-down meal, a buffet with light refreshments or anything in between. Decide whether you’re looking for a small venue that offers on-site catering or you’ll be providing the food yourself. If you opt for the latter, make sure that the venue you’ve picked allows external catering. To cut the costs, you could even make it a potluck. In-house catering, on the other hand, is a great option if you don’t want to have to worry about the organizational bits. Just pick one of San Francisco’s fabulous restaurants, agree on a menu with the chef, and you’re ready to go!

Will you be serving alcohol?

If you plan on serving alcohol during your event, pay attention to whether your chosen venue has an alcohol license. Whether you’re in the mood for craft beer, world-class wine or inventive cocktails, San Francisco’s filled with drinking spots ready to satisfy all of your wishes. You could host your event in a charming beer garden, book a cozy lounge or rent out an entire bar – it’s up to you! Alternatively, if you’re trying to go easy on your wallet, you can buy in bulk from an external vendor – just find a venue that will give you a green light to BYOB (and pay attention to corkage fees)!

FAQs about Small Venues in San Francisco, CA

Which areas of San Francisco have the best venues for small events?

The northeastern part of the city is particularly rich in event venues of all types. Check out bustling downtown, with popular areas such as Union Square, SoMa or the Financial District. The lively Mission District and Cow Hollow also offer something for everyone: upscale restaurants, trendy coffee shops, vibrant nightlife spots and live music venues. If you’re into water views, explore the waterfront areas of Fisherman’s Wharf, Embarcadero or the Marina District. And if you’d rather book a small venue away from the hustle and bustle, look for spaces in the Richmond and Sunset Districts.

How much does it cost to rent a small venue in San Francisco?

The costs of renting a small event space in San Francisco will range from around $360 to $3500 per session. If you’re looking for affordable alternatives, it may make sense to look for venues that charge per person. In this case, prices start at around $26 and reach up to around $52 per person. (All data from Tagvenue.)

What are the best small venues in San Francisco?

Discover some of our favorite small event venues you’ll find in and around San Francisco:

• Patio at Forbidden Island Tiki Lounge - Enjoy world-class cocktails in this tropical oasis in the heart of the city! Outdoor parties have never been this good. This venue is perfect for up to 40 people.
• Studio 2 “Rhythm And Flow” at Rae Studios - Planning a small workshop, photoshoot, or meeting? This airy space with boho decor and plenty of natural light can accommodate a versatile mix of events. Conveniently located in Union Square.
• Outdoor Garden Terrace at The Academy - An intimate and cozy outdoor space with charming twinkling lights and access to a bar - can you ask for much more? This venue near Church and 14th Street station will elevate your upcoming event to new heights! It's perfect for up to 60 guests.

How can I save money while booking a small venue?

While San Francisco is generally expensive, there are some tricks you can apply to save some money while renting a venue for your small event.

• Book a space that’s just the right size. Don’t book a venue for 30 when you’re only expecting 15 guests. Make sure that the space you choose will comfortably fit everyone you’ve invited, but avoid overpaying for a venue that’s too big for your purposes.
• Bring your own food and beverages. Food and drinks typically constitute a large portion of the total cost. Sometimes finding external caterers can be a cheaper alternative, but you have to get the venue manager’s approval first! Organizing a potluck is also a great way to cut the costs.
• Host a cash bar. Alcohol is expensive. A good way to go easy on your wallet is to simply have your guests pay for their own drinks that they buy from the bar.