Unique Wedding Venues for Rent in San Francisco, CA

Your Guide to Renting Unique Wedding Venues in San Francisco, CA

What are some of the most popular types of wedding venues in SF?

When it comes to a wedding, the first thing that comes to mind is the location and then maybe the wedding dress! Venue choice is one of the most important elements of a successful wedding - after all it’s one of the biggest items on your budget list. If you don’t have an idea about your venue yet, browsing through our list of unique spaces might give you an idea or two of what you’d like. To help you with this task, we’ve rounded up a list of exceptional spaces and some tips for your planning.

Ballrooms

Put on your glass slippers; it’s time for some Cinderella charm! Ballrooms are among the most sought-after wedding venues, yet each of them is different and has a charm of its own! These spaces have the right ambiance to take your wedding reception from a five to a ten. It’s an ideal place for your first dance, bouquet toss, and tons of precious memories. Ballrooms make it effortless for anyone to capture candid shots of your event since you will already have a stunning backdrop in place. If you’re planning a fairy-tale-like wedding, take a look at unique venues such as The San Francisco Mint. Set in the scenic Theater District, this stunning location, featuring gold vaults and gaslight chandeliers, can host up to 700 guests, and is perfect for a lavish wedding. Another gem is Pearl Banquet Hall. With enough space to host over 300 guests, this beautifully decorated hall will surely delight your guests and yourself!

Pubs

Pub weddings are on the rise pretty much everywhere, with many couples choosing to tie the knot in a place that means something to them. For a lot of couples, pubs are reminiscent of special moments such as first dates or smooches. Holding a wedding reception at a pub is a non-traditional way of celebrating a union and keeping costs down. Celebrating one of the key moments in your life requires what pubs have to offer: comfort, style, and light-heartedness. Pubs are excellent for those who wish to make the most of the celebration and not worry too much about the guests, since many of them provide food and drinks for the event. Grazing tables are also a common option at pubs, which means you won’t have to worry about your guests being served as they will fend for themselves. 

Quirky yet romantic, pubs should make it on to your list. Upcider provides catering and audio/visual services, are great for chiming those wedding bells. If you prefer something less eclectic, why not pick Jasper's Corner Tap and Kitchen for its cozy and charming atmosphere and soft lighting? The dining room at Woodbury can host over 70 attendees and provides wild west vibes along with expertly crafted beverages.

Galleries and warehouses

Industrial venues are becoming wedding venue favorites in the U.S due to their unusual interiors and affordable prices. Galleries and warehouses are excellent for couples who wish to do everything from A to Z when it comes to decor. Having a blank canvas venue is an awesome way for you to personalize your unique wedding, from the chairs to the wedding favors. These venues also have an urban vibe that breaks away from the traditional wedding venue and  screams originality and individuality. Both casual and ready for personalization, these spaces can host both smaller and bigger celebrations. With their high ceilings, the room for creativity in warehouse venues is quite extensive. Whether you wish to add chandeliers, create a huge dancing space, or add buffet tables, the choices are infinite within such unique spaces. Offbeat locations like 4th Floor at Luxury Contemporary Art Gallery are not only accommodating but also offer scenic views to live for! 

Restaurant 

Ah, the good old classic! No one ever gets tired of this traditional wedding venue. Hosting a reception at a restaurant remains one of the most popular wedding options. That being said, it doesn’t mean you have to pick a boring restaurant for your party. The diversity of restaurants in SF is ready to take your wedding up a notch. Couples often choose restaurants as there are many advantages to it, such as less work due to the services offered. It’s also a cheaper option than many other venues. However, restaurants can be limited in terms of capacity, so it’s important to take a good look at your guest list and the space offered when picking a restaurant. If you’re having a small wedding, you can rent the whole restaurant or simply choose a restaurant with a private room where you can spend some unforgettable moments. One of the many perks of restaurants is the excellent food that will thrill your guests and the ambiance of the restaurant, as it reveals your personality to a certain extent! Whether it’s a cute Parisian bistro in downtown San Francisco or a laid-back spot in SoMa, it's a good opportunity to share a bit of the "you-nique" factor with your guests!

Outdoor spaces

Other unique wedding venue spaces to consider are outdoor spaces such as rooftop restaurants, gardens, and parks, among others. Outdoor wedding venues are great for out-of-this-world photos. They often provide the perfect backdrop for a wedding, particularly if the shots are taken on the beach at the golden hour. Outdoor ceremonies also add that romantic touch to the overall wedding experience, which means you can save up on the decor and setup. These are ideal for warmer months when you won’t have to worry about the cold, The Academy can accommodate a small-sized bash. This green spot works as an intimate hangout withing the trendy Duboce Triangle and boasts a rich interior. Dreaming of a beach wedding? Take a look at Riggers Loft where you can rent both indoors and outdoors and enjoy picturesque views of San Fran. Say yes while watching that perfect sunset!

FAQs about Unique Wedding Venues in San Francisco, CA

What should I consider when picking an outdoor wedding venue?

Consider the weather and the indoor options. Nature’s schedule can make or break your wedding. It’s better to pick warmer and drier months when picking an outdoor wedding venue. If you’re planning an evening ceremony, think of other things, such as your lighting options. Come up with a Plan B, such as an indoor space at the same location in case the weather gets nasty.

What should a wedding space include?

Depending on your selected venue and budget, amenities and facilities can vary. Other than the capacity of the venue, things to check are whether the venue provides parking facilities, whether there is an event coordinator to assist you, and other things such as:

• Is confetti allowed?
• Are there audio/video facilities?
• Are fireworks permitted? 
• Is there a dance floor available?  

There are hundreds of things to consider when picking a wedding venue. We suggest working on a list of your requirements with your partner to make sure you’re both on the same page. Then proceed by contacting the venue manager and confirming the options.

Where can you find the best unique wedding venues in SF?

Tenderloin and Fisherman’s Wharf are splendid locations for both elegant indoor and outdoor weddings, while the Financial District is great for glamorous wedding receptions. If you’re looking for an immaculate area, consider the Presidio, which is located in one of the many stunning parks in San Francisco. From Downtown SF to Dogpatch, the city of love has unlimited options when it comes to wedding venues. You may also tie the knot in locations such as the Conservatory of Flowers near Golden City Park, provided you make a reservation well in advance. 

How far in advance can you book a wedding venue?

Some would say around 8 months, but based on Tagvenue data for popular venues during the wedding season, we’d suggest booking your venue at least a year or 10 months ahead of time. If you want to save big on your wedding preparations, it’s best to book a venue in off-season wedding months (December to March)  as prices are usually lower. The same goes for a daytime wedding, which is on the more affordable side than evening weddings.