While there is no shortage of beautiful spots to elope in and around San Francisco, these are our favorites. If you’re not seeing anything that suits your fancy, no worries! We can perform a ceremony most anywhere. Reach out to us for further info.
Golden Gate Park
One of the Bay Area’s most iconic natural settings, Golden Gate Park is a beautiful place for a wedding ceremony in the city. Filled with lovely gardens like the Japanese Tea Garden and Garden of Shakespeare’s Flowers, there are plenty of places to say “I do” and capture photographs to remember your big day. One of which is Chinese Pavilion at Stow Lake — an ornate, rememberable pavilion with lush landscapes next to the glistening Lake Stow. A picnic table is on site and alcohol is permitted at the venue. Picnic areas within the park have different requirements for events like weddings. The Golden Gate Park Carousel is a charming attraction in the park and makes for a whimsical backdrop for photos.
Redwood Regional Park (Oakland)
Located in the hills of east Oakland, Redwood Regional Park is the largest natural stand of coast redwood trees in the East Bay. The enormous, historic trees create an enchanting environment for a nature ceremony within an urban city. Travel along 40 miles of designated trails to find the perfect place to exchange vows or set up the ceremony at one four picnic sites in the park. Each picnic site can accommodate up to 150 people, so you will have plenty of room if you are bringing guests. Depending on how far you are planning to hike in the park and what time of year, you might consider wearing appropriate footwear for hiking. The massive tree trunks and lush vegetation offer plenty of places to take photographs with a serene natural backdrop.
Coit Tower
Coit Tower stands atop San Francisco’s Pioneer Park in the Telegraph Hill neighborhood, known for one of the best viewpoints of the Bay Area. From the tower, witness incredible panoramic views of the city, the bay, Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz below. A small ceremony can be held in the grassy lawn area in front of the tower or in the lush park that encircles the tower. There is a small parking lot nearby, which can be busy at times, and several bus stops that allow for easy access to the area. Coit Tower makes for spectacular ceremony and photo settings.
Presidio Park
This massive park in the middle of the city is a former military fort and part of Golden Gate National Recreation Area. The 1,480-acre park is where the forest meets the ocean, leaving a spacious park brimming with beauty and filled with places to hold a ceremony. Within the park, there plenty of picnic areas, sculptures, scenic overlook areas, and designated trails, all of which have plenty of options for ceremony locations. There are also several indoor venues within the park, including two chapels, the Golden Gate Club, and Arguello Restaurant. There are parking areas virtually all over the park, so you won’t have trouble parking close to your choice location.
Lake Merritt (Oakland)
This romantic park has a three-mile heart-shaped shoreline along a tidal lagoon, an abundance of wildlife, and plenty of beautiful spaces for a ceremony. There are nine themed gardens within the park, including the Bonsai Garden, which has more than 250 bonsai trees, the Mediterranean Garden which features a historic fountain at its center, and a Succulent Garden. The Lake Merritt Bandstand is a gorgeous, ornate open-air structure on the shore of Lake Merritt. Some rates apply for using select areas in the park.
Baker Beach
This stunning half-mile beach is situated on the shores of the Pacific Ocean, against rugged, rocky cliffs with an absolutely perfect view of the iconic Golden Gate Bridge. The beach is a spectacular location for a city ceremony with a touch of nature. Parking at Baker Beach is free and located very close to the beach, allowing an easy trek while dressed in wedding attire.
Berkeley Marina (Berkeley)
Berkeley Marina offers spans more than 100 acres with seven miles of designated trails, several picnic areas, and stunning views of the Bay Area. Berkeley Point is home to Berkeley Pier while on the opposite side of the marina, Cesar Chavez Park offers great views and areas to hold a ceremony. The marina has free parking for up to 72 hours and does not require any special permits for events with 50 guests or less. There is also a restaurant and hotel located the marina, so you can host all of your wedding festivities in one, beautiful place.
San Francisco City Hall
This beautiful building is a Bay Area icon and favorite for weddings. The marble interior and massive dome make for fantastic photo opportunities to capture your wedding day. Civil ceremonies and City Hall are by appointment only and allow up to six guests.