5 of My Favorite San Francisco Bay Area Wedding Venues

Wedding venues in the San Francisco Bay Area brim over with such natural beauty it can be a challenge to settle on just the right one. Do we really have to choose? Unlike so much of the rest of the country, our region’s mild climate offers almost year round outdoor wedding options, so couples have lots of to choose from. I do recommend always booking a venue with an indoor back-up plan. So now what? Do you see yourselves on a site with coastal views, nestled in the redwood groves, in a vineyard or fragrant garden? As a Bay Area wedding photographer, I have the privilege of visiting so many and getting to recommend my favorites to clients. Check out some of my favorite SF Bay Area wedding venues here and always feel free to contact me with any wedding questions!

Wente Vineyards in the Livermore Wine Country

I am lucky enough to photograph a dozen or so weddings a year at Wente Vineyards. The location is perfectly situated far from the crowds of San Francisco. This venue is remote and historic and makes my job so easy with beautiful backdrops. I love the white walls of the Mediterranean buildings, the barrel room, the wine cave and of course the beautiful lush vineyards. It’s a great option for couples looking for a San Francisco Bay Area wedding venue with both indoor and outdoor options for pictures. Founded in 1883, Wente Vineyards is the country’s oldest, continuously-operating, family-owned vineyard. Founded in 1883, we are California’s premier wine country destination and the standard by which the event industry measures the best of the best.

wedding portraits in the vineyards of napa valley
fun gay wedding portraits in the bay area
jewish couple at their wedding ceremony at Wente Vineyards
colorful smoke bombs with bridal party at wente vineyards
vintage satin wedding gown on jewish bride in the bay area
gay couple celebrates their wedding at a napa valley venue

Ritz-Carlton Half Moon Bay

Oddly enough it is rather challenging to find a gorgeous Bay Area coastal wedding venue. But, Half Moon Bay, on the Northern California coastline brings it all together. If you are looking for a lunch luxurious five-star resort with epic views of the Pacific Ocean then consider the Ritz Carlton Half Moon Bay. I often consider myself a Half Moon Bay photographer, as I photograph there so often. An aspect that I love is its easy access to a stunning beach, and a secluded bridge with cypress trees surrounding it. Some of the best Bay Area wedding photographers photograph love it here for the epic surroundings. Lots of destination weddings take place here, and you can see why.

indian wedding at the ritz-carlton half moon bay
beach portraits of wedding couple at the ritz-carlton half moon bay
coastal wedding venue in half moon bay
sunset wedding portraits in half moon bay
 a surprise proposal at ritz-carlton half moon bay
bridal portrait  on a bridge at the ritz-carlton half moon bay
luxurious indian wedding at the ritz-carlton half moon bay
indian wedding beach portraits in northern california

Murrieta’s Well in the Livermore Wine Country

Murietta’s Well in the Livermore wine country is an amazing East Bay wedding venue. This is truly out of the way and an intimate venue for couples who want to indoor and outdoor locations at their wedding. The vines are always a place I take photos of my couples as well as in front of the barn doors. The staff here really knows what they’re doing and the food is always incredible. The golden hour is a great time for couples portraits with beautiful sunsets overlooking the vines. Ceremonies usually take place in front of the barn doors and receptions take place inside the barrel room with gorgeous chandeliers and high ceilings.

wedding portraits in the vineyards at 
murrietas well in livermore
wedding ceremony at 
murrietas well in livermore
couple share their first dance at 
murrietas well winery in livermore
fun wedding portraits at napa valley winery
black and white bridal portraits in the bay area
winery barrel room wedding reception

Bernardus Lodge in Carmel Valley

I get giddy every time I get to photograph a wedding at Bernardus Lodge in Carmel Valley. This Carmel wedding venue brings together the areas best weather with a secret Rose garden, hidden vineyards and five-star restaurant and lodging. If you are looking for a Carmel wedding venue, make sure to drop by this location. It’s so nice that all your guests can stay on property and enjoy the incredible California landscaping, fresh food from their garden and proximity to Carmel by the Sea.

luxurious wedding at bernardus lodge in the carmel valley
luxury wedding venue in carmel
unique wedding portraits in carmel valley at bernardus lodge in the carmel valley
candid bridal portraits at bernardus lodge in the carmel valley
whimsical wedding photos from at bernardus lodge in the carmel valley
documentary style wedding photos in carmel from bernardus lodge
luxury wedding venue photos from bernardus lodge in carmel valley

Oceano Hotel & Spa in Half Moon Bay

Another gorgeous half moon bay wedding venue I recommend is the Oceano Hotel and Spa. This is another example of a location where all the guests can stay and enjoy the entire event for the wedding weekend. The lawn at this hotel is the perfect spot for a ceremony, with views of ships in the harbor. The reception room is bright welcoming and can hold a lot of guests for dancing and partying. I love to take my couples for portraits to nearby Moss Beach where the cypress trees make gorgeous tunnels. As a wedding photographer, I always look for unique locations for formal portraits and creative opportunities.When weddings take place here, guests can take in the sights of the adorable downtown Half Moon Bay and even make their way down Highway 1 to nearby Santa Cruz and Carmel.

half moon bay wedding portraits on beach
photos of half moon bay harbor from Oceano Hotel
llama poses with guests at wedding in half moon bay
wedding portraits in grove of trees in northern california
unique bridal party portraits in half moon bay
candid wedding portraits in northern california
oceano hotell wedding reception photos

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