Exploring East Bay wedding venues? As an East Bay wedding photographer, I get to explore the most beautiful options the area has to offer. When it comes to planning a wedding, choosing the perfect venue is key. The East Bay area of the San Francisco Bay Area offers a plethora of options, but five East Bay wedding venues that stand out are the Faculty Club in Berkeley, the Brazil Room in Tilden Park, the Julia Morgan Ballroom, Terrace Room and Hacienda de las Flores in Moraga. Take a look at why these venues could be great choices for your wedding day. Take a look!
- Faculty Club – Berkeley
The Faculty Club at the University of California, Berkeley is a beautiful and historic venue that provides a stunning backdrop for your wedding day. It’s also such a hidden gem! With a variety of indoor and outdoor spaces to choose from, you can create a customized wedding package that meets your needs and vision. The Club’s lush gardens and outdoor patio offer beautiful views of the Bay and surrounding hills, while the indoor spaces feature elegant details and ample room for dining and dancing. The Club also offers on-site catering, making planning your wedding easier. This Berkeley wedding venue also offers indoor and outdoor garden areas for your ceremony. If you are a UC Berkeley alumna you might find this to be the perfect location for your wedding. Couples love having wedding portraits taken around their favorite buildings, Sather Gate, and views of the campanile.
- Brazilian Room – Tilden Park
Nestled in the lush Tilden Park, the Brazilian Room offers a beautiful and serene setting for your wedding day. The venue’s outdoor ceremony space features a beautiful wooden arch and stunning views of the Bay, while the indoor reception hall offers ample space for dining and dancing. The Brazil Room’s rustic charm and natural beauty make it a great choice for couples looking for a more intimate and relaxed wedding venue. If you have time in your wedding day timeline, consider taking photos at the Tilden carousel or the Tilden botanical gardens. This Berkeley wedding venue is also a great option for outdoor ceremony, outdoor cocktail hour, and a cozy indoor reception and dancing space. If you are looking for information on availability for the Brazilian Room click HERE.
The Brazilian Room derives its name from its rich hardwood paneling (Jacaranda, Imbuya, Brazilian Chestnut and Mahogany) that was once part of the Brazilian Pavilion at the 1939 Golden Gate International Exhibition on Treasure Island in the San Francisco Bay that showcased the commerce and culture of the country of Brazil. When the exposition ended, the Brazil Building was presented to the newly-formed East Bay Regional Park District as a gift of friendship from the Brazilian government.
The exterior of the original building was perishable so the Works Progress Administration (WPA) built a new, English-style permanent exterior in Tilden Regional Park, one of the three inaugural regional parks, combining local rock and timber with the beautiful hardwood wall paneling from Brazil. The building was dedicated in 1941 and remodeled extensively in 1965. The Brazilian Room is currently a popular site for weddings, parties and business retreats.
- Berkeley City Club-Berkeley
Ready for a fairytale setting? Have you seen this spot? The Berkeley City Club is a historic building in Berkeley, California, that was originally designed by Julia Morgan in the early 20th century as a women’s social club. Today, it serves as an event venue, including as a popular location for weddings. The Club’s stunning architecture and elegant ballroom provide a beautiful and unique backdrop for couples to exchange their vows and celebrate with their loved ones. With its vintage charm and modern amenities, the Berkeley City Club is a perfect choice for couples seeking a memorable and romantic wedding venue.
- Terrace Room – Oakland
Interested in getting married in Oakland, with amazing views of Lake Merritt? Located in the historic Lake Merritt Hotel, the Terrace Room offers a sophisticated and elegant wedding venue with stunning views of Lake Merritt and downtown Oakland. The venue’s Art Deco-inspired details, including the ornate ceiling and elegant columns, create a timeless and romantic atmosphere for your wedding day. The Terrace Room also offers delicious on-site catering options and a professional event team to ensure your day runs smoothly. One of my favorite qualities of this Oakland venue is the proximity to the lake and views of the beautiful string lights around the lake at night. Guests they’re always shocked by the views and the intimacy of the gorgeous rooms.
5. Hacienda de las Flores-Moraga
Hacienda de las Flores is a historic estate located in the town of Moraga, California, in the United States. The estate was originally built in 1901 as a private residence but has since been restored and repurposed as a community center and event venue.
The Hacienda’s beautiful Spanish-style architecture, lush gardens, and stunning views of the surrounding hills make it a popular spot for weddings, corporate events, and other special occasions. The property features a variety of indoor and outdoor spaces, including a grand ballroom, a courtyard, and several smaller rooms that can be used for meetings or private dinners.
I particularly love all the variety the property offers for your full event. Cocktails can be served at the Pavilion, the dancing can be held indoors or outdoor and the ceremony can be on the lawn near the house or below at the pavilion.
In addition to hosting events, the Hacienda de las Flores also offers a variety of community programs and classes, including dance lessons, art workshops, and fitness classes. The estate’s grounds are open to the public, and visitors can enjoy strolling through the gardens, picnicking on the lawn, or simply relaxing in the peaceful surroundings.
Overall, Hacienda de las Flores is a unique and beautiful property with a rich history and a vibrant present-day community.
The East Bay is a diverse and vibrant region of the San Francisco Bay Area, known for its beautiful parks, scenic views, and thriving cultural scene. Some of the benefits of getting married in the East Bay include:
Mild Climate: The East Bay has a mild climate, with warm summers and mild winters, making it an ideal location for an outdoor wedding. Couples can choose from a variety of outdoor venues with stunning views of the Bay Area, such as Tilden Regional Park or Lake Merritt.
Cultural Diversity: The East Bay is home to a diverse range of cultures and communities, which means that couples can incorporate a variety of cultural traditions into their wedding celebrations. From Indian weddings to Chinese tea ceremonies, the East Bay has it all.
Access to Local Vendors: The East Bay has a thriving wedding industry, which means that couples have access to a wide range of local vendors, including caterers, photographers, florists, and wedding planners.
Overall, the East Bay is a wonderful place to get married, with its beautiful scenery, diverse communities, and wide range of wedding venues and vendors.
Choosing the right wedding venue is one of the most important decisions you’ll make when planning your wedding day. The Faculty Club in Berkeley, the Brazil Room in Tilden Park, and the Julia Morgan Ballroom and Terrace Room in Oakland are all great choices for couples looking for a unique and unforgettable wedding venue. Whether you’re looking for a historic setting, natural beauty, or old-world elegance, these venues offer something for every couple. Consider your style, budget, and guest count when choosing your wedding venue, and work with the venue’s event team to create a personalized wedding package that meets your needs and vision.
