Venues

How to Plan a Brazilian Room Tilden Park Wedding

How to Plan a Brazilian Room Tilden Park Wedding The Ultimate Guide to Planning a Brazilian Room Tilden Park Wedding (with Pricing and Photos) If you are looking to have a Brazilian Room Tilden Park wedding you have come to the right place! While Tilden Park offers over 2000 acres of space for hiking, golf, a merry-go-round, and steam trains, nestled in the North Berkeley hills lies the popular Brazilian Room to host your event! With its affordable rates and prime location, it is one of the most popular Berkeley wedding venues that books out in advance. Read below on some information to planning a wedding at the Brazilian Room. TLDR Rental fee range (Alameda & Contra Costa County residents): Minimum Fee: $560 Maximum Fee: $4,615 Pricing varies by day/time slot and event duration Rental fee range (non-residents): Minimum: $672 Maximum: $5,538 Non-resident surcharge: 20% surcharge applies for renters outside Alameda & Contra Costa Counties Capacity: Main hall max seated: 150 guests Standing capacity: 225 guests No official minimum capacity listed Botanic Garden ceremony/photo add-on: max 30 people Additional key fees: $1,000 refundable security/cleaning deposit Non-catered events fee: $300 (limited days: Mon/Wed/Thu, ends by 7pm) Late load-out fee: $500 per hour if exceeded time Why a Brazilian Room Tilden Park Wedding Offering a stunning outdoor wedding venue in Berkeley, the Brazilian Room offers a classic hillside view to host your ceremony and is conveniently located next to a garden to offer a variety of images. The building itself offers floor to ceiling windows and a rustic feel for the reception, and also offers daytime elopement sessions in addition to full day celebrations of up to 150 guests. Because of its relative location away from the city, it also offers a greater chance of seeing stars in the evening! Brazilian Room Tilden Park Wedding Cost Rental Fee : $560 – $5538Capacity: up to 150 guests How to Book a Brazilian Room Wedding Email: brazil@ebparks.orgPhone: (510) 544-3164Website: https://www.ebparks.org/rentals-and-permits/event-venues/brazilian-room Tilden Park Brazilian Room Wedding Spaces The Flagstone Patio offers expansive views of the sloping lawn and the wooded hillsides for you and up to 180 guests. While wedding ceremonies are held outside, the receptions will be taken into the Brazil House with its rustic charm and exposed wood plank ceiling. The reception hall features high ceilings and floor-to-ceiling windows on both lengths of the wall. There is a small bridal room for quick adjusts as needed. photo by Ian Chin Photography photo by Ian Chin Photography https://youtu.be/h6WgtJ8mh7s What’s Included The Brazilian Room Wedding Restrictions A surcharge of 20% of the total rental fee applies to any non-residents of Alameda and Contra Costa counties. All parties are supposed to end before midnight. There are some restrictions on playing loud music, but you can play music in both indoor and outdoor wedding spaces. All furniture is provided for by the venue, and so is the AV equipment, including speakers, microphones, and a projector. But they are only permitted for use indoors, which means you source your own for the outdoors part of the event.  The Brazilian Room Wedding Photos Interested In More Information? Please Fill Out the Form Below! 415 756 9335  ianchinphotography@gmail.com Related Posts on the Blog

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silhouette of couple touching foreheads at the Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco at dusk

How to Plan a Palace of Fine Arts Wedding

How to Plan a Palace of Fine Arts Wedding Ultimate Guide to Planning a Palace of Fine Arts Wedding(complete with pricing, photos, and videos) Having a Palace of Fine Arts Wedding is one of the more popular choices for Couples that want a gorgeous venue in the heart of San Francisco. While not commonly used for the reception, this wedding venue is one of the best in the City for your outdoor ceremony. Take a look at the photos below to imagine your Palace of Fine Arts wedding and contact me to discuss your wedding! How to Book a Palace of the Fine Arts Wedding For couples that have their sights set on a Palace of Fine Arts Wedding, the most critical first step is knowing how to reserve the venue. It is administered by San Francisco Recreation & Parks. Reservations can be made one year in advance of the date, and we certainly recommend placing a reservation at that time as it is popular. If more than one person places a reservation for a date, a lottery determines who gets the space.  Reservations themselves must be for a minimum of two hours and start on the hour. Wedding ceremonies can only be conducted beneath the Rotunda; however, while the grounds are beautiful, the Rotunda is the prime spot you’ll want for your ceremony. The Palace of Fine Arts Fee Reservation Fee : $506Hourly Rate (2 hr min) : $144Refundable Deposit : $500 If you’re planning a wedding at Palace of Fine Arts, one thing you’ll have to do is do some more planning for the ceremony. The reservation only includes use of the place. This means you will need to rent tables, chairs, an audio system, photographer, and arrange for catering if hosting your reception here also. You’ll also want to determine and plan décor. Because of this, most couples choose to host their ceremony only and have their reception elsewhere for efficiency Considerations for a Wedding at Palace of Fine Arts When planning a wedding at Palace of Fine Arts, you have to consider it is a public space and it will not be completely private. The park is very popular, and people will be walking around the park it is inevitable they will curiously walk into the Rotunda area. In addition, the area under the dome is extremely windy and there are no bathrooms onsite (just in the Palace of FA Theater which is open weekends only) Experienced Wedding Photographer If you are considering a wedding at Palace of Fine Arts, know that this is the second most photographed location for me (over 75 times), so rest assured I can guide you at this location easily. We will take popular photo ideas in addition to photos that aren’t so expected and cookie cutter, I promise! Please CONTACT ME to discuss your wedding at Palace of Fine Arts and I’d love to capture some awesome memories for you! If You Have a Reception at the Palace of Fine Arts Reception Reservation Fee (min) : $5,000Refundable Deposit : $1,000Staffing Fees (3 hr min) : $88/hourTented Reception (optional) : $15,000 / day Related Posts on the Blog

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Shakespeare Garden Wedding San Francisco

Shakespeare Garden Wedding San Francisco Ultimate Guide for Planning a Shakespeare Garden SF Wedding (with pricing, photos, and videos) Why a Shakespeare Garden SF Wedding? Choosing a Shakespeare Garden wedding is a recommended choice for those who want an intimate wedding venue at a reasonable price in the middle of San Francisco. Being the most popular wedding venue in Golden Gate Park, couples commonly have a Shakespeare Garden wedding ceremony before holding their reception elsewhere. Run by the SF Parks and Recreation, a Shakespeare Garden wedding San Francisco is an affordable way to get married in a beautiful setting. If you want more options, check out these other locations on where to have a wedding in Golden Gate Park.  Shakespeare Garden San Francisco Wedding Cost Reservation Fee : $531Rental Fee : $152 hourly rate (2 hour min)Refundable Deposit: $500 Reservation Process for a Shakespeare Garden Golden Gate Park Wedding Email: RPDReservations@sfgov.orgPhone: 415-831-5500Rental Application: https://fs18.formsite.com/sfrpsurvey2/jtlyfqhycd/index.html Wedding reservations at Golden Gate Park can be made up to a year in advance. Payments can be made by check or card. If making a reservation less than two months form the wedding date, payment must be made in full immediately by card. Restrictions Unfortunately, there are no onsite restrooms at the Shakespeare Garden. In addition, they have strict music and decor regulations to minimize the damage to the park and do not provide tables or chairs. Shakespeare Garden does not allow any food or drink receptions so you will have to find a secondary location to celebrate. Take a look at this list of 50+ San Francisco wedding venues, if you are looking for all inclusive wedding venues similar to Shakespeare Garden. Best Times for an SF Wedding While San Francisco never gets too cold or too hot throughout the year, “Summer” in San Francisco (aka the warmest months) is actually September and October, rather than the summer months June – August. Throughout the year, it consistently averages the low to mid 60s, so there’s not really a bad time to have a Shakespeare Garden wedding San Francisco! Shakespeare Garden Wedding Walkthrough https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JIF4ytamSm0 Wedding at Shakespeare Garden Photos Related Posts on the Blog Interested In More Information? Please Fill Out the Form Below! 415 756 9335  ianchinphotography@gmail.com 762 10th Ave San Francisco, CA 94118

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Lovers Point wedding photo with a bride and groom holding each other with their reflection in the water and a blue sky

15 Best Wedding Venues in Monterey CA

15 Best Wedding Venues in Monterey CA The Ultimate Guide to the 15 Best Wedding Venues in Monterey CA(complete with pricing and photos) Couples seeking to take advantage of the Pacific Coast’s splendor for their weddings can take a look at the 15 best wedding venues in Monterey CA. Located in the center of California’s coastline, Monterey is known for its history, architecture, seafood, and local arts scene. For Californians seeking a beautiful place to get married, Monterey provides an excellent choice for a weekend escape. Let’s take a look at some of the top Monterey wedding venues.  Best Times for a Wedding in Monterey CA Old Whaling Station Adobe & Gardens Rental Fee: $1,900 – $2,400Ceremony Only: $1,500 The Old Whaling Station may not sound like the most romantic spot; however, this is a beautiful space indoors and outdoors with flexible rental periods by the hour that focuses on affordable yet elegant weddings. The garden is the perfect spot for beautiful wedding photos, making it one of the more cozy and intimate wedding venues in Monterey CA. The Barns at Cooper Molera Rental Fee: $2,500 – $6,500  Formerly part of a National Trust, this historic property is perfect for a beautiful ceremony. This is one of the more unique wedding venues in Monterey CA in that you can get married in a beautifully restored barn or outdoors beneath oak trees.   Memory Garden (Monterey State Historic Park) Rental Fee: $1,500 – $3,600 (depends on day of the week / number of hours)Processing Fee: $150Refundable deposit: $1,000 This park actually has six different gardens that are excellent choices for an elopement or small wedding. Stevenson Garden is enclosed by a rustic gated adobe wall and is named for author Robert Louis Stevenson. First Theatre Garden and Larkin Garden, in particular, also provide excellent settings for a wedding. The variety in settings makes this one of the more popular wedding venues in Monterey CA that appeals to most. Monterey Beach House Rental Fee: $1,500 – $5,000 Do you dream of a beach wedding? There is perhaps no better place in Monterey than Monterey Beach House. With the peninsula and ocean as a backdrop, this location provides one of the best views compared to other wedding venues in Monterey CA. Sunset ceremonies are popular here and al-inclusive packages mean you can rest assured you’ll be well taken care of.    Perry House Rental Fee: $1,500 – $5,000 The Perry House provides an elegant setting with an ocean view. The Victorian style home was originally built in 1860 and has lush gardens. Renovated specifically to cater to weddings, this is an excellent choice to include in your list of wedding venues in Monterey CA. Jabberwock Inn Rental Fee: $1,000 – $1,500 for 4 hours Small weddings and elopements: $350 – $750 (depends on time of year) One of more popular bed and breakfast wedding venues in Monterey CA, Jabberwock Inn is an elegant craftsman style house that overlooks Monterey Bay. Tall hedges and stone-lined gardens form a perfect place to exchange vows while you can relax in style with your pick of charming rooms. Jabberwock Inn is an excellent choice for a  Monterey wedding venue. Club Del Monte Contact for pricing Located on the campus of the Naval Postgraduate School and part of Hotel Del Monte, named the world’s most elegant seaside resort, this art deco facility is perfect for saying your vows whether you’d prefer the intimate La Novia Room or a spot next to the Roman Plunge Reflecting Pool.  Monterey Stone Chapel Rental Fees: $300 – $750 (depends on number of guests / spaces reserved) You’ll find this chapel located amidst redwoods and gardens next to a turtle-filled pond. For a more intimate wedding, an outdoor gazebo garden wedding is an excellent decision with a quaint, intimate setting to exchange your vows. This is one of the best wedding venues in Monterey CA because the 5 star Tarpy’s Restaurant and steakhouse is right next door! CONTACT ME TO DISCUSS MONTEREY WEDDING PACKAGES Wedding Venues Near Monterey CA Lover’s Point Park (Pacific Grove) Contact for pricing While this community park just outside of Monterey has plenty of things for the community, it also serves as a beautiful site for a wedding. With an ocean view, a small beach, and manicured lawns, there are many different settings for wedding venues in Monterey CA. A rocky outcropping on the edge of the beach makes a great place for photos. A reservation and use permit is required for a wedding.  Check out this Lovers Point Park Wedding to give you an idea of what I’ve done in the past. Big Sur Lodge – Pfeiffer State Park (Big Sur) Packages: $599 – $1,199 Big Sur is extremely popular with nature lovers and this rustic getaway right in the middle of Pfeiffer State Park provides easy walking access to many potential sites. Reserve a cozy cabin and take advantage of a ceremony surrounded by California’s majestic redwoods. The Lodge itself has four different indoor and outdoor venues and wedding consultants, making this one of the best wedding venues near Monterey CA. Huckleberry Hill (Pebble Beach) Contact for pricing This is one of those wedding venues near Monterey CA that you will feel was made for your elopement. Here you’ll find Huckleberry Hill Nature Preserve, which is home to several trails with plenty of picturesque spots. Find you and your love immersed in a wooded oasis amongst groves pine and cypress trees. There is a bit of elevation gain and a short hike, so this spot is best for a small, casual no-frills ceremony for outdoor lovers.  Leal Vineyards (Hollister) Packages: $4,000 – $7,500 This facility has excellent options for elopements, small ceremonies, or mid-sized weddings. Leal Vineyards features three different settings and is one of the larger wedding venues in Monterey CA. Say “I do” surrounded by sweeping hills of vineyards at the Lavanda, have a quaint candlelit ceremony in the Barrel Room, or opt for the Olea with twinkling lights and a tunnel of olive trees.  River Road Mansion (Salinas)

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How to Plan a Wedding in Muir Woods

How to Plan a Wedding in Muir Woods Ultimate Guide for Planning a Wedding in Muir Woods (with pricing, photos, and video) Planning a wedding in Muir Woods is a dream for many nature-loving couples. The towering redwoods, calming atmosphere, and intimate environment create the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable celebration. However, organizing a wedding in this iconic park requires careful planning, from obtaining permits to understanding the limitations at this popular elopement venue. In this guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know to plan the perfect wedding in Muir Woods – step by step. TLDR Muir Woods is easily walkable and centrally located between San Francisco and Napa Valley. Muir Woods weddings allow a maximum of 30 guests and require advance permit approval. Wedding permits include a $60 non-refundable application fee, with additional costs depending on the event category, staffing, and park impact. Weddings in Muir Woods are done before 10AM or after 4:30PM and are ceremony only, with no reception allowed. Cell phone service is limited, so timelines, meeting points, and vendor communication should be planned ahead. Ceremony options are limited, making Muir Woods best for simple, intimate weddings. Why a Wedding in Muir Woods  Muir Woods is a stunning location to visit, let alone get married in. The picturesque nature of Muir Woods and the central location between San Francisco and Napa Valley makes it a very popular spot to celebrate. It’s incredibly well-maintained (1.5 miles of ramps and mostly flat trails make it very easy to walk) and only allow ceremonies before 10AM or after 4:30PM, ensuring you and your guests have more privacy. A Muir Woods Elopement There are few areas more perfect and convenient than a Muir Woods elopement. An elopement in this Bay Area forest means you and your partner can have the perfect outdoor wedding surrounded by centuries old trees. Eloping here allows you time to focus on intention while allowing for some awesome photography. It’s an ideal location for a wedding that combines a love of the outdoors and an appreciation for nature. photo by Ian Chin Photography How to Book a Muir Woods Wedding Permit Application: Fill out a permit application at this site ($60 non – refundable application fee)Email: goga_permits@nps.gov Note: Submitting an application does NOT mean your permit request has been approved It takes 4-15 business days for initial permit application review Once your permit is approved, it can take several months for your permit specialist to write your permit NPS accepts applications up to a year in advance Muir Woods Fees / Muir Woods Wedding Permit and Size Muir Woods is a national park, so you will still need to complete a permit (starting at $60). Regardless of the size of your group (even if it’s just the marrying couple and an officiant), all events need to be processed and approved in advance, with appropriate permits Permits are required for any size group (maximum of 30 guests) Muir Woods Wedding Venue Restrictions Firstly, there is very LITTLE TO NO CELL SERVICE in this park so keep this in mind! Given the nature of the Park, no animals, chairs, decor, music, or reception is allowed. Having a wedding in Muir Woods means it is strictly a standing ceremony location (although there are a few benches) so plan on a reception elsewhere (read below for recommendations). Muir Woods Elopement Packages My photo packages start at $1400, and associate photographer packages start at $1000 for up to 2 hours. Videography packages start at $1000 which include a 2 – 3 minute highlight reel and all unedited footage. LETS TALK ABOUT YOUR WEDDING AT MUIR WOODS Best Months for a Wedding in Muir Woods This site shows the best hour by hour weather to help plan your wedding at Muir Woods Muir Woods Wedding Photography and Walkthrough https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XHcJNX09nCk Post Ceremony Reception Ideas Since Muir Woods only allows ceremonies, you will need to find a reception location that best fits your style. If you want to minimize the commute, San Rafael provides a nice compromise for cuisine options and proximity, while San Francisco will have more variety. Check out my food and drink recommendations for San Francisco and my recommendations for San Rafael. Muir Woods Trails For those more adventurous types, perhaps adding a hike before or after your Muir Woods wedding speaks to you! Take a look at this trail guide to help in your planning. Conclusion Deciding on a Muir Woods wedding in my experience is best for couples who love the outdoors and want a gorgeous backdrop for their celebration, regardless of number of people. With its affordability and simple process to booking a wedding, Muir Woods is on top of many lists of best places to elope in San Francisco and is easily the most popular redwood wedding venue in Northern California. If you are flexible with location, check out these other Redwood Forest Wedding Venues. If you are looking for the North Bay specifically, these other Marin County Wedding Venues might help as well. Interested In More Information? Please Fill Out the Form Below! 415 756 9335  ianchinphotography@gmail.com San Francisco, CA 94118 Related Blogs to Help with your Planning

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