Venues

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

The Olympic Club Wedding The Ultimate Guide to Planning an Olympic Club Wedding (complete with pricing and photos) Curious on how to plan an Olympic Club wedding? Many couples choose this San Francisco wedding venue because of its stunning lighting and location, but from much experience they also provide exceptional service in keeping your wedding day as stress free as possible. If you are considering a golf course / country club wedding venue in San Francisco, read below for the steps on planning a wedding at this elegant venue. Why a wedding at The Olympic Club? An Olympic Club wedding is my preferred choice for a country club wedding venue in the San Francisco Bay Area, catering to those Couples who love the naturally lit interior with floor to ceiling windows that grace the ceremony area. Having photographed here several times, I have come to realize why it is where Barack Obama has golfed while visiting San Francisco, as the venue itself is so well maintained, the staff is on point, and the location of it by the ocean affords it some stunning views especially during sunset. This post is talking about the Lakeside Clubhouse specifically, since there is also another Olympic Club location (the City Clubhouse) in the heart of San Francisco. How much does an Olympic Club wedding cost? Packages: $9,000-$14,000 Olympic Club venue walkthrough The ceremony space is a gorgeous window ceiling that allows glorious lighting for photography. The reception dining hall is adjacent the main ceremony area, allowing guests to comfortably maneuver from one area to the next in between dining and dancing. In addition, a couple of patios overlooking the golf course offer scenic views during cocktail hour and sunset. The staging of the dining area allows for several hundred guests, with views on every wall overlooking the golf courses and natural scenery with open window views. Wedding Photos at the Olympic Club The Olympic Club San Francisco Wedding on the Blog Jamie and Andrew Interested In More Information? Please Fill Out the Form Below! 415 756 9335  ianchinphotography@gmail.com

How to Plan a Sanborn County Park Wedding Ultimate Guide for Planning a Sanborn County Park Wedding (with pricing and photos) TLDR – Sanborn County Park weddings are picturesque with pleasant weather shaded by trees– Weddings at Sanborn County Park are reasonably priced, starting at $495 for reservations.– Peterson Grove in Sanborn County Park can accommodate just over 100 people– Sanborn County Park holds ceremony times anywhere from 8am to sunset, unavailable for nighttime celebrations. Interested in having a Sanborn County Park wedding and looking for inspiration? Sanborn County Park is ideal for those who love the outdoors and want an open space for their ceremony. Located in the South Bay, you can expect predictable sunny weather so you don’t have to worry about weather disrupting your outdoor wedding plans. Read below for all things regarding a Sanborn County Park wedding! Why a Sanborn County Park Wedding For those who want an outdoor wedding venue in nature, this is arguably the best location for it for the beauty, weather, and price. With the grove of redwood trees acting as the perfect ceremony backdrop, this outdoor wedding venue is one of the most picturesque and affordable settings in the Santa Clara county area. It is perfect for a wide variety of tastes, ranging from a large celebration to a small elopement DIY wedding. Sanborn County Park Wedding Cost Wedding Permit Fee: The $120 wedding fee includes a one-day photography permit, a one-day wedding rehearsal available Monday through Thursday, a one-on-one planning meeting with a park ranger, and the ability to reserve your wedding date up to one year in advance. Reservation Site Fee: If you would like to hold your wedding ceremony at a reservable park site, an additional site reservation fee is required on top of the wedding permit fee. Pricing varies depending on the reservable group area, so be sure to review the reservation fee table below for specific site costs. Vehicle Entrance Fees: Vehicle entrance fees are not included in the wedding permit fee or the reservation site fee. Most parks charge a per-vehicle entrance fee for guests attending the wedding. Pre-paid vehicle entrance tickets are available and highly recommended. These may be purchased up to one week before your event. Please note that a $12 processing fee applies to all pre-paid ticket SANBORN CAPACITY PEEK FEE OFF-PEEK FEE Sequoia / Peterson Grove (covered) ​200 ​$433.00 ​N/A ​Costanoan (covered) 100 ​$341.00 ​$257.00 ​Ohlone (covered) ​100 ​$341.00 $257.00 How to Book a Wedding at Sanborn Park Phone: (408) 355-2201Website: https://parks.santaclaracounty.gov/plan-your-visit/fees/wedding-feesEmail: reservations@prk.sccgov.org Address: 16055 Sanborn Rd, Saratoga, CA 95070 Reservations can be made up to one year in advance Sanborn County Park Wedding Locations Ceremony Deck The ceremony location in the Peterson Grove is on a medium sized deck, offering space for a little over 100 seats, or providing a comfortable standing area for elopements and smaller weddings. Amplified music is only allowed in the Sequoia / Peterson Grove, but some music restrictions apply during summer months. photo by Ian Chin Photography Reception Grounds An open picnic style area outlines the reception space for up to 300 guests. photo by Ian Chin Photography An Elopement in Sanborn County Park With ceremony times anywhere from 8AM – sunset, you have flexibility in crafting your wedding timeline to cater to your needs and have the entire place to yourself. There few areas more perfect and convenient than a wedding in Sanborn County Park. An elopement in this South Bay wedding venue 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. If you are thinking of adding adventure to your wedding with a nearby hike, check out the best elopement dresses under $200 if you don’t want to worry about wearing a bulky elopement dress all day and worrying about it getting dirty. Sanborn County Park Wedding Photos Best Months for a Wedding at Sanborn County Park Saratoga can get pretty hot during the summer months, which also coincides with the most daylight hours of the year, so plan accordingly. Though Sanborn County Park does offer a lot of shaded areas for your wedding, the whole of the South Bay area can get weeks long dry heat waves. Restrictions Reservations can be made anywhere from 8Am – sunset, so for those who prefer a nighttime celebration you may have to look elsewhere! Decorations cannot be glued, stapled, or nailed to preserve the natural look of this wedding venue and public park.  If you are interested in other venues, check out my extensive list (50+) of the Best Wedding Venues in San Francisco or the best wedding venues in Saratoga Interested In More Information? Please Fill Out the Form Below! 415 756 9335  ianchinphotography@gmail.com Related Posts on the Blog

Swedenborgian Church Wedding Swedenborgian Church2107 Lyon StreetSan Francisco, CA 94115 415 533 5714office@sfswedenborgian.org Located in the middle of Pacific Heights, a Swedenborgian Church wedding is perfect for the Couple that would like to tie the knot in a stunning chapel. It’s one of those venues that makes you feel closer to your guests, since its rustic warm candlelit interior adds to a more intimate wedding setting. It is also one of the more dimly lit churches I have ever been to, which only adds to the solemnity of the celebration. Stunning chandeliers lit with candlesticks hover over the guests and surround the entire altar, bringing a feeling of warmth and love.  Attached to the church is the Parish House, which could be used as the reception area. The floor plan includes just the right amount of space for guests to sit and be close enough to mingle. The space of this hall is perfect for weddings of 50 – 70 guests. And right outside of it is the lawn, popular for cocktail hour and bar and dessert vendors.  This gorgeous venue has such rich detail throughout and provides non secular weddings for everyone. An online review from a former visitor mentions, “great for even the non-religious” as she goes on to say that she, herself is not religious but “knew it was the right perfect place.” If you are interested in other locations similar to Swedenborgian Church, take a look at these other Church wedding venues   Swedenborgian Church Wedding Photos Swedenborgian Church Weddings on the Blog Brian and KristinRichard and Aaron

Stanford Memorial Church Wedding Stanford Memorial Church450 Serra Mall, Stanford, CA 94305 (650) 723-1762religious-life@stanford.edu Thinking of having a Stanford Memorial Church wedding and looking for inspiration? This is one of the best church wedding venues in the San Francisco Bay Area with its stunning architectural design, inside and out, and location on the Stanford University campus. With its walls full of impressive artwork, high ceilings, and stunning natural light flowing through dozens of stained glass windows, you really get a sense of elegance and sophistication. Right outside the Church is a little garden to serve as a quiet place to take photos or to reflect on your new relationship. With its central location on a university campus, Stanford Memorial Church can naturally accommodate hundreds of guests for your wedding, but also offers rare balcony seating to get an overhead view of the altar. Unless you have thousands of guests at your wedding, this area will not be available for your guests, but for the photographer it allows unnoticeable movement during the ceremony to provide more angles to capture. Unlike other Churches, however, one thing to note from a photographer’s perspective is that they strictly limit photographer access. In fact, they designate a line roughly halfway to the back of the Church and DO NOT permit any access closer to the altar. I have photographed here before and there is someone who is watching to ensure I am not moving up the down the aisles. This isn’t a problem, since I have the appropriate gear to document your wedding day despite the restrictions, but is something to be aware of beforehand. While an obviously gorgeous venue all around, its location around the Peninsula may put it at a disadvantage to some Couples. If you are interested in learning about other wedding venue similar to Stanford Memorial Church, check out my extensive list of Best Church Wedding Venues   Stanford Memorial Church Wedding Photos Stanford Memorial Church Weddings on the Blog Justin and Natalie Interested In More Information? Please Fill Out the Form Below! 415 756 9335  ianchinphotography@gmail.com 762 10th Ave San Francisco, CA 94118

How to Plan a California Academy of Sciences Wedding Ultimate Guide to Planning a California Academy of Sciences Wedding (complete with pricing and photos) If you’re considering a California Academy of Sciences wedding, you have come to the right place! Below is a comprehensive guide on this Golden Gate Park wedding venue that gives you all the info you need to decide on one of the most fun and unique wedding venues in Golden Gate Park! Why a Wedding at the California Academy of Sciences Having a California Academy of Sciences wedding is definitely one of those weddings that will offer your guests a truly unique experience, and be one that they will never forget. No entertainment is needed since the entertainment is literally all around you, for 4 floors! Your California Academy of Sciences wedding can be held in an all-in-one aquarium, planetarium, and history museum. Who else can say they have wedding photos under a tank full of sea creatures or around a T-Rex? Academy of Sciences Wedding Cost $15,000 – $70,000+ depending on detailsAverage Cost: $100K+ for 100 guestsCapacity: 50 – 3000+ with multiple venues rented (15 different spaces) How to Book an Academy of Sciences Wedding Email: specialevents@calacademy.orgPhone: (415) 379-5232Inquiry Form: https://calacademy.org/form/plan-an-event Academy of Sciences Wedding Restrictions and Rules Since this living museum is still open for the public during normal hours, the earliest you can have your wedding ceremony or reception is 6:30, although photos can be taken on the living roof from 5:30 – 6:30 before guests arrive. They only allow specific caterers for this venue but they have an extensive list to choose from that will definitely suit your needs. Because of the venue, a wedding planner is required.  California Academy of Sciences Wedding Locations Aquarium This bottom level is home to thousands of live animals of all shapes and sizes, and is the most popular location with good reason. Thursday nights at the Academy include drinks, DJs, and plenty of photo opportunities around this engaging level…so you can imagine how it is on a wedding day! This is commonly where the dance party is held and who wouldn’t want to dance the night away surrounded by marine animals and neon lights! It is the most surreal party experience you can ever have! African Hall Skip the safari and walk amongst the African animals! Have your guests mingle in the African Hall where African Penguins will join the occasion already dressed for the event. This area is popular with people of all ages, since they can see big cats up close. As a kid, I absolutely loved this place and it was even more amazing to actually go on an African safari as an adult. Planetarium Relax under the stellar view of the world’s second-largest, all-digital Morrison Planetarium. This 75-foot dome introduces the astonishing visuals of scientist’s latest discoveries. Treat your guests to a special showing that people wait in line for every day! The show changes monthly so experience this presentation whenever you can.   Rainforest One of the newer installations at the Academy, this humid exhibit showcases 4 levels of an interactive experience walking amongst the flying birds and butterflies. A great way to burn off a few calories so you can eat and dance some more! What better way to have the wedding of the year with your friends and family in this breathtaking venue than having an Academy of Sciences wedding?  What’s Included Wedding ceremonies and receptions can begin as early as 6:30 pm. A private, beautifully decorated wedding-ready room is available starting at 5 pm. Wedding party photos can be taken on the Living Roof from 5:30-6:30 pm. Ceremony walkthrough available during business hours (museum remains open). Basic A/V available with options for upgrade and consultation with A/V Technician. On-site security, coat check, and custodial staff. Ask about unique additions like hands-on experiences, docent interactions, Behind-the-Scenes tours and more. California Academy of Sciences Wedding Photos​ California Academy of Sciences Wedding on the Blog​ Noelle and Edgar Interested In More Information? Please Fill Out the Form Below! 415 756 9335  ianchinphotography@gmail.com

How to Plan a Harvest Inn Wedding The Ultimate Guide to Planning a Harvest Inn Wedding (with pricing and photos) Located in St. Helena in Napa Valley, having a Harvest Inn wedding is a wonderful choice with several open spaces and multiple areas to choose from. Whether you desire to make an grand entrance in a room overseeing beautiful views or want to walk across a beautiful landscape surrounded by vineyards, this venue can offer any of the two! Situated in the heart of St. Helena, the surrounding natural backdrop of the vineyards and rolling hills are perfect for your outdoor wedding in Harvest Inn. Why Harvest Inn Weddings With its location in St Helena, having a wedding at Harvest Inn takes you away from the bustle of Napa and offer you and your guests a more quiet wedding venue while at the same time located within the Napa Valley wine area. With onsite accommodations and a handful of different event spaces, this Napa wedding venue offers something for everyone Harvest Inn Wedding Cost Reservation Fee : $6,000 – $10,000Beverage Minimum : $8,000 – $15,000Meals : $150+/personCapacity: up to 120 guests How to Book Website: https://www.harvestinn.com/weddingsInquiry Form: https://www.harvestinn.com/weddings/request-proposalEmail: weddings@harvestinn.comPhone: 707-963-9463 Harvest Inn Wedding Venue Locations With a handful of wedding locations to choose from, you will be sure that there will be a setting just for you! Each location caters to anywhere from 75 – 120 guests, and offer differing views at this St. Helena vineyard. Read below for the best Harvest Inn Napa wedding locations that fit your style!   1) Vineyard View Terrace Overlooking the vineyard, this terrace includes the perfect setting to say, “I do.” Full of bright greenery and lines of elegant lights, it adds a touch of romance to the ceremony. With the amount of space, it is also an ideal area for the reception, where tables can be arranged in personalized placements. This is arguably the most popular Harvest Inn wedding location chosen given the space and views. 2) Vine Rose Lawn Exchange vows in a beautiful lawn full of white flowers and well-kept trees above you. This outdoor area oversees the Mayacamas Mountains which really enhances the stunning views. It offers an ideal atmosphere for those smaller and more intimate wedding ceremonies for a Harvest Inn Elopement. Guests can walk directly to the Manor House Lawn to chat since it lies right next door. Photo from Harvest Inn 3) Manor House Lawn Have guests mingle and enjoy their favorite cocktail in this great lawn enclosed by stunning large trees that reach high up to the sky. There is just the perfect amount of space to add tables and chairs for guests to sit. This is the most iconic location for your wedding at Harvest Inn that allows ample space to socialize or decorate with lawn games. Photo from Harvest Inn 4) Fountain View Terrace The Fountain View Terrace is the perfect outdoor reception area. Tables and chairs surround the lovely fountain that lies in the center of the terrace. The views offer massive trees and colorful flowers with more countryside décor buildings, where visitors would stay. This setting is just right for an informal gathering with just enough space for guests to dine. Photo from Harvest Inn Harvest Inn Wedding Venue Walkthrough https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gPP70Os5HQI&t=4s Harvest Inn Wedding Photos Conclusion If you are looking to have a wedding in Napa Valley than having a Harvest Inn St. Helena wedding should be able to check all the boxes and requirements. The gorgeous weather and backdrop this area has to offer is only rivaled with other similar wedding venues. If you would like to compare them, please check out my Napa Wedding Venues post for other locations. Harvest Inn Napa Wedding on the Blog Bob and Marina Interested In More Information? Please Fill Out the Form Below! 415 756 9335  ianchinphotography@gmail.com 762 10th Ave San Francisco, CA 94118

La Costanera La Costanera8150 Cabrillo HwyMontara Beach, CA 94037 (650) 728-1600info@lacostanerarestaurant.com La Costanera is a modern Peruvian fusion restaurant overlooking the Pacific and sits along one of California’s scenic coastlines. Because of this, it offers a stunning ocean view for the background to the ceremony as well as unfiltered sunset light that streams into the restaurant. There are skylights and slanted windows that feed you views of the ocean while offering unique potential for abstract images for your wedding. The venue offers event versatility in its layout. The main floor comes with a restaurant paired with a dining area and its own atrium and fireplace. The second level features a balcony that opens up to the action happening below. The huge glass doors will welcome you to an outdoor patio big enough to hold an intimate ceremony or outdoor dinner beside the massive fire pit. All this and the beach a short walk below allow it to be the perfect wedding venue for those who love the ocean view. One of the best and most convenient things about having your wedding at a restaurant is that the food is obviously taken cared of! With an incredible menu (and multiple restaurants by the same owners), La Costanera will surely stimulate your senses in multiple ways. There are hundreds of restaurants to choose from, but very few offer as much variety as this location by the ocean. If you want to check out my more extensive wedding venue list take a look at these San Francisco Wedding Venues La Costanera Wedding Photos La Costanera Weddings on the Blog Michelle and Joseph Interested In More Information? Please Fill Out the Form Below! 415 756 9335  ianchinphotography@gmail.com 762 10th Ave San Francisco, CA 94118