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 : $506
Hourly Rate (2 hr min) : $144
Refundable 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) : $5,000
Refundable Deposit : $1,000
Staffing Fees (3 hr min) : $88/hour
Tented Reception (optional) : $15,000 / day

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