11 Best Places Where to View the Golden Gate Bridge
With so many options to choose from, it could be pretty difficult figuring out the best places where to view the Golden Gate Bridge. This San Francisco icon is easily seen from many vantage points throughout the City, so knowing which ones are best and why can potentially save you a lot of time. Whether you are visiting with family or coming solo, read below to find out the best locations where to view the Golden Gate Bridge from a San Francisco native photographer!
Baker Beach
Baker Beach is the most popular and best place where to view the Golden Gate Bridge and is the most chosen location from my Clients regardless of genre (proposal, family, engagement). With the unique potential of seeing the Golden Gate Bridge reflected in the water during low tide, it offers a memorable view for multiple reasons (it is clothing optional closer to the Bridge FYI!). In addition to having one of the best views of the Golden Gate Bridge, it has ample free parking divided over two parking lots. If I was asked where to get the best view of Golden Gate Bridge, Baker Beach is my recommendation given all of the above.
Battery Spencer
Located on the northern end of the Bridge, Battery Spencer is what I call the most Instagramed view of the Golden Gate Bridge. Battery Spencer is one of the more popular spaces of where to view the Golden Gate Bridge and is the most Instagrammed locations on social media. Located in the Marin Headlands, you are greeted with panoramic views of the San Francisco Bay, giving you views ranging from Alcatraz to Ocean Beach and a 180 degree view of the City. With a such a higher vantage point, you can see the Bridge in its full glory and seemingly the closes view of where to see the Golden Gate Bridge out there. The only negative to choosing this location to view the Golden Gate Bridge is that parking in front is very limited although there is a small parking lot down the hill 15 minutes away walking. In addition, a short and easy walk from the street level. 5 minute easy walk from the road is needed to actually get to this vantage point. This entire area is called the Marin Headlands which also includes Hawk Hill and Kirby Cove which you can scroll down to read at the bottom of this page.
Crissy Field
Located on the eastern side of the Golden Gate Bridge, Crissy Field offers great location of where to view the Golden Gate Bridge during sunset. With the sun seemingly setting behind the Golden Gate Bridge, this is an open area to allow kids to potentially run around as well. Crissy Field and the Palace of Fine Arts in a 3.9 mile round trip loop trail that offers a variety of views of the Golden Gate Bridge with settings ranging from wonderful beach views to open fields of grass. Personally, I prefer other places where to view the Golden Gate Bridge but if you are going here, you also have surrounding areas to visit such as house of air, which is a fun jump house venue.
Lands End Labyrinth
Lands End is actually a 3.4 mile long area, so for the purpose of this post, I will focus on the western tip located near the Legion of Honor Museum that is Lands End Labyrinth. While the recent vandalism of this area (10/13/21) has left the “labyrinth” non existent, this location still offers a more uncommon and unobtrusive view of the Golden Gate Bridge. It does require a 15 minute hike from the Legion of Honor Museum, but once you arrive to this secluded overlook you will know it is worth it! If you want to hike more and see other SF locations, Sutro Baths is within a few miles away as well.
Golden Gate Overlook
The Golden Gate Overlook is the simplest and most obvious location to view the Golden Gate Bridge since it is located at the base of the Golden Gate Bridge. Designed as an educational center revealing all things historical significant to the Bridge, this spot is not the most unique but caters to the majority of most views of the Bridge. Best thing about this location is that it is the only location on this list that allows you to walk across the Bridge. If you want to check out the best places to take pictures in San Francisco, not just including the Golden Gate Bridge, take a look at the Best Places to take Pics in San Francisco.
Fort Point
Fort Point offers one of the most unique spots. Fort Point offers one of the most vantage points where to view the Golden Gate Bridge because you are literally viewing it from sea level! Open on weekends and free to the public, Fort Point allows you to visit this historic location and imagine. Gives you up close views of the underside of the Bridge. If you would like to see the Bridge in its entirety, a short walk away from Fort Point leads you to Torpedo Wharf aka Fort Point Pier. Here you can go shoulder to shoulder with fishermen and tourists alike taking in this grand view of the Golden Gate Bridge
Fort Scott
Fort Scott is one of the lesser-known views of where to view the Golden Gate Bridge for whatever reason. While these other vantage points listed on this post showcase the Golden Gate Bridge as a profile, showcasing the twin towers to the left and right, Fort Scott showcases the Golden Gate Bridge Towers right in front of you with such a unique and unexpected view of the Golden Gate Bridge, I’ve always wondered why this view is not showcased more. Because this location is lesser known, you are able to get more unique images and more easy free parking compared to other locations on this list.
Cavallo Point
Another North Bay location on the same side as Battery Spender, Hawk Hill, and Kirby Cove, Cavallo Point is a lesser known location of where to view the Golden Gate Bridge. Becaise of its vantage point, you get to see the Golden Gate Bridge on water level in addition to seeing San Francisco. Located on the eastern side of the Bridge, it is best viewed at sunset. Not the most popular location on this list but is also has a popular hotel for convenience staying outside of San Francisco.
Hornblower Boat Cruise
For a truly memorable and unmatched way of viewing the Golden Gate Bridge, why not see is from the Bay! Hornblower Cruises offer daily trips around the San Francisco Bay, even allowing you to pass underneath the Bridge for the most unique way and experience of viewing the Bridge. In addition to more casual sunset cruises that encourage bringing your own refreshments, they offer more luxurious dining experiences to celebrate for any special occasion.
Hawk Hill
Hawk Hill is one of my dark horse favorite locations where. Perhaps only suggested by San Francisco locals, Hawk Hill is the farthest drive away from the Bridge itself, yet offers great views of the Bridge, nevertheless. While it does take a little drive and uphill hike to this location, it’s relatively unknown vantage point offers wider panoramic views of the entire San Francisco Bay and the Bridge.
Kirby Cove
Great for one of the best locations to having the view all to yourself, Kirby Cove is more known for its secluded camping as opposed to its view of the Golden Gate Bridge. Requiring a one mile hike down a hill to get to, Kirby Cove is a tiny beach located a short distance from Battery Spencer, if you are looking for a small hike and a little adventure to your morning, Kirby Cove will definitely guarantees a more secluded Beach view of the Golden Gate Bridge
If you are interested in other non – Golden Gate Bridge locations, take a look at the Best Places to Take Pics in San Francisco
If you are interested in the wonderful food options SF has to offer, take a look at the Best Places to Eat in San Francisco
20+ Places for an Elopement in San Francisco
20+ Best Places for an Elopement in San Francisco Ultimate Guide to the 20+ Best Places for an Elopement in San Francisco(with prices, photos, and packages) Eloping and curious about the best places for an elopement in San Francisco? Want to say your vows in the outdoors but don’t want to drive too far away from the City? Elopement locations in San Francisco range from redwoods to rooftops, and choosing a venue setting can be just as varied. While everyone raves about Yosemite or Lake Tahoe (with good reason), the reality is we don’t always have the time or desire to drive several hours one way to get married. This being said, I created this list of best places for an elopement in San Francisco (and locations outside of San Francisco proper) to help those who still desire an intimate and beautiful location in the San Francisco Bay Area for their wedding. If you would like to see what an elopement might look like, check out these full galleries from previous Bay Area elopements: SF City Hall Elopement (Mayor’s Balcony)SF City Hall Elopement (Rotunda)Golden Gate Park ElopementOld Mill Park ElopementMuir Woods ElopementMarin Civic Center ElopementHastings House Garden Weddings Elopement Where to Elope in San Francisco – My Top Picks 1) Muir Woods2) Shelldance Orchid Gardens 3) San Francisco City Hall4) Palace of Fine Arts5) Filoli Gardens 6) The Mountain Terrace7) Hastings House Garden Weddings8) San Francisco Botanical Garden9) Shakespeare Garden10) Deer Park Villa Where to Elope in San Francisco – My Top Picks 1) San Francisco City Hall Marriage License : $110Ceremony Fee : $901 Dr Carlton B Goodlett Pl, San Francisco, CA 94102 This is easily the most popular and best place to elope in San Francisco hands down. The stunning interior and exterior rival actual wedding venues and its centrally located in SF so you can easily explore the City afterwards. With over 200 weddings photographed here, I always strive to give you images that aren’t so cookie cutter and like anyone else’s. If you want to keep things as simple as possible, let San Francisco City Hall do it all for you! They will provide the officiant, standard vows, and your ceremony will be done in less than 5 minutes. Check out my Ultimate Guide to San Francisco City Hall Weddings for more detailed information! 2) Palace of Fine Arts Reservation Fee : $506Hourly Rate (2 hr min) : $144Refundable Deposit : $5003601 Lyon St, San Francisco, CA 94123 One of the most recognizable landmarks and best places for an elopement in San Francisco, the Palace of Fine Arts is known for its rotunda and architecture in the heart of San Francisco. For such a popular and ornate location, just having your ceremony is surprisingly affordable since it belongs to SF Park and Rec. Take a look at my ultimate guide to a Palace of Fine Arts Wedding for more detailed information! 3) Stern Grove (currently unavailable – under construction 2022) Reservation Fee : $50 – $150Hourly Rate (6 hr min) : $153 – $178Outside Fees : $200Refundable Deposit : $75019th Avenue and, Sloat Blvd, San Francisco, CA 94132 Locals will know this location for its free summer concerts, but for most of the year it is a quiet park that occasionally holds smaller weddings. This park sits near the edge of the City and offers a small redwood grove seemingly meant for intimate weddings. The Trocadero Clubhouse can also be rented out if you want to host a little reception as well. Since it’s not the most centrally located SF venue on this list, it is one of the more forgotten wedding venues, which makes it one of the best places for an elopement in San Francisco in my opinion. Check out my “Ultimate Guide to a Stern Grove Wedding” for more details! 4) Shakespeare Garden Reservation Fee : $506Hourly Rate (2 hr min) : $144Refundable Deposit : $500335 Martin Luther King Jr Dr, San Francisco, CA 94118 One of the more popular and best places for an elopement in San Francisco, this small garden in Golden Gate Park allows a great setting for an intimate place to say your vows. Because of its size and isolation from the other more popular gardens, this is a preferred setting for those wanting a more natural background with less natural foot traffic compared to the Botanical Gardens. Check out this Shakespeare Garden Wedding for inspiration! https://youtu.be/JIF4ytamSm0 CONTACT ME TO DISCUSS YOUR ELOPEMENT IN SAN FRANCISCO 5) San Francisco Botanical Garden Reservation Fee : $875 – $10,000 (5 locations to choose from)Golden Gate Park1199 9th Ave San Francisco, CA, 94122 This well manicured Garden in the middle of Golden Gate Park is a passed over gem from even San Francisco residents. With 55 acres showcasing plants from all over the world, they offer the perfect natural backdrop for your wedding ceremony. Several locations within the Garden are available for your elopement, with even a 1 hour rental package available. The more popular places to elope are the Moon Viewing Garden and the Redwood Grove. Check out my SF Botanical Garden wedding planning guide for inspiration 6) Fay Park Reservation Fee : $289Hourly Rate (2 hr min) : $72Refundable Deposit : $5002366 Leavenworth St, San Francisco, CA 94133 Located a short walk from the crooked street that is Lombard St, this small park has gazebos that act as natural backdrops for your elopement. Blocks away from North Beach and the Marina districts, it is conveniently located in between two of San Francisco’s more popular areas for food and nightlife. If you are wondering the less known places for an elopement in San Francisco this elopement venue is not as popular for now so take advantage of it while you can! Check out this previous Fay Park elopement gallery for inspiration https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xf42y9sNZRk 7) Fuchsia Dell Reservation Fee : $289Hourly Rate (2 hr min) : $72Refundable Deposit : $500Conservatory Drive E, San Francisco, CA 94117 This site is a hidden area in San Francisco right next to the Conservatory of Flowers. With the Conservatory garnering all the attention, it is easy to miss this secret garden in Golden
How to Plan a Wedding in Golden Gate Park
How to Plan a Wedding in Golden Gate Park Ultimate Guide for Planning a Wedding in Golden Gate Park (complete with pricing, photos, and videos) Curious on how to plan a wedding in Golden Gate Park? Many couples choose Golden Gate Park because it offers so many different outdoor settings in the heart of San Francisco. If you are wanting a compromise between beauty and location within San Francisco, read below for the steps on how to have a Golden Gate Park wedding. A Wedding in Golden Gate Park Overview The park itself is bordered by Fulton Avenue and Lincoln Way on the north and south and the Great Highway and Stanyan on the east and west. Within these confines, you will find virtually anything you can imagine. Situated on the grounds lies a number of popular destinations including the California Academy of Sciences, De Young Museum, Conservatory of Flowers, Strybing Arboretum, and many more areas to explore. Golden Gate Park Wedding Venues For couples looking to tie the knot in their very own Golden Gate Park wedding, there are many different places within the park to have your ceremony. The park itself recommends seven different locations. See below for capacity maximums as well as whether they allow ceremonies and receptions. Chain of Lakes. Located near Middle Lake, one of three small bodies of water that form the Chain of Lakes, this setting is loved for its greenery and solitude. Max capacity of 100. Ceremony only. Chinese Pavilion. In the middle of Stow Lake, you will find an area that was a gift from San Francisco’s sister city, Taipei. The pavilion itself is adorned with intricate carvings and creates a peaceful setting for an intimate wedding. Max capacity of 50. Ceremony only. Fuchsia Garden. Next to the Conservatory of Flowers, this is the perfect location for a late spring or summer wedding as the area is covered in purple-red blooms from May into November. This is one of the best locations for beautiful wedding photos. Max capacity of 150. Ceremonies and receptions allowed. Portals of the Past. Another aquatic venue, this location is framed by marble columns and an archway that creates a regal setting. You’ll also find Rainbow Falls nearby, making this an ideal fairytale setting. Max capacity of 100. Ceremony only. Queen Wilhelmina Garden. This garden can be found beneath the grand Dutch windmill and is named after the longest reigning Dutch monarch. Tulips bloom from mid-March to mid-April, making that the optimal time for a stunning wedding in this area; however, it is beautiful year-round. Max capacity of 200. Ceremonies and receptions allowed. Rose Garden. Golden Gate Park’s Rose Garden is one of its most famed areas. A plethora of colors of roses are in bloom from mid-May to July with another wave of beauty blossoming in September. Max capacity of 100. Ceremonies and receptions allowed. Shakespeare Garden. This site has rows of trees lining a potential aisle, a brick wall, sundial, and many other settings that produce a love story backdrop that will rival the tales of Shakespeare himself. This is the most popular venue for a wedding in Golden Gate Park. Max capacity of 200. Ceremony only. If you’d like to read more, check out my Shakespeare Garden Wedding walkthrough. How to Book a Wedding in Golden Gate Park Wedding reservations at Golden Gate Park can be made up to a year in advance. I recommend booking as early as possible to ensure availability. Reservations can be made by calling the Parks Department by phone or e-mailing them. Payments can be made by check or card. If making a reservation less than two months form the wedding date, couples must pay in full immediately by card. Golden Gate Park Wedding Costs The fees vary by location, with the reservation fee and 2 hour minimums ranging from $494 – $847. Specific information on costs can be found on the official pricing document from San Francisco Parks, but see below for a general outline of costs amongst the difference venues. Best Time for a Wedding in Golden Gate Park 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 Golden Gate Park wedding! Golden Gate Park Wedding Reception Limitations If you are looking for a larger wedding, some of the venues are only suitable for smaller crowds. For example, the Chinese Pavilion can only hold 50 guests while Chain of Lakes and Lloyd’s Lake are limited to 100 each. Several locations allow receptions including Fuschia Dell, Queen Wilhelmina Garden, and the Rose Garden; however, the other locations do not. What Is Included with Your Rental? When you reserve your wedding at Golden Gate Park, you are only reserving for use of the specific venue within the park. However, you will likely save a bit on décor as many of the sites serve as perfect backdrops for a ceremony. This is particularly true for the Chinese Pavilion and Queen Wilhelmina garden. It is also important to note that there are some policies in place that may affect your planning. For example, guests are not allowed to throw rice, birdseed, flowers, or confetti as these things may negatively impact the soil. Animals may also not be released during the ceremony. Finally, amplified sound and alcohol are not allowed. However, many of the settings are perfect for a harp or small string ensemble. It is also worth noting that bathrooms are only available at the Chinese Pavilion. Guests at other locations will have to find alternatives for facilities. Conclusion San Francisco is a city with a wealth of treasured locations for a beautiful wedding day. However, there are few spots with as varied and ornate locations as Golden Gate Park. Planning your wedding at Golden Gate Park will be a fun task for any couple as there are so many ways to customize the occasion to fit your
San Francisco City Hall Weddings – the Ultimate City Hall Wedding Planning Guide
San Francisco City Hall Weddings The Ultimate San Francisco City Hall Weddings Planning Guide (with pricing, photos, and videos) San Francisco City Hall Weddings are one of the most common ceremonies each week, so I made this guide to help in your planning and make it easy! With over 200 weddings photographed there, I created this ultimate planning guide to help answer the most common questions to San Francisco City Hall Weddings. Don’t forget to BOOKMARK (command + D) this page to reference it throughout your planning process! Why San Francisco City Hall Weddings? With architecture better than actual wedding venues, San Francisco City Hall is the best compromise between a gorgeous wedding venue and price! For $200, you can get the marriage license and have a ceremony all within a few hours for a no hassle approach to your wedding. With almost 200 couples every week getting married here, the City and County of SF has made it a pretty straightforward process to get married. All it takes is filling out basic paperwork, getting a marriage license, and having a 5 minute ceremony to officially become a married couple. For those couples who prefer an intimate “just us” experience versus planning a larger celebration, having your wedding at San Francisco City Hall is the best route! All You Need to Know for Booking San Francisco City Hall Weddings : Get a Marriage License and Book a Civil Ceremony Appointment These are two separate appointments and can be done on two different days if you want (to avoid stress on the wedding day). Monday – Friday 8:15AM – 3:30PM Marriage licenses cost $110 and last 90 days. Civil ceremonies cost $90 Ceremonies done at the Rotunda with a max of 6 guests Book your appointments here Book the Mayor’s Balcony or the 4th Floor (optional) Monday – Friday 9AM – 3PM $1000 1 hour rental fee Can fit up to 60 seated guests (40 for the Balcony, 60 for the 4th floor). Chair rentals are an additional fee. North Side of the 4th Floor is suggested for better lighting Musicians can be used from this approved list You will need your own officiant to get the most out of this space. Or you can have someone you know get ordained and do it How much do San Francisco City Hall Weddings Cost? San Francisco City Hall weddings require both a marriage license and a ceremony to make it official. Civil ceremonies cost $90 How much does a San Francisco City Hall Marriage License Cost? San Francisco City Hall weddings require both a marriage license and a ceremony to make it official. Marriage licenses cost $110 and last 90 days. 2 Steps to Having a Wedding at San Francisco City Hall – Rotunda Ceremony Check – In to Room 168 (first floor) It is recommended to have your marriage license appointment at least a day before your wedding day, but you can have it up to one hour before your wedding ceremony time if you want it all done in one day. 10 minutes prior to your ceremony time, check in again at room 168. Don’t forget your IDs! You will get a number. Wait times vary from 5 – 15 minutes for your number to be called. Sign marriage certificate with up to 2 witnesses and legalize the marriage! Wedding Ceremony (2nd floor Rotunda) Make your way to the Rotunda There is approximately a 5 – 15 minute wait until your ceremony so you have time to take relax, take photos, or make any adjustments 90% of the time your ceremony will not start at the designated time – so don’t stress! Ceremonies last anywhere from 5-8 minutes depending on the Judge How to Have a Wedding at San Francisco City Hall – Mayor’s Balcony / Fourth Floor Ceremony Wedding Ceremony Make your way to the ceremony location Chairs (if purchased) will be set up and the area cordoned off with rope Ceremonies last anywhere from 10 – 20 minutes depending on your officiant (additional vendor to hire) Your Officiant will need up to 2 witnesses to sign the marriage certificate after the ceremony Looking for a San Francisco City Hall Wedding Photographer? Let’s chat about your San Francisco City Hall Wedding! CONTACT ME San Francisco City Hall Weddings – Ceremony Locations San Francisco City Hall Wedding Photographer San Francisco City Hall weddings are offered in 3 main areas to hold your ceremony. 95% of the time, your ceremony will be held at the Rotunda at the top of the grand staircase. For those who want a little more privacy and have up to 60 guests, the Mayor’s Balcony and 4th Floors are available for an additional cost. San Francisco City Hall Rotunda Located at the top of the grand staircase, this is where 95% of the standard wedding ceremonies are held. The classic location for most Couples that works great. San Francisco City Hall Mayor’s Balcony Overlooking the grand staircase, this private balcony on the 2nd floor can fit up to 40 guests and offers the best overall SF City Hall landscape view. San Francisco City Hall Fourth Floor Wedding The light that shines on this floor is like no other. Complete privacy for you and up to 60 guests, the North side is preferred for better light. San Francisco City Hall Wedding Walkthrough (1 min video) San Francisco City Hall Wedding Photos FAQ for San Francisco City Hall Weddings When is the best time for an empty staircase photo? I’d recommend booking the first available time slot (9AM) or the latest (3:30). With the latter, there is a small chance that City Hall will be rented out for a private event and decor will already be in place. Tuesdays and Wednesdays are typically the least busy days. Where do I park? There is an underground parking lot one block away from City Hall (Civic Center Garage) in addition to metered parking around the building. Street parking is medium difficult. Pay attention to 3PM
Venues for Weddings in San Francisco
The 50+ Most Popular Venues for Weddings in San Francisco Ultimate Guide to the Top Venues for Weddings in San Francisco (with pricing, photos, and videos) Here is a list of the best venues for weddings in San Francisco (updated for 2022!). We are so lucky to have such a wide variety of settings in the Bay Area ranging from giant redwood groves, rustic barns, elegant historic buildings, and more, and within a short drive from San Francisco. With so many options for venues for weddings in San Francisco and throughout the Bay Area, it is inevitable I missed some so please feel free to let me know. I will periodically update this page with more photos, individual blog posts, or videos to give you the best most comprehensive information to help plan your dream wedding. If you would like my honest opinion of your venue choices feel free to CONTACT ME – happy to help! Favorite San Francisco Elopement Locations: The Mountain Terrace, Shelldance Orchid Gardens, Hastings House Garden Weddings My Personal Favorite Venues for Weddings in San Francisco: Muir WoodsShelldance Orchid GardensPalace of Fine ArtsSan Francisco City HallLegion of HonorStern GroveThe Olympic ClubThe Mountain TerraceHastings House Garden Weddings Best “Only in San Francisco” Venues for Weddings in San Francisco: Want a location that shows off that you are in San Francisco? All of these wedding venues in San Francisco have views of the Golden Gate Bridge or other San Francisco landmarks. Hornblower Cruises (SF) Rental Fee : $118 / person For one of the more unique venues for weddings in San Francisco, why not sail around the San Francisco Bay! This popular and unique excursion allows you and your guest unique views of San Francisco as well as the ability to sail under the Golden Gate Bridge for some unique photographs. In addition, their food is world class from my own experiences. Cavallo Point (Sausalito) Rental Fee : Contact for pricing Located across the Golden Gate Bridge in Sausalito, no other wedding venues in SF shows off the Golden Gate Bridge as nicely as Cavallo Point. Sitting across a hill overlooking the Bridge and the Bay, choosing this San Francisco wedding venue will treat your guests to one of the most breathtaking views of San Francisco. Hotel Vitale (SF) Packages : $185 – $260 / person Situated along the Embarcadero, Hotel Vitale offers a panoramic view of both the Bay Bridge and the San Francisco Bay. It is one of the few rooftop venues for weddings in San Francisco as well. Being a hotel, they offer all inclusive services for you and your guests. Fort Mason Center (SF) Rental Fee : $1,650 – $11,000 The Fort Mason Center offers several wedding venues in SF but the most popular ones are the General’s Residence, Gallery 308, and the smaller Firehouse, each offering their own unique setting for your wedding day. Best Outdoor Wedding Venues in San Francisco: Love to be surrounded by trees and being outdoors in nature? These are the best wedding venues in SF and beyond with gorgeous views. The Mountain Terrace (Woodside) Rental Fee : $2,500 – $4,500 (ceremony only) With decades-old trees acting as a wedding ceremony backdrop, The Mountain Terrace is the ideal setting for anyone who appreciates natural beauty and basking in the sun and fresh air. With a recently remodeled mega deck, they allow several options for outdoor and indoor receptions, making this one of my favorite wedding venues in SF. Read more about The Mountain Terrace with my walkthrough https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ibmrGG9xbac Muir Woods (Mill Valley) Permit Fee : $60 for up to 30 guests This popular elopement destination offers the perfect escape to nature by surrounding you with redwood groves all around. It is centrally located between San Francisco and Napa, allowing your out of town guests options in how they explore northern California. In addition to SF City Hall, this is one of my favorite wedding venues in SF for its simplicity and beauty for elopements and small weddings. Check out my Ultimate Guide to Planning a Wedding in Muir Woods for more details! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XHcJNX09nCk Hastings House Garden Weddings (Half Moon Bay) Packages start at : $12,000 If you are looking for a secluded “secret” garden look no further than the Hastings House Garden Weddings for your elopement! This enchanting garden only allows for a small number of guests and is seemingly made just for elopements. You need little to no decor at this wedding venue in Half Moon Bay since the beauty is all around you! Read more about Hastings House Garden Weddings with my walkthrough Shakespeare Garden (SF) Reservation Fee : $506Hourly Rate : $144 (2 hour min)Refundable Deposit : $500 One of the best places to elope in San Francisco, this small garden in Golden Gate Park allows a great setting for an intimate place to say your vows. One of the more affordable and secluded wedding venues in SF, this is also the most popular Golden Gate Park wedding venue for those wanting a more natural background. Check out this Shakespeare Garden Wedding for inspiration! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JIF4ytamSm0 Like what you see? Which venues for weddings in San Francisco fit your style? CONTACT ME TO DISCUSS SAN FRANCISCO WEDDING VENUES Old Mill Park (Mill Valley) Rental Fee : $125 – $275 / hourRefundable Deposit : $100 – $1,000 Located in Mill Valley across the Golden Gate Bridge, Old Mill Park is one of the most popular venues for weddings in San Francisco and perfect for those who love nature. They have a separate ampitheater that comes with its own staging and seating, making it a convenient wedding venue in San Francisco for large and small weddings. Check out my Ultimate Planning Guide for an Old Mill Park Wedding SF Botanical Garden Rental Fee : $875 – $10,000 This well manicured Garden in the middle of Golden Gate Park is one of the more forgotten wedding venues in SF since Golden Gate Park is so large. With 55 acres showcasing plants from all over the world, they offer the perfect natural
11 Best Places to Take Pics in San Francisco
11 Best Places to Take Pics in San Francisco Ultimate Guide to the Best Places to Take Pics in San Francisco (with photos and descriptions) Below is my ultimate list of the best places to take pics in San Francisco, all offering many different scenic locations and iconic views to choose from. As a San Francisco native, I love exploring new places to shoot in the City, but these are the most popular for a reason! Whether you have lived in San Francisco for many years, or are traveling here for vacation, the list below will help introduce you to the 11 best places to take pics in San Francisco to help make your photo session a success! 1. Baker Beach Baker Beach is the most common location I photograph for engagement sessions in San Francisco. Free and plentiful parking, unparalleled views of the Golden Gate Bridge, and a diverse setting around the area help make this one of the best places to take pics in San Francisco for many. Beaches aren’t just seen during the day! I especially love photographing at Baker Beach at dusk, where the Bridge lights up and illuminates the blue sky as well! Baker Beach If you plan it right, the Golden Gate Bridge reflects in the water at low tide and you can take your photographs to a whole new level! On a side note – closer to the Bridge is clothing optional and it is not uncommon to see a nude body on a sunny day 2. Palace of Fine Arts The Palace of Fine Arts is the second most common location I shoot at and offers a more elegant look for those who prefer the more formal setting. Its ornate architecture and photographic dome attracts locals and tourists alike, making it also one of the busiest locations on this list. Opposite the lake facing the dome allows for panoramic views of the entire location, and shooting under the dome allows you to fully appreciate the art deco close up. Palace of Fine Arts This is one of my favorite places to shoot on a sunny day because the shadows and light that filter through the columns offer so many unique opportunities to play! 3. Lovers Lane With the snake-like trail of logs, Lovers’ Lane provides the perfect outdoor setting for those who love nature and earth tones. It is one of the more hidden best places to take pics in San Francisco since it is a short walk down the road from a busy road. 4. Lands End To narrow down locations for the 3.4 miles of Lands End, I’m going to separate it into two places – Sutro Baths and Point Lobos. Both of these locations provide a stunning view of the ocean and offer especially magical light at sunset. Sutro Baths Sutro Baths is the area at the bottom of the Lands End Parking Lot, known for the ruins of the old swimming house. Lands End Point Lobos offers a stand of trees in addition to the ocean view, and overlooks Sutro Baths from above. 5. Crissy Field The pier on the western end of Crissy Field is called Torpedo Wharf, offering one of the closet views of the Bridge in SF Crissy Field Crissy Field is a good choice because it has unobscured views of the Golden Gate Bridge as well as a variety of settings to photograph, all within a short walk or drive from each other 6. Pier 7 With its attractive wooden planks and row of street lights, I personally love the symmetry at Pier 7 as one of the best places to take pics in San Francisco. With downtown SF in view, the sky seems to burst in vibrancy at sunset and dusk here for some reason 7. Battery Spencer This place is always crowded (most Instagrammed view of the Bridge?) and takes a little luck to maneuver around other people because of the limited area, but rewards those who are patient. For those who are early risers, this high vantage point is the best for sunrise, as the morning fog hovering around the span of the Bridge is just so magical. 8. San Francisco City Hall Pro tip – it closes at 8PM every night (unless rented out) so shooting here after 4PM more or less allows you to have the place mostly all to yourself! The grand staircase without a doubt is the prized spot throughout the entire building, but with 5 different levels there are so many photo opportunities even if the staircase is overflowing (which is common during the day) I’ve photographed here over 200x and always love the challenge of photographing it differently. 9. Stow Lake Golden Gate Park offers many locations for an engagement shoot, but the most common ones are Stow Lake and the Japanese Tea Garden. Stow Lake is known for its mini waterfall and stone bridges that are popular backdrops for photos. 10. Japanese Tea Garden The Japanese Tea Garden is a very picturesque backdrop, offering numerous settings for your engagement shoot. Full of nature, it is hard not to get carried away at this small yet impressive garden. The Japanese Tea Garden requires an entrance fee ($5-$7/person) and has a secret grove of bamboo trees! 11. Legion of Honor Known for its white columns, the Legion of Honor is one of the best places to take pics in San Francisco for those who prefer a more elegant and modern aesthetic. The columns definitely serve as the main backdrop here, but about 70 yards away is an overview of the SF Bay and the Golden Gate Bridge Hope this list of the Best San Francisco Engagement Locations helps you out in your search! If you would like to view my other couples photos check out my engagement photography page. Or if you are interested in a family session, check out my family photography page. Interested In More Information? Please Fill Out the Form Below! 415 756 9335 ianchinphotography@gmail.com
Interested In More Information? Please Fill Out the Form Below!
415 756 9335
ianchinphotography@gmail.com
762 10th Ave San Francisco, CA 94118