SAN FRANCISCO WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER
MY EXPERIENCE AS A
The first ten years of my career was spent predominantly as a San Francisco wedding photographer...since I lived there. The City is chock full of photography sites and iconic venues like the Julia Morgan Ballroom, the Fairmont Hotel, the Palace of Fine Arts, San Francisco City Hall, and the Ferry Building. And many couples love to try to take advantage of some of the other sites around town as part of their day!
The micro-climate you find in San Francisco can be quite shocking for those who aren't local. Despite the general assumption that California is warm and sunny, it's typically in the 60s and 70s during the day and can be chilly in the evenings. Even the summers can be cold and foggy (and often are in June and some of July). The wind can be a factor in outdoor sites like the Palace of Fine Arts. And rain should be considered a possibility in December through February. But in general, if you're having a wedding in San Francisco, you're likely indoors which makes the weather less impactful overall.
HOW'S THE WEATHER?
IDEAL TIME OF YEAR FOR SF WEDDINGS
THE CITY VIBE
I'd say most weddings I photograph in San Francisco are elegant and have a classic, timeless feel—but still love a good party. Black tie, ready to dance. There's something truly special about being a San Francisco wedding photographer and taking advantage of the lines and light that cut through the city architecture. And there are plenty of venues to consider when having a wedding in the city.
STAY CLASSY, SAN FRANCISCO
Aside from the gorgeous churches and cathedrals like St Ignatius by UCSF and Grace Cathedral in in Nob Hill, there are tons of event spaces and hotels with gorgeous, classic ballrooms. The Westin St Francis and Four Seasons SF have a more modern feel, while places like the Julia Morgan Ballroom, the Fairmont and University Club all have a old school cool vibe going for it.
SAN FRANCISCO WEDDING VENUES
The Julia Morgan Ballroom is stunning! It’s got a classic aesthetic with the dark wood paneling and high, coffered ceilings. The space makes for an amazing reception space with gorgeous light coming in from the window wall during the day and a romantic atmosphere after the sun goes down. I also love the Merchant's Exchange Building lobby for portraits and intimate ceremonies.
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FINANCIAL DISTRICT
JULIA MORGAN BALLROOM
The James Leary Flood Mansion is another one of my favorites. It's located in Pacific Heights with views out to the the bridge from massive bay windows. It can accommodate both indoor and outdoor ceremonies, with the main hall being used for the dinner reception.
PACIFIC HEIGHTS
FLOOD MANSION
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I don't think City Hall needs an introduction, and I feel like I've buried the lede by not making it first, but here we are. It's incredible--the architecture, the light, all of it. Probably the location I've been to the most for both elopements and larger weddings!
CIVIC CENTER
SAN FRANCISCO CITY HALL
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The Palace Hotel is a luxury hotel with a pretty classic aesthetic. It can accommodate both large scale weddings in the ballrooms as well as more intimate gatherings in the French Parlor. Located in the Financial District, it's easy to pop outside to get some of the city street vibe as well.
FINANCIAL DISTRICT
PALACE HOTEL
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The Westin Hotel has an updated aesthetic and has a more modern feel than many venues in downtown San Francisco. Even though it's located in the heart of Union Square, the ballrooms are at the top of the towers so you get some pretty sweet, sweeping views of the surrounding skyline. It also has the St Francis Suite which is more intimate with a more classic look.
UNION SQUARE
WESTIN ST. FRANCIS
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The University Club of San Francisco features a classic aesthetic with an incredible skyline view facing downtown San Francisco. One of my favorite spaces to do portraits is the Library on the Fourth Floor. Ceremony, Cocktail Hour and the Dance Floor are commonly held in the Lounge on the 4th Floor. The Reception dinners are typically hosted in the Dining Hall on the 3rd Floor.
NOB HILL
UNIVERSITY CLUB OF SAN FRANCISCO
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The Fairmont San Francisco is a pretty iconic venue. With a rooftop garden as well as an epic Penthouse Suite, this venue is often used as a spot to get ready but also has some pretty amazing ballrooms as well. Located at the top of Nob Hill, the Crown Room also features an unobstructed panoramic skyline view.
