Did you know that according to the Wedding Report, the average cost of a wedding in the Bay Area in 2021 was $43,598? With 7,321 weddings in San Francisco reported that year, that’s quite a bit of dough!
Maybe you’re thinking about getting hitched in the Bay Area this year, but you’re worried about the cost? Believe it or not, San Francisco and the surrounding areas have some amazing affordable venues for all wedding budgets.
Here are some of our favorite best affordable wedding venues in the Bay Area to get you started.
Aquarium of the Bay – San Francisco
Aquarium of the Bay is located on the San Francisco waterfront right next to the famous Pier 39.
Not only are there over 24,000 sea animals, several tunnels with sharks, and pools where you can touch bat rays and starfish, but the venue features an outdoor terrace with views of the San Francisco skyline!
There are several awesome event spaces here at a surprisingly affordable price. Say your vows on the Otter Terrace in the setting sun and then head to the Discover the Bay Exhibit for cocktails.
There are two tunnels in the Under the Bay Exhibit that can be used as a space for a sit-down dinner and The Farallon Room is another option for your wedding reception. Imagine dancing the night away beside playful river otters!
Bonus: For an extra fee you can have divers hold special messages for you and your guests in the Under the Bay Exhibit!
Price Range: $2,000 and up.
Capacity: Up to 350 seated guests.
Find Aquarium of the Bay at Aquarium of the Bay or check out Facebook or Instagram.
Marigold Event Space – San Francisco
Looking for a hip, full-service venue in the heart of the city? If so, the Marigold Event Space might be for you!
Located in the Upper Market neighborhood, this venue sits on the 2nd floor above its sister bar, Churchill. With handcrafted cocktails and a sophisticated vibe, the Marigold Event Space is the perfect wedding venue in the Bay Area for an intimate, modern urban wedding.
Included in the rental is a state-of-the-art sound system including a DJ hookup for music, a projector with a 10-foot projection machine, a full-service bar with a bartender, a security guard, and much more!
Bonus: Located in a popular neighborhood in San Francisco, your out-of-town guests will love having a true San Fran experience!
Price Range: $1,600 and up.
Capacity: Up to 50 seated guests.
Find the Marigold Event Space at Marigold Event Space or check out Facebook or Instagram.
Bay Lights Charters – San Francisco
Have you ever dreamed of getting married on a yacht in the middle of the water? If so, then you have to check out Bay Lights Charters. You can rent a tall ship named Gaslight for your wedding!
There are 1,500 square feet on the Gaslight. Say your vows on the deck and then have a rocking reception in the galley. This historic sailboat has been upgraded with modern touches including a killer sound system.
Bonus: Imagine the priceless wedding photos you and your guests can enjoy on a yacht in the San Francisco Bay. Oh, and did we mention the captain is a minister and can officiate your vows?
Price Range: $3,600 and up.
Capacity: Up to 49 seated guests.
Find Bay Lights Charters at Bay Lights Charters or check out Facebook or Instagram.
The Gardens at Heather Farm – Walnut Creek
Located in Walnut Creek, The Gardens at Heather Farm is a rustic yet elegant option for your classy and affordable alfresco wedding.
As a venue of outstanding natural beauty, simply let the beautiful gardens filled with thousands of roses and tree-lined paths be your backdrop.
The most popular place to exchange vows is in The Gazebo and Rose Garden and The Patio and Pavilion is the perfect spot for cocktail hour or a smaller reception.
The Meadow Lawn can be used as both a ceremony and reception site with sweeping views of the entire garden, and the Camellia Room is a great indoor option.
Bonus: The Library adjacent to the reception hall can serve as a bridal suite and there is an additional classroom-style space on the lower floor called the Rotary Room which can be rented for the groom and his groomsmen.
Price Range: $3,500 and up.
Capacity: Up to 150 seated guests.
Find The Gardens at Heather Farm at The Gardens at Heather Farm or check out Facebook or Instagram.
The Maysonnave House – Sonoma
Are you and your fiance wine lovers? If so, there are lots of fabulous wineries in the Bay Area to tie the knot. The Maysonnave House in Sonoma is one of the most affordable of the bunch.
Constructed in 1910, this historic property is located a block away from the landmark Sonoma Plaza. With lush gardens and a cozy and intimate vibe, the Maysonnave House might just be the venue for you.
Featuring a luscious lawn and flowering plants, the Outdoor Garden is magical. The Board Room is an indoor setting that is perfect for an intimate micro wedding and there is also an elegant bridal suite on the property.
Bonus: Centrally located in the heart of downtown Sonoma, there are several accommodations within walking distance for out-of-town guests.
Price Range: $800 and up.
Capacity: Up to 100 seated guests.
Find The Maysonnave House at The Maysonnave House or check out Facebook or Instagram.
Brazilian Room – Berkeley
The Brazilian Room is a stunning, yet affordable venue located in Berkeley.
Fun Fact: This venue was named after its rich hardwood paneling that was once part of the 1939 Golden Gate International Exhibition’s Brazilian Pavilion on Treasure Island in the San Francisco Bay.
The Brazilian government graciously gifted the Brazil Building to the park district at that time and thus the Brazilian Room came into existence.
This 1,728 square-foot venue is covered in floor-to-ceiling lead glass windows with dark wooden beams and polished wood floors.
Located in a park setting and complete with a large stone fireplace for a cozy and welcoming vibe, the overall feel is that of a luxurious cabin.
Bonus: Save money by bringing your own alcohol to the Brazilian Room.
Price Range: $560 and up.
Capacity: Up to 150 seated guests.
Find the Brazilian Room at Brazilian Room or check out Facebook or Instagram.
Fern Cottage – El Sobrante
Are you and/or your fiance tree huggers? Fern Cottage is a charming spot set among the Redwood Trees within the Kennedy Grove Regional Recreation Area. Perfect for a rustic yet elegant micro wedding, Fern Cottage may be the spot for you.
The cottage itself is 1,000 square feet and can serve as a reception area. The grounds outside of Fern Cottage are immaculate with fragrant trees and beautiful, landscaped gardens.
Fern Cottage allows you to choose your caterers and vendors from their preferred list to help save you money.
Bonus: With ample space on the lawn, you and your guests can play lawn games during cocktail hour. Who doesn’t love lawn games?
Price Range: $315 and up.
Capacity: Up to 60 seated guests.
Find Fern Cottage at Fern Cottage or check out Facebook or Instagram.
Geyserville Inn – Geyserville
Geyserville Inn is located in Sonoma County and is a beautiful wedding venue in the Bay Area for a charming outdoor event.
The property offers two event spaces and has scenic views of the Mayacamas Mountains and surrounding vineyards, spacious lawns, and lush gardens.
The Doyle Clifton Gardens is a 9,000-square-foot manicured lawn with rose bushes, trees, lavender, and a wisteria-covered pergola.
The Packard Room and Lawn is a smaller space with indoor and outdoor areas and amazing views of the surrounding vineyards.
The Geyserville Inn has been owned by the same family for two generations and the staff is more than happy to assist you in making your wedding extra special!
What’s more, The Geyserville Grille is next door to the inn and features California cuisine paired with local wines and can be hired to cater for your big day.
Bonus: Geyserville Inn is a destination wedding venue where you and your guests can stay on-site at the inn.
Price Range: $2,200 and up.
Capacity: Up to 150 seated guests.
Find Geyserville Inn at Geyserville Inn or check out Facebook or Instagram.
Riggers Loft Wine Company – Richmond
Riggers Loft Wine Company sits on the edge of the San Francisco Bay and can be an affordable option for smaller weddings held on off-peak dates.
This urban venue has high loft ceilings with wooden trusses and large windows that look out onto the bay and city skyline; perfect for your modern, chic city wedding.
The Winery Venue is 7,000 square feet and lined with racks of wooden oak wine barrels for an industrial vibe. The room opens to a 5,000-square-foot patio overlooking the bay.
Say your “I dos” on the patio with your closest friends while sailboats drift by in the background.
Bonus: Two interesting bonuses about Riggers Loft Wine Company – the venue is pet friendly and the outside patio has a bocce ball court. Who doesn’t love dogs and games?
Price Range: $2,000 and up.
Capacity: Up to 300 seated guests.
Find Riggers Loft Wine Company at Riggers Loft Wine or check out Facebook or Instagram.
Nick’s Cove – Marshall
Are you and your fiance seafood lovers? If so, Nick’s Cove Restaurant, Oyster Bar & Cottages may be the perfect venue for you.
Located right on the water with the coastline of Tomales Bay as the backdrop, Nick’s Cove is quaint and charming. There are even waterfront cottages on-site for you and your guests to rent for a weekend destination wedding.
Nick’s Cove has several spaces for rental on the property. Tomales Bay Waterfront Lounge is a patio near the waterfront cottages and offers a private and serene setting for your more intimate wedding.
The Tule Deck is beside the main dining room and offers a private indoor space with a wood-burning fireplace and a full bar.
There is also a garden ceremony site located outdoors in a two-acre garden called “The Croft.”
Bonus: Getting back to the seafood… Nick’s Cove Restaurant, Oyster Bar & Cottages has some of the finest seafood and shellfish in Northern California, including their bay-side Waterfront Oyster Bar. Yum!
Price Range: $2,000 and up.
Capacity: Up to 120 seated guests.
Find Nick’s Cove at Nick’s Cove or check out Facebook or Instagram.
Griffo Distillery – Petaluma
Griffo Distillery is a family-run venue that creates premium, small-batch spirits and may be the perfect spot for your big day.
Offering guided spirit tasting, specialty and custom cocktails, and behind-the-scenes tours of their distillery production, fun is sure to be had by everyone!
The Barrel Room is a 2,000-square-foot modern industrial space that opens up to a 400-square-foot patio. Tastefully decorated with pub tables, couches, and string lights, the walls are lined with oak barrels.
Griffo Distillery is the place for a fun, rocking wedding for couples who like to party.
Bonus: Griffo Distillery currently distills eight different craft spirits that can be paired with food tastings for your reception.
Price Range: $1,800 and up.
Capacity: Up to 150 seated guests.
Find Griffo Distillery at Griffo Distillery or check out Facebook or Instagram.
The San Anselmo Log Cabin – San Anselmo
The San Anselmo Log Cabin is a historic landmark located in the heart of Marin County. This “hidden gem” is actually American Legion Post 179 and has a fascinating history.
Nestled among towering Redwood Trees, this magical property is a great choice if you’re looking for a rustic but classy, affordable venue.
The Log Cabin Banquet Hall is cozy and charming with a large stone fireplace, exposed log beams, and twinkling lights.
Their famous Dug Out Bar is available to host your after-party late into the night.
Bonus: Did you know the American Legion is a charitable Veteran organization? When you rent the venue, a portion of the rental fee goes towards programs like Toys for Tots so why not start your marriage with some good karma?
Price Range: $1,800 and up.
Capacity: Up to 150 seated guests.
Find The San Anselmo Log Cabin at American Legion Log Cabin or check out Facebook.
Pie Ranch – Pescadero
Pie Ranch is a unique venue set on a seven-acre farm that provides educational programs and community events, and of course, grows delicious food!
Located just minutes from the ocean, Pie Ranch is an educational nonprofit that serves youth and communities from all over the Bay Area. If you believe in a just and sustainable world, this is the spot for you!
Pie Ranch offers two barn spaces and a large meadow as venue options. The Roadside Barn is a charming indoor event space with a sound system and wood floors to dance the night away. The “Lower Slice” is a large meadow with a rustic outdoor kitchen.
Bonus: You and your wedding guests can have a tour of the farm and learn more about their world vision of sustainable food for all.
Price Range: $3,000 and up.
Capacity: Up to 150 seated guests.
Find Pie Ranch at Pie Ranch or check out Facebook or Instagram.
Temescal Beach House – Oakland
The Temescal Beach House was built in 1936 and overlooks the lake. This lovely venue is perfect for a romantic wedding with a chill vibe.
The Beach House itself is a stone building with two indoor spaces and a large flagstone patio. Set in a park environment, there are large trees, a sandy lake shore, active wildlife, and beautiful greenery.
The patio is surrounded by fragrant flowers and provides an intimate setting for a smaller wedding. If it starts to get chilly, there is a fireside room inside that offers a warm and cozy environment.
Bonus: Check out the starting cost for this venue! Make your big day even more affordable with the DIY non-catered option for reservations that end by 7 pm!
Price Range: $395 and up.
Capacity: Up to 80 seated guests.
Find Temescal Beach House at Temescal Beach House or check out Facebook.
