Gaia Arts Center
Berkeley Wedding Location2120 Allston Way
Berkeley, CA 94704
Phone: 510/848-3542
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Description
Four sculpted Gaia or Earth Goddess medallions greet you at the door of the Gaia Arts Center located on the ground floor of the handsome Gaia Building in the heart of bustling, downtown Berkeley. Designed by local architects, the seven-story Mediterranean Renaissance-style edifice captures the pleasant and distinguished feel of its historic neighborhood, but with a decidedly updated twist. The interior spaces feature contemporary detailing, state-of-the-art technology and a well-balanced theatricality, sure to earn rave reviews for any event staged here.
For the first act, welcome guests in the wide lobby entrance. From this vestibule you can access the ground floor Theatre and the second floor Mezzanine. The Theatre is ideal for business meetings, seminars, social functions, or your glamorous wedding reception. It features a high cathedral ceiling; theatrical lighting; professional sound and audiovisual systems; and a dramatic, full-size stage that has rocked to the rhythms of performers like Pete Escovido and Maria Muldare. Its stylish black and buff color scheme lends an air of sophistication to this artsy playhouse, and few props are needed to transform it from a setting for performances and recitals into a ceremony space, banquet hall, ballroom, supper club or cabaret.
For an encore, take the stairs or the elevator up to the second-floor Mezzanine. This expansive loft, lined with large arched windows that let in lots of natural light, is roomy enough for everything from an elegant sit-down affair to a gala buffet with elaborate food stations and passed hors d’oeuvres. Drama is something they do well here, so whatever the occasion, you can count on the award-winning chef and superb staff of Glass Onion Catering, the property’s in-house caterers, to whip up something sensational. Celebrated hands at event planning since 1991, they are known for their professionalism and panache. How about Hot Curried Oysters, Jumbo Prawns Wrapped in Snow Peas, Stuffed Quail with Goat Cheese and Wild Mushrooms, Slow Roasted Pork Tenderloin With Caramelized Onions and Calvados, Veal Cannelloni with Wild Mushrooms and Port Wine Cream Sauce, or any of a dizzying array of other appetizers, salads, entrees and desserts? Whatever the choices, your imagination will be tickled, your taste buds tantalized. Staff members like to say they have over a thousand years of experience between them. It might be an exaggeration, but the way this group handles the catering and coordination certainly makes it seem true.
For the ultimate showstopper take the elevator up to the Roof Top Garden Terrace on the seventh floor. The immense, sky-canopied, U-shaped rooftop courtyard has wraparound vistas that encompass the cities and counties that circle the bay—including a view of the San Francisco waterfront and the Golden Gate Bridge. A fancy, wrought-iron balustrade, Spanish roof tiles and a verdigris archway suitable for sunset vows lend classic touches to the modern lines and grand scale of this gorgeous outdoor ceremony setting. It’s breathtakingly panoramic. There’s a brass telescope on hand for viewing, but you won’t need it. You’ll be far too entranced by the I-Max version of your celebration and the people enjoying it to want to alter your point of view.
Capacity
Ceremony |
Reception/Special Events |
Meetings |
|
Max. Seated Indoors: 140 Max. Seated Outdoors: 150 |
Max. Seated Indoors: 170 Max. Seated Outdoors: 0 Max. Standing Indoors: 250 Max. Standing Outdoors: 0 |
Max. Seated: 250 |
|
CEREMONY CAPACITY: The Art Center holds 140 seated comfortably for an indoor ceremony. Rooftop ceremonies accommodate 150 seated with additional guests standing. |
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Fees & Deposits
50% of the estimated event total is required to reserve your date. The balance is due 30 days prior to the event. Fees for meetings and seminars held Monday through Friday range $500–1,500. Fees for events held Friday, Saturday and Sunday are as follows: January to May, $1,700 for 8 hours in the art center; May to December, $2,000 for 8 hours in the art center. A rooftop garden wedding ceremony costs $800 year-round. Meals are provided by Glass Onion Catering and range $40–90/person. Tax, alcohol and a 15% service charge are additional.
Availability
Year-round, daily, anytime. Rooftop gardens currently avaliable for wedding ceremonies only. Call for changes to that policy.
Services/AmenitiesCatering: provided by Glass Onion CateringKitchen Facilities: n/a Tables & Chairs: provided Linens, Silver, etc.: provided Restrooms: wheelchair accessible Dance Floor: yes Bride's Dressing Area: yes Meeting Equipment: CBA Parking: on street or public garages Accommodations: no guestrooms Telephone: no Outdoor Night Lighting: access only Outdoor Cooking Facilities: no Cleanup: caterer View: cityscape, ocean, garden/patio courtyard Other: event coordination |
RestrictionsAlcohol: provided, or BYOSmoking: not allowed Music: amplified OK indoors Wheelchair Access: yes Insurance: not required |
Wondering what CBA or BYO means?
510/848-3542
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