MLK Student Union
Berkeley Wedding LocationBancroft & Telegraph
Berkeley, CA 94720-4500
Phone: 510/642-1141
asuc-aux.berkeley.edu
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Description
Whether you’re a Cal alumnus who dreams in blue and gold, or a just a hostess looking for a room-with-a-view that won’t cost a bundle, you’ve hit the jackpot at the Martin Luther King Student Union. Overlooking Sproul Plaza, the MLK Student Union is a five-story contemporary structure at the heart of the U.C. Berkeley Campus. Its flexible event facilities are the hub of the Student Union, and the ASUC Auxiliary good-naturedly rents them out to anyone for a celebration—even Stanford rivals!
The Main Lobby is modern and bright, thanks to two glass-paneled walls. The focal point of the lobby is a wide marble staircase, and brides often set a festive tone by decorating the banisters with garlands or greenery. Usually, this is where photographers pose the wedding party. If guests are headed for the reception or cocktail hour, they’ll ascend the staircase to the Ballroom and Lounge. For wedding ceremonies, they’ll take the elevators all the way up to the top of the building.
At these lofty heights, guests enter what is officially called The Tilden Meditation Room. The décor is utter simplicity—oak walls, plain chairs—against a backdrop of artistic splendor: behind where one might place an altar is a magnificent wall-size mosaic of boldly colored stained glass done in deep scarlet, glittering white and shades of blue. The work is especially evocative of a Renaissance masterpiece when backlit by the sun’s rays.
After the ceremony, open the doors wide on both sides of the room, where guests flow out to the East and West Patios for more visual treats. The West Patio takes in a spectacular Bay Area skyline, with the Golden Gate Bridge poised above the blue-green waters of the Bay; in the evening sunset gives way to the twinkling of the San Francisco City Lights in the distance. Landscaping and potted plants further enhance the West Patio, and you can add Tivoli lights or paper lanterns for even greater effect. A promenade leads to the East Patio, which faces the verdant Berkeley Hills. The stately Sproul Hall lies below, and the venerable Campanile seems almost within reach. Even if you hold your ceremony at one of the local houses of worship, you can still use all of the Tilden Room for your cocktail hour; leave the room’s doors open, and up to 250 of your friends and family can mingle in this refreshing milieu.
For a cocktail hour with a relaxed formality, consider Kerr Lounge, located at the top of the Lobby staircase. This open area is defined with blue carpeting, wood paneling and tall windows, and conveniently adjoins the foyer of Pauley Ballroom.
Receptions for up to 500 can be staged in this spacious ballroom, where oak paneling, a high ceiling, modern light fixtures, and a gleaming hardwood floor are a timeless blend of the traditional and contemporary. The star here, however, is the rows of floor-to-ceiling windows that let guests peer over leafy treetops to far-reaching vistas of rolling hillsides, historic buildings and star-filled skies. Not only does the view make the room feel even more expansive, but it also connects your celebration to the surrounding community. There’s even a huge kitchen, and you’re free to use whichever caterer you like—even your Aunt Millie! With an accommodating staff and very attractive pricing, the Student Union is catching on as a prime venue for any important occasion.
Capacity
Ceremony |
Reception/Special Events |
Meetings |
|
Max. Seated Indoors: 900 Max. Seated Outdoors: |
Max. Seated Indoors: 600 Max. Seated Outdoors: Max. Standing Indoors: 1000 Max. Standing Outdoors: |
Max. Seated: 900 |
|
CEREMONY & MEETING CAPACITY: The Ballroom holds up to 900 seated guests. |
||
Fees & Deposits
25% of the rental fee is required to reserve your date. The balance is due 30 days prior to event. Rental fees range $283–1,725 depending on space rented.
Availability
Year-round, subject to University activities and availability.
CateringBYOAlcoholBYOSites UsesCeremoniesBusiness Functions/Meetings Wedding Receptions Rehearsal Dinners Special Events, Parties Services/AmenitiesCatering: BYOKitchen Facilities: fully equipped Tables & Chairs: CBA Linens, Silver, etc.: BYO Restrooms: wheelchair accessible Dance Floor: yes Bride's Dressing Area: yes Meeting Equipment: BYO Parking: on street or nearby garages Accommodations: no guestrooms Telephone: pay phone Outdoor Night Lighting: access only Outdoor Cooking Facilities: no Cleanup: caterer or renter View: cityscape and rolling hills |
MusicIndoorsWheelchair AccessWheelchair AccessibleSite ViewsForest/Wooded AreaPanoramic Hills Cityscape RestrictionsAlcohol: BYOSmoking: outdoors only Music: amplified OK indoors Wheelchair Access: yes Insurance: not required |
Wondering what CBA or BYO means?
510/642-1141
asuc-aux.berkeley.edu
Email or request a proposal for your event from MLK Student Union
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