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Temple Emanu-El

San Francisco
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San Francisco Wedding Location
2 Lake Street
San Francisco, CA 94118
Contact: Svetlana Leykin
Phone: 415/751-2535
www.emanuelsf.org
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Why We Like This Place

It’s easy to see why Temple Emanu-El is a San Francisco landmark—its huge dome is visible for blocks around. Built in 1925, its Mediterranean and Middle Eastern influences are reflected in the tiled roof, columns and numerous arched entryways and windows. The main entrance is imposing, with a set of massive arches curving high overhead as you walk into an open-air courtyard. If you’re willing to take a chance on the weather, this is a delightful spot for a reception or cocktail party. A mosaic-tiled fountain bubbles in the center of a brick terrace, enclosed on all sides by the building’s graceful arched corridors. Pine, olive and fig trees fill the corners of the courtyard, and planters overflow with colorful flowers.

Elevators take guests to the Guild Hall, a large ballroom with a state-of-the-art lighting system, as well as an optional dance floor and stage. Subtle tones of beige, café au lait and teal provide a neutral backdrop, and simple alabaster chandeliers add a touch of elegance. The Guild Hall can also be divided to produce two smaller spaces of equal beauty, accommodating either receptions or meetings.

The Martin Meyer Reception Room, designed in distinctive shades of teal, burgundy and ocher, handles smaller receptions, luncheons or cocktail events. It features coffered ceilings and a bank of arched doors that lead into the center outdoor courtyard. Adjoining this room is the Martin Meyer Sanctuary. Popular for wedding ceremonies, musical events and lectures, this space has a state-of-the-art sound system, a theatrical lighting system, and highly acclaimed acoustics.

The Temple Foyer, which is often used for cocktail receptions, is a classic marble-columned room featuring an arched hand-painted ceiling. One wall accesses the outdoor brick courtyard through a bank of double doors. Bordering this room is the Main Sanctuary, where larger concerts and weddings take place. Its soaring interior is capped by the Temple’s magnificent and famous dome. Soft light is cast by the black-and-gold chandeliers and two stunning stained glass windows that glow on either side of the room.

This venue is used by the whole community for a variety of events including wedding receptions, concerts, lectures, conferences and meetings. Its range of event spaces and its elegance make Temple Emanu-El well worth your consideration.

Capacity

Ceremony

Reception/Special Events

Meetings

Max. Seated Indoors: 1700
Max. Seated Outdoors: 0

Max. Seated Indoors: 260
Max. Seated Outdoors: 0
Max. Standing Indoors: 600
Max. Standing Outdoors: 0

Max. Seated: 280

CEREMONY CAPACITY: The Main Sanctuary seats 1,700 guests, the Chapel seats 100, and the Martin Meyer Sanctuary 250 seated on the main floor and 96 on the balcony.

EVENT/RECEPTION CAPACITY:

Area	Seated	Standing
Guild Hall 1 or 2	120	300
Guild Hall 1 & 2	260	600
Martin Meyer Reception Room	80	200
Foyer	130	250

MEETING CAPACITY: Event spaces accommodate 96–280 seated guests.

Fees & Deposits

One third of the anticipated total is due when rooms are booked; prices vary depending on time of day and day of week rented. Higher fees are charged for weekend use. The rental fee for Guild Hall 1 or 2 runs $500–1,750 for nonmembers. The fee for the entire Guild Ballroom is $850–2,000, and the Martin Meyer Reception Room, $1,200–2,500. Discount packages are available for weekday functions.

Availability

Year-round, Monday–Saturday, 8am–1am, Sunday 8am–midnight.

Catering

Choose From List

Alcohol

BYO

Site Uses

Ceremonies
Wedding Receptions
Special Events, Parties
Business Functions/Meetings
Rehearsal Dinners

Services/Amenities

Catering: select from preferred list
Parking: on-street or garage nearby
Kitchen Facilities: fully equipped
Accommodations: no guestrooms
Tables & Chairs: provided
Telephone: pay phone
China, Silver, etc.: provided
Outdoor Night Lighting: courtyard
Restrooms: wheelchair accessible
Outdoor Cooking Facilities: no
Dance Floor: yes; stage extra fee
Cleanup: provided, setup provided
Bride's Dressing Area: provided
Meeting Equipment: podium, LCD projector, projectors, TV and VCR, wireless microphones

Amplified Music

Indoors

Wheelchair Access

Wheelchair Accessible

Site Views

Garden Patio/Courtyard

Site Type

Church/Chapel/Temple
Historic/Landmark Building

Restrictions

Alcohol: BYO or through caterer
Wheelchair Access: yes, elevator
Smoking: outside only
Insurance: may be required
Music: amplified OK
Other: no pork or shellfish may be served

Contact: Svetlana Leykin
415/751-2535
www.emanuelsf.org
Email or request more information for your event from Temple Emanu-El

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