Century Club of California and the Julia Morgan Ballroom
1355 Franklin Street
San Francisco, CA 94109
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Contact: Lisa Willoughby
Phone: 415/673-7117
www.thecenturyclubofcalifornia.org
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Why We Like This Place
More than 100 years ago, when San Francisco was still in its infancy, a group of urban sophisticates banded together, forming a women’s social organization called The Century Club of California. They lunched each Wednesday at one another’s homes, but soon decided their club needed a special, larger place to meet. The “clubhouse” they built in 1905 was a Victorian mansion on Franklin Street, and it’s been The Century Club headquarters ever since. Now the venerable establishment has opened its doors to non-members, making its gorgeous rooms available for weddings and other special occasions.
When you step into the expansive foyer of this historic building, you feel like you’ve just taken a trip back in time. Antique furniture, a handsome and ancient-looking grandfather clock, and handmade light fixtures create a warm, old-fashioned feeling. Carved, dark wood chairs—from Shakespeare’s Church in England—and a rich set of Oriental rugs complete the picture.
A pair of French doors open into the Reception Room, an intimate banquet space with seafoam green carpet, white walls and a gold-toned Japanese screen covering one wall. Brides often decorate this simple, but charming, room with flowers, and host a luncheon or shower here. Two adjacent lounges offer the bride and groom ample space for getting ready or just relaxing before, during or after the ceremony.
If you’re having a larger event, ascend the stairs to the second floor, passing by colorful stained-glass windows on your way. The cozy foyer on this level is shared by two grand spaces, the Drawing Room and the Auditorium. In the luxurious old-world atmosphere of the Drawing Room, couples marry in front of the monumental marble fireplace. Guests gather ‘round, either standing, or sitting on the many overstuffed couches and chairs. When the ceremony concludes, friends and family enjoy cocktails and hors d’oeuvres while admiring the interesting artwork and built-in bookshelves (which also make a lovely backdrop for a tea or luncheon).
Seated dinners and buffets are held in the Auditorium, a spacious room designed by Julia Morgan with a vaulted ceiling, white walls and decorative wainscoting. Add plants, flowers, linens and candlelight, and the Auditorium takes on a magical glow. The small stage at one end accommodates a DJ or a band quite easily, and the polished wood floor is ready-made for dancing.
If the bride wants a moment or two alone, she can steal away to the “bride’s room” on the third floor. Accessible via a somewhat hidden back staircase or the elevator, it’s a comfortable and feminine living room that provides total privacy and has its own bathroom next door.
Standing in any of the Century Club’s many rooms, the past doesn’t seem distant at all. You can almost imagine the stylish club members, taking tea in front of the fireplace or fêting city luminaries in the Auditorium. Close your eyes and you might even hear the horse-drawn carriages that used to carry the ladies to and from this elegant clubhouse. Inside The Century Club, tradition, history and the beauty of a bygone era still exist, enriching every celebration that takes place here.
Capacity
Ceremony |
Reception/Special Events |
Meetings |
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Max. Seated Indoors: 75 Max. Seated Outdoors: 0 |
Max. Seated Indoors: 170 Max. Seated Outdoors: 0 Max. Standing Indoors: 200 Max. Standing Outdoors: 0 |
Max. Seated: 225 |
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CEREMONY CAPACITY: Small ceremonies may be held in the Drawing Room for 40–75 guests. EVENT/RECEPTION CAPACITY: The Century Club holds up to 170 seated or 200 standing guests. MEETING CAPACITY: Meeting spaces accommodate up to 225 guests seated theater-style. |
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Fees & Deposits
A $750 refundable deposit is required. The rental balance is due 15 days prior to the event. Rental fees range $700–3,500 depending on space rented and level of building access. A kitchen use fee may also apply. The Club is beautifully decorated for the holidays in December. The rental price of the Auditorium includes one free daytime rehearsal.
Availability
Year-round, daily, 8am–midnight.
CateringChoose From ListBYO AlcoholBYOLocation UsesCeremoniesWedding Receptions Special Events, Parties Business Functions/Meetings Rehearsal Dinners Services/AmenitiesCatering: select from list or BYO
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Amplified MusicIndoorsw/ Restrictions Wheelchair AccessAccess LimitedSite ViewsNo ViewVenue TypeBallroomBanquet Hall/Events Facility Historic/Landmark Building Private Club RestrictionsAlcohol: BYO, licensed server
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