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Fort Mason Center

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San Francisco Wedding Venue
Landmark Building A, Fort Mason Center
San Francisco, CA 94123-1382
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Contact: Sales Department
Phone: 415/345-7500
www.fortmason.org
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Fort Mason Center

Why We Like This Place

Fort Mason Center embodies what most people love about San Francisco—a nearness to nature (especially the bay), novel architecture and a sense of the past. Located on some of the most prime real estate in the city, the center’s historic buildings sit adjacent to the Marina Green, right on the water, with postcard-worthy vistas of the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, and the Marin Headlands. Its well-preserved structures and piers recall its military past, but in the 1970s the site was re-purposed as an urban national park and Fort Mason Center was established. It’s since become a hub for nonprofit arts organizations, and also houses galleries, bookstores and restaurants. In addition, the center has more than 17 venues that host events of all types and sizes.

Among the most popular sites for intimate weddings is the Firehouse, a lovely freestanding hall tucked away in the far northeast corner of the complex. Considered a hidden gem thanks to its near complete privacy and divine views, it edges right up to the bay on one side and a pine-covered hill on the other. Naturally, couples often choose to marry outdoors on its cozy waterfront patio, with Marin’s rolling hills in the distance. Add a tent and heat lamps for evening get-togethers, or retreat inside where high-ceilinged rooms dress up nicely for seated dinners, buffets and dancing.

For larger festivities, the Conference Center—comprised of three adjoining rooms—offers spectacular seascape vistas. In the Golden Gate Room, an entire wall of windows faces the marina. During the day, glittering blue water contrasts with white sailboats and the signature orange-red of the Golden Gate Bridge. At night, the view becomes a galaxy of twinkling lights from the city, yachts and bridge. Guests dine and dance beneath a vaulted ceiling, while a band or DJ plays on the elevated stage.

Recently, the General’s Residence—which has entertained luminaries such as General MacArthur and two presidents—has been restored to its former splendor. A sprawling lawn behind the building hosts ceremonies with sweeping bay views, while floor-to-ceiling windows throughout the interior bring those legendary panoramas indoors. The Residence is an intriguing blend of past and present: The Foyer evokes nostalgic grandeur with a fireplace and magnificent crystal chandelier, yet the Dining Room and Ballroom both have a breezy, contemporary simplicity.

At each of these distinctive venues, you can tailor an event to your taste and budget. The managers of the property embrace couples who want a do-it-yourself potluck as much as those planning an elaborate catered affair. And because of the undeniably beautiful location, you don’t need to add much in the way of fancy décor.

The nondenominational Chapel, located near the General’s Residence, can be used in combination with any venue at the center and features stained-glass windows, a historic bell tower, and a choir loft.

Though Fort Mason Center effortlessly accommodates those tying the knot, it also has a strong mission to serve the local community. Booking an event here helps ensure that this landmark—and its affiliated arts organizations—remains for future generations to enjoy. This added benefit is not lost on socially conscious couples who realize that it’s possible to get married in high style and support a nonprofit in the process.

Capacity

Ceremony

Reception/Special Events

Meetings

Max. Seated Indoors: 300
Max. Seated Outdoors: 0 		Max. Seated Indoors: 180
Max. Seated Outdoors: 0
Max. Standing Indoors: 225
Max. Standing Outdoors: 0 		Max. Seated: 300

CEREMONY CAPACITY: The Golden Gate Room can accommodate up to 300 seated guests, the Firehouse 125 seated, the General’s Residence 160 seated, and the Chapel up to 200 seated.

EVENT/RECEPTION CAPACITY: The Conference Center holds 180 seated or 225 standing guests, the Firehouse holds 85 seated or 100 standing, and the General’s Residence holds 160 seated in the dining room or 400 standing in the entire venue.

MEETING CAPACITY: The Conference Center holds 285 guests indoors, seated theater-style.

Fees & Deposits

50% of the rental fee is required to reserve your date. The balance is due 45 days prior to the event. Rental fees range $1,000–8,000 depending on the time of the event and the space rented.

Availability

Year-round, daily, 8am–midnight.

Catering

BYO

Alcohol

BYO

Location Uses

Ceremonies
Wedding Receptions
Special Events, Parties
Business Functions/Meetings

Services/Amenities

Catering: BYO
Kitchen Facilities: limited
Tables & Chairs: provided
Linens, Silver, etc.: some provided
Restrooms: wheelchair accessible
Dance Floor: portable provided
Bride’s Dressing Area: CBA
Meeting Equipment: some provided
Parking: large lot, on street, valet CBA
Accommodations: no guest rooms
Telephone: emergency use only
Outdoor Night Lighting: access only
Outdoor Cooking Facilities: BBQ CBA
Cleanup: renter
View: panorama of San Francisco Bay, Alcatraz Island, cityscape and coastline
Other: picnic area, A/V equipment, event coordination

Amplified Music

Indoors

Wheelchair Access

Wheelchair Accessible

Site Views

Cityscape
Coastline
Ocean/Bay
Panoramic

Venue Type

Banquet Hall/Events Facility
Conference Center
Historic/Landmark Building
Waterfront/Beach Location

Restrictions

Alcohol: BYO
Smoking: not permitted
Music: amplified OK indoors
Wheelchair Access: yes
Insurance: liability required


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