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Julia Morgan Ballroom at the Merchants Exchange

Why We Like This Place

The Julia Morgan Ballroom at the Merchants Exchange is an architectural treasure and one of San Francisco’s most coveted private event spaces. Designed by Willis Polk and the renowned Julia Morgan, its classic Beaux-Arts style echoes that of Hearst Castle, Morgan’s most famous building.

As you pass through the street-level doors, you’re immediately transported to another era, one of lavish detail and impeccable taste. The barrel-vaulted lobby sparkles with marble, gold leaf and bronze, while the curved glass ceiling washes the space in abundant natural light.

An elevator takes you up to the 15th floor, where that sense of time travel continues in the Julia Morgan Ballroom. Here, there are no busy hotel corridors to contend with, no intrusions from the outside world. Looking out across the city, the elegant 4,300-square-foot ballroom envelopes you with warmth and sophistication.

You enter via a classic foyer and proceed naturally through the richly appointed bar and lounge, featuring gilded ceilings and fireplaces of carved stone at each end. The 27-foot curved marble bar sweeps you toward the ballroom and a breathtaking reveal: Light flows in through a wall of soaring floor-to-ceiling arched windows that afford a view of the heart of San Francisco’s skyline, while mirrors on the opposite wall reflect the light. The overhead view is also impressive—the ceiling is a honeycomb of painstakingly crafted mahogany octagonals. The paneled walls continue this aesthetic commitment with classic columns worked directly into the wood. At the far end, a 20-foot stone fireplace provides an iconic backdrop and a final touch of grandeur.

When you reserve the Julia Morgan Ballroom, you enjoy use of the entire 15th floor including the bar and lounge, coat check, full catering kitchen, and several smaller rooms that are perfect for bridal dressing areas or other activities. Exclusive access to these fluid spaces affords the utmost flexibility in planning your event, as well as complete privacy.

The ballroom’s professional production team boasts decades of combined experience in producing the finest San Francisco weddings. In addition, they’ve hosted numerous successful high-level events, from lunches with both First Lady and President Obama to galas showcasing the brightest stars of film, music and sports. With its incomparable setting and distinguished track record, the Julia Morgan Ballroom offers more than a remarkable wedding venue; it also offers peace of mind.

Capacity

Ceremony	Reception/Special Events	Meetings
Max. Seated Indoors: 350 Max. Seated Outdoors: 0	Max. Seated Indoors: 350 Max. Seated Outdoors: 0 Max. Standing Indoors: 800 Max. Standing Outdoors: 0	Max. Seated: 450
CEREMONY & EVENT/RECEPTION CAPACITY: Ceremonies and receptions can be held in the Lobby, Ballroom or Lounge. The Julia Morgan Ballroom holds up to 350 seated or 800 standing. The lounge area holds 60 seated or 350 standing. MEETING CAPACITY: For large meetings, the Ballroom holds approximately 450 theater-style or 350 conference-style. There are 2 smaller seminar rooms that can accommodate 12–20 seated conference-style.

Fees & Deposits

The rental fee for use of the entire 15th floor starts at $9,500. The rental fee for only the lounge area is $4,500, and for smaller meeting rooms, the fee starts at $600. To secure your date, half the rental fee is required. There is special pricing for Friday and Sunday celebrations, call for details. Meals start at $75/person. Tax, alcohol and service charge are additional.

Availability

Year-round, daily. Hours are by arrangement.

Catering Provided Choose From List BYO Alcohol Provided Location Uses Ceremonies Wedding Receptions Special Events, Parties Business Functions/Meetings Rehearsal Dinners Services/Amenities Catering: provided by in-house chef; choose from preferred list; or BYO licensed, insured and bonded Kitchen Facilities: fully equipped Tables & Chairs: provided, mahogany Chiavari chairs and barstools available Linens, Silver, etc.: BYO or CBA Restrooms: wheelchair accessible Dance Floor: provided (mahogany) Bride’s & Groom’s Dressing Areas: yes Meeting Equipment: available Parking: street parking, nearby garages or valet Accommodations: no guest rooms Telephone: pay phones Outdoor Night Lighting: access only Outdoor Cooking Facilities: no Cleanup: provided View: downtown San Francisco cityscape Other: full-service event production, WiFi, event lighting, stage, setup and breakdown

Amplified Music Indoors Wheelchair Access Wheelchair Accessible Site Views Cityscape Venue Type Ballroom Banquet Hall/Events Facility Conference Center Historic/Landmark Building Restrictions Alcohol: provided Smoking: outdoors only Music: amplified OK Wheelchair Access: yes Insurance: certificate required Other: no rice, birdseed, glitter or sparklers

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