Julia Morgan Ballroom at the Merchants Exchange 465 California Street • San Francisco • California 94104


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Why You'll Love This Place

A Here Comes The Guide Wedding Venue Review

The Julia Morgan Ballroom at the Merchants Exchange is not just one of San Francisco's most iconic event venues; it's also a link to the city's unique and compelling history. Located in the heart of the bustling Financial District, the building radiates elegance from the street to the lobby and beyond. With a design pedigree from three of America's most renowned architects, a legacy of hosting many of the city's most important events, and state-of-the-art technological amenities, the Julia Morgan Ballroom succeeds at being both quintessentially San Francisco and an ideal choice for your celebration.

Your experience begins on California Street, with cable cars whirring up Nob Hill. As you step through the Merchant Exchange building's street-level doors and into the barrel-vaulted lobby, you're transported to an era of lavish detail and impeccable taste: The space shines with marble, gold leaf and bronze, while abundant natural light streams in through the curved glass ceiling.

Gleaming new elevators whisk you quickly up to the 15th floor and the landmark Julia Morgan Ballroom, the masterwork of American architectural titans Willis Polk, Daniel Burnham, and Julia Morgan. Here, your privacy and exclusivity are ensured—there are no busy hotel corridors to contend with, no intrusions from the outside world.

Guests first enter through a classic foyer and proceed naturally to the opulent 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 into the stunning 4,370-square-foot ballroom through a wall of soaring floor-to-ceiling arched windows that afford a view of the glittering cityscape, while mirrors on the opposite wall reflect the light. The view overhead is equally impressive—the ceiling is an intricate honeycomb of painstakingly crafted mahogany octagonals. Rich, paneled walls continue the refined aesthetic with classic columns worked directly into the wood. At the far end, a 20-foot stone fireplace provides a striking backdrop and a final touch of grandeur.

Weddings at the Julia Morgan Ballroom are not simply planned; they're designed. The experienced staff, who have choreographed events for U.S. presidents, foreign dignitaries, business legends, and stars of film, music, and sports, are experts at creating custom events. Dedicated to excellence and discretion, they'll ensure that your wedding or special occasion includes your personal touches and reflects your vision.

With its prime location amid fine hotels, notable restaurants, and cultural attractions, the ballroom gives event-goers easy access to the best of everything San Francisco has to offer, as well as numerous public transportation options and plenty of evening parking.

Video

Wedding Videographer | Cinematt


PRICES: What's this going to cost?

Rental Fee
  • $8,500/event and up
  • Rental fee varies depending on:
    • Day of week
    • Space reserved
Meals (when priced separately)
  • $90/person and up

Capacity

Indoors Outdoors
Ceremony Seated 350 0
Cocktails, etc. Standing 800 0
Reception Seated 350 0
Meetings Total meeting capacity for this venue is 450.

CEREMONY & EVENT/RECEPTION CAPACITY: The Julia Morgan Ballroom holds up to 350 seated or 800 standing. The Lounge area holds 60 seated or 350 standing.

MEETING CAPACITY: The Ballroom seats approximately 450 theater-style or 350 conference-style. There are 2 smaller seminar rooms that can accommodate 12–20 seated conference-style. For very large corporate meetings/seminars, the Ballroom may be booked in conjunction with its downstairs sister venue, the 6,000-square-foot Merchants Exchange Club.


Venue Details

Site Uses

  • Ceremony
  • Wedding Receptions
  • Small Wedding
  • All-Inclusive
  • Rehearsal Dinner
  • Special Events / Parties
  • Business Functions / Meetings
  • Late Night
  • LGBTQ+ Friendly

Essential Info

Price

$$ • $$$

Catering

In-house

Alcohol

In-house

Amplified Music

Indoors

Wheelchair Access

Wheelchair accessible

Availability

Year-round, daily. Hours are by arrangement.

Venue Type

Buildings & other settings available:

  • Ballroom
  • Banquet Hall / Events Facility
  • Conference Center
  • Historic / Landmark Building
  • Unique

Venue Views

Peep the views you’ll enjoy from this venue!

  • Cityscape
  • Panoramic

Services & Amenities

Feel like a VIP with these services and amenities:

Catering: by in-house chef, no outside catering is permitted
Kitchen Facilities: fully equipped
Tables & Chairs: provided; mahogany Chiavari chairs and barstools available
Linens, Silver, etc.: linens not provided
Restrooms: wheelchair accessible
Dance Floor: provided (mahogany)
Dressing Areas: yes
AV/Meeting Equipment: available
Parking: street parking, nearby garages or valet
Accommodations: no guest rooms
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

Restrictions

But take note of the following limitations!

Alcohol: in-house
Smoking: outdoors only
Music: amplified OK
Wheelchair Access: yes
Insurance: certificate required
Other: no rice, birdseed, glitter, or sparklers


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