Intimate Romance: 9 East Bay Venues Perfect for Your Small Wedding
Looking to ditch the long guest list but keep all the big, breathtaking beauty of a NorCal wedding? The East Bay has just the solution. This sun-soaked, history-rich, forest-lush region has plenty of options for your intimate celebration: with venues that range from an Art Deco ballroom to a landscaped garden courtyard to a luxury yacht with panoramic views of the Bay, this list will help you find that perfect fit. Goldilocks would be jealous.
The Lighthouse at Glen Cove Marina
Vallejo, CA
Venue Superpowers:
Waterfront
On-Site Accommodations
In-House Coordination
Fab Features: serene waterfront oasis boasting abundant greenery and a walkable lookout point • al fresco celebrations on the waterside patio and landscaped lawn, beneath shady palms • cozy accommodations in the 3-bedroom Inn
Catering: Preferred list, BYOPrice: $ • $$
UC Botanical Garden
Berkeley, CA
Venue Superpowers:
Redwood Forest
Arts & Crafts Reception Hall
Diverse Gardens
Fab Features: spectacular 34-acre garden of earthly delights, nestled in Strawberry Canyon and overlooking the San Francisco Bay • say "I do" in a grove of majestic redwood trees • intimate receptions on the elevated Tour Deck that overlooks the New World Desert garden below
Catering: Preferred listPrice: $ • $$
The Garden
Walnut Creek, CA
Venue Superpowers:
Landscaped Courtyards
Greenhouse Vibes
Inclusive Packages
Fab Features: this brick-walled, multi-terraced courtyard garden is an urban oasis • ceremonies set in a breezy, ivy-draped courtyard or on a upper landing beneath pretty shade sails and the open sky • lovely ballroom topped with an architectural glass roof for all-weather receptions
Catering: In-house, Preferred list, BYOPrice: $ • $$ • $$$
The Terrace Room at The Lake Merritt
Oakland, California
Venue Superpowers:
Lake Views
Fine Dining Cuisine
Iconic Location
More Fab Features: beautiful Art Deco ballroom and panoramic views of Lake Merritt • the wall of 20-foot, floor-to-ceiling windows that extend along the entire front of this grand space treats diners to a bird’s-eye view of the lake, Lakeside Park, and the distant hills • indulge in upscale American cuisine tailor-made for your event
Catering: In-housePrice: $ • $$
Rockefeller Lodge
San Pablo, CA
Venue Superpowers:
Historic Lodge
Garden Gazebo
Al Fresco Receptions
Fab Features: John D. Rockefeller's former hunting lodge surrounded by 2 acres of lushly landscaped grounds • ceremonies on a red-bricked patio, where a pretty gazebo is shaded by redwoods • the interior boasts hardwood floors, hand-hewn ceiling beams, and a unique brick fireplace
Catering: In-housePrice: $
Luxe Cruises & Events
San Francisco, California
Venue Superpowers:
Choice of Luxury Yachts
All-Inclusive
Panoramic Views
Fab Features: a fleet of six luxury yachts known for their white glove service • the Cabernet Sauvignon affords a spacious lounge deck, a dining deck for sit-down dinners or buffets, and an open-air sky deck for taking in the cityscape • well-appointed settings for dining, gorgeous wraparound views of the bay, and multiple menu options
Catering: In-house, BYOPrice: $ • $$
Skyline Community Church
Oakland, CA
Venue Superpowers:
Panoramic Views
Affordable
Landscaped Gardens
Fab Features: charming hilltop chapel overlooking the East Bay Regional Park • exchange vows in the picturesque circular courtyard, outfitted with teak benches flanked by urns overflowing with succulents • the fan-shaped sanctuary has a beamed ceiling, parquet floor, and a stunning wall of glass that offers uninterrupted views of rolling parkland
Catering: BYOPrice: $ • $$
Museum of History Benicia
Benicia, CA
Venue Superpowers:
Unique Industrial Style
Garden Ceremonies
Affordable
Fab Features: gorgeous museum complex comprised of original 1850s military buildings situated in the Historic Benicia Arsenal • say "I do" beneath a pretty pergola or beside a sparkling fountain in the manicured Spenger Gardens • explore the unique galleries during your cocktail hour
Catering: BYOPrice: $ • $$
Graduate Berkeley
Berkeley, CA
Venue Superpowers:
Eclectic Décor
All-Inclusive
Downtown Location
Fab Features: playful, bohemian-chic hotel • 3 distinct event spaces: the light-flooded Durant Room, the preppy plaid-accented California Room, and Henry's, a classic wood-paneled bar • conveniently located steps from trendy Telegraph Avenue
Catering: In-housePrice: $ • $$
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Some clients may have paid to be placed in our editorial and some of these links may be affiliate; however, we never include a venue, vendor, or product unless they have a proper place here. This is part of our Core Values. We create our website first and foremost to be good for the couples using it to plan their Big Day. We won't stray from that for a few advertising dollars. #scoutshonor