China Cabin 52 Beach Road • Belvedere • CA 94920
We'd love it if you would mention that you found China Cabin on the Here Comes The Guide website.
Why You'll Love This Place
A Here Comes The Guide Wedding Venue Review
- This shimmering jewel box of a venue, perched on the edge of Belvedere Cove, has a rich, whimsical history. Originally the first-class social saloon of the 1866 sidewheel steamer PS China, it was rescued from demolition in the '70s and transformed into a one-of-a-kind event space and national maritime treasure.
- The main cabin is truly impressive, with elaborately decorated wood-paneled walls and dramatic arched ceilings painted in a crisp white and adorned with gold leaf accents. Natural light flows through wraparound clerestory and inset windows crafted from delicately etched glass, illuminating the intimate space and giving the crystal chandeliers an extra dose of shimmer.
- Celebrations easily flow between the interior and three adjacent decks, which offer picturesque views of the San Francisco skyline, Corinthian and Belvedere Islands, and the colorful boats that bob in the sparkling azure waters that surround you.
PRICES: What's this going to cost?
Rental Fee
- $2,500/event and up
The venue rental fee can include:
- 6-hours exclusive use of the indoor & outdoor event space
($400 per additional hour if needed) - Tables & chairs for up to 50 guests
- 6-hours exclusive use of the indoor & outdoor event space
COUPLES ARE ASKING: We've got answers
Booking the China Cabin in Belvedere gets you exclusive use of the indoor saloon and its decks for a six-hour block, plus 50 chairs and three 6-foot tables. You'll pay separately for catering, and linens and silverware come through your caterer. The kitchen is limited and there's no outdoor cooking, so choose a caterer who's comfortable working that way. Cleanup is shared between your caterer and you. As part of the rental, you'll also join the Belvedere-Tiburon Landmarks Society as a member for a nominal fee, and if you're serving red wine, you'll need insurance.
Yes, your ceremony and reception can both happen at the China Cabin, so nobody has to travel. The restored saloon of an 1866 sidewheel steamer seats 40–45 guests for a ceremony, or 55 standing, and up to 40 for a seated reception. Weather permitting, the deck holds 10 more guests, with views of the San Francisco skyline, Angel Island and Belvedere Cove.
At the China Cabin, you'll choose your caterer from the preferred list, which includes Dee Wagner Events, Olive Catering, Taste Catering and Paella Time, among others. Alcohol is BYO, so you can bring the wine and spirits you love, but a licensed provider has to serve it, and you'll need insurance if you're pouring red wine. The same list suggests florists, officiants, DJs, rentals and lighting if you'd like a head start.
Rental at the China Cabin in Belvedere is $2,500 for a six-hour minimum, and each extra hour is $400. That covers exclusive use of the cabin and decks plus 50 chairs and three tables, so catering, alcohol and linens come on top. To hold your date, you'll pay half the rental fee plus a $750 refundable security deposit, and the full fee is due 60 days before your wedding. Because the Belvedere-Tiburon Landmarks Society is a nonprofit, you'll become a member for a nominal fee, and half the rental fee is tax-deductible. With BYO alcohol and a 40-guest seated maximum, your biggest variables are your caterer and how many extra hours you add.
The China Cabin's main space is indoors, so rain won't leave you without a ceremony spot. The restored saloon seats 40–45 guests for a ceremony, or 55 standing, under its arched, gold-accented ceiling and crystal chandeliers. The deck adds room for 10 more guests, weather permitting, so if your plan counts on the deck, it's smart to make sure your guest list also fits inside.
The China Cabin is the restored first-class saloon of the 1866 sidewheel steamer PS China, sitting right on Belvedere Cove, so you get a historic venue and a waterfront one in the same booking. It was designated a national maritime treasure in 1978, and inside you'll find 22K gold leaf, etched glass windows and crystal chandeliers. Your rental is exclusive for six hours, your ceremony and reception happen in the same place, and you can bring your own alcohol. Step out on the deck and you're looking across the bay to the San Francisco skyline and Angel Island.
Yes, the China Cabin is made for small weddings and elopements: it seats up to 40 guests for dinner and 40–45 for a ceremony, with standing room for 55. You'd book the same six-hour rental at $2,500, say your vows in the saloon and celebrate in the same room, with the deck for another 10 guests when the weather cooperates. It also works for a rehearsal dinner if your main event is elsewhere. Check the Landmarks Society's online calendar for open dates.
GUEST COUNT: How many people can we have here? What’s the max capacity?
| Indoors | Outdoors | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Ceremony | Seated | 45 | 35 |
| Cocktails, etc. | Standing | 55 | 40 |
| Reception | Seated | 40 | 35 |
| Meetings | Total meeting capacity for this venue is 55. | ||
With its intimate design, this venue is ideal for elopements, small weddings, "minimonies," and micro-weddings.
Venue Info & FAQs
OPTIONS: What kinds of events can we have here?
- Outdoor Ceremony
- Ceremony
- Wedding Receptions
- Outdoor Reception
- LGBTQ+ Friendly
- Elopement Packages
- Small Wedding
- Rehearsal Dinner
- Special Events / Parties
- Business Functions / Meetings
POLICIES: What are the food, alcohol, music, and other rules here?
Price
$ • $$
Catering
Preferred list
Alcohol
BYO
Alcoholic beverages must be served by a licensed provider.
Amplified Music
Indoors
Some restrictions
Wheelchair Access
Wheelchair accessible
Availability
Year-round, daily, 9am–10pm.
STYLE: What’s the style and overall vibe of this venue?
Buildings & other settings available:
- Historic / Landmark Building
- Non-Profit
- Patio / Deck / Terrace
- Unique
- Beach / Ocean
- Museum
- Banquet Hall / Events Facility
VIEWS: What kind of views does this place have?
Peep the views you’ll enjoy from this venue!
- Cityscape
- Hills
- Mountains
- Ocean / Bay
- Panoramic
China Cabin
*Sending your email through the Here Comes The Guide website lets this venue know we sent you! Thank you for your support!
Wedding Venues
>
Northern California Wedding Venues
> Bay Area Wedding Venues
> North Bay / Marin Wedding Venues
