Photo: Courtesy of PIER 39 on Instagram
Not every bride dreams of a fairytale wedding. And that’s OK! Your celebration should reflect you and your partner’s style and personalities — and if that means bucking tradition, so be it! Picking a uniquely distinctive venue is the perfect way to set the scene for the non-traditional wedding of your dreams. Whether you and your fiancé are animal lovers or Disney enthusiasts, we’ve found four alternative San Francisco wedding locales that will make you jump for joy.
<a href="http://www.brides.com/wedding-vendors/detail/venue/35b98b19115df9e2?reviews_sort_by=rating_highest&reviews_page=1"Forbes Island
If you’ve ever fantasized about hosting your wedding on a private island but don’t want to drop major bucks for such a lavish affair, we’ve got good news for you! Forbes Island (shown above) is a one-of-a-kind floating man-made island restaurant situated just a short boat ride away from Pier 39. The moment you step out onto the nautical piece of paradise you feel like you’re on a tropical vacation complete — complete with towering palm trees and a white sand patio. The restaurant’s charming underwater dining room (seats 68) is appointed with portholes to watch sea creatures swim by. Read real brides’ reviews here!
Photo: San Francisco Zoo
San Francisco Zoo
If you and your groom-to-be have a soft spot for animals, then look no further than the San Francisco Zoo. The wildlife park offers a variety of event spaces to fit celebrations of all sizes. For an intimate party of 40, go with the Giraffe Lodge and you’ll have the opportunity to feed the towering majestic creatures during the reception. For the ultimate exotic nuptials with a worlds-away feel, book the African Savanna (seats 170) and exchange rings outdoors while zebras and ostriches roam freely in the background. Regardless of where you host your ceremony, be sure to sneak away from the party and take a romantic ride on the Dentzel Carousel with your new spouse. Read real brides’ reviews here!
See More: Decorate Your Unique Venue With One Of Our Favorite Local Florists
Photo: Courtesy of The Presidio
Presidio Log Cabin
Romance is in the air at this historic Log Cabin which was built in 1937. The venue’s large grassy lawn is the perfect place to host a ceremony. You simply can’t beat the panoramic views of the San Francisco skyline in the backdrop. A covered patio offers a cozy space for your guests to enjoy a post-ceremony cocktail hour before heading inside for the reception. With its hardwood dance floors and massive fireplace, the Log Cabin’s interior (seats 150) oozes with rustic splendor. The food will be just as amazing as the venue itself. Lauded Bay Area chef Traci Des Jardins masterminds the catering menu so it will without a doubt be delicious. Read real brides’ reviews here!
Photo: Joseph Kohn, IQphoto
Walt Disney Family Museum
Situated on the picturesque Presidio of San Francisco with the Golden Gate Bridge in the backdrop, the Walt Disney Family Museum is the perfect setting for a magical wedding with a happily ever after. The Fantasia-inspired digital theatre, replete with plush rainbow-colored seats and dramatic lighting, is the ideal whimsical space for Disney-loving couples to exchange vows. Afterwards, move the party into the lobby for an intimate dinner (seats 60) and then explore the interactive galleries that tell the life story of the legendary animator—from his move to Hollywood to the birth of Mickey Mouse to realizing his dream of opening Disneyland.
Still searching for your dream location? We’ve got more options for you on our Local Vendors page!
