Make your intimate wedding in San Francisco unforgettable with our expert recommendations. Begin your special day at the iconic San Francisco City Hall for your ceremony and capture stunning photos throughout the city. Wondering where to have your intimate reception? Look no further! Our carefully curated list features the best San Francisco wedding venues that cater to and excel at intimate celebrations.

For the foodies

Love California cuisine and zippy natural wines? These three Mission locations check both boxes.

Penny Roma

Capping at 32 seated guests, “The Upstairs” at Penny Roma is available 7 days a week, which is great since those City Hall spots have become increasingly harder to snag. Standing only receptions can squeeze in a few more guests for a total of 45 people, and offers lots of savory charcuterie options. Love the venue but looking for more headcount? Penny Roma offers full restaurant buyouts for a total of 60 invited guests. We love the space for its location (the Dogpatch offers a cool and funky industrial vibe) as well as its soaring airy courtyard, perfect for the couple looking to add Italian flair without breaking the bank.

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Flour + Water

Thomas McNaughton’s first restaurant in San Francisco is located just down the street from Penny Roma, and offers an intimate upstairs private room to entertain your guests. Seating a maximum of 14 total guests, this space creates an elegant Tuscan dinner party vibe, fueled by delicious wood fired pizzas and pastas. This cozy space is a great option to celebrate with your nearest and dearest, especially for those focused on crafting a custom menu in tandem with the restaurant.

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Foreign Cinema

Love art as well as fine dining? Foreign Cinema’s spacious private gallery is the perfect locale to showcase your passions as a couple. Located just off the main courtyard of the restaurant, you’ll have the option to screen a meaningful film for your guests, as well as working with the restaurant to curate a delicious meal of some of their greatest hits. Foreign Cinema can accommodate up to 60 guests seated (or 100 standing) in the Modernism West Gallery, and with the restaurant’s amazing location in the Mission, it’s the perfect place to jump off to for a debaucherous after-party at some of the best bars in San Francisco.

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For the outdoorsy types

Do you self-identify as a “plant lady” or consider yourself a green thumb? These spots are an unbeLEAFable match.

Stable Cafe

Does your heart desire an al fresco secret garden reception in the heart of the city? Stable Cafe in the Dogpatch has you covered. With the option to host both your ceremony and reception, Stable’s leafy courtyard patio creates a romantic French countryside vibe in which to say your I do’s. With a private dance floor surrounded by plants and a wood-fired oven, all of your guests will be down to dance after eating dinner at the long farm tables in the courtyard. With a max number of 65 guests, this space lends itself naturally to a slightly bigger group looking to dance the night away under the stars.

Click to book at Stable Cafe

Arcana

Bursting with hundreds of potted plants of all shapes and sizes, Arcana SF is a true green oasis in the Mission. Boasting modern clean lines, cement floors and plenty of plants, this dramatic space can host either your ceremony + reception, or just a reception. Events start at 30+ guests, with the option to use the secret upstairs room as a second bar. Located right next to Foreign Cinema, this location also begs couples to host an after-after party somewhere in the Mission.

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For the downtown couple

Love the classic San Francisco aesthetic and energy of the Downtown area? Treat your guests to a celebration at either of these wildly different locations showcasing the best of old and new San Francisco.

Wayfare Tavern

Designed by San Francisco interior design legend Ken Fulk, Wayfare Tavern’s decor appeals to serious maximalists. Coupled with Tyler Florence’s iconic fried chicken, the entire place is a feast for the senses. Wayfare boasts three separate reception experiences, scalable to your event size. The Sequoia Room fits anywhere from 20 - 50 seated, or 50-80 standing. The Billiards Room can host 14 seated, or just 6 if you’re also interested in playing a game of pool (just because it’s a wedding doesn’t preclude you from also hosting a fun game of billiards!) For those with a midsize group, the Bartlett Room fits 20 - 50 seated or standing.

Click to book with Wayfare Tavern

Mr.Jius

The Moongate Lounge at Mr.Jius boasts views of the iconic Grant Avenue in Chinatown, in addition to the iconic decor inside. This spot will definitely appeal to design focused couples looking for modern, moody and funky interiors, as well as some seriously high-end Chinese cuisine. With space for 75 guests standing in the Lounge, or up to 150 if you do a full floor buyout, featuring passed canapes, appetizers and food stations. If you’re looking for more of a sit-down dinner experience, their private dining room (Double Happiness) seats anywhere from 10 - 35 seated for a full smorgasbord of delectable cuisine.

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For the east bay

Don’t feel like crossing the bridge for your wedding? Enjoy the better weather and chiller vibes of the bright side of the Bay with these venues.

Nido’s Backyard

Tacos and margaritas outdoors, anyone? Adelina’s Bar at Nido’s Backyard offers both with space for 20 - 50 guests in this private space off of the main entrance to the restaurant. Festooned with fluttering papel picado, and featuring long wooden farm tables, this cheery outside space is the perfect place to catch that famous East Bay sunshine. With your own dedicated wait staff and space for a DJ, this spot is perfect to fiesta with all your friends and family.

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Comal

Love the idea of Stable Cafe, but looking for a secluded patio on the other side of the Bay Bridge? Comal might be your best bet! With space for up to 150, and the option to host both your ceremony and reception, Comal delivers the full wedding day experience under one roof. Featuring savory Michelin guide approved Mexican food, and a location in Berkeley’s Arts District, this buzzy spot will leave you and your guests satisfied on multiple levels.

Click to book Comal