What Is the Best Place for a Small Wedding in San Francisco? (And Why You Need a Local Pro)

San Francisco offers some of the most breathtaking locations for a small wedding — from serene gardens to historic palaces and waterfront views. But choosing the perfect spot for an intimate ceremony isn’t as simple as picking your favorite park or palace — it takes insider knowledge to navigate the permits, rules, and restrictions each site has. That’s why having a local professional by your side matters more than ever.

What Is a Small Wedding in San Francisco?

In San Francisco, a “small wedding” typically means a gathering of 2 to 12 people, including the couple, officiant, photographer, and guests. Keeping your guest list within this range is the most cost-affordable way to have a wedding at San Francisco’s top locations. Once your group exceeds about 12 people, many venues require formal event permits, insurance, additional fees, and sometimes professional event management.

Staying within the “small wedding” size not only keeps your day simple and stress-free but also allows you access to some of the city’s most beautiful and protected sites without breaking the bank.

Best Types of Places for a Small Wedding in San Francisco

✨ Gardens

Examples: Shakespeare Garden, Japanese Tea Garden

Gardens offer a storybook backdrop for an intimate ceremony. However, many gardens in San Francisco require advance permits, strict adherence to guest counts, and often necessitate a local professional to coordinate timing, logistics, and ensure compliance with site rules.

🏩 Palaces and Historic Sites

Examples: Palace of Fine Arts, Legion of Honor

Palaces and historic venues deliver grandeur on a small scale. While many couples dream of saying “I do” against these stunning backdrops, they come with very specific rules — including permit requirements, photography restrictions, and rental fees that escalate with group size. A professional ensures you meet all the regulations without surprises.

🌊 Waterfront Locations

Examples: Crissy Field, Baker Beach, Marina Green

San Francisco’s waterfront spots provide iconic views of the Golden Gate Bridge and sweeping ocean vistas. Coastal locations often involve layered permissions to protect the environment, and may have usage time restrictions. With a local planner, you can secure the perfect timing and setting.

🌳 Secret Spots

Examples: Lover’s Lane, hidden meadows in the Presidio

Some of the city’s most romantic locations are hidden in plain sight. Secret spots like Lover’s Lane or private meadows allow for uniquely intimate ceremonies, but they often require insider knowledge to reserve legally and respectfully.

Why You Need a Local Professional for a Small Wedding

Attempting to plan a small San Francisco wedding on your own may seem easy — but without a local expert, couples can face unexpected hurdles. Here’s why working with a professional like MySFWedding.com is essential:

Permit rules change seasonally and vary by location.
Certain sites require professional event planners for approval.
Protecting fragile public spaces ensures future access for other couples.
Local insight means better photo opportunities and fewer logistical headaches.
Avoid costly mistakes like denied access, last-minute relocations, or fines.

Choosing a trusted local professional ensures your small wedding is beautiful, legal, and stress-free — while also safeguarding San Francisco’s treasured locations for generations to come.

Plan Your Perfect Small Wedding in San Francisco

If you dream of a small, unforgettable wedding in San Francisco, we’re here to make it effortless. From finding the perfect hidden garden to securing the right permits, MySFWedding.com has you covered every step of the way.

[Plan Your Small San Francisco Wedding →] Contact Us

Q1: How many people can you have at a small wedding in San Francisco?
A: A small wedding in San Francisco typically includes 2 to 12 people, including the couple, officiant, and guests. This keeps permit fees low and access to beautiful venues possible.

Q2: Can I have a small wedding in a San Francisco park without a permit?
A: Most San Francisco parks require a permit even for small weddings. A local professional ensures you get the right permits and follow the site’s specific rules.

Q3: What are the best places for a small wedding in San Francisco?
A: Top locations include Shakespeare Garden, Palace of Fine Arts, Crissy Field, and hidden spots in the Presidio — all perfect for intimate ceremonies with 2–12 guests.

Q4: Why should I hire a local planner for a small wedding?
A: A local planner navigates changing permit rules, protects fragile sites, avoids surprise fees, and ensures a smoother, more beautiful wedding day.

Q5: How much does it cost to have a small wedding in San Francisco?
A: Costs vary depending on the location and required permits. Keeping the group size under 12 guests helps avoid expensive site fees, and a local planner can help you stay within budget.

Ema;Drouillard;officiant,minister — Ema Drouillard, Minister/Officiant & Photographer

Quick Answer:
The best place for a small wedding in San Francisco depends on your style — from the romantic Shakespeare Garden to the iconic waterfront at Crissy Field. A local professional can help you choose the perfect spot and navigate the permit process smoothly.

1:42 pm By Ema

First Glance Revealed

First Glance

First Glance Revealed

It’s called the “Reveal” the first moment the bride and groom see each other before they become husband and wife. Emotion’s can be overwhelming for one or both the bride and the groom. It can be an intimate moment between just the two of you or a public moment when you are being witnessed. It can also be a photo opportunity or not. It’s up to you.

Private~Before The Ceremony

The bride and groom share an intimate moment together before the ceremony. This can take place fifteen minutes or so before you are transported to your ceremony venue.

Before hand, find a suitable place for this to happen either at home or at the lodging. Have the groom face one direction and the bride enter’s from behind the groom. When you are ready have the groom turn around.

Outdoor Wedding Venue’s

The outdoor venue’s offered rarely offer an effective way to experience the first glance. There is no aisle per say, and often no way to orchestrate the timing effectively. The outdoor venue’s listed on this site are not conducive to the first glance and first glance is not offered at the outdoor venue’s. When using one these venue’s I recommend a private meeting before the ceremony.

Public~Walking Down The Aisle

The tradition of a public first glance during the ceremony began in a church. As the bride begins her walk down the aisle, the bride and groom see each other for the first time before coming husband and wife.

This tradition works perfectly in a traditional setting. All the chapel’s provide a perfect setting for walking down the aisle and having the “Reveal” happen at the foot of the aisle. It’s been done many times and works well. Other indoor venue’s also work well for an aisle “Reveal”.

Consider The Venue

Consider the different venue’s you will be using the day of your wedding and select the most effective and easy way to share your first glance. Make it simple and sweet to watch your memories unfold. The focus of the day is becoming husband and wife. Arrive your wonderful self and say; “I Do!” It really can be that simple.

7:49 pm By Ema

Outdoor Wedding Ceremony, Best Time?

The Best Time Of Day For An Outdoor Wedding Ceremony In The Bay Area

Outdoor Wedding Ceremony, Best Time Of Day?

Are you planning an outdoor wedding in the San Francisco Bay Area? Here are planning tips for an outdoor wedding ceremony, best time. Are you wondering what the best time of day is? Here are tips for planning your outdoor wedding ceremony, for the best time of day, the best time of year and the best months of the year.

We have offered outdoor ceremonies in the San Francisco Bay Area for over twenty years. San Francisco’s weather pattern is unique and well worth planning around for the best option. Couples enjoy outdoor wedding ceremonies year round in the Bay Area.

There are a few things to consider for your outdoor wedding ceremony; the weather patterns, the time of day, the time of year, the day of the week as well as traffic patterns.

San Francisco Season’s Of The Year

What season of the year are you considering for your wedding?

Outdoor Wedding Ceremony, Best Time Of Year

Couples marry outdoors all year-long in the Bay Area. Taking into account the weather patterns will make all the difference on your wedding day.

Each season brings its own weather pattern. Being a coastal city, San Francisco has a wind pattern all year. The early morning can be still and as the day precedes the winds increase.

Planning around the wind makes all the difference. The calmest time of the day is in the am. The winds begin near 10 am and increases as the day precede. The wind pattern is constant all year. Winds can easily be as high as 50 miles an hour near 5 pm.

Winter is the rainy season in California. Many couples opt to marry outdoor’s during the winter in San Francisco. During the winter you want to catch the warmth of the day, which is usually near 1 pm. Planning a backup location provides peace of mind. The only time of year that can be risky is the rainy season. The winter can provide a time of year with less wind but also less warmth for the bride.

Summer’s fog pattern is what makes San Francisco so magical. Some couples love to arrive at the Golden Gate Bridge half covered in fog. Some couples what to arrive after the fog as lifted. The fog usually rounds back before or near noon. Making the best time of day 1 pm, before the winds become stronger.

Spring and Fall include the wind pattern. To avoid the high winds the calmest time of day is between 10 am and 1 pm.

On the coast and in the bay area next to the water’s edge with the Golden Gate Bridge in the background has a stronger wind pattern all year. Sunset brings the strongest winds most of the time. So strong that the bride will most likely have to carry her veil in her hand rather than wear it. The point is, the winds need to be considered for the most comfortable option. The high winds can be very cold for a bride.

Outdoor Wedding Ceremony, Best Time Of Day

By planning around the wind, fog, and traffic in San Francisco you can experience the best this romantic city has to offer. In the summer months the fog rolls in and out of the bay. Planning around the fog makes the best time of day at 1:00 pm. Planning around the winds of the city makes 10 am to 1 pm the best option for a wedding ceremony. And in the winter to catch the warmth of the day 1 pm again takes the cake.

Outdoor Wedding Ceremony, Best Day Of The Week

Monday through Thursday provides the outdoor venues with fewer people about. A quieter relaxed environment. During the weekend’s the outdoor wedding locations are busy with people enjoying the sights. On Monday through Thursday couples usually, experience less congestion. It really feels sweet on the weekdays rather than a bustle of activity that takes place on the weekends.

Traffic Pattern’s To Consider

Do you want to sit in traffic on your wedding day? Or have your guest stuck in traffic? You can still plan around the traffic in the Bay Area.

Traffic patterns have become something to consider. On the weekend, the later in the day you wait the more people there are out and about. Parking is harder and traffic around the bridge can easily cause a 30-minute delay. During the week you most likely want to avoid the computer traffic patterns. Making the best time of day between 11 am and 1 pm.

The Best Of The Best

Any time of year near 1 pm Monday through Thursday offers the best option’s for a relaxed environment, best weather option and the less amount of traffic to deal with. Plan for an effortless day by using this information. Brides have often commented that they hear what I said regarding the winds, but did not get it. Unfortunately, it is too late on the day of the wedding to make changes. Plan ahead for the perfect options on your wedding day.

Extra Benefit

A mid-day wedding is also easier on the budget as a brunch can be planned rather than a dinner. It also offers the most budget-friendly option for your wedding day. It’s easier to get up a little early than to fight the crowds later in the day. Check out our wedding blog for more tips on Wedding Planning Made Easy.

11:25 am By Ema

Wedding Ceremony Personal Story

Sharing Your Personal Story

Sharing Your Personal Love Story

Sometimes couples what to share their history or unique love story as part of their wedding ceremony. Most often the minister will read their words for them and sometimes either the groom or the bride will do so. It’s really sweet to have them both be involved in some way, whether that is in the writing or the reading of their story.

Would you like to share your story? If you decide yes, the next decision is to decide whom will be reading it and then you can begin to draft your words.

Here are some idea’s to help you begin to write your personal story. It can be short and sweet or have some length to it. It’s your story, your way.

What was the first thing you noticed about her/him?
How do you share fun?
What’s the most romantic moment, so far?
When did you realize you were in love?
What is the craziest experience you’ve shared?
When did you know you wanted to marry her/him?

The First Time

Your first kiss, your first glance, your first trip. Any of these are a great way to begin. You could also have a family member write a third-party point of view of your love story and have them read it during your wedding ceremony. I have seen a groom use the words to song, a bride use a poem and a few use humor and fun. What’s your way to share your story?

An Example

They come to this place with their own full and rewarding lives that include many joys, hardships and experiences. Bob brings his distinguished and successful career, his intelligence and his love for his two sons, family and a calming sense of humor and wit. Alice brings her successful career, leadership, elegance, panache and joy of life intertwined with her kindness, cleverness, humility and a spontaneous and contagious ability to laugh.

Today is a milestone for Bob & Alice who have found each other and made each other’s life fuller. There is a bit of magic here today when one thinks of what it took to bring them to this place, to this moment. Call it fate, sheer luck, the keystrokes of a computer, or just something divine.

A rare opportunity to experience that special spark that happens when two people realize that they have found the one person they wish to love and share themselves with for a lifetime.Like hitting that “hole in one.” This is why we are all here today, it is in this moment that we affirm and rejoice in the knowledge that two people can make this commitment to be each other. A relationship of reassurance and joy. There is a certain beauty in finding that one person.The grace of sharing life’s simple moments.

Rumi

The minute I heard my first love story

I started looking for you, not knowing

how blind that was.

Lovers don’t finally meet somewhere.

Did you share your personal love story in your wedding ceremony? How would you begin to tell you story? Share your comments below.

9:57 am By Ema

Renewing Marriage Vows On Wedding Anniversary

renewing,marriage,vows,wedding,anniversary

25 Years Of Marriage

Renewing Marriage Vows On Wedding Anniversary

Ric & Julie Renewed Their Marriage Vows

They brought their family and friends to San Francisco and renewed their vows of marriage on the beach with the Golden Gate Bridge as their backdrop.When the groom was asked to share his words, he selected the lyrics from Journey’s ‘After All These Years’. The words rang true to his feelings from the heart as tears streamed down his face.

“After All These Years”

A faded wedding photograph
You and me in our first dance
The lives of those
We lost in once sweet embrace
Since those days our world has changed
Our love remains the same
God knows we’ve had our share of saving graceAnd I’m proud of all the blessings
You have given me
The mountains we have climbed to get this far
You learn to take the laughter with the tears
After all these years

You make it feel brand new
After the fires that we walked thru
Against the odds we never lost our faithIn our hearts we’ve made our home
Where our children all have grown
Precious moments time can not eraseWe’ve been livin’ up and down the gypsy highway
Seasons that we’ve learned to share apart
Somehow in my heart I always keep you near me
After all these yearsAfter all these years
You stood by me
The days and nights that I was gone
After all these years
You sacrificed, believed in me
And you stood strong
‘Cause with our love there’s nothing left to fear
After all these yearsAfter all these years
You stood by me
The days and nights that I was gone
After all these years
You sacrificed, believed in me
And you stood strong
‘Cause with our love there’s nothing left to fear
After all these years

To stand with Ric & Julie in the solid foundation of their twenty five years together, while they celebrated their twenty fifth anniversary with a vow of marriage renewal was an honor and delight. Thank you for inviting me to be a part of your silver wedding anniversary, it was a delight to the heart.

5:39 pm By Ema

How To Write Wedding Ceremony Vows

Writing Your Vows

How To Write Wedding Ceremony Vows

Personal Wedding Vows

Before the wedding ceremony I always have a conversation with the bride and groom. During our conversation, I always ask them if they will be sharing personal wedding vows, with the emphasis that it’s not required and there is no pressure to do so.

After years of working with couples on the threshold of marriage, I understand that over seventy percent of people have a fear of speaking in public. The wedding ceremony is a very intimate time filled with unexpected feelings and emotions. The majority of time either the bride or the groom would rather not speak private words in public.

For some people writing personal wedding vows is fun and easy. A meaningful way to enhance their wedding ceremony. For others it adds to the stress of the day and can be overly taxing. There are no rules about personal wedding vows. If only one of you wants to speak your words, that is okay too! Whatever works for the two of you.

What is the personal vow you are making?

Writing personal wedding vows requires focusing on the future of your relationship as husband and wife. The focus is your lifetime together. When things get rough and during the ups and downs of your life together, how do you vow to be in relationship to the other.

As you enter an unknown future together these crafted words can become your anchor in the way you show up for your partner.

As you explore idea’s for your personal wedding vows something will spark your heart and then you just need to refine it to your likely. Speak your personal wedding vows out loud to feel the flow. Try them on. Work on them until they feel just right.

On your wedding day have your words on a piece of paper, it’s a little more personal than an iPhone. If you focus on memorizing them, you may find your mind has gone completely blank. It is after all an altered state at the altar. While you are focusing on remembering your words you will also miss the rest of your wedding ceremony.

Much success with putting your feeling to words.

Example Personal Wedding Vows, To Inspire You

Example Of Personal Wedding Vows From Grace & Frankie 2015 Episode

I vow to always laugh with you and
to never go to bed angry.
to comfort you in times of sorrow,
to always listen to what you have to say,
even when we don’t see eye to eye, and
to remember love is saying ‘I feel differently’
instead of ‘you’re wrong’.
I promise to love you,
happy or sad, easy or difficult,
through the sunshine and through the rain
for the rest of our days.

Short & Sweet

All that I am and all that I have,
I offer to you, my love,
my friend in joy, in service, in sacred union.

A Little More

I love you for who you are and
who I am with you.
From this day forth,
I freely and joyfully join my life with yours.
Wherever you go, I will go.
Whatever you face, I will face.
I will care for you should you become ill.
I will comfort you should you feel sad.
I will bathe in your joy.
I am yours completely and forever.
I take you as my partner for life, and
I will give myself to no other.

Communicating your words is the number one most powerful thing you can do in relationship. In a loving relationship always frame your words in love and you will stay in love. 🙂

8:00 am By Ema

Poems For A Beautiful Wedding Ceremony

Gathered along the way…

A Sacred Flame

True love is a sacred flame
That burns eternally,
And none can dim its special glow
Or change its destiny.

True love speaks in tender tones
And hears with gentle ear,
True love gives with open heart
And true love conquers fear.

True love makes no harsh demands
It neither rules nor binds,
And true love holds with gentle hands
The hearts that it entwined.

Whispers of the Beloved by Rumi

I cannot sleep in your presence.
In your absence, tears prevent me.
You watch me My Beloved
On each sleepless night and
Only You see the difference
Looking at my life
I see that only Love
Has been my soul’s companion

From deep inside
My soul cries out:
Do not wait, surrender
For the sake of Love.

If you can’t smell the fragrance
Don’t come into the garden of Love.
If you’re unwilling to undress
Don’t enter into the stream of Truth.
Stay where you are.
Don’t come our way.

All year round the lover is mad,
Unkempt, lovesick and in disgrace.
Without love there is nothing but grief.
In love… what else matters?
Love is our Mother and
The way of our Prophet.
Yet it is in our nature
To fight with Love.
We can’t see you, mother,
Hidden behind dark veils
Woven by ourselves.

Do you want to enter paradise?
To walk the path of Truth
You need the grace of God.
We all face death in the end.
But on the way, be careful
Never to hurt a human heart!

Do you know what the music is saying?
“Come follow me and you will find the way.
Your mistakes can also lead you to the Truth.
When you ask, the answer will be given.”
The Master who’s full of sweetness
Is so drunk with love, he’s oblivious.

“Will you give me
some of your sweetness?”
“I have none,” he says,
unaware of his richness.
You know what love is?
It is all kindness, generosity.
Disharmony prevails when
You confuse lust with love, while
The distance between the two
Is endless.

This Love is a King
But his banner is hidden.
The Koran speaks the Truth
But its miracle is concealed.
Love has pierced with its arrow
The heart of every lover.
Blood flows but the wound is invisible.

6:58 am By Ema

Personal Wedding Vows That Speak To The Heart

Exchanging Personal Vows

Personal Wedding Vows That Speak To The Heart

Exchanging Personal Wedding Vows

The option to exchange personal wedding vows is always presented to the bride and groom. Often one wants to speak and the other is not comfortable speaking in public.

There is no pressure to exchange personal wedding vows. Each wedding ceremony will include your wedding vows. If you would like to exchange personal wedding vows, write them out before hand and read them out loud to practice your delivery.

Sometimes people get so nervous about speaking in public they miss the beginning of the ceremony, as their mind is anxious about sharing their words in public. Then once they have shared their personal words the relief of being off the hot seat can cause them to miss the rest of their wedding ceremony.

Give it a considerable amount of thought. You can both share or just one of you can speak. Or you can just have the ceremony with the vows included. Make your decision while thinking about how stress free your wedding ceremony can be. Your wedding ceremony is an altered state whether you are at an alter or outside in the garden.

Not sharing personal vows does not mean you love each other any less, it’s all a matter of what works for the two of you individually. If you do decide to write personal vows think about the vision you have for your marriage. Vows are projecting into the future and are timeless in nature. Personal vows are unique in every way so move with your heart and speak with love. That will get you where you want to go.

An Example

I vow to help you love life, to always hold you with tenderness and to have the patience that love demands. To speak when words are needed and to share the silence when they’re not. To agree to disagree from time to time. To live with the warmth of your heart and always call it home.

San Francisco: Quick & Easy Weddings, Big Love, Budget Friendly

What Is the Best Place for a Small Wedding in San Francisco? (And Why You Need a Local Pro)

What Is a Small Wedding in San Francisco?

Best Types of Places for a Small Wedding in San Francisco

✨ Gardens

🏩 Palaces and Historic Sites

🌊 Waterfront Locations

🌳 Secret Spots

Why You Need a Local Professional for a Small Wedding

Plan Your Perfect Small Wedding in San Francisco

First Glance Revealed

First Glance Revealed

Outdoor Wedding Ceremony, Best Time?

Outdoor Wedding Ceremony, Best Time Of Day?

San Francisco Season’s Of The Year

Outdoor Wedding Ceremony, Best Time Of Year

Outdoor Wedding Ceremony, Best Time Of Day

Outdoor Wedding Ceremony, Best Day Of The Week

Wedding Ceremony Personal Story

Renewing Marriage Vows On Wedding Anniversary

How To Write Wedding Ceremony Vows

Poems For A Beautiful Wedding Ceremony

Personal Wedding Vows That Speak To The Heart

Creating Timeless Wedding Memories – Stress-Free

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