How to Find Cheap Wedding Venues in the San Francisco Area

In the San Francisco bay area it's easy to get the impression that you can't throw a wedding for less than an arm and a leg, but there are options out there.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• phone
• internet
• transportation

1. Restaurants:
   Rent out a restaurant for the reception, or find one with a large back room. Look for larger ones with extra tables. The advantage is they have the kitchen, tables, dishes all ready to go so you won't get nickled and dimed on rentals. The restaurant business is tough, so a struggling restaurant will be willing to talk to you if you can guarantee to fill it. Be willing to leave a few tables open for the public, so they don't loose regular customers.
   
   Some of the best deals I found were for Indian buffets with party rooms. Prices got as low as $16 per head with no additional fees.

2. Group Picnic Areas:
   Consider making your wedding a picnic or barbecue. Look into group picnic reservations at local state, county and city parks. If you're willing to go a little casual, and let nature do the decorating, this can be very affordable. One big advantage to this area is the lack of rain for a big chunk of the year. Don't try to do a large gathering without a group picnic permit. You can be asked to leave.

3. City Parks Departments and Community Centers:
   City Parks Departments in the Bay Area often have party rooms for rent for very reasonable rates. Look up the individual city parks department, then look for facility rentals.

4. Be Creative:
   Look at completely unconventional locations. I'd heard about an orchid greenhouse that does small weddings, and tried to call them. The thing is I called the wrong greenhouse operation. The place I'd called by mistake had never done a wedding, but called me back very interested in renting out an empty greenhouse for the ceremony. I guess small businesses are interested in turning a profit any way they can. You should probably be prepared to get insurance, and deal with more details in these situations.

5. City Hall:
   City Hall in San Francisco is a really good looking building. You're technically only allowed two guests, but you can take some nice pictures. The office of the County Clerk in Redwood city isn't in as nice a building, but they will let you bring 18 people, and broadcasts your wedding over the internet. The county clerk in Alameda County allows 29 people total.