Oakland is a city where urban sophistication meets natural allure, offering a diverse and captivating backdrop for weddings. Imagine exchanging vows at the Chabot Space & Science Center, surrounded by 13 acres of majestic redwoods, or celebrating at Preservation Park, a charming Victorian-themed oasis with historic residences and elegant gardens. The city’s blend of historic landmarks, scenic lake views, and vibrant cultural scenes ensures a wedding that is both memorable and deeply personal.
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Best Wedding Venues in Oakland
Bridge Yard
The Bridge Yard in Oakland, CA, is a restored historic building offering a unique and picturesque setting for weddings. With panoramic waterfront views of Oakland and San Francisco, the venue features a light-filled indoor space and an outdoor courtyard complete with a stage, seating, and an elevated viewing deck. The 12,500 sqft indoor area boasts 19 ft ceilings and massive accordion doors for natural ventilation and easy indoor-outdoor access. This iconic venue can accommodate up to 300-500 guests for seated dinners, making it an ideal choice for weddings due to its stunning architecture, flexible event space, and breathtaking views.
California Ballroom
California Ballroom, located in Oakland, California, is an Art Deco landmark originally built in 1926. This venue offers a dynamic and timeless atmosphere for wedding celebrations, with a 7,500-square-foot ballroom that can accommodate 300 guests for a banquet-style dinner or 600 for a standing reception. The space features a tall ceiling adorned with gold leaf, a stage with lush red curtains, and a spacious dance floor. Situated near picturesque Lake Merritt, it provides ample photo opportunities. The venue allows couples to customize the space to their vision and offers flexible rental hours, a mirrored bar, and a secluded lounge, making it an ideal choice for a memorable and stylish wedding.
Camron-Stanford House
The Camron-Stanford House, located in Oakland, California, is the last remaining 19th-century Victorian mansion that once surrounded Lake Merritt. Built in 1876, it was home to influential families, including the Camrons, David Hewes, and the Josiah Stanford family. The house features Italianate architectural style and is notable for its historical significance, having served as the Oakland Public Museum from 1907 to 1965. Today, it operates as an independent museum, offering a glimpse into the past with its authentic Victorian furnishings and is available for event rentals, including weddings and other functions.
Chabot Space & Science Center
Chabot Space & Science Center, located in Oakland, California, is a non-profit institution and community resource situated on 13 trail-laced acres in Redwood Regional Park. The center features a 241-seat full dome planetarium, interactive and hands-on exhibits, space artifacts, a giant screen theater, a Challenger Learning Center, and research-level telescopes available for public viewing. It also includes the NASA Ames Visitor Center, a hands-on exhibition showcasing NASA’s scientific discoveries. The center aims to inspire and educate learners of all ages about the Universe and Planet Earth through its various attractions and educational programs.
Fairview Metropolitan
Fairview Metropolitan in Oakland, CA, is a country club wedding venue offering both indoor and outdoor settings. It accommodates weddings from 50 to 225 guests, with a meticulously manicured golf course and stunning views of the San Francisco skyline. The venue features a fully enclosed pavilion with floor-to-ceiling windows, a built-in dance floor, and carpeting for comfort. Couples can choose from customizable all-inclusive packages, including catering, DJ services, and photo booths. The attentive and professional staff ensure a smooth and stress-free planning process, making Fairview Metropolitan an ideal choice for a memorable and elegant wedding celebration.
Kissel Uptown Oakland
Kissel Uptown Oakland is a modern venue in the heart of Uptown Oakland, California. It features breathtaking architecture, bold design, and a friendly service staff. The venue offers over 9,000 square feet of event space, including a large rooftop area and indoor venues, each capable of accommodating up to 220 guests. It provides various professional services, such as event setup and cleanup, event rentals, and custom catering. The venue is wheelchair-friendly and offers luxurious amenities, including high-end culinary options and glamorous event spaces, making it ideal for weddings, anniversaries, and other private functions.
The Lake Chalet
The Lake Chalet, located on the shores of Lake Merritt in Oakland, CA, is a multi-level waterfront restaurant and private event venue. It offers dining directly over the water on the Dock, stunning views of Lake Merritt from the Lake Dining Room, and an 80-foot marble bar with floor-to-ceiling windows providing a 180ยบ view of the lake. The interior, designed by CCS Architecture, reflects the hip sensibilities of the area while honoring Oakland’s past. The venue features contemporary Californian cuisine with a seafood emphasis and inventive twists on classic dishes, along with handcrafted cocktails and a raw bar.
Nido’s Backyard
Nido’s Backyard in Oakland, CA, is an outdoor venue located at the edge of Jack London Square. It is known as the Bay Area’s first margarita garden, marked by a welcoming rainbow serape. The venue offers multiple event spaces, including La Fiesta Table, La Fiesta Patio, Adelina’s Bar, and the fully private La Plaza, which can accommodate up to 200 guests. It features seasonal Mexican cuisine, a curated list of agave spirits and cocktails, and a friendly, attentive staff. The venue is ideal for weddings, rehearsal dinners, and other special events, embodying the motto “Mi BackYard es su BackYard.”
Oakland Asian Cultural Center
The Oakland Asian Cultural Center (OACC) is a significant cultural hub located in the Pacific Renaissance Plaza in Oakland’s Chinatown. It is situated at 388 Ninth Street, between Franklin and Webster Street, on the second floor. The center is dedicated to promoting and preserving Asian and Pacific Islander American arts and culture through various programs, including performances, workshops, festivals, school tours, classes, and exhibitions. OACC is open Wednesday through Saturday from 12 pm to 5 pm and also by appointment, with special community events held on selected evenings. It is easily accessible from the 12th Street Civic Center BART station.
The Oakland Aviation Museum
The Oakland Aviation Museum is located in a vintage hangar at Oakland International Airport and features a diverse collection of over 30 vintage and modern airplanes, both civilian and military. The museum highlights noted aviators and innovators through various exhibits, including an aircraft engine room, and galleries on significant aviation history topics such as the Eighth Air Force, Jimmy Doolittle, and the Tuskegee Airmen. The venue offers a unique, industrial setting with spectacular architecture, making it an ideal space for private events, with a maximum capacity of 400 people during non-business hours.
Oakland Marriott City Center
The Oakland Marriott City Center is a premier hotel located in Downtown Oakland, California, offering over 100,000 square feet of flexible function space. The hotel features stunning views of the Oakland skyline and the San Francisco Bay. It boasts 500 guest rooms, including suites, with amenities such as soundproof windows, plush bedding, and spa-like bathrooms. The hotel includes an M Club lounge, a 24-hour fitness center, and the Iron & Oak restaurant and bar. It also provides extensive event venues, including the Exhibit Hall and Grand Ballroom, and is close to various local attractions like the Fox Theater and Jack London Square.
Oakland Museum of California (OMCA)
The Oakland Museum of California (OMCA) is an interdisciplinary museum dedicated to the art, history, and natural science of California. Founded in 1969, it merged the Oakland Public Museum, the Oakland Art Gallery, and the Snow Museum of Natural History. Located at 1000 Oak Street in Oakland, OMCA features over 1.8 million objects, including seminal art works, historical artifacts, ethnographic objects, and natural specimens. The museum includes galleries for art, history, and natural sciences, as well as a seven-acre campus and gardens. It serves as a community hub, offering educational programs and events that celebrate California’s diverse heritage and culture.
The Oakland Scottish Rite Center
The Oakland Scottish Rite Center in Oakland, California, is a historic and luxurious wedding venue that combines tradition and modernity. Built in 1927, this grand facility features an ornate design with classic columns, intricate carvings, and majestic staircases. The venue offers multiple event spaces, including the Grand Ballroom with over 10,000 square feet of space for up to 1,500 guests, and the Grand Auditorium for ceremonies with up to 1,250 guests. It is fully equipped with audiovisual capabilities, luxurious furnishings, and professional staff to ensure a seamless and memorable wedding experience. The venue’s historic charm, elegant ambiance, and comprehensive services make it an ideal choice for couples looking to host an unforgettable wedding.
Preservation Park
Preservation Park in Oakland, California, is a historic wedding venue and event space that recreates a late 19th-century Oakland neighborhood. The park features 16 restored Victorian homes, five of which are in their original location, and includes landscaped gardens, period park benches, old-fashioned street lamps, and a bronze fountain from Paris. The venue offers various event spaces, including the Pavilion for outdoor ceremonies, the Fountain Circle for receptions, and the 1890 Ginn House for indoor celebrations. It is suitable for weddings, parties, meetings, and other special events, with services such as setup, cleanup, and event rentals available.
Rotunda Building
The Rotunda Building, located in Oakland, CA, is a historic and elegant wedding venue that offers a unique and captivating setting for couples. Originally constructed in 1912, this venue features a stunning 125-foot glass dome, sweeping gilded staircase, and Romanesque archways, retaining its original charm while incorporating contemporary enhancements. The palatial, circular lobby and the elliptical Rotunda provide an exquisite backdrop for ceremonies and receptions. With various beautifully designed facilities, including lavish cocktail areas and outdoor spaces, the Rotunda Building allows couples to personalize their special day, ensuring a grand and unforgettable celebration surrounded by Oakland’s rich cultural heritage.
The Rotunda Building
The Rotunda Building in Oakland, CA, is a historic Beaux-Arts architecture landmark built in 1912 by architect Charles W. Dickey. The building features a stunning 125-foot glass dome illuminating a large elliptical rotunda, surrounded by seven stories of fluted Ionic columns and curved balustrades. Originally Kahn’s Department Store, it has undergone a $50 million restoration to preserve its historic charm while introducing contemporary enhancements. The venue includes a grand staircase, terrazzo floors, and a stylish addition called Seven Spokes with amenities like a furnished lounge and elegant dressing suite, making it ideal for weddings, receptions, and special events.
Sequoyah Country Club
Sequoyah Country Club, located in Oakland, California, is a picturesque and elegant venue ideal for weddings. Nestled in the Oakland Hills, it offers a serene setting with panoramic East Bay views and a stunning golf course backdrop. The club features high-beam ceilings, Spanish-style antique charm, and exquisite dining services. Couples can choose between indoor and outdoor ceremony spaces, each exuding sophistication. The venue provides comprehensive wedding packages, including venue rental, bridal suite access, event essentials, and in-house catering. Its attentive staff, beautiful surroundings, and various amenities make it an excellent choice for a wedding, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable planning process.
Skyline Community Church
Skyline Community Church in Oakland, CA, offers a picturesque and versatile venue for various events, particularly weddings. The sanctuary features a soaring wood-paneled ceiling and a spectacular glass wall overlooking Redwood Regional Park, providing an intimate and personal atmosphere. The facility includes a gazebo, elegant courtyard, and a stone labyrinth garden. It accommodates up to 250 guests and offers amenities such as a pipe organ, grand piano, sound system, and wireless microphones. Additional features include spacious changing rooms, ample parking, and a day-of coordinator to ensure a smooth event.
The Terrace Room
The Terrace Room at Lake Merritt in Oakland, CA, is a historic and enchanting wedding venue featuring an Art Deco ballroom built in 1927. It offers panoramic views of Lake Merritt and the lush Oakland hills, with a mesmerizing nighttime view enhanced by the Necklace of Lights. The venue retains its original charm with details like custom bronze light fixtures and wrought-iron elements, along with modern amenities such as a herringbone-patterned walnut hardwood dance floor and upscale American cuisine. It is wheelchair accessible and provides a range of services, including event planning, catering, and full bar services.
The Terrace Room At Lake Merritt
The Terrace Room At Lake Merritt, located in Oakland, CA, offers a historic and elegant setting for wedding ceremonies and receptions. This Art Deco ballroom, built in 1927, features breathtaking panoramic views of Lake Merritt and the Oakland hills. The venue provides an enchanting ambiance with its plush decor, wrought iron chandeliers, and the picturesque Necklace of Lights surrounding the lake at night. It includes all-inclusive services such as in-house catering, tables, linens, and staff, making it an ideal and hassle-free choice for couples. The stunning views and beautiful interior ensure a charming and intimate atmosphere for wedding celebrations.
Waterfront Hotel
The Waterfront Hotel, part of JdV by Hyatt, is a boutique property located in the heart of Jack London Square in Oakland, CA. This five-story hotel offers 145 spacious guestrooms, many with views of San Francisco Bay and the Oakland Estuary. Amenities include a heated outdoor pool, a 24-hour fitness center, a coffee shop, and a restaurant/bar. The hotel features multiple versatile event spaces with natural light and bayside views, making it a top choice for meetings and gatherings. It is also adjacent to the San Francisco ferry dock and provides easy access to local attractions.
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