Perfect Locale
For a wedding location that combines the convenience of being near a city with the beauty of the California coast, consider The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay. The Ritz is located just 45 minutes from downtown San Francisco and is perched on the side of a cliff overlooking the Pacific. (650) 712-7000
Outdoor Elegance
To exchange vows with a view, Kim Oliff of Always r.s.v.p recommends Bernardus Lodge in Carmel Valley. Vineyards and oak trees surround the lodge, with an outdoor wedding pavilion for weddings. Bonus: Guests who stay at the lodge will love spending some downtime in the spa. (888) 648-9463
Historic Hotel
Want to wed at a place with a deep sense of history? Check out The Palace Hotel in San Francisco. Opened in 1909, the hotel’s Garden Court restaurant—with its stained-glass dome ceiling and crystal chandeliers—is the perfect place to host a dinner reception with up to 250 guests. (415) 512-1111
Scenic Dinner
For an unforgettable rehearsal dinner, Alicia Falango of AK Designs recommends the restaurant at Auberge du Soleil resort. The restaurant has an impressive selection of wines and three dining rooms that can accommodate up to 125 guests, including an outdoor deck with picturesque views of Napa Valley. (800) 348-5406
Romantic Suite
You deserve to stay somewhere special on your wedding night. Consider booking a decadent evening in a semi-private villa at the CordeValle Resort in San Martin, just 30 minutes south of San Jose. The 1,100-square-foot villas have lots of space to spread out and unwind, plus a private outdoor shower and whirlpool spa where the two of your can get a bit closer. (408) 695-4500
Glamorous Ballroom
For a truly lavish ballroom reception, try the Four Seasons Hotel San Francisco. The Veranda Ballroom has a sleek décor with a modern, contemporary ambience—perfect for a classy, formal wedding reception. Plus, if you book the space for 100 or more guests, you and your fiancé get a free night in the hotel’s honeymoon suite. (415) 633-3000
Group Accommodations
If you have an extensive guest list, event planner Nicole D’Ambra recommends The Fairmont San Jose, which has 731 rooms and 74 suites. The Fairmont is also within driving distance of 30 different wineries, so all of your out-of-town guests will have plenty of opportunities to explore the area. (408) 998-1900
Great Perks
Hotel Palomar in San Francisco offers guests many impressive amenities—like valet parking, free Wi-Fi Internet access, and concierge service—along with some other unexpected perks: The hotel offers in-room spa treatments, and it’s even pet-friendly (You won’t have to leave your pooch at the kennel!). (866) 373-4941
Photo: Courtesy of the Ritz-Carlton Company, L.L.C.
-- Miles Stiverson
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