The Cliff House Wedding
The Cliff House wedding allows couples to take advantage of one of San Francisco’s most spectacular wedding venues. Cliff House’s tagline is “Where San Francisco Begins”, and this is true in more ways than one.
The actual Cliff House has lived many lives. In fact, its first version was built back in 1858. Since then, various events such a schooner explosion, and a great fire in 1907 have forced the rebuilding of the San Francisco icon.
In its current incarnation, the Cliff House sits proudly atop its peak, overlooking the vast expanse of Ocean Beach.
Planning Your Cliff House Wedding
Much like the City of San Francisco – and especially the Richmond District – the Cliff House is a moody mistress. Early January, Spring, and Fall can often bring gorgeous sunshine and beautiful sunsets. The foggy SF summer and cold, rainy February usually portend gray skies. However, even this can prove to be a spectacular setting, as you’ll see below. The good news is that a Cliff House wedding is flexible enough to accommodate many different types of weather and group sizes.
- The Terrace Room can be set up to accommodate an indoor wedding ceremony, as well as your private indoor wedding reception.
- Sutro’s Restaurant is a great option for less formal receptions and smaller groups. It’s a perfect fit for couples that are looking for an intimate reception venue after a San Francisco City Hall wedding.
On a sunny day, the most striking ceremony location would be out on the Cliff House deck. Imagine the seagulls soaring overhead, and the sun setting behind you during the ceremony. Just tell your guests to bring their sunglasses!
On a foggy day, the diffused light can be soft, wrapping, and very beautiful. The grey, teal, and blue hues of the area really come out.
If it’s too cold, or rainy on the day of your Cliff House wedding, it might be a good idea to utilize the Terrace Room for your ceremony.
Arriving at Your Cliff House Wedding
Since the Cliff House is situated on the far western edge of San Francisco, it’s prudent to arrange intelligent transportation for yourselves and your guests. If your wedding in San Francisco is a destination wedding, it probably means that many of your guests are staying in downtown hotels. A Cable Car can be one of the most interesting and convenient ways for guests to travel across the city.
For themselves, many couples prefer a limo, an antique car, or simply an Uber.
If guests use their own cars to get to there, parking is usually available along the street. There are spot above and below the Cliff House. Also, there is a small parking lot across from Louis’ Diner. There’s another large parking lot at Land’s End about a quarter mile up.
The Light at Your Cliff House Wedding
Few things are as dramatic as a beautiful sunset in San Francisco – probably because they are so rare! If you happen to get so lucky, it’s important to get out on to the Cliff House deck for sunset photos! Don’t miss it!
If the day ends up being foggy and grey, don’t despair. They don’t call San Francisco “The Cool, Grey City of Love” for nothing. A foggy day brings out San Francisco’s true character. With a little bit of lighting magic from one of San Francisco’s top wedding photographers, you can create some timeless memories.
