Mr. Penguin and I originally wanted to get married in San Francisco. We are both suburban transplants who enjoy the hustle and bustle of the Bay (or “the Yay! ” as I call it). Here is some info on our top venue contender in San Francisco, Hotel Vitale.
Before we sat down and realized that we had 1.8 billion people in our family, Mr. Penguin and I thought it was a great idea to have a very small wedding with 30-50 guests. We used to live on the Embarcadero, right near to the fabulously sleek Hotel Vitale. The hotel has several outdoor balconies that you can host events on.
The outdoor balconies boast gorgeous Bay Bridge and water views, and the location would allow for some pretty spectacular portraits on piers, in the Ferry Building, and some great urban shots in the Financial District (which is deserted on Saturdays, perfect for street portraits).
The Hotel Vitale outdoor event space can accommodate 100 standing guests (or 50 seated guests). Ceremony setups look like this:
and can also be transformed into a seated dinner while your guests enjoy cocktails on another balcony like this:
Most weddings opt for a standing ceremony, cocktails and hors de oeuvres on a terrace, followed by a seated dinner in their banquet room downstairs (accommodates 100):
I communicated back and forth with the Events Coordinator there, and she was incredibly prompt with E-Mail responses (within 24 hours), and of course was always available for phone calls. Small, intimate ceremonies and receptions (30 people) on the terraces ONLY (not a banquet dinner downstairs), with their food and beverage minimums, can cost right around $15K, (for venue, food and beverage), not bad for such a 4 star boutique hotel.We eventually realized that there would be massive heartbreak if we only invited 30 guests (on both our parts) and eventually looked elsewhere. But its wonderfully sleek and intimate, and you can’t beat the view!
For more information on hosting your wedding at Hotel Vitale:
www.hotelvitale.com
8 Mission Street
San Francisco, CA 94105
Special Events Manager: Candace Palec
Phone: 415-278-3711
All Photos from the Hotel Vitale website.
Beautiful hotel…. stunning view too.
I think its a great choice - but if your too many guests opt for a bigger venue. You dont want your guest to step on eachothers toes!
Hi Miss Penguin,
I am taking bridal portraits & more casual engagement pics next week in the Bay Area, especially in SF. Thanks for posting the tip about the Financial District! Are there any other quintessential Bay Area locations you would recommend?? Thank you!
OhhH! Do have the wedding there! I stayed there in 2005 when the hotel first opened - it is AMAZING my favourite hotel! The halls smell like lavendar, GREAT views from the terraces… ♥ ♥ ♥ Can you tell I LOOOOVE San Francisco?
**I left my heart in Saaan Franciscooooo** ♥
my fiance surprised me with his proposal on that balcony 2 months ago 
it was a gorgeous night, no fog - and the hotel arranged for the balcony to be all ours for 30 minutes. they helped him set everything up, and the service we received that weekend was impeccable. highly recommended!
Aww. Too bad there’s a 30 guest limit! It’s such a beautiful location.
My firm had an event here on the balcony and it was absolute beautiful! They also have great service and yummy food
[...] Venue Shopping 1 - Hotel Vitale, San Francisco Venue Shopping 2 - David Girard Vineyards [...]
Mrs. Penguin, Sacramento
Age and Occupation: 26, Video & TV Producer/Director/Editor
Fiance's Age and Occupation: 29, Doctor of Physical Therapy
Engagement Date: January 29, 2007
Wedding Date: June 7, 2008
Blogging Since: September 14, 2007
Venue: Winery in the Gold Country
About Me: I'm a silly mess of a girl who, above all else in this world, LOVES the Spice Girls. I eat sushi at least 3 times a week, and feel guilty about how much it costs the other 4 days a week. I love designer jeans and cheap accessories. I don't like sweets, but I love the UCLA Bruins!
So pretty!