The Best Northern California Micro Wedding Venues

I absolutely love to photograph intimate micro weddings. They are such a beautiful experience and always include personal details from the couple. Micro weddings are smaller weddings, with fewer than 50 guests. These events allow couples to really connect with their loved ones and guests. It also allows for some unique venues and opens up the possibilities for smaller spaces!

Northern California has some of the most breathtaking venues on the West Coast. From the rolling hills of Napa to the bespoke hotels and inns dotted around the landscape. Today, I wanted to share my favorite Northern California Micro Wedding Venues! These are all wonderful options for your wedding, and many hold a special place in my heart!

San Francisco City Hall

This iconic spot in San Francisco will always be a favorite of mine. They have recently opened back up for elopements, and I am so glad to be shooting there again! This is perfect for elopements since you can get married right in the City Hall, and have dinner at one of the many restaurants nearby. One of my favorite dinner spots is Wayfare Tavern for its Parisian vibes and beautifully crafted cocktails. No matter where you head to after your ceremony, City Hall is classically San Francisco and makes for incredible pictures.

The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay

If you are a foodie couple, you need to check out The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay. This venue is known for its incredible fine dining, and they can create personalized custom menus. Sitting on a pristine cliff, the coastline location means that you, and your guest, will always be greeted with incredible water views. The hotel also allows for guests to stay on-site, so you can do a complete micro-wedding weekend! My favorite plan is when couples do a morning ceremony with a brunch reception. This gives you plenty of time for pictures and celebrating!

Villa Montalvo

If you dream of getting married in the Italian countryside, you will love Villa Montalvo! This Villa is the closest thing to being in Italy in the bay area. This space is perfect for outdoor weddings, since the large lawn gives you endless possibilities. I love the veranda for receptions since you get a lovely view of the lawn. For your ceremony, there are multiple options around the Villa! You can have an intimate ceremony in the Rose Garden or the Courtyard. Perched at the end of the rose garden is the love temple, one of my favorite locations for a intimate ceremony.

Allied Arts Guild

Located in Menlo Park, the Allied Arts Guild is a hidden gem in the Bay Area! This gorgeous Spanish hacienda-style venue sits on a land grant dating back to the 1700’s. The lush gardens are inspired by Spanish gardens and are the perfect spot for a micro wedding. It is an intimate space, so guests won’t feel like the space is too overwhelming. Plus, it is so gorgeous that there is little decor needed! My favorite time here is in April, when the Wisteria blooms. It is a must-see site in the Spring!

Joshua Tree

While this is outside of the Bay Area, Joshua Tree is perfect for micro-weddings and elopements! You can easily book an Air BNB to stay, and have your ceremony in the desert! I suggest going in the off-season, from October – November. This is when the weather cools down, and the park receives fewer tourists.

Cornerstone Sonoma

While Napa is a popular wedding spot, you should also check out Sonoma! There are quite a few beautiful spots here, including Cornerstone! This winery and shop is a hidden gem in the valley. Perfect for the art lover, this venue has rotating art galleries year-round. So you can enjoy fine art, and incredible wine! I love the garden for micro-weddings and elopements. There is a grand lawn with a lily pond, and can easily be tented. Guests will love coming to Sonoma, and creating a whole weekend out of it!

Beltane Ranch

Another favorite of mine in Sonoma, Beltane Ranch is perfect for the nature and animal-loving couple! This cute venue is so charming and so unique. They have a herd of sheep on-site that you can interact with and even have photos with! Wally is the cutest little micro-sheep and is just so sweet. This is one of my spots to stay in Sonoma! Guests can also stay on-site at this bed and breakfast and enjoy their fantastic food and wine. Family-owned, this is one of the best spots for an elopement or intimate wedding in Northern California!

MacArthur Place Hotel & Spa

This recently removed hotel and spa is a unique spot in Sonoma. It is chic, industrial and modern, while still maintaining the beauty of the surrounding nature. Modern hotels are hard to find in the heart of Sonoma, and if you are an architecture lover, you will swoon over this space! Plus, the MacArthur Place Hotel allows guests to stay on-site and party all weekend long.

Gardener Ranch

If you are looking for mountain views with spacious gardens and land, you will love Gardener Ranch. This space is known for its huge oak tree, which often sets the backdrop for wedding ceremonies. You can choose from multiple areas for your micro-wedding here. They also provide special elopement and smaller wedding packages so that you can have an all-in-one experience.

Bear Flag Farm

Located in Winters, California, Bear Flag Farm is a private boutique organic farm that is one of the most beautiful spots in Winters. Surrounded by fields of lavender, vineyards, and orchids, you will quickly fall in love. This venue also provides the ultimate luxury experience for weddings of all sizes. It has been voted a top wedding venue in various publications, like Brides Magazine and Condé Nast Traveler. The best time for weddings here is in the Summer when the lavender is in bloom!

The Best Northern California Micro Wedding Venues

No matter what venue you prefer, you are sure to have a beautiful wedding day filled with so many memories. As a wedding photographer, my most immense joy comes from capturing love. I will work to photograph every little detail, so you can forever cherish these moments for a lifetime to come! As you plan your dream wedding, make sure to connect with me. I can’t wait to hear your story and learn all about you two!