The pleasant weather in San Francisco allows weddings in Golden Gate Park to occur all year-round with plenty of fascinating locations to consider. With endless natural surroundings and unique features, Golden Gate Park is an unforgettable place to tie the knot. Thousands of locals and visitors alike have already planned the wedding of their dreams, exchanged their vows, and then took advantage of the stunning photo opportunities at the park.

From the Meadows to the Music Concourse located between the deYoung Museum and the Academy of Science, Golden Gate Park has plenty of nooks and crannies that set the stage for one of the most important days in your life. There are also popular indoor attractions at the park that host wedding ceremonies and receptions.

In order to plan your memorable experience at GGP, you will need to secure a Special Use Permit, sign a rental agreement, or make a reservation – depending on the arrangements you seek.

Indoor Wedding Sites at Golden Gate Park

An indoor wedding at Golden Gate Park may take place at one of the following popular locations:

deYoung Museum
50 Hagiwara Tea Garden Drive
San Francisco, CA 94118
(415) 750-3683

The grand staircase to the upper galleries is a favorite amongst couples looking for an elegant entrance or striking photo ops. Available year-round, special events are scheduled within a 4-hour window between 6:30 p.m. and 1a.m. When booking, you will need to put down 50% of the rental fee, which starts around $5,000.

Maximum Seated Indoors: Ceremony – 400 Reception – 400
Maximum Seated Outdoors: Ceremony – 200 Reception – 550
Maximum Standing Indoors: 2500
Maximum Standing Outdoors: 1000

California Academy of Sciences
55 Music Concourse Drive
San Francisco, CA 94118
(415) 379-5868

A favorite amongst eco-friendly brides and grooms, the California Academy of Sciences not only provides the city with access to a world-renowned natural history museum, but also makes a memorable wedding location in San Francisco. Available year-round from 7 p.m. to midnight (except for on Thursdays), 50% of the rental fee is needed to secure your date with the balance due 30 days prior to your special day.

Wedding guests will have access to the entire Academy, including use of the Rainforest, Aquarium, Swamp, Piazza, African Hall, East Pavilion, West Pavilion, Forum, and Main Lobby.

Maximum Seated Indoors: 280
Maximum Standing Indoors: 3000

Conservatory of Flowers
100 John F. Kennedy Drive
San Francisco, CA 94117
(415) 831-2090

From large sit-down dinners to tented events, ceremonies and receptions take place at the Conservatory of Flowers all year-round from 5 p.m. to midnight. When reserving your date, 25% of the rental fee is expected with the balance due 30 days prior to your wedding. Rental fees range between $2,500 and $10,000 – depending on space, day and length of time rented.

Maximum Seated Indoors: 150
Maximum Standing Indoors: 400
Maximum Seated Outdoors: 300

Outdoor Weddings in Golden Gate Park

As you start to figure out your options for having an outdoor wedding at Golden Gate Park, there are a few fees and rates to consider. For example, expect to pay a performance bond of $500 made payable to the San Francisco Recreation and Park Department when placing your reservation. This sum is returned if the reserved area is left clean and undamaged after your festivities have taken place.

A reservation fee of $200 and a $50 hourly rental fee (minimum of two hours) are expected for the following outdoor wedding locations:

1) Chain of Lakes (Middle Lake)
Location: 41st Ave (Chain of Lakes Dr.) between J.F. Kennedy Dr. & Martin L. King, Jr. Dr.
Maximum Capacity: 100
For Ceremonies Only

2) Fuschia Garden
Location: Conservatory East Drive between J.F. Kennedy Dr. & Arguello
Maximum Capacity: 150
Ceremonies and Receptions Allowed

3) Portals of the Past/Lloyd’s Lake
Location: J. F. Kennedy Dr. & 23rd Ave
Maximum Capacity: 100
For Ceremonies Only

4) Rose Garden
Location: J. F. Kennedy Dr. & 14th Ave
Maximum Capacity: 150
Ceremonies and Receptions Allowed

A reservation fee of $350 and a $100 hourly rental fee (minimum of two hours) are expected for the following outdoor wedding locations:

1) Chinese Pavilion
Location: Middle of Stow Lake
Maximum Capacity: 50
For Ceremonies Only

2) Queen Wilhelmina Garden
Location: 47th Ave & Great Highway (Windmill)
Maximum Capacity: 200
Ceremonies and Receptions Allowed

3) Shakespeare Garden
Location: Martin L. King, Jr. Dr. & Middle Drive East
Maximum Capacity: 200
For Ceremonies Only

Outdoor Wedding Rules and Regulations

Before you can start planning your nuptials in Golden Gate Park, you must become familiar with some of the rules and regulations of having an outdoor wedding. A non-inclusive list of park expectations include:

• Schedule your arrival, departure, set-up, and break-down of the event to fit your reserved time. There is no extra time allotted outside of your reservation to complete these tasks. There is no maximum number of hours that may be scheduled for your wedding, so plan away and make it a big one. Also, plan accordingly – wedding sites at the park can be booked one year in advance.

• No mylar balloons allowed on park property and you may not release any other types of balloons into the air during your wedding.

• Do not use the trees to hang up any decorations. Pinatas, balloons, streamers, signs and other ornaments must be attached to free standing poles and other equipment.

• You cannot toss rice, flower petals or birdseed during your event.

• You cannot release any wild animals, such as doves or butterflies, during your ceremony or reception.

• You cannot incorporate any fire, candles, tiki torches or other forms of decorations that involve open flames.

• Amplified sound is not allowed for your outdoor wedding in the park.

• A portable restroom must be provided for your guests if your list exceeds more than 150 people. One restroom per every 150 people.

Weddings in Golden Gate Park Contact Information

To ask questions about an outdoor wedding location in Golden Gate Park, check availability, reserve a site or compare prices, contact the San Francisco Recreation & Parks at (415) 831-5510 or (415) 831-5500. You may also place a walk-in reservation by visiting the Pioneer Log Cabin (2 Stow Lake Drive in Golden Gate Park) from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday thru Friday, and 9 a.m. to 12 noon on Saturdays.