Get Married in Stern Grove

San Francisco has been called the Most Romantic City in the world. Why not get married there? Unfortunately, most venues will set you back a bit, unless you have an outdoor wedding in one of our many parks. I found Sigmond Stern Grove in a local Bridal Guide, "Here Comes The Guide." We were living in the Sunset District in San Francisco, so when I saw how close and inexpensive Stern Grove was, I had to check it out.

Since Sigmond Stern Grove is part of the San Francisco Parks Department, you can rent half-day slots for less than 1000 bucks (in 1995 it was 700.00 per half day for during the wedding season -- its cheaper off season). You get to rent use of the redwood grove and adjacent pond with a bridge, but more importantly rent includes use of a two story victorian. There is a daytime slot and an evening slot. You can purchase extra set up time for setup.

I was also able to contact the person who was setting up the evening wedding on the day of our wedding to coordinate decorations. I was able to get free decorations in exchange for allowing them to setup before my wedding to save them time. It worked out great.

The two story victorian is the Trocadero Clubhouse, and while it has shown wear over time, it is well kept. There is a very victorian/old west wooden bar where you can serve drinks to your guests. There is a large ballroom that can fit up to 125 people, but is really suited for around 80 if you want a dance floor. The windows and long porch has some nice victorian detailing.

The clubhouse features an industrial kitchen for your caterers to use.

There is a room and bathrooms upstairs for the bride and her party to get ready in.
This venue offers the ability to effortlessly move your guests from ceremony to the reception. We were even able to play recorded music for the ceremony from the clubhouse.

The cool thing about this place is that it is in San Francisco on one of its busiest streets (Sloat & 19th Avenue), but you wouldn't know it standing in the grove. You are in a bowl like park surrounded by redwood that completely pulls you away from the traffic sounds.

There is a parking lot, a place where caterers can park, and overflow parking. It is not much though, so let people know that.

One of our guests had children who were getting bored at the wedding, so their step-dad was able to take them down the road to the San Francisco Zoo.

During the Summer Stern Grove plays host to a annual series of free concerts in the park that are just amazing. If you plan to visit San Francisco during the Summer, not fit a free concert in while you are here?

http://www.sterngrove.org/