San Francisco has a unique brand of luxury, stemming from a rich and eclectic history. For couples planning a stylish city wedding with neoclassical architecture, glamorous details, and delectable cuisine, it doesn’t get much more spectacular than a wedding at the Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco. Nannette O’Shea – Senior Sales Manager, Catering – shares more about hosting a memorable celebration at San Francisco’s only AAA Five Diamond hotel.
GO: If you had to describe the Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco in three words, what would they be?
NO: Majestic, timeless, classic.
GO: How far in advance does a couple need to reserve a wedding date?
NO: Nine months to one year in advance is ideal, especially since our city of San Francisco is a popular wedding destination and can book up quickly.
GO: Are onsite wedding planners available for the wedding process?
NO: Our Wedding Advisors offer many services to help plan your big day such as recommending special event professionals for music, floral, and photography; planning your food and beverage menus; creating floorplans so you may create your seating arrangements; assist with overnight room requirements and more. We still recommend that you have your own wedding planner or coordinator to plan your wedding day and we would be pleased to provide recommendations.
GO: Are accommodations and buyouts available? What is the capacity limit?
NO: Yes, we feature 336 guestrooms and suites with buyouts available. We offer two top suites both at approximately 2,000 square feet: The Presidential Suite featuring a 1,200 square-foot furnished balcony overlooking the city’s Financial District, and The Ritz-Carlton Suite with panoramic views of the San Francisco Bay, Coit Tower and Alcatraz Island. Our capacity limit for a ceremony and wedding is 250, and for a wedding reception only is 450.
GO: What spaces are available for ceremonies and receptions?
NO: Ceremonies can be held at either The Courtyard or The Ballroom. Overlooking the city skyline, the Courtyard features a landscaped setting and a decorative water fountain, offering a captivating wedding backdrop. The Courtyard accommodates up to 200 for a ceremony and 140 for receptions.
The Ballroom at 9,360 square feet radiates glamour with sparkling crystal chandeliers, silver leaf wall coverings, and lavish carpeting. It can be divided into smaller individual salons for a wedding ceremony of up to 175, or it can accommodate up to 500 for a banquet reception. The Terrace Room is also another reception venue featuring abundant natural lighting and overlooks the Courtyard. The Terrace Room can accommodate up to 110 guests for a wedding reception including a dance floor.
GO: What are some of the amenities, incentives, and activities that the Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco offers a couple?
NO: Dining options at The Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco include a classic American menu driven by seasonal ingredients, handcrafted cocktails in The Lounge, and breakfast at Parallel 37. Decadent wine flights can also be experienced at The JCB Tasting Lounge by world-renowned winemaker Jean-Charles Boisset. We also feature the largest and most extensive Club Level in the city where couples and their guests access a private lounge featuring a full-service Club Concierge to see to their needs, and food and beverage presentations throughout the day. We also offer a fitness center open 24 hours daily and outdoor yoga on the weekends (seasonal).
GO: Food is such an important element at a wedding. Tell us about your menu customization options.
NO: Our Executive Chef and culinary team are committed to offering our wedding couples the highest level of personalized service and a truly unique experience that you would expect from an award-winning hotel. They strive to understand and know what is important to our couples in terms of menus and are open to providing any customizations to deliver on their preferences and vision.
GO: Service is imperative in the wedding industry. What does the Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco offer couples and their guests that set you apart?
NO: There are many distinguishing features our iconic hotel offers wedding couples. Our Courtyard, which is one of our ceremony venues, is unique in that it overlooks the city skyline providing a true San Francisco vibe. Our hotel also has a very warm and intimate ambiance which will provide the couple and their family and friends a sense of exclusivity. Also, our entire spacious Ballroom is exclusive to you and your guests; you will not run into any other guests attending another event on the same day. Finally, once again our Club Level is another unique offering that feels like a hotel within a hotel and is available for buyouts as well.
