WEDDINGS BY THE BAY – CELEBRATING LOVE AT THE RITZ-CARLTON, SAN FRANCISCO
The City by the Bay has a distinct charm and identity that makes it a wonderful destination for city weddings in Northern California. As a Neo-Classical landmark, The Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco is an iconic hotel and wedding venue that caters to the city’s most elegant celebrations. The team shared more information about the property, their wedding planning process, and what couples can expect.
GO: How would you describe the architectural style of your property?
A: The Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco is set within a majestic 1909 Neo-Classical style landmark building that first opened as Metropolitan Life Insurance Co. The building encompasses an entire block and is on the list of Architecturally Significant Structures in San Francisco. Unique building features include a 2,174 square foot Terrace Courtyard with a manicured garden, tranquil fountain and city skyline view.
GO: What was the inspiration behind the design of your interiors and guest rooms?
A: Drawing inspiration from the Bay and the city’s iconic fog, the luxury hotel’s 336 guest rooms, inclusive of 60 suites, feature a palette of steely blues and greys, while furnishings take their cues from the alluring designs of couture fashion and men’s fine tailoring. From curtain cords resembling a man’s belt to chairs and chaise lounges in tweed fabric, delightful and unexpected touches embody the dapper gentlemen of today, while abstract artwork nods to the rich history of the San Francisco ballet. The hotel’s public spaces including the lobby, The Lounge and Parallel 37 restaurants welcome guests with a sleek, modern design that offers a striking juxtaposition between the building’s stately and historic exterior.
GO: When is your busiest time of year, and how far in advance should couples book if they hope to secure a date during those months?
A: For weddings, spring and fall are our busiest time of the year and we recommended couples book at least three months in advance to secure their date.
GO: Is there a type of wedding that fits best with your venue?
A: Traditional, glamorous, modern, and ethnic weddings best fit our venue.
GO: In what type(s) of cuisine does your culinary team specialize?
A: Our Executive Chef and culinary team specialize in coastal California as well as modern international cuisine. 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. In addition, they 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.
GO: What type of activities are available for guests to partake in during a wedding weekend?
A: One of the most unique features The Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco offers is the largest Club Level Lounge in the city. For guests that reserve a Club Level room, they receive exclusive key access to the Club Lounge offering complimentary food and beverage throughout the day (breakfast, lunch, evening hors d’eouvres and cocktails, and desserts), Club Concierge services including booking tickets and reservations for activities in San Francisco, and additional amenities including board games. Additional activities include wine tasting at the JCB Tasting Lounge by world-renowned winemaker Jean-Charles Boisset, Outdoor Silent Disco Yoga in the Terrace Courtyard on Saturday mornings (summer through early fall season), and the Solaire Terrasse with Veuve Clicquot experience on the weekends with a menu of the iconic champagne paired with seafood towers, caviar, and gelato (summer through early fall season).
GO: What facilities, restaurants, or catering options do you have available for wedding events at The Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco such as welcome dinners or post-wedding farewell brunches?
A: Depending on the wedding event size, we have many beautiful event spaces to accommodate. The Terrace Courtyard can accommodate 160 guests and is a unique outdoor space with a manicured garden and city views. For 120 guests, we can host in the Terrace Room, overlooking the Terrace Courtyard. Parallel 37 restaurant can accommodate 130 guests with a modern yet rustic ambiance and for groups of more than 200 guests we can welcome in the grand and glamorous Ballroom or a combination of both the Terrace Room and Terrace Courtyard.
GO: What are some nearby attractions that guests can visit?
A: The Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco is located right next door to Union Square for luxury retail shopping and historic Chinatown, the largest outside of Asia. Walking distance as well is landmark Grace Cathedral the cathedral church of the Episcopal Diocese of California. Guests can hop on the historic cable car right outside The Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco transporting guests to famous landmarks including Fisherman’s Wharf, Ghirardelli Square, and the Ferry Building. Nearby as well is the famous Italian neighborhood of North Beach, filled with cafes, shops that was formerly home of the Beat Generation.
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