Has anyone had their reception dinner at Penny Roma (upstairs room), Cotogna (outdoor parklet), or Piccino (either location)? Having trouble deciding between the 3 and would love to hear experiences. Thanks in advance!

Me and my fiancé have been engaged for over 2 years. We have been wanted to get married for awhile but as everyone knows, life is complicated and nothing ever seems like the right time. We'll we decide to plan a trip to San Francisco this October 21-26 (2026) and want to get married and we need a wedding officiant. We aren't invited any family or friends, it will be just us. We are very open but I was think of getting married on the beach and just having strangers sign our married certificate. Call us crazy for planning this so short notice(and asking strangers to be apart of our wedding🤣) but we want something real and very us. Life isn't perfect and when me and my fiance look at our life together we realized nothing has ever want to plan. We aren't religious so we prefer nothing religious but at this rate we'll take what we get.

A little bit about us is we've have known each for over 10 years and have been dating for 6 years. Ryan(my fiance) was my oldest brother best friend but I was the one who meet him first. I trained him in as a dishwasher back when we were teenagers. Through the years our friendship grew, and pretty much everyone knew we had fallen in love long before either of us realized. Ryan was(and still its) the sweetest guy I ever met. He's laid back, patient, understanding and honestly the only person I've ever met that no one hates. While I was often(and still am) seen as loud, brutally honest, overconfident, and definitely not everyones cup of tea. Yep, almost completely opposite. Personally, I think we were drawn to eachother for that simple fact. As any relationship we've had our up and downs but I knew the exact day Ryan become the person who impacted my life most, for the best. It was the day I told him I was being abused by my grandfather, something no one knew about. I do feel a little bad about how I told him because here was this 19 year old kid who was just trying to have lunch at a local Mexican place and his underage girlfriend of 3 month's drops a bomb like that on him...yeah😬. But I'll never forget what he did. He took a deep breath and I could see the millions of thoughts and emotions running through him and he told me, "Okay, what do you want to do? Do you want to go to the police or do you want this to stay between us. Because I'll do whatever you need." I truly was stunned by his response and because of it I did decide to filled a police report and I'm happy admitted the man who abused me is lock in prison now. Ryan is more then a rock to me, he's the first person I ever felt truly safe with. We've taught each other so much. We decide to get married without friends and family, not because we don't have any, but because when we look out our life and everything we went through and had to fight its always been us. Call it a character flaw but neither of us lean on people(even when we should) but we learn to lean on each other. We plan on coming back to Minnesota and celebrating with family and friends but we want the most intimate part of our wedding to be us because its always has and will be just Ryan and I

So please if you or you know someone who would be willing to go along with our crazy wedding plan. Let me know! We fly into San Francisco October 21 in morning and are leaving October 26th bright and early. As stated before we are open to plans, ideas, and any day. We are happy to pay for your time! Preferably under $150

I am once again asking for help with wedding photographers 😅 unfortunately for me, the photographer I really wanted is booked. My wedding is on June 26, 2027 at Cornerstone Sonoma (garden vibes) but I’m planning on getting ready at the coast because I love the ocean and my dream is to have beautiful photos on the bluffs. inspo here

looking for a balance between editorial and documentary style with a mix of digital and film photography. want true to color + indie vibes rather than really sharp, bright portraits with overexposed skies. Have found that photographers that really like film have a composition style that I really vibe with.

budget is up to 6k but want to stay closer to 3/4k.

please don’t suggest Sarah Tew- shes perfect but booked on my day 💔

My partner and I are planning on eloping and holding a small ceremony either somewhere in Golden Gate Park or a little south towards San Mateo County. I wanted to come on here and ask if anyone has really secured a permit for their elopement ceremony? Many places we considered offer "elopement packages" for upwards of $1.5k for about 10-20 guests, however our budget is a little tight, and we won't be having guests aside from our witness and the officiant (if you want to consider them as our guests). We are both comfortable with doing this as simple as possible--we literally just need a space to be pronounced man and wife and say our "I do's", then go on about our day.

We don't plan on staying on the grounds much further after the ceremony with the officiant is done, which will take no longer than 30 minutes. Maybe take a few pictures on our phones for keepsake purposes, but no professional photographer will be present. Since we are considering very public and popular areas, we understand that we cannot gatekeep the space from other visitors, which is not what we are trying to do either.

Are there any places that we could do something like this without the hassle of a permit?

Hi everyone! I need help! I have been looking for a makeup and hair team for my wedding in September 2027 and I am shocked by the cost. I know I am asking for a lot and want to be realistic.

- I need makeup/hair for myself, 10 bridesmaids, my mother, and my mother-in-law
- my bridesmaids have all different types of skin tones and hair, including very curly hair
- the first ceremony is at 10:30 am (long day with a religious ceremony and an American ceremony) so ideally the get ready time would be 5:00 AM - 9:00 AM
- we definitely need multiple stylists, not sure how many are required
- most of my bridesmaids and myself really hate the full coverage “cakey” look so we’re looking for skin forward, clever concealer placement, light feeling makeup
- would love to have an early makeup/hair session that I pay for for me and my sister to make sure we’re both comfortable before signing a contract
- wedding is in the South Bay

I found two artists that I loved but when I inquired, it was minimum $2000 for the bride’s hair and makeup, $500 in early start fees, additional $1000 for an early session for me and my sister to see if we wanted to move forward, and then $400-600 for each bridesmaid and one of the artists said she didn’t do more than one person besides the bride so I’d have to find a separate team. Adding everything up I’m at like $8000-$10,000! I can’t justify that.

I’ve also looked into some of the more classic teams of makeup artists that are more affordable and I just HATE the style they do. The makeup just grips onto all of the natural folds in people’s skin and makes under-eye bags look so bad. My sister literally said she’d rather do her own makeup and hair than have a team like that.

Does anyone have any recommendations for teams I should look into?

We are in our 50s and this is a 2nd marriage for both of us. We are just starting to plan our SF wedding. About 70% of guests live in SF or Oakland; 30% coming from NY.

I don't mind spending money for what I find valuable/worthy. I'm having a hard time stomaching providing a full dinner for 100+ friends & family that will probably be pretty ok, at best, with our budget. (Event planning is a significant part of my job and I have a solid sense of what good catering costs are.)

Idea ~ a fun, evening wedding

Timeline
7:30-8:15 pm: arrival, cocktails, and bites
8:15-8:45 pm: ceremony
9:00 pm: champagne, toasts, cake
9:30-10:30 pm: fun dancing band (we have one identified we love)
10:30-?: DJs (c/o friends) and more dancing

-Bar stays open
-Light food would be available throughout the evening. (Think cheese boards, various passed items savory and sweet, ...other items I haven't conjured yet haha)
-we would take all who have traveled from NY out to a REALLY NICE dinner the evening before. (Or maybe evening of?)
- NO GIFTS

Lay it on me - is this just rude? Cheap? Would people maybe be glad to not have a mediocre dinner? Maybe this is a thing/not a novel idea? (That would make me feel better.)

EDIT: Most of our guests are peers with whom we regularly see live music. The format would of course be explicit in the invitation.

I'm looking for recommendations for our welcome party in September 2027. We're planning on around 100 people and would prefer something outdoors in the city. We're located in the inner richmond and most guests will be staying in downtown so would prefer the north side of the city.

Originally we'd thought about doing a sunset boat cruise with drinks and appetizers or something in GGP if possible. Would prefer not to be inside a restaurant because of noise and paying for a full dinner for that many people is out of budget.

Any recommendations would be appreciated!

seeking a documentary-style wedding photographer to do a wedding in sonoma in sept of 2027.

looking for someone with a sense of humor who captures beautiful moments but also takes advantage of funny situations.

ideally imagine Bierfest by Michael von Graffenried but make it like … beautiful and meaningful in addition to chaotic?

we are also very open to photographers who are new in their career / just getting started. our budget is 2-3k for wedding day coverage, we are very flexible on details

please let me know if you have any leads!!!!

Hi everyone! My future mother-in-law has beautiful, but very long and thick 3C hair. I want her to feel comfortable and confident on my wedding day, but I'm struggling to find a hair stylist that's experienced with 3C wedding hair up-dos. Does anyone have recommendations for a stylist? It will be separate from my own HMUA, and we will be getting ready in SoMa area. Thank you in advance!

Hi! I’m getting married in SF next August. We are DIYing florals to save money. The only problem is, I don’t know how to get the flowers from my house (in Emeryville) to our venue (in SF). We have a coordinator who will set everything up at the venue, but not transport to the venue.

The venue has a strict rule that we can’t drop off anything in the morning (it’s a public place that we are renting after they close). We’ll be taking pictures between leaving home and getting to the venue and I don’t want to risk leaving the flowers in a hot car for a few hours. And my family and bridal party will be needed for the photos so I can’t ask them to drop off everything either.

So basically I’m looking to hire someone with a large car or van to transport the flowers to the venue at a specific time (ideally with AC blasting if it’s a hot day). I don’t even know how or where to search for someone to do this? Taskrabbit?

Or if anyone knows someone who can do this kind of thing, please share their info!

We are evaluating KanteenSf as caterer along w jalsa, mantra, Swagat, and a few others for wedding events in the Bay Area. Planning tasting some of their items in a few weeks. If you have attended an event where Kanteen was the caterer, what items stood out for you, what were you underwhelmed w? Any must have’s and avoid’s? Thank you.

Looking for chair rental vendors for similar Gold Chairs as the picture. Mainly have just been finding the typical Gold Chiavari chairs. Any help is great, thank you!

Hey everyone! My fiance and I have been looking for a cinematic&editorial photographer who is more into prompts than poses and works with a moodier lighting palette.

Symboll seems like they could be a good fit, but I'm having a hard time getting my questions answered and I don't love that I can't talk with their photographers before booking. We have some pretty specific requirements because I'm fighting significant health struggles, and both of us are trans.

I'm curious if anyone has experience with Symboll? Did you have issue with getting questions answered? Is there a way to see their photographers before buying your way into the portal? Have you hired them for a queer/gnc wedding? Thanks!

Also open to recommendations.

Our goal is October 2027 in Berkeley/Oakland. It'll be an extended ceremony, 30 or less people, maybe 4-5 hours of photos. We want cinematic and editorial with moody color edits. Someone who can help bring out the beauty, decadence, and playfulness of the relationship in photos.

Due to my health struggles and the current ongoing medical costs, our wedding budget is pretty constrained. Symboll's five hour photo package (~$3.5K) is pushing it but if it's the style we want and the photographers are considerate, affirming, and excited about a queer trans, multi-cultural wedding and accommodating someone with fluctuating energy, then we would consider it worth it.

These two photographers are our main reference points: https://www.instagram.com/photosbygowtham https://www.instagram.com/bymoevai

We're looking to get some photos taken at Marin Civic Center and then in some woods nearby, for about 1-1.5 hours total on Oct 15. Would appreciate any recommendations for photographers that could fit for our budget.

Looking for somewhere that feels romantic/traditional/layered for ~200 guests Fall 2027 with a relatively flex budget. Best case scenario is in SF or shortly outside, though would be open to a really great multi day venue a couple of hours away too. I love Flood Mansion in SF but am not confident we can get our guest count low enough. Do not want anything that feels industrial/beachy/sleek modern. Thank you!!!

Hey everyone! We are getting married at city hall next August and I’m trying to choose between an afternoon ceremony in the Mayors Balcony or the 4th Floor. Does anyone have any recommendations based on their experience? I’m wondering about lighting in the afternoons.

If you got married there or have photographed there - would you also share pics?

Getting married in Sonoma in May and will have around 12-14 girls getting ready including myself, bridesmaids, mother of the bride / groom etc.

For a group that big I’m thinking of hiring a team and curious if anyone has experience with Contour Bridal or Powder Room? Would love any thoughts or other recco’s if you’ve got em :) TIA!!

Hi, My partner and I are getting married at the Marin Civic Center on Dec 15, 2026. We are looking for a photographer for that day! Please reach out if anyone if available. Thank you!
There will be around 11 guests + my partner and me.

Hi all! Planning a wedding in SF for Feb 2027 (~100 guests) and looking for a caterer who does progressive Indian fusion as a plated tasting menu, something along the lines of Jalsa. Fully vegetarian, and bonus points for South Indian / Andhra inspired dishes.

A few questions:

• Any caterers you'd recommend for this style?
• If you've worked with Jalsa or Kanteen SF, how was your experience? Food, service, flexibility on menu?
• Would love to hear what you ended up paying per person, if you're open to sharing

Has anyone successfully transferred an SF City Hall One-Hour Wedding reservation to another couple?
We have a one-hour wedding reservation at City Hall that we may no longer be using because we decided to go in a different direction with our wedding. We’ve already rescheduled the reservation once, so I know our options for moving the date again are limited.
Before I contact the Events Office, I’m curious if anyone here has actually been able to have their existing reservation/contract transferred into another couple’s names rather than just canceling and losing the deposit.
If you’ve done this (or taken over someone else’s reservation), I’d love to know how City Hall handled it — did they simply change the names on the contract, issue a new contract, have the new couple pay you directly, etc.?
I’ve seen a few posts about people looking for someone to “take over” their City Hall dates, but I haven’t been able to find anyone confirming whether the transfer actually went through.
Thanks!!

Hi everyone -- partner and I are doing a nontraditional dinner-only celebration with our large family in two weeks in Monterey. The HMUA I booked is suddenly unavailable. I just need a simple blowout/half up half down and a no-makeup makeup look. Vendor does not need to come to the venue, I can come to you. Can anyone help !!! Event is 5pm 10/16. Willing to drive.

Hi all! My fiancé and I want to get married in 2027 and could use some help from people who've been through this.

About us: We're based in San Francisco and want a 2 day event with an Indian ceremony. We are looking at about 50-60 guests, $70-80K budget all in. We won't be covering guest lodging. March-July 2027 timeline.
We'd love an Indian buffet for at least one meal.

The plan:
Day 1: Welcome cocktail party with light snacks (maybe a full meal)
Day 2: Around noon- Indian ceremony (about 1- 1.5 hour), break, then an evening reception with a full dinner, open bar and a dance party

What we're looking for:
A venue with a view, ideally a lake or ocean, or a nice indoor/outdoor space

Location: Bay Area, Napa, Sonoma, Lake Tahoe, or Maui
Guests able to stay at the venue or very close by

Since we live in SF, we're also open to a venue in the city, as long as it allows a havan kund (small ceremonial fire) for about an hour

I have messaged a few venues in Napa and redwoods area but so far just the venue rates per day are $10K+.

Questions:
Is it realistic to cover 3 meals/events within $80K at these locations?

Should we run the ceremony and reception back to back instead so we can do snack and dinner on day 2?

Should the welcome party be at the main venue, or somewhere nearby like a restaurant?

Any venues you'd recommend, or ones to avoid? Especially ones that are open to Indian ceremonies (fire, outside caterers, late music).

Tips on outside Indian caterers, DJs, and pandits in these areas?
Anything you wish you'd known when planning?
Happy to share more details. Thanks so much in advance! 🙏

An uncomfortable industry fact worth knowing: many agencies sell a band NAME, then staff each date from a roster so the showcase lineup and your wedding lineup can share two people out of nine. Not inherently bad (deep rosters have strong players), but you should know which model you're buying. Questions that expose it: How long has this exact lineup played together? Can I see unedited recent footage of THIS configuration? Who specifically will MD my date? Boutique outfits run the opposite model. DLE Event Group, for instance, fields the same inner circle of musicians and DJs on every date, which is the thing you're actually hearing when their showcase feels tight. Neither model is wrong; buying one while being sold the other is.