The University Club of San Francisco is a romantic and elegant wedding venue on top of Nob Hill, with cable cars stopping right in front of it! I had the chance to photograph Rosy and Jon’s wedding at the University Club of San Francisco, and I fell in love with this venue’s timeless atmosphere and its panoramic views of the San Francisco skyline.
Keep reading to learn more about planning a wedding at the University Club of San Francisco and take a behind-the-lens look at Rosy and Jon’s gorgeous fall wedding here!
Planning a Wedding at the University Club of San Francisco
The University Club is one of the Bay Area’s best private city clubs, dating back to 1890. One of its most noteworthy features is that it offers you gorgeous views of the San Francisco skyline.
This venue is where old-time charm meets modern elegance, boasting numerous stunning spots for photos that will look like they came from a Vogue editorial.
The lounge is typically where ceremonies take place, as well as dancing. It is a space that exudes timeless elegance and sophistication. Another famous spot is the historic library, which creates a dramatic and classical backdrop for your photos. Receptions are often held in the dining hall, which offers you unobstructed views of the San Francisco skyline.
If you do book a wedding at the University Club, here’s what’s included in your rental:
- Set-up & Breakdown
- All tables & mahogany Chiavari chairs
- White linens
- Flatware & glassware
- Votive candles
- Staffing
- Complimentary tasting 3 to 4 months before the wedding
- 6 hours of rental time to include ceremony and reception
- Getting ready suite on the evening of the wedding for weekend weddings
I can’t say enough great things about this venue – the staff, high-quality menu, views, and ornate details all make it a spectacular venue to choose for your celebration.
Rosy and Jon’s Fall Wedding at the University Club of San Francisco
If all of this has captured your attention, here’s a behind-the-lens look at Rosy and Jon’s wedding to help you imagine what your celebration could look like!
Getting ready
Jon and Rosy chose to get ready in different locations, with Rosy getting ready at Stanford Court (which was conveniently only a block away from the University Club), with Jon getting ready at the University Club.
Rosy had all her bridesmaids in pants, which was honestly iconic. The whole time they were getting ready, her bridesmaids were also playing music and dancing, creating a fun and lighthearted atmosphere for everyone.
Also, Rosy’s room at Stanford Court had gorgeous views of San Francisco, which I, of course, had to photograph! I’d highly recommend Stanford Court as a getting-ready spot if you’re planning to get married at the University Club!
While she was getting ready, Rosy also shared many tender and heartfelt special moments with her girls, as well as her grandma, two moms (her mom and stepmom), and her father.
First look
Once Rosy and Jon were ready, Rosy and I walked to meet Jon for the first look!
Excitement and anticipation were in the air when we entered the Games Room/Pool Room at the University Club SF.
It was there that Rosy and Jon shared a beautiful and loving first look together before they chose to recreate one of their earliest dates – playing pool together! Rosy pretended not to know how to play, and then proceeded to beat Jon. She said his impressed and unintimidated reaction was a true test, and he passed!
After I photographed their first look and pool game, we took group photos in the classic library, which created a vibe reminiscent of a Vogue editorial.
The ceremony
After all the photos were taken, it was time for the ceremony, which took place in the lounge. I have to say that their florist killed it with the design and beautifully matched all their floral arrangements with the style of the ceremony space.
For Rosy and Jon’s ceremony, there were 145 guests present, and while this venue is not the biggest or most spacious, the vintage San Francisco charm makes up for it.
The lounge where Rosy and Jon had their ceremony happens to be one floor above the street level. One of my favorite features of this space is the side windows. In the lounge, the side windows have diffused lighting, which creates a moody and refined atmosphere during Rosy and Jon’s ceremony.
Rosy and Jon had an emotional and moving ceremony with lots of emotions from Rosy being walked down the aisle with her father to when the couple said their “I Dos.”
Sunset photos
After a heartfelt ceremony, the cocktail hour was held in the Games Room. A noteworthy feature was that the pool table was covered with a linen and topped with glasses of champagne!
The reception dinner was held upstairs in the Main Dining Room and the South Main Dining Room. I thought it was so much fun that the table names were named after different SF street intersections.
There were also 14 round tables for their guests, while the couple shared a sweetheart table in front of the gorgeous San Francisco skyline.
When it was golden hour, Rosy, Jon, my 2nd photographer, the videographer, and I headed outside for some quick golden hour photos. The sun was a bit low at the time, with Karl the fog making a bit of an appearance.
However, because the venue happens to be at a perfect central location, we just literally stepped outside on the corner of Powell and California Street along the cable car tracks. It was there that I was able to take some photos with a view of the Bay Bridge behind Rosy and Jon.
We even got lucky, and one of the cable cars that was passing through allowed the couple to take some photos on and in front of the cart. This just sealed the deal on this truly San Franciscan wedding!
The reception
Then we headed back inside to the Main Dining Room to finish up the reception with toasts. Afterwards, we headed back to the lounge (where the ceremony was held), and while the reception was happening, the lounge was transformed into a dance floor. The couple shared their first dances with each respective parent. They then shared a beautiful first dance to a stripped-down version of “Everlong” by Foo Fighters while some of the guests sang along. It felt like magic!
Desserts were held in the Game/Pool room, where there was a delicious display of It’s It Ice cream (a legend of San Francisco)!
After desserts, everyone went straight back to dancing, and Rosy, Jon, and their guests proceeded to dance the night away. This wedding reminded me how much I love what I do!
Rosy and Jon’s Wedding Vendors
This day would not have been what it was without the incredible vendors who helped bring it to life! I also wanted to give an extra special shout-out to Planner Kellyne from Hand and Hearts! Her event planning skills kept us on track, and she was amazing! Additionally, Yvonne from University Club San Francisco was incredible. She ensured we had all the necessary information to navigate the venue. She also provided valuable tips for our quick golden hour photo session.
Here’s a full list of Rosy and Jon’s amazing wedding vendors:
Venue @uclubsf.events
Planning @handheartevents
Floral design @vandafloraldesign
Partner 1’s outfit @indochino
Engagement ring(s) @yadavjewelry
Wedding rings @yadavjewelry
HMUA @polymathtaylor
Catering @uclubsf.events
Cake/ sweets @itsiticecream
Videography @the.goodfolk.wedding.films
DJ @caliberdjs
Audio Guest Book @afterthetone.co
Photo Booth @sogoodphotobooth
Photographer @kharizaraephoto
2nd photographer @seanskii
Officiant @douglassrg
Ready to Plan Your Wedding at the University Club of San Francisco?
I hope you found all the info on planning a wedding at the University Club of San Francisco helpful. This is such a beautiful Nob Hill San Francisco venue with historic charm, and it’s truly perfect for you if you want a venue full of San Francisco vintage vibes that also happens to be moody and refined.
And… if you’re still looking for a San Francisco wedding photographer with a documentary style approach who values inclusivity and authenticity, then let’s connect! Your love story is a one-of-a-kind celebration of authenticity and connection that deserves to be captured on camera.
You can learn more about my wedding services here or get in touch with me here.
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