“Come to our house.” San Francisco couple Jess and Sean told me they were looking for a venue that would have the feel of inviting guests over to their home, with classic San Francisco charm and elegance. Of course, this is if your home is an opulent 6000 square foot historic masterpiece! The couple really made the Penthouse Suite feel cozy and inviting for their guests, with all the luxurious amenities one might expect at the Fairmont. The Penthouse suite is an architectural marvel: a mix of eastern and western influences that was built in the Roaring Twenties. Sitting right on top of Nob Hill, it boasts incredible expansive views of the city, while still having an intimate ambiance for a wedding celebration. And one of the many perks of getting married at the Fairmont? After dancing the night away, head down stairs to the famous Tonga Room for your after party! Jess and Sean were amazing to work with and it was an honor to photograph their wedding!

The bride and groom got ready in separate rooms at the Fairmont, then shared a sweet First Look. Check out the groom’s amazing tuxedo! And the bride’s beautiful dress, complete with pockets, came from a local San Francisco dress boutique, Lovely Bride.

I asked the couple what some of their favorite moments of their wedding day was. They agreed that their First Look was one of their more memorable moments. We found this beautiful spot in the hotel, and the two shared a really lovely and quiet moment together! I am a big fan of having a First Look before your ceremony; it’s a great way to ease those wedding day jitters. Most couples tell me that once they see their partner, those jitters melt away. And the couple also shared with me that Jess’ walk down the aisle during their ceremony was an equally meaningful moment.

Some classic architecture on steep Nob Hill made for some great photo locations with the bride and groom!

The fountain on the terrace at the Penthouse Suite, which was where the ceremony was held. The bride and groom at the park in front of Grace Cathedral.

Huckleberry the basset hound, kept his eyes on the bride. He was very much a guest of honor!

The tiled balcony is ready for the ceremony, with one of the most dramatic views of San Francisco.

Hello tiled aisle! The couple exchange their wedding vows.

A great moment during the ceremony! The couple had their close friend officiate.

Jess the bride said, “We looked at A LOT of venues online and in person, and what stood out about the Fairmont was the uniqueness of the Penthouse Suite. We wanted our wedding to feel like you were coming to our house for a party, authentic and full of personality! Every room in the Penthouse suite had character and style, and once we saw it in person, we knew it was the right venue for our wedding. The iconic downtown San Francisco views from the balcony didn’t hurt, either!”

My absolute favorite space within the Penthouse Suite is the jaw-dropping two story circular library. The spiral staircase leads up to the second level that has a phenomenal rotunda ceiling with a celestial map, painted with gold leafing. There is also a secret passageway that leads out to the rooftop and a helipad! There are rumors that this is how some past famous occupants have entered and exited the Penthouse Suite discreetly. Some of these past guests of the Suite include Mick Jagger, John F Kennedy (and possibly Marilyn Monroe), Prince Charles of Wales, Tony Bennet, the Kardashians, and Alfred Hitchcock. Any couple who gets married here gets to add their story to the rich history of his venue!

“Our biggest piece of advice to anyone planning a wedding is to throw out the ‘wedding rulebook’ and have honest conversations about what is most important to you as a couple, focusing less on what may be expected or ‘traditional’. Also, stay focused on the big picture (your marriage!) and celebrate the small wins and exciting moments along the way.”

The bar, set up in the first floor of the library.

So many nooks in the Penthouse Suite for your guests to hang out!

The billiard room is covered from floor to ceiling in Persian tiles and has stunning vaulted ceilings. Also a great hangout spot for the wedding party!

The formal dining room, laid out with various food stations. And the couple share their romantic first dance.

The formal dining room can accommodate 60 seated guests, but Jess and Sean decided instead that wanted to have more informal food stations, with a variety of their favorite: tacos, dim sum, mini pizzas, salad bar, charcuterie and cheeses, and an oyster bar. A little taste of everything!

The bride said that one of their more standout memories from their wedding was, “the amazing energy of the party (thanks to the fantastic band and delicious food!).” The Lucky Devils Band brought lively music and got the dance party going!

A lovely selection of delicious cheesecakes for dessert, and a cheese cake!

Huckleberry gets some love! And a polaroid “guest book” at the welcome table.

After party in the Tonga Room and Hurricane Bar! Time for colorful libations and live music over the pool.

Vendor Love:

Wedding Planner: The wonderful Robin Lewis of Make it Happen!
Venue & Catering: The San Francisco Fairmont, Penthouse Suite
Florals: Violetta Flowers
Hair & Make-up: Charismatic Bride
Bride’s Dress: Lovely Bride
Groom’s Tuxedo: Troy Anthony
Stationary: Paper Source
Band: The Lucky Devils
After Party: Tonga Room
Film processing & scanning: The Find Lab

Contact Sonya about wedding photography for your San Francisco Fairmont wedding!

If you are interested in historical Bay Area wedding venues from the 1920’s, also check out the Berkeley City Club. Famed architect Julia Morgan worked on both the San Francisco Fairmont and the Berkeley City Club.

San Francisco Fairmont Penthouse Suite Wedding

Vendor Love: