Get Your Marriage On At These Five Perfect San Francisco Places

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Summer means wedding season. With the conservative Supreme Court putting the ultimate stamp of approval on the freedom to marry, the time could not be better to tie the knot in the LGBT capitol of America, San Francisco, the city of love.

In celebration of equality under the law, we rounded up some unique spots to exchange vows and make it official.

Steps Of History

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City Hall is the most historical place for same-sex couples to tie the knot in the City By The Bay–in some ways the birth of the marriage equality movement (inspired in part by former SF mayor Gavin Newsom). Say I do on the front lines of the same-sex marriage battleground registering online.

A great place for the reception is at one of the swanky cool nearby hotels.

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Ocean Backdrop

Always dreamed of getting married on the ocean at sunset? Well, you can do both in San Francisco. For a reception and ceremony, dip your toes in the sand at public Ocean Beach. If you want something a little more private with the same breathtaking views, hop up the road at the lovely Park Chalet or famous Cliff House. A lesser symbolic venue is across the Bay in Oakland on Lake Chalet.

 

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Urban Wilderness

Just because you’re in the middle of a city doesn’t mean you discover a peacefully serene location. Get married in the wilderness of San Francisco by holding the ceremony in the Presidio or expansive Golden Gate Park. In the Presidio, you can put guests up at the Inn At The Presidio and even get the Golden Gate Bridge in your photo backdrop if you stage it just right. In Golden Gate Park, reserve unique space for receptions at the de Young Museum or California Academy Of Sciences.

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Wine Country

If rolling hills and/or the best wine in the world is your thing, then look no further than the North Bay Area. The resorts and vineyards eager to host your reception and ceremony are endless. Peruse GayCities’ user favorites and the best according to San Francisco Travel. These include Domaine Carneros, V SattuiBuena Vista Winery, Vintner’s InnChateau St. Jean WineryAuberge du Soleil and Farmstead at Longmeadow Ranch.

If you really want to gay it up though, plan it around an Out In The Vineyard event or commission the gay wine country experts to help plan one of your own. You’ll want to spend plenty of time in San Francisco on your way there and back, of course.

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Take A Cruise

Yes, on a boat. For an intimate nautical experience, charter your own yacht or private boat for ceremony and/or reception. The views are be ever changing and the absolute best of the entire Bay. (Just make sure nobody in the party gets seasick!) There’s several companies to charter through, and nearby bars and clubs to after you dock.

Find a gay-approved wedding vendor in the Bay Area and beyond through Purple Unions. Or, browse San Francisco Travel and the GayCities San Francisco Guide to find places and businesses for planning  one of your own.

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