VENUES (CEREMONY AND RECEPTION SITES)

Maggiano's Little Italy at Santana Row in San Jose, (408) 423-8678 Maggiano's was a pleasure to work with.  They provided excellent service, and I would recommend them also.  They really are an affordable one-stop shop--from the drinks, the flatware, the venue, the food and even the wedding cake!     - Josh and Jessica Gant (© Photo courtesy of Tinywater Photography)

Photo courtesy of SilvaCinema

Peachwood's Steakhouse in Santa Cruz 831-426-6333 weddings@peachwoods.com This is a hidden gem.  Peachwood's Steakhouse has a beautiful garden in the back that is perfect for ceremonies, and a large banquet room inside for receptions.  The food is delicious and the prices are surprisingly low compared to other similar places. - Rev. Alberto, Kiss the Bride

First Unitarian Church of San José in San Jose, (408) 292-3858 x 10, fucsj@sanjoseuu.org
The First Unitarian Church of San José is a warm, inviting setting for any size wedding or commitment ceremony. The church’s dramatic round sanctuary is encircled with 25 unique stained-glass windows and a simple chancel that lends itself to a wide range of decorations or floral arrangements. Couples may bring in a minister or officiator of their own choosing; they are not required to use the ministers of the First Unitarian Church.  The First Unitarian Church of San José welcomes all people without regard to race, national origin, social status, sex, disability, age or sexual orientation and without requiring adherence to any particular interpretation of religion or to any particular religious belief or creed.

Photo Courtesy of Casanova Photography

Main Post Chapel, San Francisco at the Presidio, (415) 561-3930, sandi@interfaith-presidio.org This is a lovely chapel, perhaps a little pricey for the 2 1/2 hour limit we had (they do 3 weddings a day) but its a historical building, had everything we need, everyone loved it, the right size, the right story behind it, it was just us. Easy to decorate, interfaith, has organ, piano, is wired for ipod sound, has mics and the chapel assistant was really helpful with the rehearsal and processional. It also has parking and lots of great photo opportunities with a garden and views of the bay/alcatraz. - Julia de Aguillón and Diego Aguillón García

Sunol Valley Golf Club in Sunol, (925) 862-2408
I would definietly recommend the Sunol Valle Golf Club to any bride and groom.  The service was wonderful and the staff was very accomodating.  They even looked after family members to make sure they were OK throughout the evening.
- Andrea and Rich

Freedom Hall and Gardens, Santa Clara, (408) 379-FREE (3733), info@freedomhall.com
They did a fantastic job of organizing everything and taking such good care of us they actually set up the appointments for the DJ.
- Maria and Mike Kingsbury

The Sesnon House at Cabrillo College in Aptos, 831-479-6229
Beautiful, great food, fantastic staff.
- Mandy and Nic Briseño