14 Best Celebration Of Life Venues In The San Francisco Bay Area (with photos)
We are so sorry for your loss.
By now you’ve probably gone through more than a few boxes of tissues and shared the news with your family and friends. When a loved one dies, it can feel like you’re in a state of paralysis. Suddenly you have a lot of decisions to make in order to put your loved ones' affairs in order. On top of all that, you know you need to plan a celebration of life to honor and say goodbye to your loved one. This starts with choosing the right celebration of life venue in the San Francisco Bay. If you don’t know where to start the venue search, you are in the right place.
If we haven’t met yet, I’m Lindsey Nickel. Born and raised in the East Bay, I’m a wedding planner turned celebration of life planner based in Napa, California. I’ve planned 100+ events since 2010 and I specialize in celebrations of life (and Napa weddings). I help grieving families throughout the San Francisco Bay Area plan meaningful celebrations of life, without feeling even more stressed out. Suddenly, things you didn’t think you cared about become important. That’s where an event planner comes in to provide you with options, help you make decisions efficiently, and manage the event planning.
The first step to picking a celebration of life venue
First, start by thinking of when you want to host the celebration of life. With families and friends scattered around the country in this day and age, it has become very common for celebrations of life to be a few weeks to more than six months after the person dies. Without the rush to host a celebration of life a few days after the person passes, you have more time to think through the details of the celebration of life and pick a venue that feels perfect.
Thankfully, from Napa to Marin to Orinda, the San Francisco Bay has many wonderful celebration of life venues. From Cal fans, to nature lovers, to wine aficionados, to history buffs, there is something for everyone.
Arrowood Photography
The second step to picking a celebration of life venue
The second thing to think about when looking for the perfect Bay Area memorial venue is approximately how many people will attend the celebration of life. The emphasis is on the word “approximately.” Try to think of a very loose ballpark number, so that the venue can show you spaces that would hold your guest count and can give you a proposal with a price. You can start by making a list of close friends, family, neighbors, and colleagues that might attend.
Questions to ask a celebration of life venue:
What is your maximum capacity?
Do you have catering in-house or does a caterer need to be hired?
Do you have an indoor space for rain and heat waves?
Thankfully, I’ve answered those questions for you below for each venue.
The List:
In no particular order, here are the best celebration of life venues in the San Francisco Bay Area:
Claremont Club and Spa - A Fairmont Hotel (Berkeley)
Farmstead at Long Meadow Ranch (St. Helena, Napa Valley)
Beltane Ranch (Glen Ellen, Sonoma Valley)
Lafayette Park Hotel And Spa (Lafayette)
Fernwood Cemetery (Mill Valley)
Cavallo Point Lodge (Sausalito)
Garden Valley Ranch (Petaluma)
The Flower Farm (Loomis)
The Greenery (Walnut Creek)
The Garden House at Shoup Park (Palo Alto)
Hiller Aviation Museum (San Carlos)
Gundlach Bundschu winery (Sonoma)
Your home
Country clubs
Claremont Country Club (Oakland)
Orinda Country Club (Orinda)
Meadowood Country Club (Napa)
Meadow Club (Fairfax)
Mayacamas Golf Club (Santa Rosa)
Napa Valley Country Club (Napa)
UC Berkeley fans
UC Berkeley Botanical Garden
The Faculty Club
Claremont Club and Spa - A Fairmont Hotel
Located in Berkeley, California
Style: Classic, timeless
Maximum capacity: 300
Catering in-house - Yes
Indoor space - Yes
Situated on 22 acres in the East Bay with breathtaking views of San Francisco, Claremont Club and Spa, a Fairmont Hotel, seamlessly blends its rich 19th-century history with modern amenities and excellent hospitality. Built in 1915, the historic resort is iconic and has been tastefully updated. Their events team is top notch and their food is created by their in-house chef and catering team. They have one primary outdoor event space and multiple indoor event rooms to select from, so they are available for events year-round and for a range of guest counts. If you want the celebration of life to be easy to plan, easy to get to for guests, and tasteful, look no further for a Bay Area memorial venue. Be sure to ask about the Skyline rooms which have sweeping views of the San Francisco skyline.
BONUS: They have an AV company they contract with that can run your slideshow and provide the microphone and speakers for your program.
Why it’s a favorite:
Hotel rooms on site make it very convenient for out-of-town guests.
It is centrally located in the East Bay, right off Highway 24, making it easy to get to from Lafayette, Walnut Creek, Orinda, Oakland, Berkeley, and Piedmont.
They are no strangers to events, so you can be confident that your event will run smoothly.
Farmstead at Long Meadow Ranch
Located in St. Helena, in the Napa Valley
Style: Relaxed, welcoming, farm-to-table
Maximum capacity: 300
In-house catering - Yes
Indoor space - Yes
Outdoor space - Yes
From intimate gatherings to celebrations of life with up to 300 guests, Farmstead at Long Meadow Ranch provides an idyllic wine-country setting for remembering your loved one. They have multiple event sites, both indoors and outdoors, blending casual and classy. A huge plus of an event at Farmstead is the unbeatable food, which is a favorite for locals and tourists. From garden fresh salads, to mouth-watering mac and cheese, to their famous cheddar biscuits and their heritage smoked pulled pork, everyone always leaves full and raving about the food.
Why it’s a favorite:
It’s honestly the food. Their food is so tasty, filling, and appealing to all tastes. No one will feel like it’s too fancy or too casual
They have two packages for their tables and chairs to pick from
It’s very charming and welcoming, people can explore the garden and enjoy the laid-back atmosphere
Milou and Olin Photography
Milou and Olin Photography
Milou and Olin Photography
Milou and Olin Photography
Milou and Olin Photography
Milou and Olin Photography
Milou and Olin Photography
Milou and Olin Photography
Milou and Olin Photography
Milou and Olin Photography
Milou and Olin Photography
Beltane Ranch
Located in Kenwood, in the Sonoma Valley
Style: Charming, special, private
Maximum capacity: 200
Catering - In-house for up to 20 people, more than that and you need to hire a caterer
Indoor space - No
Outdoor space - Yes
Beltane Ranch is a family-owned and operated event venue, bed and breakfast, winery, and ranch. It is surrounded by gardens, shaded by ancient oaks, and overlooking estate vineyards. There are endless opportunities to customize your unique celebration of life whether you have two guests or 200 guests. Their 105-acre property offers many different photo opportunities, a landmarked Victorian inn for your family and friends, and friendly farm animals. Beltane Ranch is welcoming and a truly authentic and special wine country experience.
One of the great perks about hosting the celebration of life at a family-owned event venue is that there are hardly any “let me run that up to management” when you have a question or want to do something creative.
For a celebration of life at Beltane Ranch, I suggest using the oak tree spot for the program. This will create a beautiful backdrop while the speakers share stories about your loved one. Then your group can take a few steps and be on their large event lawn. From here you can pick to have a sit-down meal or appetizer stations or something different altogether. There are so many ways to customize how you use the space so that it feels fitting to your loved one.
Why it’s a favorite:
Charming yellow inn for guests to stay in
Farm animals greet you as you drive in the long driveway
Stunning oak tree for program backdrop
Very private
Arrowood Photography
Arrowood Photography
Arrowood Photography
Arrowood Photography
Arrowood Photography
Arrowood Photography
Arrowood Photography
Arrowood Photography
Stanly Ranch, Auberge Resorts Collection
Located in Napa, California
Style: Relaxed, classy, resort
Maximum capacity: 300
In-house catering - Yes
Indoor space - Yes
Outdoor space - Yes
Situated at the gateway to Napa Valley, Stanly Ranch is one of the first venues as you enter Napa Valley. It’s ideal for families seeking a chic, relaxed, and sophisticated place to celebrate their loved ones. As a Bay Area memorial venue, Stanly Ranch offers versatile indoor and outdoor spaces to host celebrations of life from 2 to 300 guests.
The lush Lavender Lawn is a spacious green lawn and would be wonderful for the “program” part of the celebration of life when people share their memories and stories. For an indoor option, the Glasshouse Barn provides elegant chandeliers, an open floor plan, and floor-to-ceiling windows that open for an indoor and outdoor feel any time of the year.
Why it’s a favorite:
Luxury lodging on-site
Stunning indoor and outdoor options
Close to downtown Napa for more hotel options
Lafayette Park Hotel And Spa
Located in Lafayette, California
Style: Relaxed, classy, resort
Maximum capacity: 300
In-house catering - Yes
Indoor space - Yes
Outdoor space - Yes
Reminiscent of a sophisticated French chateau, the luxurious Lafayette Park Hotel and Spa is tucked into the East Bay. If you drive through the Caldecott tunnel, you’ve passed it many times on the Lafayette side of the tunnel. The hotel seamlessly provides a modern style with thoughtful services and amenities. This Bay Area memorial venue gracefully accommodates 220 guests inside or 250 guests outside.
Why it’s a favorite:
Prime location right off of Highway 24
Hotel rooms for out-of-town guests
Large spaces for an inside or outside event
Valley Memorial Park Cemetery And Funeral Home
Located in Novato, California
Style: Approachable, friendly, easy
Maximum capacity: 130
In-house catering - No
Indoor space - Yes
Outdoor space - Yes
Valley Memorial Park is truly unique because it provides a cemetery, funeral home, on-site cremations, and reception event venue all in one place. It is also locally owned and operated (you might be surprised to know that many funeral homes are being bought up by large corporations. I know I was surprised when I learned that).
They offer compassionate, dignified, and affordable services. Plus, their staff is committed to providing your family with the highest quality care and service in your time of need. They take pride in their responsibility to lighten your burden as you take the first steps toward healing. Their Bay Area memorial venue can accommodate your every need from that first call, to picking out your burial needs and interment, to planning the celebration of life/funeral/memorial.
Why it’s a favorite:
It’s locally owned and operated, and you really feel that people care
It doesn’t feel sad or dreary, in fact, when you pull up to the gates it feels like you are approaching a resort or high-end hotel
Cremation, funeral home, and event space all at one location to make planning everything much more convenient
Fernwood Cemetery And Mortuary
Located in Mill Valley, California
Style: Nature, calm, unique
Maximum capacity: 125
Catering provided - No
Indoor space - Yes
Located in Mill Valley, CA, and adjoining the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, the 32 acres of Fernwood are a breathtaking representation of Mother Nature and a very special place to remember a loved one. Fernwood’s main building is an architectural masterpiece built by Skidmore, Owings, and Merrill, the architectural firm that also designed New York’s One World Trade Center. The main building houses the Remembrance Room, an open, peaceful, calm, contemporary space for memorial celebrations, backed by a patio waterfall.
One of the country’s first environmentally conscious green cemeteries, Fernwood is a full-service cemetery and funeral home, providing everything that is needed in time of loss, from onsite cremation and burial services to a beautiful space for a celebration of life.
When I went on a tour of Fernwood the Remembrance Room felt very zen-like to me. It felt like a place that might hold a yoga retreat or meditation session. If you are planning a celebration of life for a nature lover, a yogi, or looking for something very unique, be sure to tour Fernwood.
Why it’s a favorite:
It’s locally owned and operated, and you really feel that people care
It doesn’t feel sad or dreary, in fact, when you pull up to the gates it feels like you are approaching a resort or high-end hotel
Cremation, funeral home, and event space all at one location to make planning everything much more convenient
Cavallo Point Lodge
Located in Sausalito, California
Style: Historic, sustainable, in nature
Maximum capacity: 250
In-house catering - Yes
Indoor space - Yes
Outdoor space - Yes
BONUS - charming chapel on site too
Cavallo Point Lodge is in historic Fort Baker nestled at the foot of the Golden Gate Bridge, a few steps from the ocean. The historic grounds and stunning views of the Golden Gate Bridge make it a natural gathering place for large and small celebrations of life.
This Bay Area memorial venue has flexible indoor and outdoor event spaces, including the historic Mission Blue Chapel and Callippe Ballroom. The ability to choose from many different event spaces on their property means that you can pick the size and feel that works the best for honoring your loved one.
If you are planning a celebration of life for someone that loved the ocean or was passionate about the environment and sustainability or enjoyed military history then be sure to consider Cavallo Point Lodge for the event.
Why it’s a favorite:
Easy to get to from San Francisco and the North Bay
Stunning views of the Golden Gate Bridge
Each event space is really different from one another, each one really does have its own style and characteristics
Melissa Habegger Photography
Melissa Habegger Photography
Melissa Habegger Photography
Melissa Habegger Photography
Melissa Habegger Photography
Melissa Habegger Photography
Garden Valley Ranch
Located in Petaluma, California
Style: gardens, relaxed, charming
Maximum capacity: 150 (they can accommodate more with additional bathrooms and shuttles)
In-house catering provided - no
Indoor space - yes
Outdoor space - yes
Garden Valley Ranch is a charming nature setting offering stunning rose gardens for a celebration of life. Spanning five lush acres, Garden Valley Ranch is a working rose farm and cultivates about 6,000 rose bushes for the local floral trade and rose enthusiasts. Garden Valley Ranch field-grown roses are exquisite varieties touched by the sun and rain, giving them an unparalleled aroma. The perfect setting to celebrate a rose lover, a gardener, or someone who enjoyed the beauty of nature. This family-owned venue is lovingly cared for and a hidden gem.
Why it’s a favorite:
Tables, chairs, and patio umbrellas included
Multiple spaces to pick from at the venue
Rose and rows of gorgeous rose bushes
The Flower Farm Inn
Located in Loomis, California
Style: farmhouse, inviting, charming
Maximum capacity: 240
In-house catering provided - no
Indoor space - yes
Outdoor space - yes
The Flower Farm Inn is a charming event venue with a private ranch feel. It is located just outside of Sacramento. The beautiful rustic, modern event barn is located in the middle of a beautiful citrus orchard. Guests can explore the gardens, visit the chickens, and mingle on the lawn.
Event planning at the Flower Farm Inn is low-stress because they provide tables, chairs, bathrooms, a catering kitchen, and parking. The owners are incredibly nice and easy to work with. They are also a popular wedding venue, so many vendors are very familiar with the venue.
Why it’s a favorite:
Tables, chairs, and catering kitchen included
Lots of parking on site
Country setting yet elegant grounds with a lush lawn, adorable chicken coop, and orchard
Adorable red event barn
The Greenery
Located in Walnut Creek, California
Style: modern, golf-course eatery, low-key
Maximum capacity: 160
In-house catering provided - yes
Indoor space - yes
Outdoor space - no
Relaxed yet modern, The Greenery brings picturesque mountain views to every event. It's centrally located in Walnut Creek. In addition to its wonderful banquet rooms, the menu options for events are varied, and the food is yummy.
They offer two private banquet rooms. The Birdie Room is perfect for group events with 60 to 80 people. The Eagle Room is larger and can accommodate 50 to 160 people.
Why it’s a favorite:
Tables, chairs, linens, monitors for slideshow and catering provided
Parking on site
Giant floor-to-ceiling windows with tons of natural light and views of the foothills
The Garden House at Shoup Park
Located in Los Altos, California
Style: low-key, relaxed, comfortable
Maximum capacity: 130
In-house catering provided - no
Indoor space - yes
Outdoor space - no
The Garden House is located in the beautiful Shoup Park, a four-acre garden, park with playgrounds and community gathering space. The event space is welcoming with lots of natural light, a foyer, a podium, a catering kitchen, and a stage. The large room is wonderful for gathering and mingling without feeling over the top.
Why it’s a favorite:
Tables, chairs, catering kitchen, monitors, piano, stage and screen (for video slideshow) provided
Located within a beautiful park
Long porch/ deck
Hiller Aviation Museum
Located in San Carlos, California
Style: aviation museum, entertaining, unique
Maximum capacity: 300 for sit down, 400 for theater style in the atrium
In-house catering provided - no
Indoor space - yes
Outdoor space - no
The Hiller Aviation Museum is truly a unique and memorable space for a celebration of life. The event space consists of two main rooms, the museum and the atrium. The museum is where the planes, helicopters, interactive exhibits and memorabilia are located. During events guests can explore and enjoy the museum. The atrium is adjacent and is a large open space perfect for a sit down dinner or theater style rows.
Why it’s a favorite:
Many rentals available through the venue including tables, chairs, catering kitchen, podium and stage
Guests can explore the aviation museum which is full of exhibits about the history of flying
Located 12 miles from San Francisco International Airport, to make it easy for out of town guests
Fairfield Inn and Suites (Marriott) is across the street for convenient lodging, there are also many other hotels within a few miles
Jen Phillips Photography
Jen Phillips Photography
Jen Phillips Photography
Jen Phillips Photography
Jen Phillips
Gundlach Bundschu Winery
Located in Sonoma, California
Style: nature, winery, outdoorsy
Maximum capacity: up to 200, depending on the spaces being used
In-house catering provided - no
Indoor space - yes (historic barn)
Outdoor space - yes
If you seek being in nature, laid-back vibes, family-friendly, and various venue choices, Gundlach Bundschu winery may be the perfect location for hosting the celebration of life for your loved one.
The venue has two main event spaces: Block 19 and the Overlook. Block 19 and the historic barn are perfect for a group that wants to spread out, have activities, and let kids run around. It would also work well to have a program (people giving speeches) inside the barn and the reception with food and mingling outside for people to enjoy the views and be in nature.
The Overlook is entirely outdoors with stunning views of the rolling vineyards. The lawn is perfect for people to sit and listen to the program of people sharing stories and enjoying a reception while taking in the beauty of the great outdoors.
Why it’s a favorite:
Some rentals available through the venue including picnic tables, lounge furniture, and outdoor patio seating
Located 60 miles from San Francisco International Airport and Oakland International Airport, making it one of the centrally located wine country wineries
Hotels such as Hilton, Marriott, and Archer are in Napa, just 12 miles away
A Girl And A Camera
Milou and Olin Photography
Milou and Olin Photography
Milou and Olin Photography
More celebration of life venues to consider
As you’re thinking about where to host the celebration of life, don’t overlook some of the less obvious options.
Country clubs
Country clubs are a wonderful option for a celebration of life because they typically provide catering services in-house. A country club is a great option for a celebration of life for someone who loves golf. If you are a member of one of these country clubs, consider them for the celebration of life since they already know you.
Claremont Country Club in Berkeley
Orinda Country Club in Orinda
Meadowood Country Club in Napa
Meadow Club in Fairfax
Mayacamas Golf Club in Santa Rosa
Napa Valley Country Club in Napa
Your home
If you happen to live on a property with a large outdoor space, your home may be the perfect setting as a Bay Area memorial venue for the celebration of life. Working with a local rental company everything can be rented and brought in so that no one (guests or vendors) has to go inside your home. The whole event can be outside. Rental companies and an event planner can coordinate a stunning tent to keep people comfortable regardless of whether the day is hot or cold, to tables, to chairs, to glassware, and beyond.
For Cal Fans
With so many UC Berkeley alumni, parents, staff, and students in the Bay Area, I wanted to be sure to mention a few event venues that are special to Cal Fans. Consider one of the spaces on the UC Berkeley campus. The first one that comes to mind is the Faculty Club, which has a few spaces to pick from. The largest space can hold up to 220 people.
UC Berkeley Botanical Gardens
Another that comes to mind is the UC Berkeley Botanical Gardens. They have two event spaces for Bay Area memorial venues: The Mather Redwood Grove and the Julia Morgan Hall. The centerpiece of the Grove is the intimate Townsend Amphitheater, where loved ones can gather to listen to the speakers share stories and memories of the honoree. The Redwood Grove holds 200 people. The Julia Morgan Hall was designed by Julia Morgan in 1911 as a social center for women, this building has been lovingly restored to its original grandeur. With a gas fireplace and air conditioning, it is a wonderful option for a hot summer day or a chilly winter day. The warmth of old redwood creates a special atmosphere that is exceptional. The 20-ft wide deck overlooks the native California plant collection of the Garden with broad vistas.
Do you want to talk about Bay Area memorial venues for a celebration of life? Use the form below to contact us.
All the photos in this blog post are by Lovely Day Legacies, unless otherwise noted.
