Finding event venues and wedding locations is an important step in planning your big day. Oakland, California has a wide variety of options to serve you. Whether you're planning a formal, traditional wedding at the Cathedral of Christ the Light, or you want to be surrounded by flowers at the Morcom Rose Garden, you'll find what you're looking for in Oakland.

First, it's important to decide what kind of experience you want your guests to have. Keep this vision in mind as you visit possible locations. Oakland banquet halls are well-suited to large groups and formal dinners, whereas outdoor party locations and reception sites take advantage of Oakland's famously pleasant weather. If you're looking for meeting facilities, be sure that the venues meet all of your technological needs as well as your aesthetic ones. It's also important to match the event venue's ambiance to your theme; an Oakland warehouse with exposed rafters can make a bohemian backdrop for a trendy art opening, whereas a traditional couple should look for clean lines and light, airy space in their potential wedding locations.

Remember to keep an open mind. Even if you have a strong preference for certain wedding locations already, you might be surprised by how an unexpected event venue can stand out. Oakland has a wide selection of alternative event venues like nightclubs, art galleries, museums, theaters, yachts, and even zoos and nature preserves, many of which are set up to host formal events and to act as formal wedding locations. 

As you do walk-throughs of potential wedding locations and event venues, keep logistics in mind. Look for handicapped-accessible event venues. Be sure that your officiant will perform a ceremony in your favorite wedding locations. Nobody wants surprises on the big day!

Find the perfect wedding locations and event venues with our Oakland listings below.