Headlands Center for the Arts

My partner and I have been to two friends weddings here over the past couple of years. The place is beautiful--but we would not recommend it for a venue as we found that both times the staff was turning up the lights at least an hour and a half before the venue closes to try and get the dancing and party to taper off early so they can go home . The second wedding--we ended up having to constantly go back and turn down the lights to prevent this effect as we saw it hurt the first wedding we went to there. The couple is paying a hefty price for their wedding night and it's a once in a lifetime experience for them--the staff needs to be more considerate and allow people to dance until the 10min-to-close standard of everywhere else. If they fix this--this place would be perfect!

Our wedding at the Headlands Center for the Arts was beyond the gorgeous, spiritual, artistic, warm, and loving day I had envisioned for months during the planning. Once we visited, we just KNEW this was our location. During our tour, we stood in the ceremony spot in the East Wing and asked each other, "is this it?" And yes, is certainly was. A few months later, that spot is where we happily said "I do!" Driving into the Headlands is like entering a magical realm of nature, silence, and openness. The building has such relaxed, artistic vibe. When designing our wedding's look and feel, we were committed to working with its already super cool appeal. The distressed golden walls of the Rodeo Room have such character, making it the perfect backdrop for our Photo Booth selfie station... and they even inspired the texture of our wedding cake! Beyond the fact that we loved the venue, it is especially heartwarming to know that our rental fee is going toward sustaining this artistic organization and its artists, helping it to thrive. The wedding budget is always tricky and a bit painful, but it feels really good to know that chunk of money is going toward a worthy local cause. Being a DIY bride, I really appreciated how exceptionally responsive both the in-house staff who would immediately answer all the weird little questions that kept popping up that I couldn't find in our contract. Oh, and the FOOD!!! Katie Powers, their in-house caterer is an artist. She is exceptionally dedicated to creating local, sustainable, and delicious meals. Although she doesn't provide taste testing, Katie's descriptions and enthusiasm while building our menu together at our in-person meeting was infectious, giving us the confidence that it would be amazing. We opted to have our meal served family-style which really enhanced the sense of community and appreciation for the meal. It is also very special to have an in-house caterer cook from her kitchen with her staff. The service, artistry, and flavors had everyone swooning and diving in for seconds. Our biggest concern was the latrine... the open unisex bathroom that's sort of creepy. However, using our very own living room drapes and some tension rods, we easily sectioned the room off into Men's and Ladies areas. Adding candles, flowers, music, and artsy magnets along the metal stall doors, we turned it around and that military latrine became a cool oasis where everyone felt comfortable... even this bride who appreciated the large stall when negotiating my dress.... Going forward, we are so thankful this magical gem is available to our enjoyment, as we look forward to becoming members and experiencing the works from their artists in residence. For anyone thinking that this may be the venue for you, just like they say when you meet the right one, when you know, you know!

This venue's location is nothing short of magical. Only a few minutes outside of San Francisco, it feels like a world away tucked in the rolling hills across the Golden Gate Bridge. There is nothing cheesy about this venue and it guarantees beautiful photos. The only downside it that it was a bit difficult for many of my guests to find.

quirky qualities and intimacy;that places needs a lot when it comes to decorations . . . but is totally charming