Buckets of northern California charm in Tiburon by the Bay, a superb spot for a destination wedding.
If you’re looking for the quintessential northern California wedding location, Tiburon by the Bay may already be on your short list. With more small-town charm per inch than most any spot on the Pacific, it’s got waterside places for vows with views of the Golden Gate Bridge and Mt. Tamalpais, chummy restaurants for wedding party meals, and a handful of smart reception spots. And thanks to a fleet of ferries and water taxis, getting to and from San Francisco is an actual pleasure. Need convincing? Here are our four top reasons for marrying in Tiburon.
One-stop-shopping
The coastal-casual Lodge at Tiburon makes wedding planning a snap, with on-site facilitators, over 100 guest rooms, plus its own catering operation. Bonus points for the Lodge’s lovely deck with A+ views of the Bay and enough activities—pool-basking, biking, outdoor fireplace-lounging—to keep everyone happy. And if the day turns out to be a little chillier than you’d hoped, the Mainsail ballroom opens to fresh-aired patios.
When the sun shines in NoCal, take the wedding outside: Sky Deck at the Lodge at Tiburon
A Bayside boutique hotel
If you want a more intimate gathering spot, the Water’s Edge Hotel is perched on a historic dock with views of San Francisco that rival any in the Bay area. Couples love the evening wine hour and complimentary breakfast, and if your’e looking for a fun reception spot, Sam’s Anchor Cafe “the most non-exclusive yacht-club on the bay,” is just next door.
The best location in town: Water’s Edge Hotel
Inclusive hiking
Having a multi-generational wedding? The flat hiking trail at Blackie’s Pasture gives everyone a chance to be active while taking in exceptional views of Mount Tamalpais, Richardson’s Bay, and secluded beaches, along with peeks at the Golden Gate Bridge.
No matter what your guests’ fitness level, there are waterside trails made for hikers, bikers, and scenery-likers.
Delightful day trips
A 10-minute ferry ride from the Tiburon dock, Angel Island is the perfect place to bring the whole wedding party for pedaling and a picnic (rent bikes right on the island itself). A bit further afield, some of the best wineries in the world await in the Sonoma Valley (about 30 minutes away) and Napa (an hour’s drive from Tiburon). Get a driver-guide who’ll plot out an itinerary, and you can indulge without worrying about navigating the roads.
