Planning Tips for a Wedding at the James Leary Flood Mansion in San Francisco
- Gennie
- Jun 23
- 5 min read
San Francisco has no shortage of wedding venues amongst its hilly streets, and it can be easy to get overwhelmed between all the options. In a city where you can pick between a quaint garden ceremony, or a lush modern reception it’s to choose! If what you envision when you think of your dream San Francisco wedding is something that feels timeless, elegant, and is rooted in the heart of the city, the James Leary Flood Mansion might be just what you’re looking for. Tucked away in Pacific Heights, this historic venue offers sweeping views of the Bay and a refined backdrop that feels worlds away from the bustle of the city. As San Francisco wedding planners who’ve coordinated events all over the region, we’ve found Flood Mansion to be a favorite—not only for its aesthetic, but also for the experience it creates for your perfect day.
A Grand Venue in the Bay Area
The first word that comes to mind any time I look at this venue is grand. To give a little bit of history, Flood Mansion was originally built in the early 1900s, so we are blessed with all that gorgeous Italian Renaissance-style architecture while still being in the Bay Area. We’re talking marble floors, gorgeous ceilings (I had to look up the exact term, and it is coffered 💁♀️), and the large balcony overlooking the bay. The moment you step through its grand front doors, it doesn’t just feel like you’re walking into a mansion, it feels like you’re walking into a palace.
While Flood Mansion has a very distinct style, I think there are different wedding aesthetics that fit the venue well. We’ve seen classic black-tie celebrations, romantic candlelit dinners, and minimalist modern events—all of which felt perfectly at home in this setting. The space’s neutral palette and historic charm make it easy to design around, whether you’re drawn to lush florals or clean, contemporary lines.
Looking for a wedding planner in the Bay Area to help create your dream wedding at Flood Mansion? Let us help plan your day for you!
Flowing Seamlessly from Room to Room
One of the aspects we appreciate most about Flood Mansion is how naturally it supports the rhythm of a wedding day. The layout encourages a thoughtful progression of moments, which is so important when crafting a guest experience that feels smooth and intentional.
Between the Grand Hall, the Reception Hall, and the Grand Hall Courtyard there is a wonderful flow that allows your guests to experience all the venue has to offer. Ceremonies can be held in the Reception Hall, where large windows look out onto views of the Bay and natural light pours in. From there, it’s cocktails in the Courtyard—a bright, open-air space that’s perfect for mingling. Following cocktails, dinner in the Grand Hall makes for a beautiful ambiance while you and your guests enjoy your meal. And if you’re planning to dance the night away, we recommend accounting for some space in the Great Hall to easily transition into a dance floor.
Having multiple rooms allows for movement without disruption, and each space feels cohesive but distinct. It's the kind of venue that supports the structure of a wedding without ever feeling awkward. I would definitely seize the opportunity to use as many of the spaces as possible, just so they each get their moment of appreciation☺️
Logistics at Flood Mansion Worth Noting
As with many historic venues, there are a few logistical considerations to keep in mind. Flood Mansion is part of a private school campus, so weddings are typically limited to weekends, and guests must depart by 10:30 PM (with vendors having 90 minutes for breakdown). It's also important to remember that while it's a gorgeous venue, it is a school first. So, availability is very dependent on the school schedule. With this, availability doesn't open as early as other venues; and on top of that, once spots do open up they book quickly!
Also be advised the venue enforces a pretty strict open flame policy; which is not a deterrent, but just something to be aware of. If using candles with real flames, you'll need to acquire a permit with the San Francisco Fire Department. For most wedding at Flood Mansion, the cost of that permit will be $424. If you want to have heaters outside in the Grand Hall Courtyard, this will require a fire marshal to be onsite for the duration of your event. Wedding insurance is also mandatory—a requirement that’s fairly standard for wedding venues in the San Francisco Bay Area.
The venue does not provide tables and chairs, so all rentals (including chairs, tables, catering, lighting, and decor) must be brought in. They have a preferred vendor list, which includes trusted professionals who know the space well. If you’re working with a planner (hi, hello, we’d love to help), they can also coordinate with outside vendors to ensure everything runs smoothly. The venue does provide a venue coordinator, which is a huge help for all venue related needs. Everything else, like vendor coordination, timeline management, etc. would be the job of your planner or coordinator (omg, hello again, we have to stop meeting like this😉).
As in true SF fashion, parking is limited. There’s no built-in parking lot, but valet service is permitted and often used. For vendor load-in, you can acquire SFMTA permits to use the white loading zone in the front of the building (the price of this permit is $332). If you decide to go with a shuttle service for your guests, the venue requires you use a vendor from their approved list.
Accessibility for guests is good throughout most of the venue, though it’s helpful to review the layout ahead of time if any guests require additional accommodations. I will note that the kitchen is downstairs while dinner service is on the main level, so it's a big lift for the catering team. This is why the venue requires a caterer from their approved list, those caterers know the space and can execute given the parameters.
Why We Love this Bay Area Venue
At oso events, we’re lucky to work at some of the most beautiful wedding venues the Bay Area has to offer—but there’s something about Flood Mansion that always feels special. Maybe it’s the view, with the Bay and Alcatraz visible from the windows. Maybe it’s the stately architecture or the soft afternoon light that hits just right. But more than anything, it’s how the venue supports an experience that feels both elevated and welcoming.
The in-house team at Flood Mansion is also wonderful to work with. They’re organized, responsive, and clearly care about helping couples bring their day to life. From walkthroughs to vendor coordination, we’ve found them to be true partners in the planning process.
Planning Your Wedding at Flood Mansion
If you’re considering a wedding at Flood Mansion, we’d love to help you bring it to life. From managing logistics and vendor coordination to building a design that reflects who you are as a couple, our team at oso events is here to guide you every step of the way.
You can learn more about our services or reach out to schedule a consultation at oso.events/contact. Whether you’re early in your planning journey or ready to dive in, we’d be happy to chat.
Planning a wedding in a city as dynamic as San Francisco means there’s no shortage of options—but venues like Flood Mansion stand out for their beauty, versatility, and ease. As experienced San Francisco wedding planners, we’ve seen firsthand how a thoughtfully chosen venue can shape the entire feel of the day. That, combined with the grand views, is why we love this venue so much!
Photography:
Michelle Nguyen Photography
Yorumlar