Erin and Alyssa celebrated their marriage in one of San Francisco’s most iconic venues, the Legion of Honor Museum. Hosting their celebration at this exquisite museum offered a perfect balance of elegance and fun, truly making it a day to remember. If you’re considering a Legion of Honor wedding, this blog is here to provide all the essential wedding information, including Legion of Honor wedding price details and tips for your own SF museum wedding. Additionally, I have included some of my favorite shots of their Legion of Honor wedding photos.
About My Fun couple…
Erin and Alyssa are the type of couple everyone wants at their party—energetic, loving, and full of joy. They didn’t stress the small stuff; they simply wanted to throw an incredible party for their closest friends and coworkers. Their laughter and connection made them an absolute joy to work with. Capturing their special day felt more like hanging out with longtime friends than working. I also want to give an honorable mention to Dewey, their Golden Doodle. AKA the fried chicken dog 😀
Wedding Day Highlights
A Stunning Modern Theme
The theme was a perfect blend of modern sophistication and playful charm. I want to give a HUGE shoutout to Tawny and her team at One Sweet Soirée for putting it all together- including this super star vendors team I got to me part of. To comply with the museum’s strict floral restrictions, their florist, Zaddy Blooms, created stunning arrangements using lush greenery and pine trees. These elements elevated the timeless ambiance of the venue while keeping the design simple and chic.
Emotional Moments
While the couple opted into just a reception party, their party didn’t hold back on intimate moments. Special highlights included Alyssa’s dad during the family formals saying how proud he was of her. On the dance floor, so many happy moments there as well! Erin’s dad would come up and start dancing with the newlyweds. It was really sweet…
Museum Photo Tour
One of the best parts of hosting their wedding at the Legion of Honor Museum was exploring its breathtaking spaces for photos. We started in quiet, empty rooms, making our way to the grand gallery housing Monet’s masterpieces. The museum staff kindly closed off the area for five minutes, allowing us to capture magical, private moments. We then made our way outside after the museum had closed to the sides where the sun peaked through the cypress trees. These locations made their museum wedding photo gallery truly unforgettable.
Cocktail Hour in the Galleries
Cocktail hour was hosted in the upstairs galleries, where guests mingled among the artwork while enjoying live music from Lucky Devils Band. This unique experience set the tone for the reception, blending elegance with the vibrant energy of the day. Guests loved taking pictures with the sculptures and paintings, making it a lively start to the evening.
Dinner and Dancing Under the Stars
The dinner reception took place in the intimate, candlelit setting of the museum’s cafe. Guests indulged in international food stations prepared by Global Gourmet Catering, ensuring a dining experience as diverse as it was delicious. Later, the dance floor was moved to the outdoor terrace, where lounge areas and bars on either side created the perfect party atmosphere. Erin and Alyssa’s guests danced the night away under the stars, surrounded by the magic of the museum.
Legion of Honor Wedding info: Everything You Need to Know
The Legion of Honor Museum is one of San Francisco’s premier venues for a stylish and unforgettable wedding. This iconic SF museum wedding location features elegant architecture, stunning art galleries, and expansive gardens. The Legion of Honor wedding price starts at around $11,000 for venue rental, with additional costs for catering, lighting, and setup. Capacity is limited to about 150-450 depending on they type of wedding you book here! You can get married at the court of honor, or on the lawn. My couple decided to host a reception party, which took place in the Rodin Galleries and the Terrace. But with the elegance and class, the true Legion of Honor wedding price is priceless in my book.
It’s important to note that the venue has strict rules for load-in times, security, and decor, including a restriction on florals. Couples should plan ahead to work within these limitations. Be prepared with a plan B for rain, as the outdoor dance floor and terrace areas are weather-dependent. If you need more Legion of Honor wedding Info, here is a very useful link! Or I can reach out to my couple for more wedding information as well.
Additional Legion of Honor Info
1. Court of Honor
- Rental Fee: $18,000 (Sunday–Thursday) / $20,000 (Friday–Saturday)
- Tenting Fee: An additional $32,000 is required for tenting, except for wedding ceremonies.
- Seated Capacity: 450 (with tenting)
- Reception Capacity: 600
- If you are just shooting engagement sessions, or portrait sessions. It is available for free during museum hours!
2. Balustrade Lawn
- Rental Fee: $500
- Note: This space is only available for ceremonies and must be rented in conjunction with another event space.
- Seated Capacity: 250
3. Rodin Galleries
- Rental Fee: $10,000 (Sunday–Thursday) / $12,000 (Friday–Saturday)
- Seated Capacity: 80 (Gallery 10)
- Reception Capacity: 200 standing or 80 seated
4. Terrace Level
- Rental Fee: $7,000 (Sunday–Thursday) / $9,000 (Friday–Saturday)
- Seated Capacity: 150 inside café with dancing area; 180 inside café with dancing on the terrace
- Reception Capacity: 350
My Tips for This Venue
As someone who loves museums, the Legion of Honor Museum was a dream venue for me to shoot at. If you’re planning your wedding here, I recommend scheduling an early start around 4:30 PM to take advantage of the museum passes provided by the staff. This allows time for beautiful photo opportunities in the galleries and garden before your reception kicks off.
Why This Wedding Stands Out
For Erin and Alyssa, the Legion of Honor Museum wedding was a perfect match for their vibe—modern, elegant, and brimming with fun. Whether it was their private garden stroll, the lively cocktail hour in the galleries, or the late-night terrace dance party, every moment was special. It was an honor to capture their day, and the stunning setting only added to the magic.
Scroll below to check out my shots of Erin & Alyssa’s legion of honor wedding photos to see how this incredible celebration came to life!
Interested in another elegant venue?
Check out my City Hall page. It’s not only affordable, but it is just as classy and timeless!