Fort Mason Center for Arts & Culture
Updated
Fort Mason Center for Arts & Culture Photos
About This Vendor
Historic Waterfront Venue with a View
Perfect for soon-to-be newlyweds who wish to marry in a historic setting, Fort Mason Center for Arts & Culture is a banquet hall wedding venue in San Francisco, CA. Situated on Frisco Bay's northern waterfront, this delightful gem combines scenic views with exquisite facilities. It is home to a selection of versatile event spaces that can host your ceremony and reception. A one-of-a-kind venue in an iconic location, this Bay Area getaway welcomes you to enjoy a truly unforgettable wedding experience. Fort Mason Center for Arts & Culture is within driving distance of numerous attractions. These include the Golden Gate Bridge, Coit Tower, and Marina Green. Whatever your budgetary or stylistic preferences, the venue is sure to suit your needs. The General's Residence is a wonderful spot for ceremonies, featuring an outdoor lawn that overlooks the bay and the iconic Alcatraz prison. This facility also boasts rooms suitable for indoor celebrations. Characterized by its industrial-meets-chic aesthetic, Gallery 308 can set the scene for receptions. Here, you and your loved ones can tuck into a banquet while admiring views of the Golden Gate Bridge. In addition, intimate gatherings and rehearsal dinners can be hosted in the Firehouse. Whether you plan on hosting a religious, secular, or interfaith wedding, Fort Mason Center for Arts & Culture is happy to accommodate you. Up to 250 people can join you to celebrate your nuptials here. As a helpful touch, the team can set up and break down your event, leaving you to enjoy your big day without any worries. Chairs, tables, and lighting equipment are just a few of the event items that can be provided.
Amenities & Details
Ceremony Area, Dressing Room, Indoor Event Space, Liability Insurance, Outdoor Event Space, Reception Area, Wireless Internet
Guest CapacityUp to 250
Ceremony TypesCivil Union, Commitment Ceremony, Elopement, Interfaith Ceremony, Non-Religious Ceremony, Religious Ceremony, Second Wedding, Vow Renewal Ceremony
Venue Service OfferingsRentals & Equipment
SettingsBallroom, Beach, Waterfront, Historic Venue, Industrial & Warehouse
Business AttributesPricing for Fort Mason Center for Arts & Culture
| Option | Value |
|---|---|
| Starting Cost | Inexpensive |
| Cost Starting | |
| Price Range | |
| Couples Usually Spend | |
| Peak Season Months | |
| Peak Season Cost | |
| Peak Season Reception Cost | |
| Peak Season Ceremony Cost | |
| Peak Season Bar Service Cost | |
| OffSeason Months | |
| OffSeason Cost | |
| OffSeason Reception Cost | |
| OffSeason Ceremony Cost | |
| OffSeason BarService Cost |
Fort Mason Center for Arts & Culture Reviews
Ophelia H (other) 5 out of 5 Rating
We highly recommend working with Gallery 308 for all of your event needs!We held our wedding at Gallery 308 and loved our experience with the team. Shawn, the event manager, was amazing to work with. He was communicative, responsive to all of our questions, and proactive in making sure we had everything ready to go ahead of our event. He helped schedule multiple venue walkthroughs, helped coordinate with our individual vendors, reminded us and our vendors to fill out the correct permits and insurance forms, and even stopped by to wish us good luck at our rehearsal. He was an amazing event manager with great attention to detail, and truly helped make our day special. Thank you to Shawn and the entire Gallery 308 team! The venue itself is absolutely gorgeous, a blank slate you can fill with whatever you dream up. We lucked out with a stunning sunset on the day of our wedding with views of the GGB. Gallery 308 was truly the perfect backdrop to our special day.
Reviewed on 23-08-2023
We highly recommend working with Gallery 308 for all of your event needs!We held our wedding at Gallery 308 and loved our experience with the team. Shawn, the event manager, was amazing to work with. He was communicative, responsive to all of our questions, and proactive in making sure we had everything ready to go ahead of our event. He helped schedule multiple venue walkthroughs, helped coordinate with our individual vendors, reminded us and our vendors to fill out the correct permits and insurance forms, and even stopped by to wish us good luck at our rehearsal. He was an amazing event manager with great attention to detail, and truly helped make our day special. Thank you to Shawn and the entire Gallery 308 team! The venue itself is absolutely gorgeous, a blank slate you can fill with whatever you dream up. We lucked out with a stunning sunset on the day of our wedding with views of the GGB. Gallery 308 was truly the perfect backdrop to our special day.
Reviewed on 23-08-2023
Ruby Kwan (bride) 4 out of 5 Rating
Wedding Date 28-04-2019
Reserving the General's Residence for my wedding was painless. The Fort Mason staff were super friendly, supportive, timely, and helpful. On the day of, the venue was set up nicely, just as I planned with the event coordinator during the site walk. The venue was beautiful and my guests loved the backdrop for photos. The inside was beautiful, clean, and spacious. Everything went smoothly.Know that the General's Residence back lawn (for the ceremony) can get windy as it was on my wedding day. I was not surprised since I know the area really well but just be aware. Parking was confusing for guests that have never been to Fort Mason, which was most of them. I wished I was able to put up directional signs or had some provided by Fort Mason. All in all, great experience and venue. Would definitely pick the General's Residence again.
Reviewed on 15-05-2019
Wedding Date 28-04-2019
Reserving the General's Residence for my wedding was painless. The Fort Mason staff were super friendly, supportive, timely, and helpful. On the day of, the venue was set up nicely, just as I planned with the event coordinator during the site walk. The venue was beautiful and my guests loved the backdrop for photos. The inside was beautiful, clean, and spacious. Everything went smoothly.Know that the General's Residence back lawn (for the ceremony) can get windy as it was on my wedding day. I was not surprised since I know the area really well but just be aware. Parking was confusing for guests that have never been to Fort Mason, which was most of them. I wished I was able to put up directional signs or had some provided by Fort Mason. All in all, great experience and venue. Would definitely pick the General's Residence again.
Reviewed on 15-05-2019
Shannon Odell (bride) 4 out of 5 Rating
Wedding Date 21-04-2018
First off, my wedding ended up being perfect, so thank you Shawn for taking care of everything when you stepped in. So, we looked at this venue a few times starting in October 2017, and it wasn't until we were talking deposits when they dropped a bomb. Our venue would be sharing the evening with an ANNUAL BEER FEST. Nope, I didn't want the crowd there for my wedding, especially the ones consuming alcohol. We had to change our time to the morning, which was fine but felt a little rushed. I was 45 mins late :( That switch seemed fine, as long as they weren't making a ton of sound while we were getting married, we were okay with it. The day of, I was a little annoyed. The port-a-potties were placed right along the pier, in the backdrop of my wedding. Our photographer was amazing at getting them out of focal point, but I saw them there, all day. yuck. Also, I had nothing there to stop people from entering the venue. I get that it is a public space usually, but a lady ran straight into the chairs and ceremony area and my husband had to get her out of there. \"There's a wedding here, you need to leave!\" I also had to be \"bridezilla\" to a few people wearing the bright green event shirts for the stupid Beer Festival, they were walking straight into our venue! So rude!!! Other than those couple of annoyances, The Fort Mason Firehouse was wonderful to have our wedding. The backdrop was amazing, Alcatraz in the background, on a gorgeous sunny day in April. I wish I could do it all over again, it was magical!
Reviewed on 03-07-2018
Wedding Date 21-04-2018
First off, my wedding ended up being perfect, so thank you Shawn for taking care of everything when you stepped in. So, we looked at this venue a few times starting in October 2017, and it wasn't until we were talking deposits when they dropped a bomb. Our venue would be sharing the evening with an ANNUAL BEER FEST. Nope, I didn't want the crowd there for my wedding, especially the ones consuming alcohol. We had to change our time to the morning, which was fine but felt a little rushed. I was 45 mins late :( That switch seemed fine, as long as they weren't making a ton of sound while we were getting married, we were okay with it. The day of, I was a little annoyed. The port-a-potties were placed right along the pier, in the backdrop of my wedding. Our photographer was amazing at getting them out of focal point, but I saw them there, all day. yuck. Also, I had nothing there to stop people from entering the venue. I get that it is a public space usually, but a lady ran straight into the chairs and ceremony area and my husband had to get her out of there. \"There's a wedding here, you need to leave!\" I also had to be \"bridezilla\" to a few people wearing the bright green event shirts for the stupid Beer Festival, they were walking straight into our venue! So rude!!! Other than those couple of annoyances, The Fort Mason Firehouse was wonderful to have our wedding. The backdrop was amazing, Alcatraz in the background, on a gorgeous sunny day in April. I wish I could do it all over again, it was magical!
Reviewed on 03-07-2018
Hannah Kaplan (bride) 5 out of 5 Rating
Wedding Date 11-11-2017
We rented Fort Mason Center Gallery 308 as our wedding venue for both our ceremony & reception. Gallery 308 was the first detail (along with our date) that we locked in for the wedding as we knew we wanted to be on the Marina with the incredible view. The team at Fort Mason Center did a great job working with us on the details of the venue, from securing the space to the walk through to execution. There was a public event going on in Fort Mason on the day of our wedding and our event manager helped us secure parking spaces for our guests. The venue itself was beautiful, spacious and popular with our guests, who loved the ambience and views. Overall, we were thrilled with the venue for our big day and would recommend Gallery 308 as a wedding venue.
Reviewed on 10-12-2017
Wedding Date 11-11-2017
We rented Fort Mason Center Gallery 308 as our wedding venue for both our ceremony & reception. Gallery 308 was the first detail (along with our date) that we locked in for the wedding as we knew we wanted to be on the Marina with the incredible view. The team at Fort Mason Center did a great job working with us on the details of the venue, from securing the space to the walk through to execution. There was a public event going on in Fort Mason on the day of our wedding and our event manager helped us secure parking spaces for our guests. The venue itself was beautiful, spacious and popular with our guests, who loved the ambience and views. Overall, we were thrilled with the venue for our big day and would recommend Gallery 308 as a wedding venue.
Reviewed on 10-12-2017
Ruchi Deshpande (bride) 5 out of 5 Rating
Wedding Date 10-08-2014
What it is: Cozy, Dreamy, Timeless, Peaceful, Romantic, Very in-tune with Nature \r\rWhat it is not: Glamorous, Urbane or Swanky\r\rThe General's Residence is easily one of the best wedding venues in San Francisco. The stunning views are nigh impossible to beat, and the building exterior and interiors boast an old-world charm that's well-suited for weddings. This venue is ideal for couples who want an outdoor ceremony on a bed of grass, under a tree, by the water, with birds singing in the background. All that insane natural beauty is guaranteed to enhance your joy and bliss a million-fold, and leave you with the most poignant and striking memories. \r\rThat being said, there were a few substantial annoyances that bothered and hindered us:\r\r1) The rental window is typically 7 hours, including set-up and break-down. This leaves about four and a half hours for the ceremony, reception and a photo-shoot. If your guests/ vendors show up late, that could leave you with less than four hours. We did not realize the significance of this until the day of.\r\r2) The venue does not provide trash disposal. Your caterer will have to carry all your trash away from the venue, since they don't even provide trash dumpsters. \r\r3) The expenses add up to a lot. Before renting this venue, remember to factor in additional charges for the dance floor, the historic preservation fee (10%), cocktail tables, cafe tables, outdoor seating, etc. \r\r4) All their business is conducted strictly on weekdays, usually up until 4pm. No weekend walk-throughs, meetings or phone calls. \r\rOn a brighter note, the FM guys allow you full freedom in picking your vendors. They have no 'approved list' that you are forced to choose from, and no hefty surcharges for choosing vendors outside of this list. The staff is very friendly and extremely prompt in their responses. They are also very upfront regarding all their extra charges as well as the trash disposal situation. The trouble is that one doesn't realize the full import of these seemingly minor inconveniences until the very end. \r\rOverall though, I'd say I highly recommend this venue despite all of its shortcomings. The vivid and beautiful memories we have walked away with far outweigh all the cons.
Reviewed on 24-09-2014
Wedding Date 10-08-2014
What it is: Cozy, Dreamy, Timeless, Peaceful, Romantic, Very in-tune with Nature \r\rWhat it is not: Glamorous, Urbane or Swanky\r\rThe General's Residence is easily one of the best wedding venues in San Francisco. The stunning views are nigh impossible to beat, and the building exterior and interiors boast an old-world charm that's well-suited for weddings. This venue is ideal for couples who want an outdoor ceremony on a bed of grass, under a tree, by the water, with birds singing in the background. All that insane natural beauty is guaranteed to enhance your joy and bliss a million-fold, and leave you with the most poignant and striking memories. \r\rThat being said, there were a few substantial annoyances that bothered and hindered us:\r\r1) The rental window is typically 7 hours, including set-up and break-down. This leaves about four and a half hours for the ceremony, reception and a photo-shoot. If your guests/ vendors show up late, that could leave you with less than four hours. We did not realize the significance of this until the day of.\r\r2) The venue does not provide trash disposal. Your caterer will have to carry all your trash away from the venue, since they don't even provide trash dumpsters. \r\r3) The expenses add up to a lot. Before renting this venue, remember to factor in additional charges for the dance floor, the historic preservation fee (10%), cocktail tables, cafe tables, outdoor seating, etc. \r\r4) All their business is conducted strictly on weekdays, usually up until 4pm. No weekend walk-throughs, meetings or phone calls. \r\rOn a brighter note, the FM guys allow you full freedom in picking your vendors. They have no 'approved list' that you are forced to choose from, and no hefty surcharges for choosing vendors outside of this list. The staff is very friendly and extremely prompt in their responses. They are also very upfront regarding all their extra charges as well as the trash disposal situation. The trouble is that one doesn't realize the full import of these seemingly minor inconveniences until the very end. \r\rOverall though, I'd say I highly recommend this venue despite all of its shortcomings. The vivid and beautiful memories we have walked away with far outweigh all the cons.
Reviewed on 24-09-2014
Melissa Roman (bride) 5 out of 5 Rating
Wedding Date 12-10-2013
Too small for our reception but great value!
Reviewed on 29-10-2013
Wedding Date 12-10-2013
Too small for our reception but great value!
Reviewed on 29-10-2013
Amanda Seigle (bride) 5 out of 5 Rating
Wedding Date 17-05-2013
cool
Reviewed on 01-10-2013
Wedding Date 17-05-2013
cool
Reviewed on 01-10-2013
Miriam Swaffer (bride) 4 out of 5 Rating
Wedding Date 26-05-2013
love fort mason. it can get a little cold, though
Reviewed on 21-06-2013
Wedding Date 26-05-2013
love fort mason. it can get a little cold, though
Reviewed on 21-06-2013
Michelle Glogovac (bride) 5 out of 5 Rating
Wedding Date 20-04-2013
We were very lucky to have found the General's Building available on a Saturday in April. We did two walk throughs and everyone was at the venue when we had planned (chairs set up, tables set up, etc). It can be a bit pricey but the view and venue is worth it. There is an entire upstairs that can be used for getting ready for your day.
Reviewed on 16-05-2013
Wedding Date 20-04-2013
We were very lucky to have found the General's Building available on a Saturday in April. We did two walk throughs and everyone was at the venue when we had planned (chairs set up, tables set up, etc). It can be a bit pricey but the view and venue is worth it. There is an entire upstairs that can be used for getting ready for your day.
Reviewed on 16-05-2013
Rebecca Hunter (bride) 4 out of 5 Rating
Wedding Date 04-04-2013
We loved it! everything was great! It was really beautiful and everyone was really impressed
Reviewed on 25-04-2013
Wedding Date 04-04-2013
We loved it! everything was great! It was really beautiful and everyone was really impressed
Reviewed on 25-04-2013
eunice mae lee (bride) 4 out of 5 Rating
Wedding Date 01-01-2013
right next to the ocean
Reviewed on 18-01-2013
Wedding Date 01-01-2013
right next to the ocean
Reviewed on 18-01-2013
Tin Fan (bride) 2 out of 5 Rating
Wedding Date 27-10-2012
It was a beautiful place but it was booked by the time we wanted to rent it.
Reviewed on 13-11-2012
Wedding Date 27-10-2012
It was a beautiful place but it was booked by the time we wanted to rent it.
Reviewed on 13-11-2012
Annie Du (bride) 4 out of 5 Rating
Wedding Date 02-10-2011
Perfect location on the water for an outdoor ceremony and a beautiful old colonial house that's just been remodeled with plenty of space for 200 people. The only drawback is the extra amount of rules (ie. what you can and can't do as a renter) because it's part of the national parks. Also not a whole lot of parking in the immediate area surrounding the building.
Reviewed on 17-10-2011
Wedding Date 02-10-2011
Perfect location on the water for an outdoor ceremony and a beautiful old colonial house that's just been remodeled with plenty of space for 200 people. The only drawback is the extra amount of rules (ie. what you can and can't do as a renter) because it's part of the national parks. Also not a whole lot of parking in the immediate area surrounding the building.
Reviewed on 17-10-2011
Lyndsey Fry (bride) 5 out of 5 Rating
Wedding Date 23-10-2010
Despite the rain on our wedding day, the Fort Mason Firehouse was a great location for our reception. The staff was great and they worked with us and our caterers to make everything perfect! Thank you to Kathryn for all of your help!
Reviewed on 18-11-2010
Wedding Date 23-10-2010
Despite the rain on our wedding day, the Fort Mason Firehouse was a great location for our reception. The staff was great and they worked with us and our caterers to make everything perfect! Thank you to Kathryn for all of your help!
Reviewed on 18-11-2010
Amanda Mathews (bride) 5 out of 5 Rating
Wedding Date 17-04-2010
Lots of historic charm and great views.
Reviewed on 09-08-2010
Wedding Date 17-04-2010
Lots of historic charm and great views.
Reviewed on 09-08-2010
Julia Schepis (bride) 5 out of 5 Rating
Wedding Date 28-07-2007
Without the fog, it has a beautiful view of the Golden Gate Bridge for a VERY reasonable price, compared to other venues in S.F. that charged more and didn't even have a view!;There were a few last minute charges at the end, but nothing too unreasonable. For example, we ended up having to pay the caterer a little extra to set up a kitchen-tent outside because the Golden Gate Room did not have a kitchen.
Reviewed on 10-05-2010
Wedding Date 28-07-2007
Without the fog, it has a beautiful view of the Golden Gate Bridge for a VERY reasonable price, compared to other venues in S.F. that charged more and didn't even have a view!;There were a few last minute charges at the end, but nothing too unreasonable. For example, we ended up having to pay the caterer a little extra to set up a kitchen-tent outside because the Golden Gate Room did not have a kitchen.
Reviewed on 10-05-2010
Jennifer Bunge (bride) 5 out of 5 Rating
Wedding Date 24-05-2008
The bar was beautiful with a spectacular view.;If you're outside the weather can be unpredictable.
Reviewed on 21-10-2008
17 Reviews, with a Rating of 4.47 out of 5.0Wedding Date 24-05-2008
The bar was beautiful with a spectacular view.;If you're outside the weather can be unpredictable.
Reviewed on 21-10-2008
Contact Info for Fort Mason Center for Arts & Culture
| Contact | Value |
|---|---|
| https://www.facebook.com/fortmasoncenter | |
| X (Twitter) | fortmasoninsf |
| fortmasoncenter | |
| fortmasoncenter | |
| Website | fortmason.org |
| Phone | (415) 345-7500 |
| Address | 2 Marina Blvd., San Francisco, CA, 94123 |
| sales@fortmason.org |
Fort Mason Center for Arts & Culture on the map
Meet the Fort Mason Center for Arts & Culture Team
Amanda Mathews (Director of Sales) Originally from Santa Cruz County, I have been living/working in San Francisco since 2001. I love working at the Fort Mason Center and enjoy the nonprofit atmosphere and seeing the Bay and Golden Gate Bridge every day I come to work! My husband and I got married at the General's Residence, one of the venues I manage, so Fort Mason will always hold a special place in my heart.
©2024 Wedding Service Guide