Top 5 Wedding Planners in San Francisco
-
Content Marketing Manager -
Editor & Publisher
- February 5, 2026
- 20 min read
- Events
Source: Peerspace
San Francisco is a city beloved for its dramatic contrasts — from the rolling fog obscuring the Golden Gate Bridge to the vibrant murals of the Mission District, and from the historic grandeur of Pacific Heights to the industrial chic of SOMA.
With over 23 million visitors annually and a reputation as one of the world’s most picturesque cities, it serves as a breathtaking backdrop for wedding venues. However, hosting a wedding in SF requires navigating unique challenges, including steep hills that challenge limousines, unpredictable microclimates that demand complex wardrobe strategies, and a competitive market where venues book out years in advance.
Navigating this dynamic landscape requires a professional who understands the intricate pulse of the Bay Area. With so many high-quality options available, you have the luxury of finding an expert who handles the stress of logistics so you can focus entirely on the joy of your celebration.
We curated a list of the best wedding planners in San Francisco who possess the local expertise to bring your vision to life. Whether you are dreaming of an intimate micro-wedding in the Presidio or a lavish wedding reception venue in a converted industrial warehouse venue, these professionals know how to leverage the city’s unique energy.
How we curate our list
Source: Made in Peerspace
We know that trusting someone with your wedding day is a massive decision, which is why we don’t just pick names out of a hat. Our selection process focuses on the factors that genuinely impact your experience as a client.
Our selection criteria include:
- Client reviews across multiple platforms: We analyze feedback from couples on The Knot, WeddingWire, Google, and social media to ensure consistent satisfaction ratings.
- Industry recognition and awards: We look for planners with accolades from respected organizations and features in major wedding publications.
- Professional credentials and associations: We verify active membership in industry groups, ongoing education, and established business operations.
Best wedding planners in San Francisco
1. Downey Street Events
Company name and founder/lead planner: Downey Street Events / Kelsey Connely
Specialty/niche: Downey Street Events specializes in full-service wedding planning and design for couples who desire a sophisticated, seamless experience. They excel at creating elegant, timeless weddings that feel personal and polished, steering clear of fleeting trends in favor of enduring style. Their niche lies in managing complex logistics for high-end celebrations while maintaining a relaxed and joyful atmosphere for the couple and their guests. They are particularly strong in navigating the specific requirements of premier San Francisco venues, private estates, and luxury hotels, making them a top choice for couples with demanding schedules who need a planner to manage every minute detail.
Notable projects or signature style: Kelsey Connely and her team are known for a signature style that blends classic elegance with modern sensibilities. Their portfolio showcases events that are visually stunning but never feel stuffy or overproduced. You will often see crisp, clean lines, lush floral arrangements, and thoughtful details that reflect the couple’s personality, such as custom monogrammed linens or bespoke cocktail programs. They handle the entire visual narrative, from the initial save-the-dates to the final table settings, often incorporating custom lighting design and curated lounge areas that encourage guest interaction.
Pricing: Downey Street Events offers bespoke pricing based on the scope and scale of the event. Contact them directly through their website to request a custom quote.
Why we love them: We love Downey Street Events because they strike the perfect balance between being highly organized and creatively inspired. Kelsey Connely leads with a calm confidence that puts clients at ease immediately, a trait that is invaluable during the often-stressful planning process. It is clear from their work that they listen deeply to their clients, as no two weddings look exactly the same, yet all share a thread of refined quality and flawless execution. Their reputation for vendor management is stellar, meaning they can connect you with the absolute best florists, caterers, and entertainers in the Bay Area.
Connect with them: Follow @downeystreetevents on Instagram for a peek into their creative process and recent events.
2. Mango Muse Events
Company name and founder/lead planner: Mango Muse Events / Jamie Chang
Specialty/niche: Mango Muse Events specializes in destination weddings and designing meaningful, intimate experiences. While based in the Bay Area, Jamie is an expert at helping couples plan weddings in San Francisco from afar, or helping San Francisco couples plan weddings elsewhere. Her niche is creating “experiences” rather than just parties, focusing heavily on the guest experience and the personal story of the couple. She excels at non-traditional weddings that break the mold of the standard timeline, making her the perfect match for couples who want to prioritize connection and interaction over rigid formalities.
Notable projects or signature style: Jamie Chang’s style is defined by warmth, intimacy, and a touch of whimsy. She avoids following trends for the sake of it, instead opting for design elements that have specific meaning to the couple. Her projects often feature unique layouts and creative food and beverage concepts that surprise and delight guests. Instead of a standard seated dinner, she might orchestrate a progressive dining experience that moves guests through different parts of a venue, or design a ceremony in the round to foster a sense of community. Her design work often incorporates local culture and surroundings, ensuring that a San Francisco wedding truly feels like it belongs in the city.
Pricing: Mango Muse Events creates custom proposals tailored to the specific needs of each couple. In general, the investment for their services starts at $16,000. Reach out to them directly for a custom quote.
Why we love them: We love Mango Muse Events for Jamie Chang’s personalized and thoughtful approach to planning. She understands that a wedding is not just about how things look, but how they feel to everyone in attendance. Her focus on destination planning makes her an incredible resource for couples who have family flying in from all over the world; she knows exactly how to manage travel logistics and accommodation blocks in a busy city like San Francisco. Jamie is also a fantastic advocate for her clients, always pushing to ensure their vision is honored rather than just doing what is easiest for vendors. Her educational resources are incredibly helpful and show her dedication to demystifying the process for couples.
Connect with them: Follow @mangomuseevents on Instagram for a peek into their creative process and recent events.
3. Simone Lennon Events
Company name and founder/lead planner: Simone Lennon Events / Simone Lennon
Specialty/niche: Simone Lennon Events is a boutique planning firm specializing in high-end, artful weddings and events. Her niche is the intersection of nature and luxury, often creating designs that feel organic yet incredibly sophisticated. She is the go-to planner for couples who view their wedding as a piece of art and want a design-forward approach that prioritizes aesthetics and sensory experiences. Simone excels in producing events at private estates, wineries, and other unique outdoor wedding venues where she can build a custom environment from the ground up.
Notable projects or signature style: Simone Lennon’s work is characterized by an ethereal, romantic, and organic aesthetic that feels curated and collected rather than “decorated.” She has a unique talent for bringing the outdoors in, often using sprawling floral installations, natural textures like wood and stone, and soft, ambient lighting to create a mood. Her portfolio includes stunning weddings where the landscape plays a central role in the design, enhanced by her sophisticated touch. She’s known for her tablescapes, which often feature artisanal ceramics, custom linens, and unexpected floral varieties that create a feast for the eyes. Simone’s approach to luxury is understated; it is about quality materials and sensory experiences rather than flashiness.
Pricing: As a luxury boutique firm taking on a limited number of commissions annually, Simone Lennon Events operates at a premium price point. Specific pricing structures and custom quotes are discussed during the inquiry process to ensure alignment with the client’s vision and budget requirements.
Why we love them: We love Simone Lennon Events for the sheer artistry Simone brings to the table. She has an incredible eye for color and texture that elevates a standard wedding into a design masterpiece. Her background allows her to see possibilities in venues that others might miss, transforming raw spaces into magical environments. We also appreciate her commitment to taking on a limited number of clients, which guarantees that you get her full focus and creative energy. If you’re looking for a wedding that feels like a spread in a luxury lifestyle magazine but still retains a deep sense of soul and connection, Simone is the planner to call.
Connect with them: Follow @simonelennonevents on Instagram for a peek into their creative process and recent events.
4. Boheme Events
Company name and founder/lead planner: Boheme Events / Carrie Stephenson
Specialty/niche: Boheme Events specializes in creating romantic, bohemian-inspired weddings with a modern twist. Carrie’s niche is serving the “free-spirited” couple who still wants a flawlessly executed event without the stiffness of traditional weddings. She excels at outdoor weddings, particularly in the diverse landscapes surrounding San Francisco, from coastal bluffs and beaches to redwood groves and garden wedding venues. Her focus is on creating a relaxed, authentic vibe where guests feel free to let loose and celebrate. Carrie is also skilled at sourcing sustainable and eco-friendly vendors, which aligns well with the values of many San Francisco couples who want to reduce the environmental footprint of their big day.
Notable projects or signature style: Carrie Stephenson’s signature style is true to her company’s name: bohemian, spirited, and organic. However, this isn’t just about flower crowns; it is about a sophisticated take on boho-chic that blends texture, color, and nature. Her projects often feature warm, earthy color palettes, dried florals mixed with fresh blooms, and eclectic furniture rentals like peacock chairs and vintage rugs. She is known for creating cozy, intimate settings even within larger guest counts, utilizing low tables with floor cushions for a cocktail hour or a ceremony setup that uses the natural curvature of trees as an altar. Carrie is excellent at incorporating personal, quirky details that reflect the couple, such as a custom coffee bar or a vinyl record listening station. Her timeline management emphasizes flow and spontaneity, allowing for genuine moments to happen without a rigid schedule.
Pricing: Boheme Events offers various planning packages to suit different needs. Request a custom quote through their website to determine the best package for your specific event requirements.
Why we love them: We love Boheme Events because Carrie Stephenson proves that a wedding can be laid-back and fun without sacrificing style or organization. She brings a calming presence to the planning process that is infectious, helping couples stay grounded in what matters most. Her designs are always fresh and inviting, making everyone feel welcome instantly. We’re particularly impressed by her ability to work with the natural elements of San Francisco’s outdoor venues, turning potential challenges like wind or uneven terrain into design opportunities. If you want a wedding that feels like the best dinner party you’ve ever thrown, elevated to a professional level, Boheme Events is a perfect fit.
Connect with them: Follow @boheme_events_ on Instagram for a peek into their creative process and recent events.
5. Wed with Sister’s Keeper
Company name and founder/lead planner: Wed with Sister’s Keeper / Nephthali Ramirez
Specialty/niche: Wed with Sister’s Keeper is a planning firm that prides itself on being a supportive, reassuring presence for couples. Nephthali’s niche is helping couples who feel overwhelmed by the planning process, offering guidance that is both professional and deeply personal. She serves a diverse range of clients and is skilled at blending different cultural traditions into one cohesive celebration, ensuring that all aspects of a couple’s heritage are honored. She’s particularly adept at “day-of” coordination and management, stepping in to ensure that the execution of the event is flawless so the couple can be fully present. Her team is also known for supporting couples who wish to include DIY elements, helping to elevate and professionalize their personal touches.
Notable projects or signature style: Nephthali’s style is versatile and client-focused, prioritizing the couple’s vision over a specific “look.” Her portfolio shows a range of events from classic church weddings to modern city receptions and vibrant cultural celebrations. She’s particularly skilled at managing the “day-of” chaos; her team is known for being the first to arrive and the last to leave, handling everything from setting up personal decor items to pinning boutonnieres and managing vendor arrivals. Her projects frequently highlight family traditions, ensuring that parents and elders feel honored during the celebration. Whether it’s a huge guest list or an intimate gathering, Nephthali ensures that the focus remains on the love between the couple and the coming together of families.
Pricing: Wed with Sister’s Keeper offers a variety of pricing packages that are designed to be accessible while providing high value. Contact them directly to set up a consultation and learn more about specific packages and services.
Why we love them: We love Wed with Sister’s Keeper for the heart and soul Nephthali puts into her business. Planning a wedding can be stressful, and having a planner who prioritizes your emotional experience is invaluable. She brings a level of technical knowledge and professionalism that ensures nothing falls through the cracks, while her warm personality makes the process enjoyable. We also appreciate her inclusivity and ability to navigate the complexities of multicultural weddings, which is so important in a diverse city like San Francisco. She’s the ultimate hype woman and problem-solver rolled into one, dedicated to making your day perfect.
Connect with them: Follow @wedwithsk on Instagram for a peek into their creative process and recent events.
Finding the right San Francisco planner
Source: Made in Peerspace
Choosing a planner in San Francisco can feel overwhelming because there is so much talent in the Bay Area. However, the unique geography and regulations of the city mean you need someone with specific local expertise. Here’s how to narrow down your options to find the perfect match for your big day.
1. Test their knowledge of neighborhood logistics
San Francisco is a collection of distinct neighborhoods, each with its own rules. Don’t just ask if they know the city; test their specific knowledge. Ask questions like:
- “What is the parking situation in North Beach on a Saturday night versus the Marina?”
- “How would you handle guest transportation from a ceremony in the Presidio to a reception in the Mission District wedding venues?”
- “Which neighborhoods have strict noise ordinances that might cut our music off at 10 pm?”
A planner with real local experience will answer these immediately. They should know that buses cannot make it up certain hills (like Jones St.) and that parking in the Mission is nearly impossible without a valet service. If they give vague answers like “we will figure it out,” that is a red flag. You need someone who knows the terrain.
2. Verify their permit and regulation expertise
San Francisco has complex permitting requirements, especially for outdoor spaces. Ask prospective planners:
- “What permits would we need for a ceremony in Golden Gate Park?”
- “How long does it take to get a street closure permit for a load-in zone in SOMA?”
- “What are the fire safety requirements for a historic venue with no sprinkler system?”
A knowledgeable planner will outline the requirements without hesitation. They should know that the Recreation and Park Department handles park permits and that applications often need to be submitted months in advance. They should also be familiar with the specific insurance requirements for vendors working in city-owned properties. Ask to see an example of a permit they have secured recently. This paperwork trail proves they have successfully navigated the city’s bureaucracy.
3. Measure budget realism for the SF market
San Francisco is one of the most expensive cities in the country for events. Share your budget range and ask: “What is realistic for a wedding in San Francisco with this budget?”
Good planners will be honest with you. They might say, “For a downtown luxury hotel, expect to spend X. Here is where we can save by looking at venues in the East Bay or using Peerspace wedding venues instead of traditional banquet hall venues.” They should offer you a few cost tiers with concrete examples. Be wary of anyone who promises you a champagne wedding on a beer budget without discussing tradeoffs. Ask them to show you two past events — one at your budget and one 50% higher — and explain exactly what the extra money bought. This reveals if they can optimize your specific budget.
4. Review their portfolio for your city specifically
Don’t just look at their general portfolio. Ask to see events specifically in San Francisco or the specific neighborhood you are interested in. Request 3-5 examples similar to yours in terms of size and style.
During the review, ask: “What was the biggest challenge in executing this specific event?” Strong planners will cite city-specific obstacles, such as “The fog rolled in unexpectedly during the cocktail hour, so we had to deploy the backup heaters immediately,” or “There was a Giants game that day, so we had to reroute the shuttles to avoid traffic.” Their past problem-solving reveals their real expertise. Follow up by asking if you can contact a past client to ask about how the planner handled local logistics.
5. Confirm communication style fits the pace
The San Francisco event market moves fast. Venues book up 18 months in advance, and top vendors get snatched up quickly. Ask: “What’s your typical response time?” and “How do you prefer to communicate?”
Test this during your selection process. Note how quickly they respond to your initial inquiry. In this fast-moving market, you need a planner who can act quickly when a vendor hold is about to expire. Ask about decision-making: “When do you need answers from us versus when do you handle decisions independently?” You want someone who knows when to loop you in and when to execute to keep the process moving. Request a sample timeline from a past event showing their communication cadence to see if it matches your expectations.
Planning a wedding in San Francisco
Event planning in San Francisco is all about timing and understanding the environment. The city is beautiful, but it requires respect for its quirks.
Factors to Consider
- Weather Patterns: Mark Twain may or may not have said it, but the coldest winter really can be a summer in San Francisco. “Karl the Fog” is a regular guest, especially in July and August on the west side of the city (Sunset/Richmond). The best weather for outdoor events is often September and October, known as the city’s “Indian Summer.” Always have a Plan B for wind and fog, even in summer. Check the National Weather Service Bay Area forecast for detailed forecasts.
- Microclimates: It can be sunny and 75°F in the Mission and foggy and 55°F in the Presidio at the exact same time. Advise guests to dress in layers.
- Traffic and Parking: Traffic is heavy, especially on bridges (Bay Bridge and Golden Gate). Avoid scheduling guest travel across bridges during rush hour (3 pm – 7 pm). Parking is scarce everywhere. Valet or shuttle buses are almost mandatory for venues without dedicated lots. Use 511 SF Bay traffic updates for real-time traffic and transit updates.
- Construction: The city is constantly evolving. Check the SFMTA website for major construction projects that might block routes to your venue.
- Permits: If you are eyeing a public park, beach, or historic site, permits are non-negotiable. The rules regarding alcohol and amplified sound in public spaces are strict.
- Local Events: Avoid conflicting with major citywide events.
Major Events to Avoid
San Francisco hosts massive conventions and festivals that clog traffic and skyrocket hotel prices. Avoid booking your wedding during these dates if possible:
- Dreamforce (Salesforce Conference): Usually in September. It takes over the entire downtown area, and hotel rates triple.
- San Francisco Pride: Late June. Market Street is closed, and traffic is gridlocked.
- Fleet Week: Early October. The waterfront is packed, and the Blue Angels are extremely loud (disruptive to ceremonies).
- Outside Lands: August. Golden Gate Park is effectively closed to non-festival traffic.
- Bay to Breakers: May. A massive footrace that cuts through the city.
Expert Advice
If you’re not a local, you’ll miss logistical details that a resident would know instinctively, like which streets are too steep for a limo or which parks have no restrooms. We strongly recommend deferring to local planners who understand these nuances.
FAQs: SF wedding planning
When should I hire a San Francisco wedding planner?
You should hire a planner at least 12 months in advance. San Francisco is a destination for couples worldwide, and top planners book up quickly. If you’re planning for September or October (peak season), consider reaching out 14-18 months ahead to secure your preferred professional.
How much does an event planner cost in San Francisco?
Costs vary, but expect to budget 15-20% of your overall event budget for a full-service planner. In San Francisco, partial planning often starts around $4,000-$6,000, while full-service planning typically starts at $10,000 and goes up significantly for luxury events.
Do I need a planner if my venue has a coordinator?
Yes. A venue coordinator works for the venue; their job is to protect the property and manage on-site staff. An independent planner works for you, managing your budget, all your outside vendors, your timeline, and your personal design vision.
Why hire a local San Francisco planner versus bringing someone from out of town?
A local planner knows the specific fire codes, the noise ordinances by neighborhood, and which caterers are licensed to work in historic buildings. They have relationships with local vendors that can save you money and stress, which an out-of-town planner simply won’t have.
Great events start with standout spaces—and the people who bring them to life
Great experiences start with the right people and the right space. San Francisco offers endless possibilities, from foggy coastal cliffs to chic industrial warehouses, and the expert planners listed above know how to harness the city’s unique energy while ensuring every detail reflects your vision. They handle the complex logistics of this hilly, bustling city so you can focus on the joy of the moment.
To make your planning even easier, start by exploring the incredible variety of venues available on Peerspace. From art galleries in the Mission to Victorian-style venues and mansion venues in Pacific Heights, we connect you with wedding venues that provide the perfect backdrop for your San Francisco celebration.
If you have feedback on our list, our team would love to hear from you. Reach us anytime at [email protected] with suggestions, corrections, or additions.
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