Private Event Venue FAQ (Weddings, Corporate Events, Parties & More)
General Venue Questions
Q: Where is your event venue located?
A: Our venue is located at 2174 Market St, San Francisco, CA 94114.
It is situated in the Upper Market/Castro area, between Church and Sanchez Streets, making it easily accessible for guests traveling to the historic venue via Muni bus and rail lines such as K, L, M, S, J, and F from hotels such as Hilton San Francisco Financial, Fairmont San Francisco, Hyatt Regency San Francisco, and more to the heart of the city for your special event.
Q: What types of events do you host?
A: We host a wide range of private events including weddings, corporate events, birthday parties, quinceañeras, holiday parties, galas, fundraisers, product launches, brand activations, baby showers, anniversaries, and more. If you have a unique event concept, we’d love to hear about it.
Q: What is your venue capacity?
A: Our venue can accommodate from 50 to 500 guests, allowing for either an initiate event to a full-scale building buy-out party, depending on the event layout and format (standing reception, banquet seated dinner, theater seating, cocktail reception, classroom seating, etc.).
Swedish American Hall:
Standing Reception: 300
Banquet Seating: 180
Theater Seating: 225
Classroom Seating: 120
Swedish American Hall:
Standing Reception: 300
Banquet Seating: 100
Theater Seating: 80
Classroom Seating: 120
Q: What is included in the venue rental?
A: Venue rental includes (total privacy and exclusive access to the facility, all in-house furniture, on-site staff, A/V and technical setup, and cleaning). Custom packages are available depending on your event needs. We have built in sound and lights in our main rooms. We are well set up to rock your party through the night.
Q: What are your pricing and rental rates for a general private event such as birthdays, mixers, and celebrations?
A: Pricing varies based on event type, guest count, date, and duration. Our affordable and robust package’s starting rates for a general private event such as birthdays, and budget-friendly parties begin at $1,500 to $2,500, and we offer customizable packages to make your event accessible. Please contact us for a tailored quote.
Q: Do you offer full-service event planning?
A: Yes, we offer referral-based event planning. Our team can assist with everything from concept design to vendor coordination.
We will work with trusted vendors such as Bright Event Rentals and Got Light for your event decor and design that will ensure that your vision is realized from design to delivery, and Meadow Events for hand-passed bites and elegant appetizer stations to family-style feasts and plated dinners.
Q: Can we tour the venue before booking?
A: Absolutely. We offer private and group tours by appointment. Schedule a visit with our enquiry form at the bottom of this page. You can also dive into our digital matterport and take a virtual tour of our event space to get the sense of the building.
Q: Is your venue indoor, outdoor, or both?
A: Our venue features indoor spaces with 3 unique rooms, including a grand mezzanine in the historical Swedish American Hall, and a speakeasy bar at our basement music venue that has housed famous acts such as Blink 182, Bon Iver, Imagine Dragons, Lola Young, and more. This is your special chance to share the stage with these amazing acts that came before.
Wedding Venue Questions
Q: Is your venue available for weddings and receptions?
A: Yes! We are a top-rated wedding event venue in San Francisco that can accommodate up to 500 guests and we specialize in weddings, including ceremonies, receptions, rehearsal dinners, and post-wedding brunches, bridal showers, vow renewal ceremony, and anniversary weddings.
Q: Do you offer all-inclusive wedding packages?
A: We offer customizable wedding packages that can include catering, bar service, rentals, coordination, and more. Our affordable and robust wedding package’s starting rates begin at $5,500, this will include a 10-hr Rental, unlimited vendor facilitation, white glove service, full venue booking with extended hours available, and we offer customizable packages to make your event accessible. Please contact us for a tailored quote.
Q: Can we host both the ceremony and reception at your venue?
A: Yes, our space is designed to accommodate both ceremony and reception, allowing for a seamless wedding experience from start to finish with a reception at our Balder hall, and ceremony at Freja Hall, and post ceremony party at the iconic speakeasy Cafe Du Nord that serves as a music venue equipment with a robust sound system.
Q: Do you allow outside vendors for weddings?
A: We allow outside vendors. We also provide a curated list of trusted vendors upon request.
Q: Do you require a planner?
A: We require that all clients have a dedicated planner that starts, at a minimum, a month before the event. Trust me, it’s worth it!
Corporate Event Questions
Q: Is your venue suitable for corporate events and business meetings?
A: Yes, we host corporate events including meetings, conferences, team offsites, networking events, holiday parties, product launches, hackathons, film screenings, team building event, executive retreat, board meeting, startup launch party, brand activation, networking event, networking mixers, seminar space with breakout rooms, watch parties, and more.
Q: What are your pricing and rental rates for a corporate event?
A: Pricing varies based on event type, guest count, date, and duration. Our affordable and robust package’s starting rates for a corporate event typically starts at $5,500.
Q: Do you offer AV equipment and tech support?
A: Yes, we provide microphones, projectors, screens, Wi-Fi, livestream capabilities, etc. We have built in sound and lights in our main rooms. We are well set up to present your brand in the best light, and rock your party through the night.
Q: Can the space be customized for branding or activations?
A: Absolutely. Our venue is highly customizable for branded experiences, including signage, product displays, and immersive activations.
Q: Do you offer catering for corporate events?
A: Yes, we offer in-house catering with our preferred caterer Meadow Events.
Q: Is there space for breakout sessions or multiple rooms?
A: Yes, we offer flexible layouts with 3 spaces for breakout sessions or concurrent programming.
Social Events & Private Parties
Q: Do you host birthday parties and milestone celebrations?
A: Yes, we host birthdays (including 21st, 30th, 40th, etc.), anniversaries, and other milestone events such as Sweet 16s, Quinceañera, Bar mitzvah/ Bat mitzvah, graduation party, and more!
Q: Can you accommodate quinceañeras and cultural celebrations?
A: Yes, we welcome quinceañeras and culturally specific celebrations, and we’re happy to work with your traditions and vendors.
Q: Do you allow DJs and live music?
A: Yes, we allow DJs and live entertainment. We can also provide recommendations if needed.
Q: Are decorations and themes allowed?
A: Yes, you are welcome to decorate the space. Free standing decor is awesome! This helps us keep our historic building beautiful.
Q: Do you have a dance floor and lighting?
A: Yes, we offer a dance floor, stage, lighting packages, etc..
Food & Beverage
Q: Do you provide in-house catering?
A: We offer in-house catering options with our preferred vendor Meadow Events.
Q: Can we bring our own food or caterer?
A: Absolutely! We simply require that all food be prepared and served by a licensed, insured professional caterer.
Q: Do you provide bar service?
A: Yes, we offer bar packages including beer/wine/full bar/custom cocktails.
Q: Is there a minimum spend for food and beverage?
A: Yes, our minimums depend on the event.
Logistics & Operations
Q: What are your available event hours?
A: We have four, six, and ten hour rental contracts. Additional hours are available for additional cost.
Q: Is parking available for guests?
A:There are metered spots right out front that are free after 6pm but we recommend you use local transportation or rideshare apps as our venue is highly accessible in the heart of the city.
Q: Is your venue wheelchair accessible?
A: Yes, our venue is fully ADA compliant: We have an elevator to ensure that everyone can party on all levels.
Q: Do you provide event staff?
A: Yes, our team includes event manager, security, bartenders, setup/cleanup crew, and we provide an experienced on-site venue manager for the day of your event.
Q: Do you require a deposit?
A: Yes, a deposit of 50% is required. This is to help ensure that we can secure your date and start collaborating with the relevant manpower team to make your event a success.
Q: When is the final guest count due?
A: Final guest counts are typically due 21 day] before the event.
Booking & Customization
Q: How far in advance should we book the venue?
A: We recommend booking 6–12 months in advance, especially for peak dates.
Q: Can we customize the layout and floor plan?
A: Yes, we offer flexible layouts tailored to your event vision.
Q: Do you offer weekday or off-season discounts?
A: Yes, we offer special pricing for weekday and off-peak events.
Q: Can we host hybrid or virtual events?
A: Yes, we support hybrid events with streaming needs.
Q: What makes your venue unique compared to others?
A: Our venue stands out for its central city location, flexible layout with three distinct rooms, and a curated network of trusted vendors. This combination makes it easy to host anything from intimate gatherings to large-scale events while simplifying the planning process from start to finish.
Q: What should I look for when booking an event venue?
A: Key factors include capacity, location, amenities, catering options, flexibility, and staff support. Our venue provides all of these!
Contact & Next Steps
Q: How do I book your venue?
A: To book your event, submit an inquiry with our form linked below.
Q: Can I check availability for my event date?
A: Yes, please reach out with your preferred date and event details, and we’ll be quick to confirm availability.
Q: Do you offer custom quotes?
A: Yes, we provide personalized quotes based on your event needs and make your event a reality! Contact us to get started.