New Lease for San Francisco Event Venues

Today the Presidio Trust and Wedgewood Weddings & Events announce a new master leasing partnership for the operations of several of the Presidio of San Francisco’s iconic venues; the Golden Gate Club, the Chapel of Our Lady and the Log Cabin in Northern CA. Wedgewood Weddings & Events will lease the buildings and provide full-service events management including catering. Since the Presidio closed as a US Army base and became a national park site in 1994, thousands of people have enjoyed special experiences like weddings, reunions, and corporate meetings in these venues, with sweeping views of the Golden Gate Bridge and the Bay. Previously, the US Army had used them in a similar capacity.

“These gorgeous spaces have been at the core of many special memories for people celebrating life’s most meaningful occasions,” says Rich Rusnack, Chief Business Officer of the Presidio Trust. “Wedgewood Weddings & Events brings their team of event experts, world-class customer service and proven experience to these historic venues, which will allow the legacy of these storied spaces to continue for many years to come.”

The partnership is a result of a lease solicitation issued in August 2020, as the Trust shifts some in-house business operations to leasing arrangements with 3rd party operators who bring extra resources required to maximize the revenue needed to preserve the park for future generations.

Wedgewood Weddings & Events is a family-owned business that currently leases and operates forty-three facilities from coast to coast, 28 of them in California. No stranger to park-settings, their California venues include the meticulously restored Jefferson Street Mansion in Historic Benicia, the University Club at UC Irvine, and Redwood Canyon, a municipal golf course owned by the East Bay Regional Park District. The largest independent event management firm in the country, their clients include golf courses, hotels, and unique event space owners.

“We are honored to serve special events clients in such a unique national park setting,” says Bill Zaruka, CEO of Wedgewood Weddings & Events. “Providing remarkable occasions within these spectacular spaces is a win-win for the park and community as it gives both locals and those from further afield a chance to show off this historic area.” In addition to exceptional venues, the company offers integrated packages, complete event planning, a robust customer-service contact center, and cohesive marketing and sales funnels.

The Presidio Trust is responsible for welcoming millions of visitors to the Presidio each year, stewarding its natural habitat and landscapes, and maintaining its 870 structures, 470 of which are on the National Registry of Historic Places. The Trust does not receive federal appropriations and must support park operations and maintenance through its real estate portfolio and hospitality services, including the Presidio Golf Course, Presidio Lodging, and additional event venues. Revenue earned from these businesses directly supports keeping the Presidio free and open to the public to enjoy its network of trails, overlooks, Officers’ Club Museum, Visitor Center, beautiful landscapes, natural areas and more.

Operating in accordance with city, state, and industry public health guidance, the venues have held outdoor events during the pandemic. 

About these Presidio Venues

Golden Gate Club

Built-in 1949, the Golden Gate Club was once the enlisted men's service club and the site of several historic treaty signings. Today, it is the most popular celebration and meeting venue on the Main Post, boasting floor-to-ceiling windows with views of the San Francisco Bay, the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, and the Presidio Forest. Containing seven different rooms of varying sizes, along with an outdoor courtyard, the Club’s multiple spaces can be arranged to suit any occasion.

Gorgeous wedding venue with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the Golden Gate Bridge, Historic Presidio location with cathedral ceilings and choice of glorious reception spaces

Log Cabin

Originally a non-commissioned officers' club built in 1937, the historic Log Cabin is one of San Francisco’s only log cabin venues. Located within the Fort Scott campus along the Presidio's western shore, not far from the Golden Gate Bridge, this rustic cabin has a large lawn ideal for wedding ceremonies or receptions and offers panoramic views of the San Francisco skyline.

Epic country-style lodge made from local Monterey Cypress timber, nestled in San Francisco's Presidio Park

Chapel of Our Lady

Built in 1864, the quaint Chapel of Our Lady was the Presidio’s first house of worship. Generations of military personnel attended services in this non-denominational site. The Chapel is located within the Main Post - the cultural heart of the Presidio - near the Inn at the Presidio and the Presidio Officers’ Club. Today, it is a favorite backdrop for wedding ceremonies, meetings, and concerts. It is also available for memorial services.

Quaint chapel with historic background. Beautiful traditional exterior with modern interior showcasing scenic view and colored glass features.

About the Presidio and the Presidio Trust

The Presidio Trust is a federal agency that manages the Presidio of San Francisco, a national park at the heart of the 82,000-acre Golden Gate National Recreation Area. In partnership with the National Park Service and the non-profit Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy, the Presidio Trust brings alive the park’s historic, natural, and recreational assets for the inspiration, education, health, and enjoyment of all people at no cost to taxpayers. Spanning nearly 1,500 acres in a spectacular setting at the Golden Gate, the Presidio is defined by its history, spectacular views, natural habitats, and beautiful open spaces. It is home to 3,000 residents, 200 tenant organizations, many of which welcome and serve the public, including the Trust’s hospitality services. The Presidio Trust is focused on welcoming all to the national park experience, protecting and enhancing the environment, and operating in service to the public. 

About Wedgewood Weddings and Events

Wedgewood Weddings & Events is the leading provider of professional events across America and is known for its many stunning event centers. Established in 1986, the company has successfully hosted more than 500,000 events of all sizes and styles. Customers can choose contemporary, luxe, rustic, and boho venues from coast to coast, each neutrally styled to suit any event theme. Committed to making events fun and easy for everyone involved, the company is recognized for its expert team of event professionals and proprietary planning process.