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The Berkeley City Club isn’t just where you host a wedding—it’s where your day settles into its own rhythm. The moment you step inside, something shifts. Voices soften. Shoulders drop. You realize this place doesn’t need help being memorable. It already knows who it is.

Built in 1929 by the incomparable Julia Morgan, the Berkeley City Club—affectionately called the Little Castle—has been quietly stealing hearts for nearly a century. Gothic lines, Moorish details, hand-wrought iron, glowing tile, moody light that seems to understand faces. It’s architectural confidence at its finest. And it shows.

Now, in true IDV fashion, I’m going to lovingly take your hand and say: this venue does not want to be overstyled. It wants to be understood.

A Building With a Soul (and Opinions)

This is not a blank slate. This is a conversation—with history, with craftsmanship, with a woman architect who changed the game. The arches, beams, staircases, and shadows are doing a lot of heavy lifting already. Your job isn’t to compete; it’s to collaborate.

Trying to turn this into an all-white, hyper-minimalist moment? That’s like putting ketchup on a filet mignon. Possible? Yes. Advisable? No. The magic happens when you lean in—rich textures, thoughtful lighting, florals that respond to the room instead of shouting over it.

Where the “I Do” Lands

One of the gifts of the Berkeley City Club is flow. Your wedding doesn’t feel stuck in one room—it unfolds.

The Courtyard (Yes, This Is Probably It)

The courtyard is a favorite for good reason. Lush greenery, stone walls, that perfect California indoor-outdoor balance—it feels intimate without being small, elevated without being precious. The light here is famously kind, the kind photographers quietly thank the universe for. It’s romantic, relaxed, and quietly confident.And because this is Berkeley, we always respect the weather gods. There is a plan B. We acknowledge it calmly and then move on with our lives.

The Ballroom: Let the Reception Shenanigans Begin

Once vows are done, the celebration moves inside—and this is where the building really flexes.

The ballroom understands parties. High ceilings, vintage soul, space for a real band and a real dance floor. This is where long tables glow under candlelight, where rounds feel elegant instead of crowded, where Uncle Jerry’s questionable dance moves are somehow forgiven by the architecture itself.

This room has a vibe. We don’t fight it—we dress it well. Statement florals. Luxurious linens. Lighting that flatters everyone and forgives everything. When it works, it really works.

The Spaces People Forget (But Shouldn’t)

The indoor pool? A cinematic dream. Reflections, arches, drama—use it. The library and lounges? Perfect for cocktail hour moments, quiet conversations, and letting guests discover the venue instead of being herded through it. This is how a wedding starts to feel layered and lived-in instead of scheduled.

Dressing the Castle

Themes that feel right at home here:

• Vintage Glamour (1920s energy, champagne towers, restraint with sparkle)
• Moody Romance (jewel tones, velvet textures, candlelight that lingers)
• Whimsical Garden (botanical, organic, soft—but grounded)

The through-line? Respect the room. Choose a palette that honors the architecture. Let the venue lead just enough.

The IDV Takeaway

Choosing the Berkeley City Club means you’re choosing a venue with conviction. It’s for couples who love character, appreciate history, and aren’t afraid of a little mood. It doesn’t shout. It doesn’t beg. It simply holds your wedding and makes it feel important.

You’re not just hosting a celebration here—you’re adding a chapter to a story that’s been unfolding for nearly 100 years.

And honestly? That’s a pretty beautiful place to begin.

(With heartfelt thanks to Jenni Grubba for planning and capturing so many of these unforgettable moments.)