Planning a Stunning Micro Wedding on San Francisco Bay: The Ultimate Checklist
Tie the Knot aboard a Tall Ship on San Francisco Bay with Bay Lights Charters
A Bay Wedding That Feels Like a Fairytale
There’s something timeless about exchanging vows on the water — the horizon stretching wide, the city glowing behind you, the wind filling the sails as you say I do.
At Bay Lights Charters, we specialize in micro weddings — intimate, elegant celebrations for up to 49 guests aboard our 72-foot schooner Gas Light. Whether you want a nautical-chic elopement or a heartfelt ceremony surrounded by your closest family and friends, the Bay offers a breathtaking stage for your love story.
Here’s your ultimate guide to planning a micro wedding on the San Francisco Bay — everything you need to create a celebration that’s effortlessly romantic, unforgettable, and uniquely you.
1. Choose the Perfect Time of Year
San Francisco Bay offers beauty in every season — but choosing the right time depends on your priorities.
Spring (March–May): Crisp air, bright skies, unforgettable days. Ideal for couples looking for mid-day early afternoon events.
Summer (June–August): Long golden sunsets and classic “Bay breeze” stunning weather
Fall (September–October): Arguably the most magical — warm, golden days, clear skies, and calm waters.
Winter (November–February): Quieter, cozy, and perfect for champagne sails and candlelit vows.
see the interior of the boat here: https://youtu.be/Kal3PPbrB6w?si=WIh4M0QVugQIW4Es
2. Secure Your Date and Charter Early
Once you’ve chosen your date, reserve your private sail — weekend dates and sunset slots book up fast. Our Gas Light can host both your ceremony and reception, so you can keep your day beautifully simple and self-contained.
We recommend allowing at least 3–6 months of lead time for a customized micro wedding package.
3. Decide on Your Ceremony Style
Here are a few of our most popular on-board setups:
💍 Ceremony on Deck: Exchange vows, framed by the Bay Bridge or Golden Gate.
🍾 Ceremony on land, Sail for the Reception: Ideal for photography and flexibility.
🌅 Sunset Vows: The most requested — golden light, champagne toasts, and skyline views.
4. Keep Décor Simple but Stunning
The Bay is your backdrop — you don’t need much to make it breathtaking. We recommend:
nautical accents on your cake or guest book- no need for florals other than your boquet as they just blow away in the wind.
Pro tip: Save the money! The boat is stunning no need to add anything!!
5. Plan Your Timeline
Here’s a sample timeline for a 1 1/2-hour sail micro wedding:
TimeEvent
0:00Guests board with welcome champagne toast and light music
0:20Ceremony begins as you sail into the Bay
0:45photos- small bites served sails raised and guests mingle
2:00cake cutting
2:30Return to dock — guests disembark with hearts full
6. Consider the Legal Details
Marriage License: You can obtain your marriage license from San Francisco City Hall (no waiting period for in-person pickup).
Officiant: Bring your own officiant, or we can have one of our Captains do the ceremony for you, they are familiar with shipboard ceremonies.
Music: You can connect your playlist to our onboard sound system, or bring live acoustic musicians for that extra romance.
7. Food, Drinks, and Toasts
We partner with local caterers and also have preset menus to choose from to make your menu seamless.
Note: We provide a full bar with top-shelf options and can accommodate special requests for signature cocktails or themed menus.
8. Photography & Videography Tips
Lighting on the Bay changes quickly — we recommend hiring a photographer who knows outdoor and marine lighting. The best shots often happen during the “golden hour” (about 45 minutes before sunset).
9. Prepare Your Guests
Micro weddings feel intimate, but you’ll still want to set expectations:
Encourage guests to dress in layers (SF weather can shift quickly).
Recommend flat shoes or wedges for easy movement on deck.
Bring sunglasses, sunscreen, and maybe a cozy shawl for later.
10. Relax and Let the Crew Handle the Rest
From raising sails to timing your ceremony, our professional four-person crew ensures everything flows smoothly. You focus on each other — we’ll handle the rest.
“We came aboard as two people in love and left as a family surrounded by wind, light, and laughter.” – Recent Bay Lights bride
✨ Ready to Plan Your Bay Wedding?
Your love story deserves a setting as unforgettable as the Bay itself. Whether you’re dreaming of a simple elopement or a curated micro wedding for 40 guests, Bay Lights Charters brings elegance, ease, and magic to every moment.
📧 info@baylightscharters.com
📞 415-405-5279
🌐 www.baylightscharters.com/weddings