A San Francisco Presidio Log Cabin Wedding

N and C went to the same preschool. They are San Franciscans through and through. I photographed C’s sister’s wedding a few years ago, and working with this family again felt like a reunion. Also, one of their guests has attended 3 other weddings I have shot. Small world. N and C are incredibly lovely people and super laid back.

The Presidio Log Cabin is one of many venues in the Presidio. It offers decent parking, rustic charm, and can host about 150 guests. It’s close to the Golden Gate Bridge, with sweeping views in multiple directions. Most couples choose to face the bridge during their ceremony, but at N and C’s wedding, I realized the lighting can be tricky. If you’re feeling adventurous, consider flipping the ceremony to face the San Francisco skyline—you’ll still get a killer view, and likely better light.

Getting Ready at the Lodge at the Presidio

Wedding prep pictures at the Lodge at the Presidio was a mellow affair. I bounced back and forth between N and C’s rooms. The Lodge at the Presidio is a great getting-ready spot if you are doing a Presidio wedding. The rooms are really nice, and there are spots close by for family portraits. After doing a first look in front of the lodge, we went behind the building for the wedding party and immediate family photos.

Portraits Behind the Lodge at the Presidio

For immediate family and wedding party portraits, I am always looking for somewhere with good light that is close and flat. A good background is a plus, but not my main focus. We found a nice wall with light bouncing off an adjacent building for our portraits. As is fairly typical for the Presidio, we had a touch of wind. After portraits, we headed to the Log Cabin (less than 1.5 miles away).

Ceremony and Cocktail Hour at the Presidio Log Cabin

C’s sister-in-law officiated the wedding. His niece rocked her flower girl duties. The ceremony was sweet. The wind came in just enough to keep everyone cool in the warm sun. I wish that they had oriented the ceremony differently, but I rarely get a say in these things. After the ceremony, folks grabbed bacon-wrapped scallops, mini waffles with fried chicken, and bruschetta, and mingled with friends and family.

Here is a shot with the Golden Gate Bridge in the background, and one with the skyline of San Francisco in the background for comparison. Cityscape for the win, in my opinion. It’s hard to give up the bridge background, though.

Dinner, Dancing, and Couple Portraits at the Golden Gate Bridge

N and C made a grand entrance into dinner. I usually find the announcement of the couple (and wedding party) a slightly awkward shuffle between chairs—maybe it’s time to rethink that tradition. After dinner, we made a quick getaway to Battery Godfrey for some photos. The Log Cabin is super close, and this time—unlike their fogged-in engagement session—we had clear views of the Golden Gate Bridge and the Pacific. We only had a few minutes, but made them count before heading back for toasts, cake, and an epic night.

DJ lighting was pretty colorful. Even with those crazy lights and lasers, I still got some great dancing pics.

Presidio Log Cabin wedding lit up after dark.

If you want to take a look at another Presidio Log Cabin wedding I shot here a few years back, check out Sarah and Matt’s Presidio Log Cabin wedding. Different vibe, but another great celebration in the Presidio.