A Waterfront Bay Area Gay Wedding in Sausalito

A Waterfront Bay Area Gay Wedding in Sausalito

June 5, 2026
Words by Olivia Curley
Photos courtesy of Annalee Bishop

When the world slowed to a standstill during the pandemic, Zach and Jonathan found a quiet, extraordinary beginning. What started as simple walks through San Francisco parks, scenic hikes along winding Bay Area trails, and cozy parklet dinners quickly blossomed into a deep connection. Amidst masked coffee dates and long conversations under string lights, they discovered not just love, but a true sense of home in one another.

When it came time to say “I do,” the couple wanted a destination that paid homage to their beginnings while offering a fresh, scenic escape for their loved ones.

Two men in suits stand in front of a government building, smiling and showing wedding rings on their hands. Interior view of a grand building with ornate architectural details, large arched window, and two people standing on a balcony. Two men in formal wear stand on an ornate staircase inside a grand building with large columns and decorative lighting. Two men in tuxedos hold hands and smile in front of the Golden Gate Bridge on a clear day.

The Destination & Venue

Zach and Jonathan chose Sausalito, California for its calm atmosphere and stunning natural light. It offered the perfect “tucked-away” destination feel while remaining easily accessible for their guests.

“It’s beautiful without trying too hard,” Zach says of the destination.

Their search for a unique, non-cookie-cutter venue led them to ERIA Sausalito. Positioned right on the water, the venue provided an intimate environment with a beautiful deck that brought sparkling bay views directly into their ceremony.

“Being able to look across the water and see the skyline of San Francisco, where we first met, reminded us of the start of our relationship and how far we have come,” Jonathan says.

A calm body of water under a cloudy sky with a faint city skyline visible in the distance. Outdoor deck with white chairs and pampas grass arrangements overlooks a body of water and hillsides with buildings in the distance on a cloudy day.

Custom Decor & High-Energy Extras

During the planning process, Zach and Jonathan prioritized working with small, local “mom-and-pop” boutique vendors to bring their tailored vision to life.

“Planning from afar felt a lot easier once we found vendors we really trusted. Especially our planner and venue coordinator,” the couple says. “They were our eyes and ears on the ground, sending photos, doing walkthroughs with us on video calls, and helping us make decisions we couldn’t do in person. Having people who understood our vision made a huge difference.”

Additionally, a pre-wedding site visit laid to rest any last-minute stressors Jonathan and Zach had. “It made everything feel real and gave us a chance to finalize details with more confidence,” Zach tells us, “but honestly, even without it, we felt pretty supported the whole time thanks to our team.”

That support was on full display early on, too, when the couple shared their design vision of calla lilies…everywhere. Although they later learned the flowers were technically out of season, their florist, Le Bouquet Flower Shop, went above and beyond to curate breathtaking arrangements they’d dreamt of.

Outdoor wedding ceremony on a deck overlooking the water, with guests seated facing a couple and their wedding party under a cloudy sky. Two grooms in suits hold hands during an outdoor wedding ceremony, with bridesmaids and groomsmen standing behind them.

When Wedding Time Came Around

The ceremony took place on a Saturday in September of 2025, and it was a formal, black-tie affair. The aesthetic was sleek and intentional: gentlemen wore classic black suits with black neckties, and ladies wore floor-length black dresses.

Surrounded by a close-knit group of family and friends, Zach and Jonathan exchanged vows in an atmosphere designed to celebrate the people who would stand by them through thick and thin.

The celebration seamlessly transitioned from a sophisticated ceremony to a high-energy reception, featuring fresh, locally sourced Northern California cuisine catered by the ERIA team.

Two men in suits hold hands during an outdoor wedding ceremony by the water, with bridesmaids in mauve dresses standing beside them. Two men in suits kiss at an outdoor wedding ceremony while their wedding party stands nearby; a cloudy landscape and water are visible in the background.

When the reception began, the energy on the dance floor skyrocketed. Second Song kept the music pumping, elevated by dramatic cold sparklers and CO₂ guns. The absolute highlight of the entertainment was a surprise guest: Dixie Bee, an international Karol G impersonator and drag superstar flown in specifically for the event. With Karol G’s hits blasting and Dixie Bee delivering incredible performances, the dance floor stayed packed all night long.

Two grooms in tuxedos walk down an outdoor aisle as guests celebrate with confetti; hills and water are visible in the background. A white sign on an easel displays a seating chart titled "Our favorite people," listing names under eight table numbers. The background shows windows with an outdoor view. Round tables set for an event with white floral centerpieces, glassware, and plates, in a room with large windows overlooking buildings and water.

Words of Wisdom for Future Couples

Reflecting on their planning experience, Zach and Jonathan emphasize the importance of trusting your team and preparing for local logistics.

“One thing we learned pretty quickly is how much the little logistics matter, especially in a place like Sausalito,” the couple says. “Things like transportation timing, parking, and even how the weather can shift throughout the day ended up being bigger factors than we expected.”

Despite these few setbacks, the couple says their best pieces of advice for others looking to follow in their footsteps are relatively simple. Lean on local vendors who know the area’s quirks, and learn to let go of total control so you can truly enjoy the moment.

Two drink menus displayed on a bar counter, listing various wines, beers, spirits, cocktails, and signature drinks. A couple enters a room celebrating as guests seated at decorated tables cheer and raise their hands; one guest takes a photo on their phone. Two men in tuxedos and sunglasses celebrate at a wedding reception, holding signs that read "JUST MARRIED" and "CONGRATS TO THE NEW MR. & MR.", surrounded by cheering guests. A man in a white tuxedo jacket and a woman in a black dress dance together at an indoor event, with another couple dancing in the background.

Vendors: Venue & Catering: ERIA Sausalito; Wedding Planner: Events by Angelina; Photographer: Annalee Bishop; Videographer: Minute Media Productions; Florist: Le Bouquet Flower Shop; Cake: Karen’s Bakery; Entertainment & DJ: Second Song; Special Guest Performer: Dixie Bee; Cocktail Hour Music: Nate Plays Live; Hair & Makeup: Leonardo Escobar, Jacqueline Montoya Mora & Face by Deeba; Rentals: Bay Glamour Events, Vargas Event Rental & SL Party Rentals; Officiant: Officially Hitched; Behind-the-Scenes Content: Bonita BTS

A group of people in formal attire sit at a decorated table; one man wipes his eyes with a tissue, while others watch something off camera. Two men in white tuxedos, one holding and firing a smoke machine, creating a large cloud indoors. A performer with long pink hair sings into a microphone while surrounded by people reaching their hands toward her in a dark room.